Architectural SSL - February 2011

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SSL BUZZ Thoughts on DC to DC power for LED lighting are becoming tangible as the EMerge Alliance announces 26 products now meet its standard.

SSL Profile An all-white LEDilluminated office, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas City borrows from the sets of the TV show ‘24’ to great effect.

NUMBER 16 • february 2011 www.architecturalssl.com

building blocks or building walls?

When ‘walls’ created by the implementation of standards and metrics in order to improve the caliber of products get too high, innovation can suffer. With no performance requirements, however, predatory marketers can turn the market into a free for all. Somewhere in between a balance must be sought. [ Page 16]

SSL Buzz: The Latest Round of DOE CALiPER Testing Project Profile: Chestnut Hill Star Market, Boston, Mass.

Architectural SSL • 519 Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • Chronicling the Advancement of LEDs in the Built Environment

LEDs in action The new Chandler City Hall in Arizona employs both colored and white LED for dramatic results on its unique and multifaceted exterior.

White Pages: Tools & Take-Aways for Evaluating SSL Samples

Curve

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Circle 01

Are You Ready?

Tyco Electronics introduces the new NEVALO SSL system.

The future of lighting is here.

The NEVALO system’s integrated electronics, optics and thermal management allow you to go to market faster and with confidence.

Prepare for the future at w w w . n e v a l o . c o m / f u t u r e 1

Š 2011 Tyco Electronics Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NEVALO, TE (logo), and Tyco Electronics are trademarks of the Tyco Electronics group of companies and its licensors.

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F§B. 11

43

08 Project Brief: The Pasadena Centennial Library keeps it's historic luminaires while upgrading efficiency.

33 Project Profile: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas City.

37 Project Profile: Chestnut Hill Star Market, Boston, Mass.

23

BUZZ

PERSPECTIVES

07 CALiPER Round 11

05 LED Insights

DOE says things are getting better as far as performance and veracity of performance of SSL products. However, equivalency claims are still misleading.

Architectural SSL has just wrapped up its fourth year of existence. In this time, the SSL industry has grown quickly, but much work remains as we embark on a second “term.”

By Jim Crockett

10 GATEWAY Grades DOE announces the results of GATEWAY performance testing on LED track lighting at Chicago's Field Museum.

11 DC-DC Gains Ground The EMerge Alliance announces it has certified 26 products that comply with its low-voltage DCto-DC power standard.

02 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

28

“LEDs are being used effectively in other industries and markets and I was confident in the technology [for a university lecture hall]."

48 SSL Observed The “best” thing about SSL is not its energy efficiency, long life, maintenance-friendly aspects or even its color quality. The best thing about a good application of SSL is when you can't tell that it's LED.

By Kevin Willmorth

www.architecturalssl.com

24

FEATURES

DESIGN & PRODUCTS

16 analysis: Building Blocks or Building Walls?

40 White Pages

Product standards are a double-edge sword: On one hand, they’re critical for establishing “norms” in production and setting the bar for quality performance. Alternatively, if such “metric walls” are too high, they can hinder creativity and product development.

by Kevin Willmorth

Tools & Take-Aways for Evaluating SSL Samples.

41 White Pages Creating Fair Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Evaluations.

22 ARCHITECT'S VIEW: LED for Academia SSL for general illumination is becoming more prevalent in educational settings from K-12 classrooms to university lecture halls. First cost, and the value proposition of existing technologies remain barriers that must be offset by other values to those not at the vanguard.

by Barbara Horwitz-Bennett

42 Advances The latest solid-state products, including integrated exterior panels, an optically fantastic cove light and cool pendants.

Architectural SSL, Vol. 5, No. 1 (ISSN# 19418388) is published quarterly by Construction Business Media.

Publication Office: Construction Business Media, 579 First Bank Drive, Suite 220, Palatine, IL 60067; 847 359 6493; www.architecturalssl.com. (Copyright © 2011 by Construction Business Media) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Architectural SSL Magazine, 519 East Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.

28 FEATURED PROJECT: Chander City Hall, Chandler, Ariz.

A showcase for the evolution of solid-state lighting from a novel “demonstration” technology to a problem-solving technology, SSL became an integral part of the project's architecture and nighttime presence.

by Jim Crockett

www.architecturalssl.com

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 03

NOTHING TO HIDE

W W W . M O D A L I G H T. C O M

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LEDInsights

Coµµ§∑T±R∞

NUMBER 16 • february 2011 www.architecturalssl.com

Gary Redmond

Managing Partner Director Publishing Operations gary@architecturalssl.com

Tim Shea

Managing Partner Director Business Development tim@architecturalssl.com

Four on the Floor neer these fixtures, Gerwing said they cost about a third of what those original fixtures did.

Dave Pape

Vice President Director, Art & Production dave@architecturalssl.com

EDITORIAL Jim Crockett 847 359 6493

Editorial Director jimc@architecturalssl.com

Kevin Willmorth

Editor kevin@architecturalssl.com

In covering the world of solid-state lighting for the past four years I’ve learned a few things, but mostly it’s kind of like driving a stick shift: It can be difficult to learn, certainly a pain in traffic jams, but faster, and definitely more fun, than driving with an automatic transmission.

Megan Mazzocco 847 359 6493

Associate Editor megan@architecturalssl.com

The period of four years, at least in U.S. culture,

“let’s do a building with LEDs,” it was in carefully

is notable on many levels: It’s the length of term

studying the element and envisioning a night-

our presidents serve; it’s the time teens spend

time concept for the element that LEDs came to

moving in and through high school—theoretically,

bear, particularly for their performance.

college, too—and it happens to be the amount

of time Architectural SSL has been in business.

beyond people like Jeff, and many other lighting

Contributing Editors Craig DiLouie cd@architecturalssl.com Vilma Barr vilma@architecturalssl.com Barbara Horwitz-Bennett barbara@architecturalssl.com Mavis Linnemann

Copy Editor

Gerwing also proffered that LEDs, now, are

beginning to present themselves as legitimate solutions that naturally evolve in the course of satisfying a project’s needs, rather than being a forced demonstration of a cool, but not necessarily necessary technology. For example, on the Chandler project, where the major use of LED came in illuminating a custom scrim designed by artist Ned Kahn: It wasn’t that the team decided

Here’s what else I’ve learned in four years:

Perhaps it’s because I have one son graduating

designers I’ve worked with, there are lots of

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Dave Pape Art Director

dave@architecturalssl.com

from college and another to high school that I

good guys and companies in this industry. Color

also feel a need for some kind of matriculation.

Kinetics, the main product supplier at Chandler,

And in an odd sort of way, that’s just happened.

is one of them.

Lauren Lenkowski

The very first issue of the magazine featured a

story I wrote on the Discovery Communications

tional, fixtures on the market that didn’t exist

headquarters outside of Washington, D.C. The

four years ago. There are a lot of exciting new

lead designer on that project was Jeff Gerwing,

players entering the community and it will be

Associate Art Director lauren@architecturalssl.com

Advertising Sales

There are a lot of other cool, and func-

Gary Redmond 847 359 6493 gary@architecturalssl.com

Tim Shea 847 359 6493 tim@architecturalssl.com

a principal with the SmithGroup. In fact, it was

interesting to track the future of these compa-

Jeff, while I worked on another publication, who

nies: controls, controls, controls for dimming

introduced me to the whole world of LEDs. There-

and effect. Scarily, I’ve learned the difference

Trey Higgens 847 577 8980 trey@architecturalssl.com

Jim Oestmann 847 838 0500 jim@architecturalssl.com

fore, it’s only appropriate, four years later, that I

between DMX and RDM.

face this SSL master in a sort of exam—hopefully

not a final one—as we break down Jeff’s latest

sense, but they’re not a be-all, end-all. They’re

David Haggett Ted Rzempoluch 847 934 9123 609 361 1733 davidh@architecturalssl.com ted@architecturalssl.com

project, the Chandler City Hall near Phoenix.

also still expensive and certainly there’s a need

In reality, the gap in coverage has more to do

for creative funding or financing. At the indi-

with both Jeff and I taking on more managerial

vidual level, we are not islands—to be successful

Jim Führer 503 679 5409 jimf@architecturalssl.com

duties that unfortunately take us away from our

there’s a need to reach out and find partners

original loves, be it creating wonderful architec-

who have the expertise to achieve a given goal,

tural lighting or writing about great buildings

whether you’re a writer, lighting designer or

and spaces.

manufacturer, and there’s definitely a need to

touch base with such folks on a regular basis.

subscription Inquiries There is no charge for subscriptions to qualified requestors in the U.S. All other annual subscriptions will be charged $39 for standard delivery or $55 for air mail delivery. For subscriptions, inquiries or address changes, call 630 739 0900.

A Publication of Construction Business Media

Member:

In the course of this reunion, it occurred to

me that a lot has changed in this relatively short

time. Foremost is that the cost of LED luminaires

like I’m headed on to grad school.

Type and globe=PMS 485

Circular blend under globe = PMS 3025

Continents, shadow, base = Black

Finally, more education is needed. Looks

is dropping—it’s not just wishful thinking, it’s happening. For example, SmithGroup, on the Chandler project, employed a modified version of the same linear fixture they used at the Detroit Airport, their first major LED job. Despite the fact that the manufacturer had to custom engi-

LEDs are great sources where they make

www.architecturalssl.com

Jim Crockett, editorial director

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 05

SHINE

Rely on UL to keep you on the leading edge of lighting innovation. As technology evolves, so does UL, advancing safety, lighting performance and energy e≤ciency in new and necessary ways. UL’s century of experience provides thought leadership, R&D expertise and the confidence and peace of mind you deserve.

Specify UL to make lighting shine.

