WattStopper, a manufacturer of energy efficient lighting controls, has launched a Web-based energy savings calculating tool that allows users to calculate the potential energy savings available with occupancy sensors. The Energy Calculator, which is free, is designed to help users identify lighting control strategies that best match energy savings goals for retrofit or new construction projects.
The Energy Calculator provides a list of pre-defined Lighting Control Measures (LCMs) that help users compare different control methods to identify how best to achieve additional maximum energy lighting savings. These LCMs include: pairing an occupancy sensor with an on/off wall switch; bi-level switching; bi-level switching with Auto-on 50%; or bi-level switching using Auto-on 50% with daylighting.
Energy savings percentages are based on third party published documents and research from the Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Lighting Research Center (LRC), the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC), and other industry case studies. The company notes that future versions of this tool will include calculations for plug/receptacle load control, daylighting, and time-based controls.
The Energy Calculator offers two assessment levels—Quick Assessment and Full Assessment. The Quick Assessment allows users to enter a minimal amount of information and calculate potential energy savings for a single room in a lighting system project with lighting controls. The Full Assessment presents anticipated savings using lighting controls and updated lighting, anticipated energy usage, and return on investment (ROI) for an entire building project. Users can perform this assessment for multiple projects and retain data for future reference.
