Project Background Information and Objectives:

The Extra-Low voltage DC (ELVDC) system can be a proper substitute for the AC systems for the preparation of the lighting in buildings and construction sites. It is mainly due to the reduction of the power converter losses in the LED drives. Standards categorize all voltage levels below 60V in the ELVDC category. The standardized power converters in industries are designed for the delivery of 12V, 24V, and 48V. It is important to understand the utilization of which voltage level among the available product offers the maximum efficiency and minimum cost.

This study aims to determine the optimum voltage level for energizing the lights in construction sites using ELVDC. In addition to the voltage level analysis, the cost of the emergency lighting, which should be included in the lighting systems, is considered to cover whole aspects of the design to minimize the cost.

The tasks considered for this project are as follows:

Task 1: Study the Australian lighting and cabling standards to consider them during the ELVDC system analysis

• Outcome 1: Determination of the design requirement for preparation of the standard and emergency lighting

• Outcome 2: Determination of the constraints of the cabling

Task 2: LED Light modelling and the ELVDC system design using Matlab code and Simulink

• Outcome 1: Preparation of an analytical model for prediction of the light propagation using the LED tubes

• Outcome 2: Design of two different ELVDC grids in Matlab Simulink considering the cabling and lighting constraints determined by standards.

Task 3: Analysis of the available commercialized lights and modelling of the lights in DiaLux

• Outcome 1: Modelling of the commercialized lights in DiaLux to validate light capabilities for operation in normal and emergency conditions.

• Outcome 2: Further analysis of the performance of the lights in various egress paths with different dimensions which can affect the cost of the ELVDC system.

Task 4: Analysis of the centralized and decentralized energization of the LED lights

• Outcome 1: Determination of the optimum way for energization of the LED lights in emergency conditions, it covers the safety, security, and cost aspects.

Task 5: Finalization of the detailed report.

Final Outcome: Publication of a guideline on the design of the ELVDC system for construction and demolition sites