VISIT WWW.UL.COM/SHINE

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SSL BUZZ & i∑DUSTR∞ BRi§FS

DOE CALiPER Testing, Round 11 CALipER Rd. 11: For replacements The lighting facts Tell the story

Intensity and Beam Characteristics for PAR Lamps Center Beam Intensity vs. Beam Angle 17W SSL PAR38

7000

Round 11 SSL PAR Lamps Earlier SSL PAR & R Lamps 25 W PAR38 Metal Halide 46 W HIR PAR38 75W Halogen PAR38 50W Halogen PAR30

6000 25W Metal Halide PAR38

5000

11W SSL PAR38

4000

18W SSL PAR38

3000 12W SSL PAR30

2000 1000 0 10

20

30

40

Beam Angle (Degrees)

50

60

Source: DOE SSL CALiPER results, October 2010

ABOVE: Intensity and beam characteristics of PAR lamps are improving. In the latest round of CALiPER testing all four products examined surpassed the curve representing minimum requirements for 50-watt equivalent. One also bordered on the limit for the 75-watt halogen and another even surpassed that mark. None, however, achieved the level of the 25-watt metal halide, which is compared, in LED product labeling, to a 90-watt halogen PAR38.

Table: CALiPER Round 11 Summary A review of the veracity of PAR 38 replacement lamp manufacturer claims P§RFoRµ±∑C§ L§v§L & §Quiv±l§∑C§

µ§§ti∑g µ±∑uF±CtuR§R CL±iµS

µ§§ti∑g L±µP FoRµ±t

Lighti∑g F±CtS L±B§L?

09-112 PAR30

Claims: None Meets: ~50W halogen equivalence

Meets or exceeds manufacturer claims

Not standard or diameter length for short or long PAR30

None

10-04 PAR38

Claims: 50-90W halogen equivalence Meets: 50-55W not 90W

Meets or exceeds manufacturer claims

Yes

Yes

10-11 PAR38

Claims: 75W halogen equivalence Meets: 65-70W

Overstates performance by 15-20%

Slightly exceeds max overall length

Meets: CCT, CRI Does not meet: Light output, efficacy

10-29 PAR38

Claims: None Meets: ~85W halogen equivalence

Meets: Light output, efficacy Incorrect: CCT (labeled 2700K, measured 4056K)*

Slightly too short neck & skirt length

Meets: Light output, efficacy Incorrect: CCT*

Compares to 60W HIR and 90W standard halogen

Yes

Yes

Not applicable

S±µPL§

BK09-111 PAR38

ABOVE: None of the lamps tested have overstated performance claims.

However, consumers could be misled by equivalency claims: two of the PAR lamps DOE tested were only partially true or are somewhat exaggerated.

www.architecturalssl.com

*Note that after receiving test results on product 10-29, two additional samples were ordered to determine whether the incorrect CCT was an on-going problem. While these samples were received too late to be LM-79 tested, visual inspection shows that the samples from a more recent batch have the correct CCT (~2700K).

Round 11 of CALiPER testing focused primarily on replacement lamps and outdoor roadway and posttop applications. Average overall efficacy of products tested shows steadily increasing performance.

While many products continue to carry misleading equivalency claims and inaccurate published performance metrics, a number of products now carry accurate performance claims—in particular those that carry the Lighting Facts label, says DOE. Small replacement lamps, including MR16 lamps, PAR lamps, AR111, and omni-directional lamps, showed progress for each lamp type. Challenges remain with respect to lamp equivalencies, with a number of products not meeting standard lamp geometries for the type of lamp they claim to replace and with a number of products not meeting average light output levels or beam characteristics of the lamps with which they claim to be equivalent. Slight irregularities in lamp geometry—overall length, diameter, neck length, etc.—were observed for about one-half the lamps. Two-thirds of the lamps meet manufacturer numerical performance claims, but out of those that carry equivalency claims, only one-third meet manufacturer claims.

Products which carry the Lighting Facts label have a much greater chance of meeting numerical performance claims, but still frequently carry misleading equivalency claims, but significant improvement in light output and efficacy is observed on average.

For MR16 lamps, CALiPER testing, to date, shows two products achieve performance levels equivalent to 20-watt halogen MR16s, while using about 70% less power. As of yet, no SSL MR16 lamps tested meet litght output and beam characteristics of 35-watt halogen MR16s.

For PAR lamps, a number of SSL products now meet light output and beam characteristics of 50- or 75-watt halogen PAR lamps, while using 70% to 80% less power. None of the SSL PAR lamps achieve the Z

Center Beam Intensity (Candela)

8000

Continued on page 08

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 07

SSLBuzz:

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light output or efficacy of a 25-watt ceramic metal halide PAR 38. Note that SSL lamps have some qualities not shared by CMH, such as instant start.

For A-lamps, a number of SSL lamps now achieve light output levels equivalent to 40-watt incandescent lamps (although with a more directional light distribution), while using about 80% less power. As of yet, no CALiPER tested SSL A-lamps meet light output levels equivalent to an average 60-watt incandescent lamp.

linear Replacements Round 11 testing of linear replacement lamps shows clear progress, with recent SSL lamps achieving respectable efficacy, though not the light levels and distribution of fluorescent lamps. Using two SSL lamps to replace a single-lamp troffer, where lower light levels are needed or where other characteristics of SSL provide an advantage, may now be viable in some cases, says DOE. The SSL lamps, however, will not likely be the most cost effective or reliable option at this time.

All SSL linear replacement lamps tested show better performance than in previous testing, but when operated in situ they still do not provide equivalent levels of light output to 2-lamp fluorescent troffers whether considering bare lamps or overall troffer systems. The four cooler (CCT of 4300K-6000K) SSL linear lamps tested achieve bare-lamp efficacy levels of 85-95 lm. per watt. With an average loss of 17% when installed in a louvered troffer, these lamps can result in overall luminaire efficacy comparable to troffers equipped with linear fluorescent lamps.

The majority of claims of light output and efficacy for SSL linear lamps were accurate.

Equivalency statements, however, were misleading, implying or claiming comparable light output to T8 fluorescent lamps.

None of the products tested in a parabolic louvered troffers achieved the spacing criteria and even light distribution achieved Continued on page 10

Y

08 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

eco update: lighting retrofit

Silence and Lighting Are Golden A significant eco-friendly pendant lighting project at the Pasadena Central Library will save the city of Pasadena thousands of dollars, according to city officials. The retrofit uses LEDtronics’ high-power 95-watt LED cluster product in the actual, historic, pendant lighting fixtures located in the main common areas of the library.

The newly installed cluster lights project upwards from the top of the pendant bowl directly into the upper reflector surface, and the library actually achieved higher footcandle measurements than with the use of old metal halide bulbs. A 17-watt LED lamp at the top of the fixtures produce the required uplighting of the ceiling above the pendant fixtures.

Finally, the installation has also reduced the man-power and maintenance required of conventional lamping sources. The retrofit came as

an addendum to the successful relamping of the downstairs document room of the library with LEDtronics LED ceiling panels.

“Every light at the library that we replaced was using 900 watts of ballasted power consumption and we helped reduce that by nearly 90%,” says Pervaiz Lodhie, CEO of LEDtronics. “Not only does the LED lighting in the pendant fixtures save greatly on power but because of the low heat they generate, the room temperature is dramatically reduced so as to save on the air-conditioning cost.”

Visit www.ledtronics.com.•

An optimal retrofit: Lights are brighter, energy consumption lower and HVAC systems are less taxed by the LEDtronics 95-watt LED clusters placed in the historic fixtures at the Pasadena Central Library.

www.architecturalssl.com

© 2011 OSRAM SYLVANIA

www.sylvania.com/LED

We bring architectural lighting to new heights.

Inside and out, LED lighting systems deliver sustainable energy-efficient lighting consistent with the principles of modern architecture. With more than a century’s worth of experience in delivering high-quality light, SYLVANIA LED lighting solutions precisely deliver light to where it is intended, creating the desired interplay of light and shadow. Together with our partner Traxon Technologies, we can specify and install the right LED system for your building, including programming software and commissioning services. As a leader in LED system technology, and with the industry’s best warranty, SYLVANIA is your trusted source to meet all of your lighting challenges. To talk to us about your architectural lighting needs, call 1-800-LIGHTBULB or go to www.sylvania.com/LED.

To get the full LED story on your phone, snap a picture of this tag. (Requires a free mobile app from http://gettag.mobi)

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SSLBuzz:

Continued FROM page 08

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by fluorescent T8 lamps in the same troffer.

The majority of linear lamps tested have color qualities which are not within standard tolerances for white light at their respective nominal CCTs.

Reliability and life cycle should factor in purchasing decisions surrounding SSL linear lamps, says DOE. An issue DOE points out is the repeated shipping and handling mishaps and perpetual “out-of-stock” status of some products, which they note may shed doubt on the general reliability and long-term availability of product lines and warranties.

exterior For both roadway and post-top luminaires, a wide range of performance was measured showing, on average, significant improvement over earlier testing. Half of the luminaires achieve overall light output and efficacy levels that match or exceed levels of benchmark outdoor luminaires. Most of the SSL outdoor luminaires exhibit wide variations in color characteristics as compared to their rated CCT.

Roadway and post-top luminaires exhibit a wide range of distribution characteristics, requiring photometry and close analysis to determine adequacy for a given application. In a sample calculation for a 24ft. wide street, as compared to a benchmark HPS installation, one SSL product was found to provide adequate uniformity and potential energy savings for equivalent initial illuminance levels.

DOE notes caution should be exercised when considering claimed equivalencies in outdoor products—the comparative suitability of products depends not only on performance, but also on the installation parameters—mounting height, pole spacing, illuminance requirements.

As far as SSL arm-mount roadway luminaires are concerned, five out of six of the products tested meet or come close to meeting manufacturer ratings for expected light output and efficacy—within approximately 10% of manufacturer published efficacy. Only one highly overstated its performance.•

10 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

DOE’s Latest GATEWAY Test Targets Chicago For those who assumed the place in Chicago to learn about solid state lighting and LEDs was Museum of Science and Industry, they’ll be swiftly redirected to the Field Museum of Natural History, where the Dept. of Energy recently examined the feasibility of replacing halogen lighting with LEDs in an enclosed gallery exhibit. Results of DOE’s GATEWAY demonstration, executed by replacing 32 track-mounted halogen luminaires with an LED track system using 26 track-mounted fixtures, showed that:

The LED system resulted in 63% energy savings compared to the halogen system and produced comparable illuminance on the lighted artifacts.

The simple payback for the overall LED system compared to the halogen system was roughly three years. Comparing the LED luminaires one-for-one against the halogen luminaires; however, resulted in paybacks ranging from 5 to 11 years, owing to factors unique to this museum application, such as equipment used to filter the light, maintenance costs, and the effect of the lighting system on the air-conditioning system.

