Proposed integration of a photovoltaic solar energy system and energy efficient technologies in the lighting system of the UTA-Ecuador

Abstract

This research assesses the current fluorescent lighting system of the Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (FICM), Technical University of Ambato (UTA), Ecuador. The aim of this study is to present the main results obtained from an efficient lighting project to be implemented at FICM, UTA, and also proposes the integration of an existing photovoltaic solar energy system (PVSE-S) to supply the proposed efficient lighting system. In this study, the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) Code for Lighting 2012 is used to determine the spacing or maximum distance between measurement points in classrooms. Lighting levels (lux) of 14 available classrooms are measured to estimate illuminance by using 70 measurements. DIALux software is applied to simulate three scenarios of proposed luminaries based on LED (lighting emitting diode) system. RC660B LED is selected due to the highest values of luminous flux, light efficiency and light output at minimum required power and area of installation. RC660B additionally denotes a considerably low value of Limit Value of Energy Efficiency (VEEI-Spanish acronymic) in comparison to fluorescent lamps (FL). Finally, this study proposed the use of a PVSE-S to power 2898 VA (volt-amperes) of the selected LED luminaries of seven classrooms in the FICM building.