CLTC recently conducted a comprehensive lab evaluation of Power over Ethernet (PoE) microgrid systems for commercial buildings. The study compared the electrical efficiency of PoE-enabled devices, such as cameras, LED drivers, and access controllers, against traditional AC-powered counterparts, finding that AC systems generally exhibited higher efficiency due to lower switch overhead. 

The Plug Load Energy Testing to Inform Codes & Standards project, funded by the California Energy Commission, sought to identify energy efficiency opportunities in noncovered plug load devices to inform future codes and standards. The project was conducted by the California Energy Alliance and its partners, and it targeted commercial office equipment, residential networking equipment, and laboratory equipment.

Residential mesh networking systems (MNS) are gaining traction as a superior alternative to traditional single-router setups, offering seamless Wi-Fi coverage through multiple interconnected nodes. CLTC recently completed a study that analyzed 60 products from eight manufacturers. The final project report highlights key trends, including the rise of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, a shift toward internal antennas for sleeker designs, and the cost benefits of three-node bundles, which lower the per-unit price despite a higher upfront investment.

A study at UC Davis' "The Barn" has shown that integrating building systems into a centralized Building Automation System (BAS) can significantly cut energy use. Researchers tested seven control strategies over a year, examining how lighting, HVAC, shading, and plug loads could work together for better efficiency.

CLTC is excited to share the findings of a new study on Residential Energy & Automation (REA) Systems, showcasing how this innovative technology can help homeowners save energy and cut costs through the use of intelligent energy management. REA systems integrate technologies like solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicles into smart, automated networks that optimize energy use—helping lower utility bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Advanced Lighting Control System (ALCS) Bench Testing Phase II aims to revisit and refine the technology validation program developed in Phase I. The goal of this study is to assess whether current commercially-available ALCS can accurately report connected load energy use consistent with current utility requirements, such as revenue-grade labeling.

Advanced Lighting Control Systems (ALCS) Bench Testing – Plug Load Controls aims to revisit and refine the technology validation program developed in Phase I. ALCS Bench Testing - Plug Load Controls focuses on the plug load specific additions that are available with select ALCS and evaluates whether these advanced plug loads controllers (APLC) can accurately report the energy use of the connected plug loads consistent with utility requirements/needs.

The California Lighting Technology Center, in collaboration with the California Energy Commission, conducted research to refine and deploy technology strategies that integrate and optimize automated controls for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, electric lighting, and dynamic fenestration (window and door) systems. Project objectives were:

1. Refine and publish an integrated building control system specification for commercial applications including necessary hardware and software components.

The California Lighting Technology Center is excited to kick off research into today's Residential Energy & Automation (REA) Systems in collaboration with California's statewide electric emerging technologies program, CalNEXT.

REA systems combine home-energy monitoring features with automated appliance management and control of distributed energy resources (DER) such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers, rooftop solar panels, and stationary battery energy storage (BES).

CLTC recently partnered with the California Energy Commission, Sonoma Clean Power Authority, and Frontier Energy Inc. to evaluate opportunities in emerging daylighting technologies. One such technology is a solar-tracking lighting system, which delivers daylight via optical fibers to core building areas that otherwise do not have access to daylight.