Because the LED luminaires used do not emit energy in the infrared or ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, they are expected to be less detrimental to some museum artifacts.

A free download of the study is available at www.ssl.energy.gov/gatewaydemos_results.html.

This lighting demonstration is one of several that showcase high-performance LED products for general illumination provided by the DOE GATEWAY demonstration program. Visit www.ssl.energy.gov/ gatewaydemos.html.•

ABOVE: A DOE GATEWAY demonstration of LEDs is on display at Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History.

www.architecturalssl.com

SSLBuzz:

o∑Li∑§: SSL i∑t§R±Ctiv§

EMerge Alliance Sustains Growth; Plans to Educate

Feedback Icon:

Big Product News: a seven-year warranty; Kevin on Caliper If you haven’t visited it recently, be sure to check out www.architecturalssl.com/ sslinteractive for some interesting news on product developments.

First, site caretaker and resident SSL guru, Kevin Willmorth, offers some perspective on DOE’s CALiPER program, including the latest Round 11 testing as notes on the opening page of this edition’s installment of Buzz. While he lauds the organization’s efforts, he wonders about its impact, as there are still a number of questionable products being produced. On the other hand, elsewhere, Kevin reports on Lusio’s unheard of seven-year warranty; a cool exterior fixture that literally weaves greenery into the product; and a set of controls and dimmers that are actually helping to simplify the whole SSL process.

For more inspirational reading, peruse the Art of SSL section for a video highlighting a very cool project outside of Madison Square Garden—the latest work by engineer-turned video artist Jim Campbell, a past participant of the ArchLED conference. And for a hybrid of art meeting products, be sure to look at Kevin’s culmination of his 52 luminaires in 52Presented by: weeks project.

Of course, this section of the site is “interactive,” so please send us comments and opinions of your own.

SSL interactive SSL interactive SSL interactive

Feedback Icon:

SSL interactive

Presented by:

SSL interactive

Launched back at GreenBuild in 2008, the EMerge Alliance continues to gather steam. An entity dedicated to promoting the concept of DC to DC power in order to better take advantage of “green technologies,” including solar and wind power, the organization recently announced that it now has 26 DC-to-DC “registered” products that fulfill the group’s 24-volt DC Occupied Spaces Standard criteria. These products, including items from the likes of Armstrong Ceilings, Cooper Lighting, Finelite and Lunera Lighting, deliver on the alliance’s promise of making DC power safe, Presented flexible andby: easy-to-use in occupied rooms. Each product, according to Kevin A. Schader, APR, executive director of the organization, was carefully evaluated for conformance to standards by the California Lighting Technology Center. A similar effort to evaluate and register products for use Presented by: with the group’s pending 380-volt DC data center standard will start next year after that standard is released.

The alliance, once again, exhibited at Greenbuild in Chicago, and continued to draw interest from Presented passersby interested in sustainable solutions. by: According to Brian Patterson EMerge’s chairman, a technology at the forefront of the DC charge is LED lighting, as it’s a natural for operating on low-voltage DC from sources such as solar or wind power.

But another aspect of EMerge, is architectural solutions. For example, a pair of products highlighted at the group’s booth was a new, custom ceiling system from Armstrong fitted with LED luminaires from Lunera for a very clean look.

While actual solutions definitely help create awareness for possibilities of LEDs, Patterson says there’s still a tremendous need for education, and not just about lighting, but about the nature of electronics. LEDs are the perfect example. Most manufacturers typically only guarantee a product for about 10,000 hours. Why? Patterson posits, when the technology is supposed to last for years? “It’s the power converters and power

Integrated: Lunera, working in conjunction with Armstrong ceilings, co-developed an SSL lighting/ceiling system to meet EMerge Alliance DC-to-DC criteria, while creating a clean, architecturally pleasing look.

supplies—they’re the weakness of the system,” says Patterson.

Converting to low-voltage DC to DC systems, however, will avert a lot of these problems because electronics are more reliable in DC-based systems.

Even out of context of DC, both manufacturers and specifiers need to be aware that solidstate lighting products are true systems and that the SSL industry must recognize it’s own weaknesses, address these and then educate the end consumer. Flat-screen LED TVs are a good example. Just like lighting fixtures, Patterson says they should last for years and years and years.

That said, there are electronics issues, and it comes back to the question of power supplies. If everything is integral to the unit, that means the whole unit must be repaired or replaced. A simple solution that EMerge is promoting, says Patterson, is simply locating power supplies external to the unit.

But the more elegant solution here, Patterson argues, is going back to the DC to DC power delivery concept. “AC is just too difficult to work with,” he says. “DC to DC is 99.9% efficient, where as converting DC from AC is only about 60% efficient— People just don’t realize the [power factor] penalty they pay by running AC.”

There’s also a huge maintenance issue right now in switching out LED-powered lighting. Unlike just switching out a light bulb, because AC power systems run at 277 volts, Patterson says, the whole branch circuit has to be shut down to change the faulty power supply. And that’s given that the power supply is external or easily accessible. “We must make the power supplies pluggable.”

Elsewhere, the organization is doing some interesting research exploring the whole notion of switching from batteries to capacitors. •

Presented by:

www.architecturalssl.com

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 11

SSLBuzz:

Innovate & Illuminate LED experience: demo

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As the home of the NFL’s Broncos, Invesco Field rises up on the edge of Denver like a mountain peak, but Invesco’s chief electrician, Chris Hoag, wanted something eye-catching on the west side of the stadium. The east side of the stadium already had fluorescent strip lights and metal halide floods lights, so the intent was to even-out the lighting and add to the aesthetic appeal of the entire building’s façade. Hoag turned to the recommendation of Conserve-A-Watt, the team’s lighting distributor. The organization was interested in trying LEDs as the result of a presentation of the technology they had recently experienced.

The distributor worked with Denver-based American Lighting to implement a new lighting scheme using the company’s RGB LED wall washers.

Beginning with 12 RGB fixtures, programmed to display the team’s colors of blue and orange, the fixtures were installed behind an opaque glass wall on the west side of the stadium. After viewing the new installation, the team decided to add three more wall washers, making the total 15, to brighten the façade even further. The final result on the west side was so well-received, Mile High decided to implement 15 additional American Lighting LED Wall Washers in the same format on the east side of

the field as well. “The new lighting is aesthetically pleasing, and it gives us a much broader range of flexibility in terms of colors and patterns,” said Hoag.

The fixtures can change color with just the touch of a button, allowing the stadium to show support for not only the home team, but other events held in and around the stadium as well. For instance, during the city’s annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the stadium can be “painted pink” to support participants. The rich blue and orange colors for the Broncos can also assume different effects. For example, during a touchdown, Hoag has the option of producing a firecracker effect to draw attention to the building. “Our main goal was to create a visual draw that would involve not only the fans inside of the stadium, but those outside as well. American Lighting’s high performing LED Wall Washers helped us do just that,” said Conserve-A-Watt Lighting Consultant Bernie Cowsert.

In addition to the aesthetic qualities the new lights bring, the newly implemented LEDs contributed to a 72% reduction in energy consumption, with the total wattage being reduced from 5152W to 1440W, as well as more than $5,000 in annual cost savings.•

ABOVE: Not only did the LED lighting produce aesthetic results, the energy-efficient technology was in suit with the Bronco’s recent implementation of Game Plan Green, a program promoting energy efficiency and a clean environment.

Lusio Solid-State Lighting is a registered trademark and division of LightWild.

Copyright © 2011. All rights reserved.

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www.architecturalssl.com 1/21/2011 9:13:19 AM

SSL MAGAZINE STERNBERG half page vertical ad MARCH 2010.qxp

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1/2

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Circle 08

marketanalysis

16 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

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marketanalysis

SOLID-STATE LIGHTING STANDARDS:

By Kevin Willmorth, editor

It's a fine, and sometimes bent, line as to where tougher performance standards for solid-state lighting products cross the threshold of spur for innovation into damper of creativity.

Newton had it right. For every action there is

innovators bring new ideas and magic forward,

an equal and opposite reaction. This law equally

comfortable assumptions, old metrics, and famil-

applies to the dynamics of innovative cycle. For

iarity with established conventions are put at

every positive movement in development of

risk. Some find this inevitable phase of innova-

fixed standards and metrics, there is an oppos-

tion exciting and inspiring—thriving in the free

ing negative effect on freedom of movement. For

space between the unknown and the possible.

solid-state lighting to succeed in general illumi-

Others find the intrusion threatening, pressing

nation a balance between the forces of freedom

for standards to rein in the chaotic intruders and

to create and a demand for restraint must

put them in their place.

be found. On one hand, with no definitions or

standardization, the technology risks free-for-all

for standards as practical need. During the

activity that fails to provide guidance and cred-

deployment of SSL, there has been a fair amount

ibility. However, if walls built of metric bricks

of communication failures, embarrassing miss-

become too tall, innovation can be stopped alto-

statements, unrealistic promises and mutual

gether, made too expensive or troublesome.

disrespect that have created plenty of emotional

During the early phase of any signifi-

backlash. This has been amplified by the intru-

cantly new technology, chaos reigns. While the

sion of PR. The industry, historically, has gener-

Emotions play as much a role in the demand

ally not employed a lot of PR firm-generated noise. With a propensity to spin everything at the highest volume, the increased level of PR currently surrounding SSL has exponentially increased this irritation of intrusion. Lighting The chaos associated with the launch of any disruptive technology inevitably brings about a call for law and order; in the case of SSL, it's standards for performance. But if the construction of standards is not done with balance, it can result in barriers that hinder innovation and development.

www.architecturalssl.com

decision-makers have reacted to this intruding storm with demands for physical proof and verification of seemingly outrageous claims. This uncovered the reality that existing standards were inadequate to the task. SSL presents new

Z

 negotiating the maze

Continued on page 18

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 17

marketanalysis

characteristics that conventional verification procedures failed to quantify accurately. The demand for new standards, and compliance with them, has emerged to fill missing standards gaps, and to reign in the free-for-all that LED marketing was becoming. The composite result has product innovators facing a gauntlet of testing and verification, and an overly cynical customer base.

