The Potential Energy Saving in Lighting Systems on Campuses in Tropical Areas: A Combination of Natural and Artificial Light

Abstract

Energy consumption continues to increase and is predicted to increase by up to 30 percent by 2040. Therefore, systematic efforts are needed to reduce energy use, including using natural lighting in lighting systems inside buildings. The object of this study is the library room in the Electrical Engineering Department building, Universitas Andalas, Indonesia, to calculate the potential for energy savings with a lighting automation strategy with dimming control. Measurement of natural light level at three work nodes has been determined for one week as reference data. The shortage of artificial light required, and the electrical energy consumed is calculated by referring to the minimum standards for room lighting intensity. On the basis of each lamp's working hours and power, the potential for energy savings in the lighting system of the object can be determined. This study found that the potential for saving energy consumption for one week at three different nodes was 32.3, 64.2, and 82.8 percent. This study concludes that the maximum value reached 893 lux on Tuesday at 13:00 at node C, and the lowest was 3 lux on Saturday at 15:00 WIB at node A. Node C had an average light intensity of 402.298 lux, and node B had an average of 206.765 lux during the week. In contrast, node A has the lowest lux average, with 87,711 lux in one measurement week. Also, with the combination of natural and artificial light sources with dimming control strategies, the voltage values given to each lamp range from 0 to 180 VAC. Potential savings in energy consumption by combining natural and artificial light with dimming control strategies in the library room with three different nodes (A, B, C) are 32.3, 64.2, and 82.8 percent.