Using Network Switches to Operate and Control Lighting and Plug Loads in Commercial Building Office Spaces

Lead Performer: Minnesota Center for Energy and Environment — Minneapolis, MN   
Partners:
-- Xcel Energy — Minneapolis, MN
-- CBRE — Los Angeles, CA
-- LHB Architects — Minneapolis, MN
-- Wold Architects and Engineers — Saint Paul, MN
DOE Total Funding: $260,580
Cost Share: $262,189
Project Term: October 2017 — October 2020
Funding Type: Scaling Up the Next Generation of Building Efficiency Packages Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0001518)

Project Objective

This project will research and validate energy and cost savings opportunities using power over Ethernet (PoE) infrastructure to power and automate lighting, plugs, and HVAC system controls. IT staff will work with facility managers to design and manage the system.

Project Impact

This technology works across multiple building systems to improve the building’s energy efficiency. If widely used, the lighting, plug, and HVAC system control technology validated in this project could have a savings of roughly 750 TBtu per year, representing a 50% energy savings across the commercial building sector.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Jordan Hibbs
Lead Performer: Minnesota Center for Energy and Environment

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