With the prospect of customer demands

for unrealistic performance based on PR hype, tougher test standards, slow UL standards progress, new interest in EPA Energy Star compliance, demands for extended warranty periods, and constant discussion of even more standards and metrics on the near horizon—coupled with an already harsh IP (Intellectual Property) landscape—SSL is beginning to look less like an exciting new frontier and more like an obstacle course of metrics walls. The opportunities for small self-financed startups—who have brought many of lighting’s past innovations—is shrinking with each additional brick. The impact? At a time when applied product innovation should be exploding, there is a decided sluggishness of

to widespread application of the technology—to

new and unique applied lighting produce design

save energy.

BE Careful what you wish for

activity. Of course, the slow economy compounds

this by restricting available working capital.

greater influence in prior lighting innovations,

Pam Horner, Osram-Sylvania's director of government and industry relations, spoke recently at IALD's annual conference this past fall in Denver, as part of a panel addressing the state of energy codes and standards. Horner presented a chart demonstrating DOE-mandated phase outs of various products over the next 10 years. While theoretically, more efficient, legislatively mandated products will lead to more efficient spaces, Horner warns that further ratcheting of energy requirements will also limit choice and product prices will rise. Image courtesy of IALD

While romantics might feel design was a

the facts don’t support such feelings. Each new

Energy Metrics Bricks

lighting technology, from electric over gas,

The focus on efficacy standards

fluorescent and HID over incandescent, and

establishes the primary use of the

now LEDs over everything, have been founded

SSL technology as an energy-saving replacement

on rationalizations proved in savings of energy

of incumbent lesser-performing products. The

and maintenance cost. Advancement of lighting

re-dress of color rendering metrics, controls inte-

quality followed, as technologies mature. Based

gration, modularity, life ratings and consistency

on this, the demand for SSL product to perform

are all premised on these being necessary for the

well, and to perform as promised are well-

furtherance of the energy-saving agenda, and

founded demands.

not components of a grander scheme to improve

lighting as a whole. Fueled by the massive pres-

tions, where ultimate energy performance is

ence of the DOE for the first time in lighting—with

less important than other factors, standards

a charter to advance solid-state lighting to save

that push the efficiency envelope provide an

energy, specifically—there is hardly a conversa-

indirect benefit. Since LED component provid-

tion about SSL that does not include discussion

ers must focus on the mass market to realize

of lumens per watt. There are now numerous

realistic returns on their considerable invest-

conferences each year focused specifically on

ment, the core technology will deliver enhanced

advancing SSL to save energy, while the majority

performance, even when it is not necessary. The

of topics at SSL and lighting conferences target

benefit to future products' designs is smaller

the issues of standards, metrics and roadblocks

heat sinks and power supplies, regardless of the

18 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

For those near- and long-term applica-

www.architecturalssl.com

marketanalysis

need to save energy.

to an effective continued deployment of SSL tech-

nology and avoiding some of the failures other

Perhaps the most disturbing imbalance vis-

ible to those looking to SSL to improve lighting as

technologies have suffered from a lack of attend-

a whole are the product categories that now com-

ing to quality details. The eventual replacement

mand the greatest attention—the Edison socket

of the aged CRI metric with a new CQS, or some

replacement lamp, the MR16 and the down-light—

similar standard, is another welcome improve-

bolstered by the threat of advancing energy

ment. The focus on tightening binning variations,

codes, and lamp phase outs. In this, the most

and insistence on improved color uniformity, has

innovative light source ever to reach general illu-

encouraged leading LED technology providers to

mination, is now primarily targeted at replacing

improve performance in positive ways. Standards

tungsten filament, and still screwing into obsolete

that weed out the low-grade products marketed

sockets. Congress and DOE have established this

by predatory marketers are a welcome wall that

game, with a one-for-one light-bulb-replacement

cannot be made too tall or strong.

logic that simultaneously demands phase out of the Edison socket—survives for decades into

Testing & Life Prediction Metric bricks

the future. This is a conventional approach to

Ideally, testing of SSL products

certain bulbs, while insuring their foundation—

would not require additional effort

deploying a new lighting technology, and sets

Innovation

Lusio, a division of LightWild, is stirring things up with the introduction of a new high-bay fixture that not only features superior energy efficiency and precise optics, it comes with a seven-year warranty—an industry first—and is a great example of the quality that can result from tough industry standards. Image courtesy of Lusio

SSL on the path of "evolution," opposed to mean-

or expense over conventional lamps. In reality,

ingful "transformation." Based on the current

SSL presents a higher degree of sensitivity to

mandates, in 15 years, the sockets in place today

heat and power flow, producing greater vari-

will still be in place, filled with gadgets that are

ability from product to product. Fortunately,

made, by mandate, to look like a phased-out obso-

LM79 testing does not require enough hardship

lete technology. This approach and its standards

to be considered a negative. LM80, on the other

only encourage innovation within the light bulb,

hand remains a problem. The time to test a

while ignoring any need to innovate away from

source requires months of testing time, result-

obsolete form factors that impart inefficient use

ing in data of value that is not fully understood.

of light energy. This is the failed historic path of

The lack of a uniform acceptable protocol for

the residential market, and will now be expanded

extrapolating LM80 test results into useable

into retail, food service, hospitality and light com-

life ratings, is frustrating. However, not having

mercial structures.

data is equally problematic, as there has been more than a few cases where package devices,

Quality Metric Bricks

assumed to have long service life, have proved to

Beyond the focus of DOE and utilities

perform poorly. Eventually, the need to accu-

on energy use, there is an encourag-

rately predict product and LED life will resolve

ing growth of investment in establishing useable

with continued standards improvements and

quality metrics. This includes continued work on

test protocol development. This will improve

binning consistencies, lifetime color and lumen

technology overall. There is nothing here that

degradation, flicker mitigation, color render-

limits creative application of SSL. However, the

ing and color standardization. For perhaps the

test process does slow deployment of new LEDs

first time, the impact of lighting on humans is a

somewhat.

topic of real discussion. Issues of biologic impact,

and risk assessment of spectral distributions,

is a frustration to luminaire manufacturers,

modulation effects, dimming behavior and source

while the expansion of available test resources

brilliance are now the focus of numerous com-

to gain Energy Star qualification promises to

mittees and organizations. Many of these quality

improve this program and its deployment. While

concerns are being addressed in the development

there remain areas where measurement of LED

of efficiency standards, producing positive com-

products is lacking, these secondary issues are

bined results. While there are a few bricks being

being resolved at an accelerated pace, present-

created here, they are necessary building blocks

ing little long-term impact on innovation.

The slow pace of UL standards development

www.architecturalssl.com Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 19

marketanalysis

Form Factor Metric Bricks

to be in the near future. Further, while there is

There are several aspects to stan-

some interest in the design community to see

dardization of form factors. At the

standard “lamp” modules, there has been little

source level, there has been little

pressure on manufacturers to provide this as

interest in standardizing LED package devices.

a condition of inclusion, so the overall interest

LED manufacturers are showing little inter-

in this approach is lukewarm. As LEDs become

est in creating or complying with a uniform

more mainstream; applied in a broader range

form factor or footprint. The process here is

of products, this is likely to change, creating

one of evolution that will eventually lead to

greater pressure on standards development.

a consensus standard. The proverbial Edison socket emerged originally from a consensus

The Need for Balance

in use, roughly based on the threads used on a

When the standards and metrics walls around a

small kerosene tin, then later established as a

technology are too high innovation is suffo-

standard. Eventually, this will occur at the pack-

cated. With no standards or performance met-

aged LED device level, as competitive forces and

rics, predatory marketers turn the market into a

expired IP positions move producers away from

free-for-all where sorting good from bad is made

forced proprietary marketing to direct market

impossible by the storm of hype. While stan-

share competitive activity.

dards and metrics do have a throttling effect on

creativity, they can also encourage innovation

There are a few simple LED modules

emerging as a de-facto standard at the board

by providing manufacturers and producers clear

level now. An example of this is the star-board,

performance targets to hit. Somewhere between

once a simple marketing and evaluation tool,

the extremes, there is a balance to be sought.

Energy Star

this has become a de-facto standard format.

So for, the combined efforts of the lighting and

Another is a large format LED array first intro-

technology provider community, coupled with

duced by Bridgelux for its high lumen ES pack-

the power of the EPA and DOE, are building

age. In time, there will be many others, including

solid metric and standards foundations for the

soldering connection points, and other features

technology. While not perfect, and sometimes

Anh Marella, a GE lighting product manager, holds the first production version of the 9-watt Energy Smart LED light bulb. It is the first A-line replacement product to earn Energy Star certification. The bulb is expected to last 22 years. Photo: Timothy Jack Ward

that will allow holders to be made, and standard

too slow, the overall effect is positive. There

optics to be applied, eventually these will be

are certainly areas of disagreement, such as

defined as standards. Otherwise, there has been

the lack of movement in SSL to resolve grander

little real progress in formally standardizing

lighting qualities issues, or retrofit lamp focus

LED package devices or connection points. Until

that enables continuance of obsolete socket

the market determines what formats work best,

architectures. There are certainly instances

this lack of solidity allows innovators the room

where the focus on energy, and standards to

they need to explore.

see that agenda advanced as first priority, limit

the emphasis on creative efforts elsewhere.

In regard to sockets and plug-in modules,

the Zahga consortium is engaged in an effort

However, this is, and has been, the dynamic of

to develop standards, while manufacturers

lighting design and application from its very

continue to develop proprietary approaches. At

beginning. Because of this, while SSL has the

this time, there are no socket formats that have

potential to transform how light is generated

been standardized. Further, populating a light

in the products we use, the impact it will have

module with LEDs often requires unique con-

is being formulated through focus on standards

figurations to accommodate the lack of harmony

and applied metrics, as an evolution toward a

at the device level. There will likely be a fair

more efficient industry as a whole. In time, inno-

number of products and solutions entering the

vations in lighting application will emerge, and

market offering a range of connection methods,

perhaps one day cause a revolution in lighting

LED and optical configurations, and industrial

itself. This too will be supported by the founda-

design approaches to consider. There is nothing

tions being laid through standards and metrics

restricting this exploration, nor is there likely

development being completed now.•

20 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

EdiSon right or wrong?

