Towards embedded wireless-networked intelligent daylighting systems for commercial buildings

Energy efficient office lighting systems can save 40% in electricity consumption in areas that receive significant amounts of daylight. In spite of the savings they can generate, daylighting systems are not widely used in the commercial office building. Barriers prohibiting adoption include high retrofitting costs, and difficulty estimating and maintaining worksurface illuminances. In this paper, an intelligent control framework that utilizes MEMS-based (micro-electro-mechanical systems) 'Smart Dust motes' wireless platforms is explored. Due to their small size, they can be placed directly on the worksurface. As a result, illuminance estimation and maintenance is significantly improved. Furthermore, motes functioning as actuators can be interfaced with dimming ballasts without the need to rewire the building, enabling less expensive, less disruptive retrofitting of commercial buildings.