And now…

…The Nitty Gritty

with your host Aaron Leatherwood

•Lighting energy usage

•Air leaks

•Added cooling costs

•Load on alternative energy sources

Lighting is one component of a whole energy efficiency package, but one that can affect many of the other components.

There are many applications where LED lamps are appropriate

•Projects with challenging maintenance areas •Projects with 24/7 operation

•High security projects

•Projects with mechanical vibration issues

Projects with high electrical rates

LED technology is progressing quickly

• Linear LED lamps tested by the DOE in June of 2009 had a maximum lamp efficiency of 70 lm/W

• Most quality linear LED lamps now produce 80+ lm/W

• CRI in 2009 was in the 70s for most LED products

• Quality LED lamps now are mostly 80+ CRI

• Many LED products now dimmable on standard dimming systems

CRI not the last word in color rendering

• The DOE now recommends using CRI as a general guide, but leaving final test to your eyes.

Thermal Management

• Heat dissipation ability of the chip SMD versus “through hole”

SMD (Surface Mount Diode) Through hole – AKA - 5mm

Fins, Metals, and Unicorns…

Oh my…

Fins

• More is not necessarily better…

Metals

Unicorns don’t exist… yet…

• 50 watt MR16 LED equivalent (12 watt LED MR16)

• Peanut lamp LED replacement

• 1000 watt HID equivalent LED sports lighter

• 50,000 hour, super bright, good color, 5 year warranty and all for $9.99

LED Life

• The first LED products claimed lives of 100,000+

• This was to 50% of original light output, not 50% failure

• IESNA and DOE state that the technical end of life is at 70% of original output

• Typically 50,000 hrs on quality products 5.7 years 24/7• Slow dim out over time – not instant failure

•LED life is not affected by frequent switch cycles (motion sensors, daylight sensors, etc…)

• LEDs love the cold and are typically rated to run in negative 40F through +120F ambient

How does fluorescent compare?

• Fluorescent now typically rated for 30,000+ with 96% lumen maintenance

• 30,000 average in test conditions to 50% failure rate

• 1 switch cycle per day required• DOE recommends that lamps are group

relamped at 70% or 21,000 hours• End of life means dead out with fluorescent• Still problems with many fluorescent dimming

systems

How to find a good LED product

• Find a manufacturer that answers questions and backs answers up with data and a good warranty

• Get an evaluation sample to make sure it meets your requirements in the application

• Mock-up is the best way

• Watch out for LED discounters selling old technology online

• Purchase through your favorite distributor, showroom, or ESCO.