RLW Analytics, Inc.

Technology Evaluations:

Southern California Edison, Induction Lighting Study - This study evaluated the visual effects of induction lamps compared to two different traditional metal halide lamps at car dealerships. The benefit of induction lamp technology is that it consumes considerably less energy than other high intensity discharge(HID) light sources, while possibly providing improved color rendering at significantly lower lumen levels. Due to the complexity of human visual perception the study utilized a field set-up of all three lighting systems at a real car dealership. One hundred participants were recruited to complete surveys regarding their perceptions of glare, brightness, color rendition, security, and other lighting attributes. Key study tasks included study design, sample design, survey design, participant recruitment, on-site management, data quality control, bias control, data analysis, and presentation of results.
Effectiveness of UVC Light for Improving School Performance. The study quantifies the impact of ultraviolet irradiation in the “C” band (UVC) on evaporator coil disinfection and indoor environmental quality of California K-12 Schools. The goal of the study is to determine if UVC is effective in reducing mold and mildew in HVAC systems, thereby improving indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and producing energy savings. This project was funded by the Public Interest Energy Research division of the California Energy Commission.

Technology Penetration:

San Diego Gas and Electric, California Lighting and Appliance Saturation Study - RLW was the prime contractor implementing this statewide overarching study. The purpose of the study was to determine the statewide baseline efficiency for appliances, equipment, lighting and shell characteristics. The study included a representative statewide sample of 850 single-metered residential on-site surveys, including single and multifamily dwellings. The in-home survey collected detailed appliance and equipment information that was later mapped to efficiency databases for determination of baseline efficiency (e.g., energy factor, SEER, UEC, etc.). The on-line analysis tool and report were completed in July 2005. This was a follow-on study to the 1999-00 study which was also primed by RLW Analytics.
CBEE Nonresidential New Construction California Baseline Study. RLW led a project for the California Board of Energy Efficiency to characterize the California nonresidential new construction market and identify market barriers discouraging more efficient construction practice. Building on our prior studies of NRNC in California, we developed an integrated database of over one thousand new construction projects, and we surveyed almost two hundred architects and engineers involved in new-building design. These data provided a valuable resource for testing the feasibility of specific measures as well as broad programs, code changes and design guidelines.