Micro-Java Building Environment Controller

70114S02-II Because lighting in the U.S. uses 20 quadrillion BTU's annually, any incremental improvements in lighting efficiency could yield major national savings. Therefore, this project will develop a Micro-Java Building Environment Controller (MJBEC) for real-time intelligent lighting management, using existing AC power lines for communications. The MJBEC will be suitable for the control of millions of lighting fixtures via the Internet, and will be applicable to almost all existing commercial and residential buildings. In Phase I, a fully functional proof-of-concept model of the MJBEC system was developed, based on compact electronic hardware and efficient software written in Micro-Java programming language. Feasibility was demonstrated through a series of experiments with lighting control transmitted over AC lines. Phase II will develop a fieldable MJBEC system and optimize it for large-scale lighting control. Evaluation and testing will be performed at a commercial site and at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The MJBEC technology should have broad applications in lighting control and intelligent management of a variety of electrical devices including computers, office equipment, production machinery, HVAC, surveillance cameras, and security sensors. MJBEC products also could be utilized for creating low cost communication networks over AC lines for production control, broadband communications, distance learning, and security.