On the Prediction of Lighting Energy Savings Achieved by Occupancy Sensors

Advanced lighting controls are used to reduce lighting energy consumption. One such control is the use of occupancy sensors. Energy savings achievable by occupancy sensors depend on the occupancy pattern, which is related to building and occupant characteristics. The occupancy pattern has some degree of randomness for many building types. This article describes a method for the prediction of occupancy and lighting energy consumption based on user defined probabilities. Real lighting energy consumption from a recent retrofit program was used to demonstrate the model calculation. Comparison of the energy saving potential from different delay time settings was also made.