October 7, 2009

According to an independent study by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), EnOcean-based wireless lighting controls demonstrate significant energy savings and live up to the task of shedding peak loads during demand-response (DR) events.

Wireless dimming controls were installed in an Energy Solutions office
building in Oakland, Calif., to assess the smart grid potential of the
wireless automation controls. Within seconds of receiving PG&E
utility DR signals, the Echoflex system reduced lighting levels in
scale with utility-prescribed DR levels. Onsite verification and
monitoring showed the EnOcean-based wireless sensor network provided
reliable means of propagating DR signals throughout buildings in
response to DR events.

The study showed that the price of batteryless and wireless solutions
is more cost-effective for retrofit applications than traditional wired
controls. The test DR signal was scheduled and initiated by Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory. Via the internet, the DR signal went from
the utility to a DRAS (demand response automation server), then entered
the host building site’s CLIR (client and logic with integrated relay).
Once inside the building, the Echoflex solution wirelessly propagated
the DR signal throughout the building. For DR purposes, the Echoflex
controllers can be commissioned to turn On or Off a single ballast,
group of ballasts, or entire circuit; or dim one or multiple ballasts
in response to a DR signal broadcast.

ENOCEAN