The goal of this project is to develop a photosensor and lighting control system that is optimized for common classroom electric lighting solutions (recessed and pendant lighting) and daylighting configurations (side-lighting only, top-lighting only, side- and top-lighting), that can be simply and easily commissioned, and that effectively operates with manual controls and occupancy sensors.

The Watt Stopper is leading the research and development work for this project.

The objectives of this project are to:

• Review the state-of-the-art photosensor technologies, including the LRC's photosensor system, if possible, and characterize the performance of models from The Watt Stopper.
• Identify the necessary photosensor performance characteristics for spatial and spectral sensitivity, electronic control algorithm, commissioning, and compatibility with other control devices (manual switches, occupancy sensors, dimming ballasts) using computer simulations and knowledge from leading researchers.
• Build pre-production product prototypes.
• Evaluate the prototypes in laboratory and field installations.
• Share the project results with the public-at-large
• Apply knowledge gained to the development of a new family of daylighting controls.

The knowledge gained from this process will be public. The Watt Stopper, a lighting controls manufacturer, will incorporate this public knowledge into a new family of daylighting controls. Other control manufacturers will be in the position to use this information for developing their own devices. This project meets the PIER Goal of improving the reliability and quality of California's electricity by developing a product that will save energy, and reduce the demand for electricity at peak times of the day.