While energy and color improvements are occurring, an issue in the development of white light SSL products for general illumination is the debate as to whether or not to continue with Edison-based sockets or move on to new connection methods more suited to the solid-state nature of LED technology. Photo courtesy of Sharp

www.architecturalssl.com

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sense and simplicity Circle 09

ARCHITECT’S VIEW

LED for Academia Solid-State Lighting—for general illumination—is becoming more prevalent in educational settings. First cost and the value proposition of existing technologies, however, remain barriers to those not at the vanguard.

By Barbara Horwitz-Bennett, contributing writer

Looking to capitalize on the

entering the market, this equa-

Commercial Indoor Products,

Dept. of Energy’s Commercially

energy savings, reduced mainte-

tion is beginning to change. “LED

Atlanta. Lithonia has had success-

Available LED Product Evaluation

nance and controls compatibility

lighting systems and controls have

ful LED installations at a number

and Reporting (CALiPER) pro-

leveraged by LED lighting, more

made continuous improvements

of universities, including San Diego

gram is helping designers identify

and more academic institutions are

and in certain situations, such as

State, the University of Akron and

exaggerated product claims and

taking the SSL plunge. At the same

presentation or low-light level

Babson College in Wellesley, Mass.

ask the right questions to deter-

time, a number of kinks remain,

environments, maintenance, and

“LEDs generally also improve their

mine if a product is truly a good

limiting a fuller scale adoption

now lower cost from both initial

life expectancy when dimmed to

quality option. “Products do exist

by the educational marketplace.

price and energy consumption, are

lower levels for the same reason.

that meet the performance levels

“Initial cost and maintenance con-

making LED systems and controls

These features create significant

of the traditional technologies in

cerns govern as the main criteria

a top choice,” says Steve Neimeis-

value for university settings.”

light output, dimming range, color

for decision making and we still

ter, lighting designer, EwingCole,

rendering and expected lifetime,”

encounter a hesitation to embark

Irvine, Calif.

need to maintain high quality input

notes Amanda Beebe, LED and

in a full replacement of existing

Additionally, universities

power to prevent lamp flicker in

ballast product manager, Lutron

systems or a complete LED specifi-

have started considering LEDs for

the dimming range and this can

Electronics, Coopersburg, Pa.

cation by our clients,” reports Matt

their high-performance dimming

only be achieved with a high qual-

“However, one must be diligent

Alleman, LC, LEED AP, lighting

features. “Unlike conventional

ity driver and light engine, says

in selecting a product that truly

designer, SmithGroup, Detroit.

light sources, LEDs generally

Ranieri. Of course, the process

represents a replacement.”

“Payback analysis makes it hard to

become more efficacious as they

of determining which products

endorse when balancing the initial

are dimmed to lower levels as a

have truly attained this level of

in that luminaires are now being

investment and its associated risk

by-product of reduced operat-

quality is a challenge in itself. For

custom-developed for LED sources.

assessment.”

ing temperature,” explains Dave

example, responding to the need

Traditionally, conventional lumi-

Ranieri, vice president and gen-

for more reliable, unbiased product

naires have been paired up with

eral manager, Lithonia Lighting

performance information, the U.S.

LEDs, but this has compromised

However, with more advanced

and sophisticated SSL products

22 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

An important caveat is the

Elsewhere, there’s good news

www.architecturalssl.com

San Diego State University, San Diego, Calif.

above & Below:

A total of 110 ambient and downlight LED sources, along with an Acuity controls system, illuminate San Diego State University’s new 215-seat lecture hall.

RTLED from Lithonia is a volumetric, recessed luminaire delivering uniform ambient white light with high color rendering and full range dimming.

Photos: Lithonia Lighting

www.architecturalssl.com

brightness control, light distribu-

Energy and Environment Division

tion and color. But now that manu-

in Portland, observes that LED is

factures are fine-tuning the optical,

good in her mind for task light-

thermal and mechanical design of

ing, and perhaps for white board

luminaires, this has proven to boost

or chalkboard lighting, but “there

lighting quality, says Ranieri.

are few LED products for general lighting that control light distribu-

Still Needs Work

tion appropriately, use energy more

While the pros for SSL lighting are

efficiently than linear fluorescent

increasing, there are still a number

T5 and T8 lamps and are affordable

of areas which require develop-

for classrooms at this point in time.”

ment. For example, at this point

in time, LEDs have yet to become

ham Mor, IALD, LEED AP, IESNA,

competitive with fluorescent lamp-

Lightswitch Architectural, Chicago,

ing and dimming ballasts in multi-

points out that a number of major

function direct/indirect areas and

lamp manufacturers recently

spaces requiring high light levels

extended the estimated lamp life

for reading and writing, says Ewing

for 4-ft. T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps

Cole’s Neimeister.

to 55,000 hours. In a one-for-one

comparison, at least right now,

Not shy in her criticism of

As a matter of fact, Avra-

SSL’s flaws, lighting designer Naomi

Beebe agrees that LEDs are not yet

Miller, FIES, FIALD, LC, now a senior

competitive with 2 ft. × 2 ft. and 2 ft.

lighting engineer with Pacific

× 4 ft. fluorescent fixtures. “While

Northwest National Laboratory’s

many manufacturers are designing

SSL in San Diego Executing its first major LED lighting project with flair, San Diego State University, which has grown to become a national research entity, recently installed more than 100 LED fixtures and a controls system in its new 215-seat lecture hall.

“LEDs are being used effectively in other industries and markets, and I was confident in the technology,” reports SDSU Architect Jeffrey Herr.

Similarly, Dr. James Frazee, director of SDSU’s instructional technology services, who gets directly involved in campus construction projects from a facilitated learning perspective, was also an advocate of LED for this project. Frazee was interested in bringing some warmth to the space, in absence of natural light, and also wanted a simplified controls system for user-friendly faculty use.

University officials pursued a solution from Lithonia Lighting, employing their RTLED volumetric lighting products.

Specifically, 80 RTLEDs were installed for general ambient lighting and 30 of the company’s DOM8 LEDs were installed for downlighting along with the controls for dimming.

Frazee was impressed with the elegance of the systems.

“The Acuity Brands controls which simplified the complicated light systems that previously had up to 12 switches in some classrooms. The new lighting system only requires four switches,” he explains.

So pleased with the quality of lighting, the university has begun collecting data on the energy, maintenance and sustainability benefits of the LED installation. In addition, Herr anticipates strongly considering LED for upcoming projects.

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 23

Owen Hall at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.

above + below:

Selected for their small size, narrow grazing optic and the fact that they could be concealed within a very minimal architectural reveal, SmithGroup chose Cooper Lighting’s iO Line 2.0 linear LED fixture for the interior design of Michigan State University’s Owen Hall. The consistency of light, fixture to fixture, was critical in this application to reinforce the architectural “path” concept for the space and produce the desired continuous linear character of light on the ceiling plane.

LED tubes to replace the fluores-

“managing the tension, as opposed

within a fixture’s housing, which

cent lamps and others are designing

to solving it.” For instance, for

eliminates the issue of figuring out

entire 2 ft. × 2 ft. tiles to replace the

global video conference videos,

where to bank the remote power

fluorescent fixture, they have yet to

he says glare can be mitigated if

supplies. However, according to

reliably produce the same amount

fixture and camera placement is

Alleman, “the compatibility between

of light at the same efficiency with

carefully coordinated.

driver, LED and fixture housing still

the same lifetime and controllability

needs to be better developed indus-

as the high-performance fluores-

Driver and LED Compatibility

try wide, particularly with regard to

cent systems.”

While the issue of compatibility

providing field replaceable drivers

issues between the power supplies

and LED boards.”

Group’s Alleman, is glare. Skeptical

or drivers and the LED system

as to whether this can ever be fully

continues to improve, it’s still

developments along these lines,

solved, the lighting designer sug-

something to be wary. For example,

and he certainly believes SSL

gests it may be more a matter of

the latest trend is to include drivers

manufacturers have gained trust

Yet another issue, says Smith-

24 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

Neimeister has seen positive

www.architecturalssl.com

ARCHITECT’S VIEW

University of Akron, Akron, Ohio

in this realm. Still, he sees the need for some form of oversight to ensure that controls, luminaires, power supplies and drivers are not switched out during value engineering processes as these systems are being developed.

To ensure compatibility, Beebe

says specifiers should consider the following:

• The control system and

driver must utilize the same dimming technology including forward phase control, reverse phase control, zero-10 volts, etc.

• The driver must meet the

appropriate control standard if one exists, for example, IEC 60929 for zero-10 volts and DALI control.

• Select drivers and controls

from the same manufacturer to

above:

As part of its green initiatives the University of Akron considered LED lighting as part of a number of energy conservation projects in its Multiplex residence hall. Lighting consultant Jack Duffy & Assocs., selected Lithonia’s RTLED volumetric luminaires due to their architectural look, ability to meet the installation demands of the LED conversion process, quality of light and brand reputation. According to university vice president of capital planning and facilities management, Ted Curtis, the ambient lighting delivers a crisper lighting effect and he’s comforted knowing “he’s spending fewer dollars for better lighting.” Photo: Lithonia

ensure a tested and compatible solution, and to have one point of contact for any problems.

• Look for control recommen-

dations for specific products, such

Babson College, Babson Park, Mass.

Babson College Discouraged by color temperature issues and fixture dimensions, Babson College in Wellesley, Mass never considered SSL lighting until a new LED volumetric lighting product came to the market. “We were immediately pleased with the color temperature and controllability of Lithonia Lighting’s RTLED systems,” reports Shelley Kaplan, associate vice president of the Wellesley, Mass. college. “This was the first system we evaluated that had the ability to replace our T8 fluorescents and truly deliver on the promise of LEDs.”

Following suit, two new 2,760-sq.-ft. classrooms were each recently outfitted with 24 RTLED fixtures.

www.architecturalssl.com

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 25

A Good Fit White LED lighting proved to be a great solution for the operators of the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center at Happy Hands in Broken Arrow, Okla. The school, specifically designed for hearing-impaired children, faced a unique issue when it came to lighting: typical fluorescent sources generated harmonic distortion and interfered with the students’ hearing aids.

