Measuring aggregate electricity savings from the diffusion of more efficient lighting technologies

Abstract

Increasing concerns about sustainability and energy conservation, coupled with the proliferation of incentives in the EU to achieve energy savings, suggest that significant improvements in energy efficiency should be realized. A policy measure that should have a direct impact on energy savings is the replacement of incandescent and halogen light bulbs by more efficient lighting technologies, which was implemented in 2009. Due to the lack of detailed data, it is not feasible to measure the effect of energy-efficient improvements on electricity consumption at the aggregate level using a bottom-up approach. To overcome this limitation, this paper analyzes hourly electricity demand in a very specific period of the day: the transition from day to night. In this short period, it is plausible that lighting is the main driver of changes in electricity demand, thus making it possible to estimate the increase in electricity consumption when lights are switched on and to analyze the effects of higher energy efficiency in lighting, if any. The results of the analysis for Spain show that during the periods 2009–2011 and 2015–2016, an estimated energy savings of 251 GWh can be attributed to a reduction in the magnitude of the lighting effect, which accounts for 20.3% of the observed decrease in electricity consumption during these two periods.

Photothermal Utility Heating with Diffused Indoor Light via Multiple Transparent Fe3O4@Cu2−xS Thin Films

“…The utilization of diffused light for PT heating via plasmonic nanoparticles presents a promising avenue for energy-efficient applications. [11][12][13] While the PT effects of plasmonic nanoparticles have been well established under direct solar illumination, the potential of harnessing diffused light remains largely unexplored. Unlike direct sunlight, diffused light within indoor environments or shaded areas lacks DOI: 10.1002/ente.202400703 By introducing a novel photothermal radiator that effectively harnesses diffused light through plasmonic Fe 3 O 4 @Cu 2Àx S nanoparticles, it is sought to offer a sustainable solution for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures without heavy reliance on traditional solar sources.…”