The Axis ballast was developed to expand daylight harvesting into mainstream general lighting applications. We offer a energy efficient ballast control system that is easily integrated into building design, is priced competitively, installs easily, does not require commissioning, and is user friendly through automatic and accurate operation. The dip switch set adjustable ballast factor allows the power to be tuned more precisely to the design room light level, avoiding excess power use from room / layout restrictions. The individual photosensor allows a smaller zone of control; this allows luminaires near the daylight source to dim more than luminaires deeper in the room, and vice-versa. A single ambient light control photosensor must compromise to balance the room dimming levels, and may not get the maximum daylight savings available.

The Axis ballast has a stand-alone integrated automatic control system. This helps keep the acquisition and installation costs down. External control from building management systems or occupancy sensors can be done on the circuit level without disturbing the ballast operation. Axis Technologies is currently considering adding a DALI internal control option to offer more precise control of each individual luminaire.

There are many advantages in integrating daylight dimming. We recommend using our ballast with the 32 watt "Super T8" lamps to achieve general lighting efficiencies below one watt per square foot. See the chart for an idea of the efficiency available from daylight harvesting and Super T8 lamps. In addition to lighting power savings, daylight harvesting reduces peak demand loads and cooling loads. Daylight harvesting does increase winter heating requirements, but still offers a net power reduction in HVAC power use in all but the most northern states, where the HVAC savings / gains basically wash.

In addition to offering daylight energy efficiency, using daylight harvesting makes lighting code qualification simpler. Code qualification includes:

2005 California Title 24:
Section 101, defined as Automatic Multi-Level Daylighting Control.

Section 119 - Mandatory Requirements for Lighting Control Devices.
(e) Automatic daylighting control devices

Section 131 - Indoor Lighting Controls that Shall be Installed.
(b) Multi-Level Lighting Controls
(c) Daylit Areas

Table 146-A - Lighting Power Adjustment Factors.

- Automatic Daylighting Controls with Windows;
allows 30 - 40 % adjustment factor .

2001 ASHRAE 90.1

- Easily meets and exceeds table 9.3.1.1. Lighting Power Densities. Accepts DOE-2 daylighting power savings calculations. The newest ASHRAE codes are expected to adopt more advanced lighting control requirements similar to California Title 24 codes.

2003 IECC International Energy Conservation Code

- Easily meets or exceeds Table 805.5.2. Interior Lighting Power. The IECC is also expected to adopt more advanced lighting control requirements similar to California Title 24 codes.

Calculating daylight savings is based on several different factors. We recommend using a DOE-2 software program, but we can assist you in calculating the percentage of daylight savings available. Please feel free to contact us for information or to offer any comments.