Public Interest Energy Research Program
CCC/IOU Partnership Draft-Case Study
Bi-level Smart Stairwell Lighting System
PIER Buildings Program
Research Powers the Future
www.energy.ca.gov/research
Energy and Carbon Savings Opportunity Better light, more savings, enhanced safety, less maintenance Stairwell lighting typically operates continuously at full output despite very low, intermittent use. Simple occupancy sensors are not used due to building code requirements that prohibit zero light levels, even when unoccupied. A bi-level product line demonstrated by the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) and the PIER Program uses an ultrasonic occupancy sensor to detect motion in areas like stairwells and corridors. During unoccupied periods, the lamps are dimmed to as low as 5% of normal. An adjustable time delay can be used to maximize energy savings based on usage patterns. Currently, the Uniform Building Code requires minimal lighting of one foot-candle (fc) for emergency egress in all stairwells. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has already adopted a new minimum illuminance level of 10 fc during all occupied times. This technology mitigates the energy increase required to achieve such illumination levels while remaining code compliant well into the future.
Public Interest Energy Research
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Product Overview Energy Savings: 40 to 80% annual energy savings Over 20 years, fixture can yield savings of 10,000 kWh Operation/Maintenance: Cost effective replacement for moderate to low occupancy areas. Increased lamp life due to “lamp conditioning circuit” and programmed start dimming ballast Manufacturer: LaMar Lighting Co., Inc., www.lamarlighting.com Market: Stairwells, hallways, storerooms, restrooms Project Design Guides: • New construction product specification available • LEED Fact Sheets • http://pierpartnershipdemonstrations.com/
California Community Colleges
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Public Interest Energy Research Program
CCC/IOU Partnership Draft-Case Study
Current Community College Field Demonstrations The Bi-level Stairwell Lighting Systems were installed at Butte Community College, Citrus College, and Cypress College. Net savings per retrofit, over a 15-year fixture life, is estimated at $200-$500. Lessons Learned • Buildings taller than three stories are good candidates for this system • Averaging the occupancy rates or stairwells in buildings has shown to be an effective practice • If an application is over-lit, the total number of lamps/ fixtures may be reduced due to the high system efficacy • No problems occurred unless the fixtures were improperly grounded or the installer did not utilize the “lamp conditioning mechanism” as instructed California Community College/IOU Partnership: The California Community College and Investor-Owned Utility Partnership Program (CCC/IOU) has identified incentives for this technology of approximately $60 to $80 per fixture. For more information please visit: http://www.cccutilitypartnership.com.
Picture Pending
Top: Citrus College pre-retrofit (two T8 lamps) Bottom: Post-retrofit maintains equivalent light
Installation Costs Retrofit: The installation/disposal labor cost for complete fixture replacement depends on the contractors’ assignment of personnel. One electrician is capable of installing this fixture. It may be appropriate for one electrician and one assistant to perform the installation. Locations with T12, older T8s, HID, or incandescent fixtures are best for retrofit. Fixture cost was $150 without battery backup, (additional $65 with battery backup). New Construction: Payback in new construction is much shorter than in retrofit applications since labor costs are equivalent to those for other standard fixtures. Complete renovation projects yield equally brief payback periods.
Economic and Environmental Impacts (with IOU incentives) Base Case
% Occupancy
New Construction 2 34W T12 Lamps with magnetic ballast
1% to 10%
Fixture kWh saved Material annually (Avg.) 350 to 400
$20
500 to 550
$40
Labor (Avg.) $0
Simple Payback Life Cycle Cost ($0.115 per Savings* per kWh) system
Life Cycle CO2 Savings per system
~1 year
$350 to $400
4,200 to 5000 lbs
~1.5 years
$400 to $450
6,000 to 6,600 lbs
~2 years
$250 to $300
4,200 to 5,000 lbs
$75 2 32W T8 with electronic ballast
350 to 400
$60
*Assume a 15 year fixture life and $0.115 energy cost per kWh. Savings are Net Present Value of total Life Cycle Costs compared to base case.
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Public Interest Energy Research Program
CCC/IOU Partnership Draft-Case Study
Study Results Campus
Pre-retrofit Fixtures
Building Type
Qty
% Unoccupied
$ Estimated Energy Savings per year
Citrus College
2 lamp T8—wall mount
Classroom/Office
12
95
$500
Cypress College
2 lamp T8—ceiling mount
Classroom
19
75
$550
Butte College
2 lamp T12— surface mount and suspended
Office
23
65
$1300
New Construction Paybacks (10% occupancy) 10 9
$0.085 per kWh $0.115 per kWh $0.150 per kWh
8 Payback (yrs)
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 130
Learning Resource Center at Cypress College 120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
Typical Fixture Wattages
Retrofit Paybacks (10% occupancy) 10 $0.085 per kWh $0.115 per kWh $0.150 per kWh
9 8 Payback (yrs)
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 130
Library at Citrus College 120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
Preretrofit Wattage
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Public Interest Energy Research Program Picture Pending
LaMar Lighting Co., Inc. Bi-Level Stairwell Lighting System at Citrus College
CCC/IOU Partnership Draft-Case Study
Considerations Ease of Installation: Typical installation time is less than an hour, usually a one-to-one swap. Often able to use existing wall/ceiling mount hardware. Attractiveness: All campus users noted much improved light quality and/or brightness when occupied. Issues/Concerns: The manufacturer has noted that the only problems with these fixtures have been related to installation, improper wiring, or forgetting to trigger the “lamp conditioning circuit” which is critical for ensuring longer lamp life.
Conclusion Cost Effectiveness: Cost effective for retrofit, remodeling, and especially new construction applications. Programmed start ballast and special “lamp conditioning circuit” increase lamp life and reduce maintenance. Best retrofit paybacks are for replacing incandescent fixtures or T12 fluorescent fixtures. Potential Impact: Drastically reduced average fixture wattage. Huge energy savings for new construction and retrofit applications. Reduces peak demand. Attractive option for tall buildings and low traffic stairwells. Applicability: Primarily stairwell and hallway applications. May be used in parking structures and bathrooms. Considerations: Improved lighting quality, easy to install, easy to clean.
Availability The LaMar Occusmart VO Series Bi-level Stairwell System is currently available from LaMar Lighting Co., Inc. There are multiple fixture types in the Occusmart series.
About PIER This project was conducted by the California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program. PIER supports public interest energy research and development that helps improve the quality of life in California by bringing environmentally safe, affordable, and reliable energy services and products to the marketplace. For more information see www.energy.ca.gov/research Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor California Energy Commission Chair: Jackalyne Pfannenstiel Vice Chair: James D. Boyd Commissioners: Arthur H. Rosenfeld, John L. Geesman, Karen Douglas
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7.15.2008 Pub # 0000
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