The project’s architects, Thalden, Boyd, Emery Architects, Tulsa, worked with a local lighting distributor, Broken Arrow Electric Supply, to come up with alternatives. According to Steve Barrett, the company’s quotations manager, they explored a number of options and settled on LEDs, principally three fixtures: the IC 22 white 6-in. recessed downlight from Juno, a 2 x 4 troffer-style LED from Albeo, and mostly, Albeo’s suspended C-Series LED high bay linear fixtures.

The Juno fixtures, says Barrett, are fully dimmable, and were used to illuminate the hallways and office areas. In the classrooms, which featured sloping ceilings, height was an issue, and they went with Albeo’s linear solution. “The product was a godsend,” says Barrett. That said, the supplier didn’t just jump at the technology without doing its homework. The team visited the manufacturer to see the facility, their inventory and quality control measures.

“These guys are for real.

They’ve got a product that offers quality light, sustainable features and a good warranty.

We also wanted a single point of contact and someone who would accept responsibility for the job, and they did.”

26 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

as drivers or lamps, from control

are also a popular feature. “Special

manufacturers or the driver/lamp

effects via controls are becoming

above:

manufacturer.

more practical and cost-effective,”

says Ranieri. “Color changing

Thomas Jefferson Primary School in Peoria, Ill., was in the process of undergoing a major renovation as the result of a fire. With direction from the board of education, the school pursued LED lighting to replace its existing and outdated T12 fluorescent illumination.

They chose dimmable linear T8-style fixtures from Albeo Technologies which offered a low-energy, low maintenance solution. According to Brian Snyder, an electrical engineer at St. Louis-based Farnsworth Group, the project’s lighting designer, the product stood up to his investigations. “Albeo had the LM79 testing, the documentation, the warranty and form factor we needed,” says Snyder.

“They impressed me with their technical depth and design support.”

Overall, Beebe believes that

manufacturers need to be more

effects and intense saturated color

transparent about compatibility

of LEDs are being used to create

and performance. “‘Dimmable’

dynamic decorative effects [in

doesn’t help anyone, ‘dimmable

university settings].”

on zero-10-volts controls to a 5%

light level,’ does.”

sconces as another niche for SSL

Miller sees attractive wall

since their purpose is decorative, Put the Accent in the Right Place

as opposed to providing useful

Another popular LED application

light, so it’s best if the sconces use

for schools and universities is

as little energy as possible.

decorative and accent lighting. As

small point sources, they can easily

definitely increasing for LED in

be manipulated into more creative

academia spaces, Mor is still skepti-

applications than traditional light-

cal as to how quickly the technology

ing. Coupled with energy efficiency,

will be accepted. “Too many people

LEDs enable universities to display

see lighting as a commodity, so

artwork and to be creative in their

until that changes, the conversion

lighting design, while still staying

to LED is going to be tough. The

within the constraints of energy

whole metric of how these products

codes and reducing their energy

are designed, specified, purchased

bills,” says Beebe. In addition to

and installed has to change in the

coves, displays and backlit applica-

university setting and that’s asking

tions, LED’s color-changing effects

a lot of many people.”•

While opportunities are

Photo: Albeo Technologies

www.architecturalssl.com

Circle 10

F§±TUR§D PRoj§Ct

Chandler City Hall, Chandler, Ariz.

Chandler City Hall Chandler City Hall, Chandler, Ariz.

Owner: City of Chandler Architect: The SmithGroup, Phoenix Lighting Design: The SmithGroup, Detroit LED product manufacturers: Phillips ColorKinetics, Lutron Text: Jim Crockett Photography: Bill Timmerman

The Challenge: The City of Chandler, Ariz., is representative of the new West: Rooted in its 19th-Century ranch history, and certainly geology, it also enjoys its role as being an active part of the 21st-Century.

As the host of Intel and other high-tech companies, the city, in envisioning its new city center complex, desired a structure that demonstrated this commitment to the now without abandoning its past.

The SmithGroup was brought in for architectural services, including architectural lighting. Much of the multipurpose facility would be clad in stone to reflect the natural terrain, but the architects, in trying to capture this Old West/New West dichotomy particularly wished to distinguish the city council chamber area with a more modern look, perhaps including some kind of luminous element. The team also wanted a nighttime aspect to the building’s signature art piece, a flexible metal scrim at the building’s entrance created by artist Ned Kahn.

The Solution: The team consulted its Detroit-based lighting group, led by Principal Jeff Gerwing, and together, came up with novel solutions for both desires. The fully enclosed, 30-ft.-tall chamber would end up being clad with milky, translucent glass panels that were given that luminous feel by backlighting said panels with a series of carefully placed white

28 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

4000K LED fixtures. Gerwing also came up with an intriguing notion to illuminate the art element, a series of independent, perforated stainlesssteel screens that undulate in the wind creating various ripples effects along the scrim as the sun reflects off the metal. Rather than just fire up some floodlights, Gerwing was inspired by the old/new undercur-

www.architecturalssl.com

LED outlook Maturing

An example of the evolving maturity of SSL, the new Chandler City Hall, by the SmithGroup, employs LEDs logically, as light sources— both color and white—to provide definitive solutions to highlight the building’s architecture.

rent running throughout the project, as well as the movement Kahn’s sculpture generates during the day. To further execute this dichotomy, he placed powerful and fully saturated linear LED fixtures of blue and amber at the top and bottom of the scrim respectively. Not only do the hues gel visually, they also match metaphorically with the blues drawing

www.architecturalssl.com

Over the past eight years, the SmithGroup has been a fairly aggressive adopter of LED technology in many of its projects across the country, even the globe. Over the course of this period, one of its principle champions, principal Jeff Gerwing, is glad to see the technology begin to come into its own as a legitimate solution rather than a showy spectacle.

“Some owners, in the excitement of a new technology, just want LED and it’s a bit scary in making such a decision without really knowing what’s involved,” says Gerwing. At the same time, he says more owners are interested in doing what’s right, rather than just what’s the least expensive. On the Chandler City Hall project, the “easy” out was to simply floodlight the scrim. An advantage of being an integrated firm, according to Gerwing, is that the lighting group had a real opportunity to have input to really accentuate the architecture.

After developing the concept and accompanying renderings, Gerwing says the architectural team “got really excited.” And beyond the visual aspect, the use of LED in this case also was in tune with other goals of the project, which included sustainable solutions, including Dark Sky provisions. “LED is a very long life source and was a very energy efficient way to backlight such an expansive wall.”

Maintenance and operational issues are also a “huge” area where LEDs are making strides, particularly given there’s not a lot of space in the chamber and the glass shroud. “This was big sell [for LED].”

upon the association of the color with high-tech manufacturing, and the ambers reflecting the desert and the colors of dusk. The colors also engage and enhance the movement of the sculpture, creating natural color changing on the scrim, as the blues and ambers mix. “When I finished aiming the lights, the city project manager was clapping,” says Gerwing.

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 29

Controls The big idea on the scrim (opposite) was to let nature do her thing in mixing the colors and their intensity.

For example, through the mock up the designers discovered that if the wind blew from the back, it tended to highlight the amber more, whereas if the panels tilt forward, the blue is more prominent. A strong gust of wind creates the ripple effect, which also changes the color complexion.

Controls were incorporated, but only to dim one side or the other to achieve proper balancing.

Old Trick Bag with a Twist In contemplating color and color mixing, Gerwing returned to his theatrical lighting background, and turned to the idea of specifically mixing pure blues and ambers. In this case blue would emit from the top, and amber from the bottom with the lighting mixing in the middle. Here’s where LED came to bear. Gerwing desired sources that would be both powerful and that could deliver very saturated light as they’d have to throw that light 50 or 60 ft. Furthermore, he wanted that mingling of color in the middle to be distinct. Metal halide was considered, but the fixtures would be too chunky and detract from the sculpture. Also, he wanted a tighter optical pattern—LEDs became the obvious choice, but there was not an obvious product.

At the time, most of the linear SSL fixtures available were RGB and simply did not have the punch Gerwing wanted. Having a relationship with ColorKinetics that dated back to his first extensive SSL project at Detroit Airport’s McNamara Terminal tunnel, Gerwing approached the manufacturer about developing a product similar to their eWBlast Powercore floodlight, but just blue or amber. The company was eager to comply, perhaps even “saying yes before they should have,” jokes Gerwing, as it was a complicated adaptation.

30 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

The Chamber (right) On the opposite end of the spectrum, SmithGroup employed white LED lighting to create a very different, but visually stunning effect.

The chamber, really a concrete box, was clad in “glowing” translucent glass panels. It, however, is not a curtain wall, but a standalone architectural element that shrouds the hall to highlight its importance. “How do you make a 30-ft.-wall luminous?” posits Gerwing. “A lot of backlighting, of course.” The key was uniformity.

Some 28 eW Blast Powercore fixtures were used to cover the 30-ft. spans with one fixture per glass panel on 5-ft. centers. But complicating matters was the fact that the shroud intersects with the building in the form of a vestibule on the courtyard side of the complex. Here, nearly 100 ew Graze fixtures were employed to get the distribution needed.

Deciding factors for LED, according to Gerwing, included its tight beam, long life and size.

www.architecturalssl.com

Prove it

perfect via practice The team created various mock-ups, running the whole process though artist Ned Kahn, to make sure the effect would be appropriate for the unique art piece. The mock-up testing not only included color penetration on the scrim, but also involved angling sections of the panels forward and back to see how the scrim would react to wind, as well as physically rumpling long sheets of the material to see how larger sections of the sculpture would look under moving conditions (above).

www.architecturalssl.com

Beyond getting Color Kinetics to re-engineer the white-light fixture to a single color, the team also had to prove the concept would work.

Gerwing noted a particular difficulty was that the scrim’s panels are perforated and stainless steel, so there was concern about the light reflecting or passing through the panels without effectively lighting them.

The team created various mockups, running the whole process though artist Kahn, to make sure the effect would be appropriate for the unique art piece. The mock-up testing not only included color penetration on the scrim, but also involved angling sections of the panels forward and back to see how the scrim would react to wind, as well as physically rumpling long sheets of the material to see how larger sections of the sculpture would look under moving conditions (below, left).

