Energy efficiency: LED lighting systems distributed in direct current and using photovoltaic energy

Abstract

The current scenario is marked by an increasing need for energy, the depletion of natural resources and the need to increase the attention to energy consumption in the electricity sector. As the the demand for energy increases, it becomes essential to obtain greater energy efficiency. In order to to that, it is fundamental not only to find solutions that produce energy from clean and renewable sources, but also to mitigate losses in the current electrical system. Hence, the idea arises to investigate the possibility of restructuring lighting systems, using LED bulbs distributed in direct current and supplied with solar energy. This article is inserted in this context and presents the efficiency generated by lighting systems consisting of LED bulbs without conversion drivers and energy generated by photovoltaic panels. This research project measured these LED bulbs’ losses and gains in efficiency, in laboratory situation. Experimental results demonstrated a gain in the energy efficiency of LED bulbs without the conversion drivers when compared with bulbs with drivers. By sizing the photovoltaic solar system necessary for the lighting system, the investment return time was obtained.

Keywords:
Civil engineering; Energy efficiency; LED lamps; Direct current; Photovoltaic Energy