Power management of lighting loads combined with green building integrated photovoltaics as a solution for developing more sustainable and smarter cities

Abstract

This study provides a strategy for managing lighting loads in conjunction with building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) to control power and energy consumption in green buildings. The suggested approach increases the flexibility of lighting loads while considering energy production fluctuations of green buildings' integrated photovoltaics. This technique applies a mathematical model to define the relationship between the produced energy by building integrated photovoltaics and lighting demands. The control process is then performed by adjusting lighting loads based on the specified algorithm. Also, the suggested technique maintains minimum lighting levels and satisfies users' visual comfort. The proposed strategy can also be applied to a wide variety of demands in a building. By categorizing loads as fundamental and flexible, comparable patterns can be defined to control other flexible loads in a complex. Results from the system simulation confirm the precision of this technique. According to the results, for variations in BIPV production, the control system applies the necessary settings based on the defined algorithm and regulates energy consumption and lighting levels. This method is recommended to develop more sustainable and smarter cities.