Satisfied, the team turned to the next challenge: unobtrusively mounting the 12-in. fixtures, 15 each, onto the top and bottom of the scrim. The solution was a 6-in. tray (left) that conceals the fixtures and leaves a clean line during the day. Then there was the wait, as the custom fixtures took longer to produce than expected. “It was a tight time crunch for getting the lights to the site. It came right down to the wire.”

Was it worth it? Gerwing relays a story. While back at the site this past December to do some final aiming, he had turned off the lights temporarily. During this process he was approached by a policeman who was concerned.

He noted to Gerwing that he had told his family about the sculpture and wanted to bring them down to show them, but was worried the lighting had gone away.

“Those are the biggest rewards,” says Gerwing. “That and knowing that your client feels confident in that they did the right thing.”•

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 31

Circle 11

SSLprofile: ‘24’-inspired office Pulls off austere but dramatic look with LEDs The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Kansas City, Mo.

By Craig DiLouie, contributing writer

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), is one of 39 independent BCBS companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for nearly 98 million members. The Kansas City plan’s information systems center, designed by architects Bell/Knott & Assocs. and M/E/P firm Gibbens Drake Scott Inc., and built in 1993, became slated for renovation in 2009. When Blue KC requested that the interior space have the feel of the high-tech HQ spaces in the TV series ‘24,’ Bell/Knott engaged Yarnell Assocs., Architectural Lighting Design to help emulate some of the visual effects on the show using architectural lighting design. According to Komal Hatti, architect for Bell/Knott & Assocs., Kevin Sparks and Jeff Shipley with Blue KC were bold in their design decisions. Without their insistence on creating a “masculine, austere and elegant” space, she says the interiors would have resembled most typical office spaces. “Lighting effects and choices were to assist in attaining the goals and help to reinforce this overall simple aesthetic,” says Hatti.

High contrast with dark backgrounds, blue/

white general illumination and bold lighting on wall graphics were recognized as part of the desired feel of the TV show. The solution was LED. In fact, all of the main open office and corridor lighting utilizes solid-state lighting as the light source, from downlights, task lighting and wall

modern: Cooper’s RSA PROfile track lighting provided good CRI and smooth-edged beams of light in the

washing in the office spaces, to track lighting and

corridors to accent wall-mounted artwork. According to lighting designer Bruce Yarnell, the track, which was customized to make the system appear taller, was especially important as the fixture heads are very modern looking and the light source assisted with this aesthetic. Calculate downlights were used over the work areas.

decorative luminous panels in the corridors.

Images: Chris Crum/Mark McDonald Photography

www.architecturalssl.com

“We were trying for an aesthetic where the

lighting was definitely not linear fluorescent,” says Bruce Yarnell, principal lighting designer for Yarnell Assocs. “LED sources were chosen

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 33

SSLprofile:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of kansas city

The Challenge: Create a lighting design that would emulate the high-tech feel of the headquarters spaces in the TV show ‘24.’

A

The solution: The lighting design team went high-tech with a variety of SSL sources across the board to deliver an austere, but dramatic space.

B

accent wall LightWild 12-in. × 12-in. LED panels create an interesting accent wall opposite to the conference room.

Yarnell finds that LED is a very good source not only for the future, but now. “Except for some first cost issues and with the caution that there are problems with some vendors and products, I would encourage architects to investigate the use of LED products through qualified professionals who have some experience in the use of LEDs,” he says.

proJEct credits:

Project: Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan’s Information Systems Center Renovation Location: Kansas City, Mo. Owner: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City.

Architect: Bell/Knott & Assocs. Corporate Architects, PC Lighting Designer: Yarnell Assocs.

Electrical Engineer: Gibbens Drake Scott Inc. General Contractor: J.E. Dunn Electrical Contractor: Shaw Electric LED Manufacturers: Cooper Lighting, IO Lighting, Lightolier, LightWild

A Cooper Lighting’s Halo/RSA Profile track system was used in the hallway. wwwcooperlighting.com.

Circle 290.

B LightWild’s Cool White Lumenpower Lites illuminate the glass wall opposite the veneer wall, which also was illuminated with LightWild 12- x 12-in.

LED panels. www.lightwild.com. Circle 289.

because they were sympathetic to the spirit of

developed for A-type incandescent lamps, made

to add a false vertical piece to have the track

the project being modern, crisp and efficient, and

the transformation to fluorescent and now LED.

appear larger and stronger.

a bit on the edgy side. They also provide good

But the basic design, he says, has always been an

efficiency, excellent maintenance features and

excellent way to control glare and distribute the

room wall features a regular array of 12-in.

reasonable first cost opportunities.”

light in the desired downward pattern.

× 12-in. internally illuminated LED panels by

LightWild. “This solution was in a square board

The LED technology used on the project,

In the conference room, IO Lighting’s LED

The veneer wall opposite the conference

according to Jon Brolhorst, electrical/lighting

Line 1.5 units provide wall grazing while Light-

pattern with LED lights visible in a 2-in. × 2-in.

designer for Gibbens Drake Scott, was key in

Wild’s Cool White Lumenpower Lite illuminates

grid,” Yarnell explains. “We found that the cor-

creating the cooler, high-contrast “24” feel, but

the glass wall. For the latter application, LED

rect acrylic would allow a hint of vision of this

furthermore, he noted it brought energy effi-

lighting proved especially valuable for its long

grid, which aided in the depth of the effect and

ciency, longevity and low maintenance.

service life, as accessibility to the equipment

indicated that there is something more interest-

would be difficult.

ing than normal fluorescent backlighting.”

from a series of recessed Lightolier Calculite

LED downlights, with LED task lighting used at

track lighting by Cooper Lighting—with the

cient with a power density of 0.78 watts/sq. ft.

the guest office desks. The downlights, specified

track customized to make the system appear

The $1.6 million renovation for the 9,000-sq.-ft.

at a cool 4000K, provide strong contrasts, giving

taller—provide good-color-rendering accent

space, featuring its $150,000 LED lighting sys-

the space a bolder feel and look consistent with

lighting on the walls with smooth-edged beams

tem, was completed this past Fall. Thanks to the

“24.” “We looked at five different manufactur-

of light. “The track lighting was especially

predominant use of directional point sources,

ers for their versions of the LED downlight and

important as the fixture heads are very modern

the lighting is bold and sharp.

made a specification decision based on look,

looking and the light source assisted with this

performance, glare control—40-degree cutoff

aesthetic,” says Yarnell.

employ state-of-the-art light sources,” Yarnell

angle to the source—and cost,” Yarnell recalls.

says. “I think through careful review of options,

had limited track options, which tended to be

calculations and visual mock ups, the job came

solutions using remote phosphor technology

thin in profile. Because they wanted the track to

out in a very positive light. The spaces look very

in the classic parabolic reflector downlight. He

be a bold leading line connecting all of the open

close to the intended design. The renderings

notes that the reflector downlight was originally

area spaces, he worked with the manufacturer

look like photos and vice versa.”•

The main space receives general lighting

Yarnell has been impressed by fixture

34 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

In the corridors, Halo and RSA PROfile

The selected manufacturer, Yarnell notes,

The lighting is long lasting and energy effi-

“The project was a unique opportunity to

www.architecturalssl.com

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SSLprofile: Boston Grocer Pushes the Green Envelope with Smart Lighting Chestnut Hill Star Market Boston, Mass.

By Jim Crockett

The Chestnut Hill Star Market in Newton, Mass., a Boston suburb, is one of the nearly 200 stores in the Shaw’s/Star Market chain and a key member of the more than 2,200 grocery outlets in the Supervalu family. Targeted as a test lab for energy-efficient technologies that Supervalu hopes to use in other stores, the Chestnut Hill operation has become a model of sustainability, thanks in part to high-performance LED systems borrowing techniques from proven ceiling lighting technology.

Until recently Star Market’s Chestnut Hill

store, which comprises about 35,000 sq. ft. of selling space, was illuminated by conventional incandescent and fluorescent lights. Today, it is one of the first grocery stores to be entirely lit with solid-state lighting. In combination with other sustainability actions, including the use of fuel cell electricity and glycol/carbon dioxide refrigeration, the store also became the first to receive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s GreenChill Partnership platinum award.

Such initiatives shouldn’t be surprising,

according to Jeanne von Zastrow, senior director of industry relations and sustainability at the Food Marketing Institute. She says supermarkets nationwide are incorporating technology to cut costs and save energy, in part, to reduce the risk of more government regulation on energy consumption, but also to satisfy environmentally

top: Star Market, in creating a prototype “green” store, wanted greater energy efficiency, but also quality

conscious customers and employees.

lighting with a high CRI. bottom: The chain implemented Lithonia’s RTLED volumetric luminaires which have a CRI of 85+, have helped create the contrast the store desired, and as much as 50% energy savings over conventional lighting.

Images: Lithonia

www.architecturalssl.com

“Sustainability needs to be embedded in

every single part of a company and in every single part of a person’s job responsibility,’’ von Zastrow said. The challenge, she added, is “how to get the message from the CEO down to the bagger.’’

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 37

SSLprofile:

chestnut hill star market, Boston

The Challenge: Intelligently meet the store’s goal to be a green operation with lighting that is not only energy efficient, but of high quality that still meets the needs of retail facilities, including high CRI and good contrast to showcase products.

The solution: Grocery operator Star Market, turned to Lithonia and it’s new volumetric LED solution to provide the right general ambient background to help support accent and track lighting efforts.

The company turned to Lithonia Lighting

and its RTLEDs. The luminaires, which borrow many of the principles of the company’s popular 2 × 2 RT5 T-5 volumetric fixtures, have a 50,000hour rated system life without having to change lamps or ballasts and are projected to last as long as 10 years, compared to conventional lighting that generally lasts between eight to 18 months.

