The U.S. Department of Energy’s new Facility for Low Energy Experiments in Buildings, or FLEXLAB, is an innovative facility (http://flexlab.lbl.gov/) provides researchers, manufacturers, developers, architects and others with resources to accurately field-test innovations in green building technologies and controls. Cal-Bay Systems, a specialist in automated test and measurement processes based on National Instruments technology platforms, recently teamed up with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to provide test, validation, and measurement equipment for the facility.
“FLEXLAB represents a big step forward in addressing key conservation challenges facing the building industry, and our nation,” said Cindy Regnier, FLEXLAB Manager. "These test beds provide a unique platform for studies that will streamline the development and production of highly integrated, energy-efficient building systems that far exceed current standards.”
According to Guy Nunnellee, Cal-Bay vice president of sales and marketing, Cal-Bay was selected to build out the facility’s Advanced Data Acquisition (DAQ) and control systems “to generate the accurate, unbiased data needed to refine energy-efficient components and systems for deployment in real-world conditions. The resulting advances promise a new generation of environmentally-friendly building technologies. They also provide utilities with the data needed to valuate incentives that speed consumer adoption.”
From efficient lighting and HVAC equipment to energy management systems and controls, the need for reliable, sustainable energy-saving products is a top U.S. priority. Cal-Bay engineers have been collaborating with LBNL on an advanced system built around NI LabVIEW software and NI CompactRIO hardware that will ensure those who use the facility are working with the most accurate data possible, said Nunnellee.
