CONTROLITE 1.0: Program Documentation

In theory, a lighting control system which continuously monitors the available artificial and natural light within a space and supplies only the power required to provide light to meet some specified criteria illuminance level, and no more, should be able to optimize the energy savings capabilities of that lighting control system. Because of the potential for constantly varying power consumption due to this Equi-Illumination Dimming (EID) system, the computer is employed to help in modeling these types of systems.

This computer program, CONTROLITE, provides an unbiased mathematical model from which comparisons can be made, on an economic basis only, of how different systems perform. The program has the option of calculating daylighting values, or allowing the user to specify the daylighting values as input. Calculations can also be done o~ simple control systems which do not respond to daylighting.

For purposes of allowing for the calculating of daylighting values, program CONTROLITE is augmented with an accurate yet quick subprogram QUICKLITE. QUICKLITE employs what is known as the daylight factor method for calculation of daylighting values. The procedure which is used by QUICKLITE is well documented, and it is recommended that the user consult the references in Appendix B for this documentation.

The CONTROLITE program analyses control schemes exclusively on an economic basis, considering only the energy consumed directly by the lighting system. No attempt has been made to account for any additional savings realized in HVAC systems when lighting systems are controlled. The program makes no statement about the user acceptance of lighting control systems or about the aesthetic qualities of the use of daylighting within interior spaces.

The major components of the program are discussed in this documentation and several examples are included to explain how to run the program.