Design and Development of an Automatic Lighting Control and Energy Optimization System

Most electrical lighting systems installations are of a basic nature. They are usually controlled only by means of a manually operated light switch. This leads to unnecessary energy usage and wastage resulting into unreasonable electrical costs. The main reason for this is the light intensity generated by the lighting devices that is usually at a constant intensity regardless of the current light intensity conditions in a particular space. Most of the time lights remain on in unoccupied spaces. That being the case an intelligent system (automatic lighting control and energy optimization system) is imperative for controlling both the switching of the lights and intensity as per prevailing lighting conditions.

The intelligent system checks for presence and light intensity. The lights come on when the space is occupied at the right intensity. The lights stay on for a pre-determined period once the space is vacant.

With the implementation of such a system, there is huge potential to reduce on the energy usage because the lights are only on when needed and to the right light intensity which is proportional to electrical energy delivered to the lights.

The objective of this project is to demonstrate the energy saving benefits of implementing automatic light control system that optimize light intensity and the controlling of switching on and off for energy saving purposes.