Advice on your lighting solutions:
It has come to our attention that many, young and inexperienced companies are offering LED solutions to every lighting problem. This, however is incorrect.
Louis* asks: Jan, what lighting solution should I use in my offices, I have been advised to replace all my fittings with LED lights and it is not helping me. I am very disappointed in the fittings and the quality of light does not match my needs.
Jan Replied:
It is with pleasure that I would like to advise you about the realistic energy saving solutions and products available which will NOT compromise your installation as proposed by others.
Firstly, it has to be stated that for the present the implementation of LED technology is effective but limited for certain lighting installations only.
Research and development in LED technology is continuing worldwide and many more new products and concepts will be introduced onto world markets in the years ahead.
Quick fix modifications and various retrofit solutions are being sold sometimes with catastrophic consequences to the client. This practice may be compared to a twin turbo Porche engine being fitted to a standard VW Beatle.
With the advent of the world realizing that critical energy shortages will occur, various entrepreneurs and opportunists seized the opportunity to make money. This is also common practice in other fields when ground breaking technologies are suddenly found or developed. The race to make money is then on and such products are then being dumped on world markets, predominantly third world countries, before it is properly evaluated and tested. Unfortunately most of the people who market such products, vanishes when problems start.
Sorry, I am not saying all this to scare you off, but you already seemed to have had some taste of it.
IN A NUTSHELL:
The most efficient light sources are still High Pressure Discharge lamps i.e. HP Sodium, Metal Halide and to a lesser degree Mercury Vapour. These lamps are predominantly employed in industrial and security installations such as factory high/low bay lighting and external lighting for instance bulkheads, floodlights and street lights. These luminaires were developed over the years to match the light sources (lamps) which were available at the time.
The development of more advanced and more efficient technologies such as electronic control gear, more efficient and compact light sources (lamps and tubes) created vast opportunities for lighting companies to design new and efficient compact luminaires which are also more cost effective.
Naturally development of new technologies is an ongoing process worldwide.
Having said all this, where do you stand?
Herewith a view examples of energy efficient alternatives:
A. Most of the fluorescent luminaires in your facilities which are older than + 5 years can be replaced with more energy efficient luminaires. The design and efficiency of these luminaires will in the majority of cases also increase the lighting levels.
Examples: i. Recessed fluorescent in offices
ii. Open and enclosed fluorescent channel luminaires, etc
B. High-Bay and Low-Bay luminaires can be replaced by the more efficient R-Bay luminaires
Example: 400W HPS, MH of MV replaced by 4x54W T5
C. Low voltage and incandescent downlighters, spotlights and other decorative luminaires by LED equivalents.
D. Floodlighting and discharge bulkheads are the most difficult to upgrade. One has to carefully evaluate the installation and determine the requirements and purpose of the luminaires. Downgrading is sometimes an option.
Example: From 400W down to 250W
From 150W down to 70W, etc.
Very often in the past, 400W floods were installed when 250W would have been ample.
In any event, all Mercury Vapour floods can be exchanged for more efficient discharge options. LED floodlights are not good options as lighting levels will be compromised. Nevertheless, it is important to evaluate the entire lighting installation.
The first step for us would be to study the report on the lights being used and then to follow up with a site inspection and evaluation report.
Kindly let us know should you require any further information and whether we can be of further assistance.
*name has been changed to protect identity.
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