“Killer Apps” for a Ceiling DC Power Platform

1. “Killer Apps” for a Ceiling DC Power Platform Spring 2010 EDSGN 100 Design Project

2. “Killer Apps” for a Ceiling DC Power Platform The Pennsylvania State University Kick-off Meeting for EDSGN100 Design Project March 2, 2010 Armstrong World Industries, Inc Building Products Division Audie Spina Sr. Scientist

3. Project Objective Consider a commercial building space that has a low voltage DC power distribution system, what products would you design? What problems would be solved by your products? How would your product enhance the better, or more efficient use of the facility by the owner, or provide a benefit to the occupants, such as personal comfort, productivity, or safety?

4. Project Requirements Safe—The product’s intention and general design should be safe. While it is not expected that students are aware of all codes and standards involving safety in a commercial space, the product should not be obviously unsafe. (No open flames, etc.) Innovative—Think beyond the examples you have seen in the resource materials. Low Voltage—Product must be capable of using low voltage electrical power (for example, nearly all conventional overhead lighting can be converted to use low voltage power outputs). Power available per channel is 100 W at 24 Vdc. No Typical Lighting Products—Merely changing the power source of typical lights (from AC to DC) will not be accepted; however, this should not limit the possibility of innovation or new applications that may include typical lights or known lighting technologies. .

5. Project Requirements (cont.) Commercial Value—Products cannot be only consumer orientated, they must provide value to the commercial environment; however, they can also provide personal value to people in the space. Known Technology—Must have a basis in known technology. No Star Trek transporters Time Horizon—Product must be reasonably thought possible in the near term (2 years) to midterm (5 years). Determine Possible Partners—Identify a model company or companies that could manufacture or bring your product to market.

6. Our Digital World Uses DC Power Today IN A TYPICAL COMMERCIAL BUILDING, HOW MUCH IS ALREADY DC-BASED? • Computer equipment • Portable equipment (i.e. cell phone chargers) • Electronic ballasts for lighting • HVAC equipment • Energy management & control systems • Ex: all the occupancy sensors in ceilings already 24V DC …The Majority Of End-Use Equipment! What’s the Problem? Inefficient Conversions between DC Device Power and a Building’s AC Infrastructure Wastes Energy (Devices meant to help save energy are also inflexibly hard-wired to AC infrastructure – can’t easily or cost effectively move where needed as space changes)

7. Ceiling DC Power Platform

8. DC FlexZone SILHOUETTE AND SUPRAFINE DC GRID MAINS DC-powered main beams in 2 popular grid profiles - with embedded electrical conductors Install mechanically just like standard suspension systems • Very limited product +/or process change for our acoustical trades DC Main Beams next “wired up” or powered by electrical trades Safe, low voltage DC power then available for devices in & near ceiling – customers can move devices to wherever they need them

9. “you are a part of a rebel Alliance” Supporting a New Standard for Low Voltage DC Power Distribution Multi-company Alliance in place 5 to 50 members in 1 yr • Standard Published • 4 key areas: Power, Infrastructure, Devices, Controls • Ceilings are “Infrastructure” --- we don’t create, use or control the DC power, we just distribute it, like a power highway • Joint marketing/promotion – educating the market • Inter-op and product registration this summer • First EMerge-”registered” products will enter market this fall

10. EMerge Alliance - Members Governing Members Participating Members General Members

11. EMerge Alliance – Members (continued) Supporting Members Liaison Members BACnet

12. Questions?