Encelium Polaris 3D identifies energy-saving opportunities in commercial buildings

Encelium, a company that was acquired by Osram Sylvania in October 2011, now provides an Energy Management System (EMS) for commercial buildings that enables individual control of each lighting fixture or peripheral device in a facility through a central control interface. The recently introduced Encelium Polaris 3D web-based software application provides 3D color-gradient representation of lighting system data as a means of identifying lighting inefficiencies and operational anomalies in a facility.

The Polaris 3D can identify lighting level status (on/off), lighting level, load shedding status, lighting power density or energy consumption, and occupancy status. Users can create daily, weekly or yearly energy savings reports by floor, zone, or even fixture.

In the EMS, all devices are controlled through the central software interface. This enables addressable control of dimming or switching of light fixtures. Once addressable dimming controls are implemented on a facility-wide basis (shown), energy management strategies such as daylight harvesting, load shedding, smart time scheduling, task tuning, occupancy sensing and personal control can be implemented.

The EMS is also BACnet compatible, meaning it can talk to other existing building automation systems such as HVAC, fire and security. The EMS can function on its own or be integrated with an existing building system. Since 2001, the EMS has been installed in more than 45 million square feet of commercial space in North America and Europe including new construction and retrofits.

The EMS can integrate control of either DALI dimming ballasts or 0-10V analog dimming ballasts within the same platform. The DALI Bridge allows for the mixing of Class 2 and Class 1 wiring within the same lighting system. Where analog ballasts are preferred, the system uses a Luminaire Control Module (LCM) to provide addressable control of each device. The LCM can also control LED fixtures and dim 0-10V LED drivers.

“Energy efficiency is potential opportunity residing in building systems for property owners and facility managers. Our EMS delivers a two- to five-year payback generated by energy savings, averaging about three years, which is relatively faster than other environmental measures,” said Terry Mocherniak, director of global business development, LMS business unit of Osram Sylvania. Earlier this month, the EMS was named a 2012 top money-saving product by Buildings Magazine.

The EMS also can contribute to a building’s certification by the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED). Buildings can potentially earn up to 19 credits toward the minimum 40 credits through efforts to “Optimize Energy Performance,” a subcategory of “Energy & Atmosphere.” In addition, the Encelium EMS can facilitate a building's compliance with ASHRAE 90.1, EPAct, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, and other utility rebate programs.