Energy cost control of LEDs considering the price of electricity and the desired lighting levels to meet the requirements of smart grids, smart cities, and unregulated energy markets

Abstract

In order to manage the energy cost of LEDs (light-emitting diodes), this study presents an innovative solution considering the price of electricity and the desired lighting levels as the input variables of the control system. When electricity prices decline, customers tend to consume more electrical energy. Conversely, with the increase in prices, there is a tendency to use less electricity. Also, lighting levels are another important factor in determining the energy consumption and associated costs of light-emitting diodes. By using the proposed system, lighting levels are adjusted as a percentage of the nominal light output of LEDs. The advantage of this method is controlling the energy cost based upon the simultaneous effects of electricity prices and the desired lighting levels. Therefore, unlike conventional lighting control systems that focus only on controlling the lighting levels, the introduced method provides a more effective control solution. The accuracy of this technique is supported by the results of system simulation and implementation. The proposed method is recommended as a novel strategy for meeting the requirements of smart grids, smart cities, and unregulated energy markets.