According to Dave Ranieri, vice president,

general manager Lithonia Lighting, Commercial Indoor, who presented the project as case study

an absence of glare; and finally, good contrast

at the most recent ArchLED conference, the store

on the merchandise, as he said non-uniformity

features four layers of illumination: General

enhances the visual experience.

ambient—volumetric and recessed downlighting;

feature lighting—track; perimeter cove lighting;

Supervalu’s director of engineering, Holly Angell,

and accent lighting. Ambient lighting is dimmed

the store uses half as many sources as they

back to 66%, keeping the layers “in balance.” The

did with conventional lighting, resulting in an

resulting aggregate, he said, is a uniform power

estimated reduction in energy use of 50% to 65%

density of 1.1 watts per sq. ft.—certainly within

due to the efficiency of the LEDs.

the store’s target of 1.4 watts per sq. ft. Other

project goals, according to Ranieri, included the

with Shaw’s/Star Market, is pumped. “We are the

store becoming a model for sustainable design.

only supermarket in the country that has all LED

To that end, he said energy-efficient LED lighting

lighting on the sales floor. That’s all of the cases,

was employed throughout; refrigerant use was

all of the lights on the ceilings, right down to

reduced by at least 50%, and the facility uses a

the fixtures and the soda machines on the sales

400kW fuel cell to power the 54,000 sq. ft. store.

floors. All LED lighting,” said Mahtesian.

As far as performance/maintenance objec-

How did the design stack up? According to

Ken Mahtesian, senior project manager

Drusilla Hufford, director of the federal

tives, the design reduced target lighting levels to

Environmental Protection Agency’s strato-

35 avg. mfc horizontal, and 25 avg. mfc vertical.

spheric protection division, pointed to Star

On the quality side, Ranieri noted the goal was

Market as a model business. “This store sets a

superior visual merchandising in an inviting,

new standard for environmental responsibility

comfortable environment. From a performance

for others in the industry to work to match.’’

perspective, the goal was superior system effi-

ciency, reduced maintenance, and a color render-

Market, concurred, “We’re extremely excited and

ing at or over 85 with good color temperature;

we’re proud of this store.”•

38 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

Mike Witynski, president of Shaw’s and Star

above:

Recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the store is the first to receive the organization’s GreenChill Partnership platinum award, in part, thanks to 50% to 65% energy savings the store now accrues from its switch from conventional to all-LED lighting. Photos: Lithonia

www.architecturalssl.com

Architectural SSL magazine announces the first annual Product Innovation Awards competition, recognizing outstanding products and product developments relating to solid-state lighting.

Products—both luminaires and components—and products as applied in projects, will be reviewed by the editorial staff and a panel of judges in a two-part process to identify finalists. Products submitted in the main

categories—luminaires; components; and applications—will also be eligible for a number of special citations issued by the magazine. Turn to the pages of Architectural SSL for the award winners as they’re unveiled.

PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARDS • 2011

Introducing the 2011 Product Innovation Awards

Turn Here as We Unveil the Winners Award winners and finalists will be honored in a special report published in a new annual Spring edition of Architectural SSL magazine. Learn about the SSL products that are distinguishing themselves from the rest.

Publishing in March 2011

Award Categories Luminaire Awards Including categories for downlights, linear, floodlights, landscape, bollards, wall packs and rail, track lighting, street, area lighting, parking, and decorative and pendant Component Awards Categories include: best new light source in SSL—LED; best new light source in SSL—OLED; best new component, driver, or power supply; and best new OEM component.

Application Awards Categories include: most innovative use of SSL; most beautiful use of color in SSL; most beautiful use of white light SSL; best renovation project using SSL; most impactful application; and most energy efficient application.

Plus several special ‘Market Leadership’ awards honoring some of the industry’s top brands.

Presented by:

the White pages

By Kevin Willmorth

Tools & Take-Aways for Evaluating SSL Samples Invest in a Multi-Meter, Light Meter and a Spectroradiometer The introduction of SSL technology creates some intriguing prob-

Chart such as the 24 color product from GretagMacbeth, available from

lems. First, many of the quick appraisals that have become the main

photographic suppliers for under $50. This simple tool can be used

stay of conventional comparison, simply don’t apply well to LED

for viewing a range of standard colors under a sample light source.

products. LED products take a few hours to reach actual operating

This will not provide exact CCT information, but it does provide some

temperature, while the color of LED light is different in character

insight into how well a source is rendering color.

from conventional sources.

There are three key tools necessary for evaluating SSL products.

Simple Methods

The first is a multi-meter with an ammeter and a temperature probe.

The first step in testing an LED product sample is to get it up to tem-

These can be found for under $100, with the surface temperature

perature. Using the multi-meter with the temperature probe attached,

probe for roughly $40. On-line test instrument resources like www.

measure a point on the heat sink nearest the LED array cold, then again

tequipment.net carry a wide range of products. Look for a meter that

periodically (every 15 minutes or so) as the fixture warms up. At the

measures true RMS power (watts), temperature in both Fahrenheit

same time, set up a point to take a light measurement from that can

and Celcius, as well as standard DC and AC voltage. With a little prac-

be accurately repeated and take a light meter reading. Ideally, leave

tice, simple meters can read power used, and the temperature of the

the product running at room temperature for a minimum of 2 hours,

surface of heat sinks. Further, a multi-meter is a great device for sort-

periodically checking both light output and temperature at the previous

ing out positive from negative, and checking power supply voltage

points. Don’t be surprised if it takes some fixtures more than 3 hours to

before it is plugged into a product. For power measurement alone,

reach their stabile temperature and light output. In this process, take

there are also simple plug-in devices that will deliver watt, volt, KWh,

notes on light output and temperature, noting the change in both. If

amp, and power factor readings. A popular range is offered by Kill A

the light output continues to drop after the temperature has stabilized,

Watt, in single to multi-outlet configurations, available from $30 to

continue to observe its operation until light output stops moving.

$90 from many retail and on-line sources.

stabilize, the fixture has reached its operating equilibrium. At this time

The second important tool is a quality light meter. Due to differ-

When the meter readings for both light level and temperature

ences in the spectral power distribution of LEDs, typical economy light

appraisal of color and general light output can be made with some

meters will produce erroneous results, fluctuating readings, or incon-

degree of accuracy and measuring the amount of power consumed can

sistency from reading to reading. To solve this, Amprobe now offers an

be tested using the multi-meter.

affordable (under $100) #LM-200LED meter that is designed to produce

accurate meter readings of LED light sources—also available from

erence source for comparison. For example, a halogen lamp provides

Tequipment. For those looking for a more fully featured meter, the

a good 3000K reference, while a high CRI fluorescent might be used for

Minolta T-10 series of meters work very well with LED sources.

4100K and 5000K. Moving the color card between the two sources, or

setting up a viewing box with two cards, one under the reference and

Measurement of color information (CCT) or CRI data, requires

The best approach for using a color card is to have a desirable ref-

a third tool, a color meter, or spectroradiometer. While it’s tempting

one under the subject product, will provide a reasonable idea of how

to use photographers equipment, which can be acquired on eBay for

well a source is performing. Use of a spectroradiometer, or color meter,

less than $400, these devices are balanced for film and digital imaging,

can be used to replace or supplement the color chart evaluation.

and not CIE luminous spectral efficiency, so results are not accurate for general illumination. To capture CCT requires a meter designed

Measurement Errors

for the purpose, such as the Milolta CL200, costing roughly $2,700. To

One thing to be careful of is the fact that light sources that modulate,

capture CRI information, one of the most versatile meters is the Orb

such as DC LEDs operated from simple switching power supplies, or

Optronix SP-100, which connects to a PC using proprietary software,

PWM dimmed, AC line voltage—and AC low voltage LED products—gen-

which measures/calculates CCT, chromaticity, spectral distribution,

erate several errors in measuring power and light output. Modulation

luminance, illuminance, irradiance, radiance, and CRI. These tools

confuses light meter processors, resulting in wildly fluctuating read-

cost around $9,000, but for anyone doing a lot of testing where color

ings. Further, power measurements may also show results that are

information is critical, it's worth the cost.

obviously not correct. When this occurs, there is little that can be done

to correct the error, without involving the purchase of more sophisti-

For those who are unable to rationalize the cost of a full color

meter, there is a subjective test method that employs a Color Rendition

40 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

cated equipment.•

www.architecturalssl.com

the White pages

By Kevin Willmorth, contributing writer

Creating Fair Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Evaluations Many Factors Must be Calculated Including Maintenance In an effort to evaluate ROI for energy saving expenses, simple

energy saving calculations are often used to evaluate the savings

However, the cost is never “$0.00.” In addition to the cost of replace-

of a new system vs. an incumbent product. As is the case with most

ment lamps are the time and effort behind acquiring the lamp, and

overly-simplistic approaches, the results are inaccurate and mislead-

receiving it, in addition to inventory costs, then installation labor.

ing. Operation of lighting systems includes maintenance, and eventual

Further, replacing a lamp may require the use of tools and/or ladders,

replacement of luminaires. Further, lighting creates heat, which must

which must be found and moved to the fixture being serviced.

be accounted for by air conditioning systems.

performance between systems. Attempting to compare a premium LED

While the concept of demanding a replacement system to pay for

• The cost of re-lamping varies widely from customer to customer.

• Comparisons often fail to recognize the difference in quality and

itself within a predetermined period of time to justify investment is

product to a commodity white goods incandescent product is unfair

sound, comparing the continued operation of an existing system to

and will produce unrealistic results. Either discount the value of the

the replacement cost and operation of a new system requires care-

new product to reflect this, use a higher-end product as the base com-

ful evaluation of more than simple energy consumption, and care in

parison, or select another replacement product of equitable quality.

what factors are included. For example, assuming an existing system has a value of “$0.00” while attributing total costs of new systems is

Example:

an unfair comparison. Further, when considering solid-state lighting

For purposes of illustrating the difference between very simple energy

products that are to be replaced at the end of their service life, without

calculation vs. a more equitable methodology, the following is a hypo-

also considering end of life costs of an existing product, comparisons

thetical comparison of 100, 75-watt halogen fixtures (such as a small

are further skewed. Accurate representation and comparison of the

track head or downlight), to 100 new 12-watt LED products of equiva-

cost of operating lighting systems requires inclusion of equitable fac-

lent quality and performance.

tors to produce realistic results. The following points will lead to fairer

comparisons that produce more accurate evaluations.

placing the two systems on equal terms, the resulting apparent sav-

ings is considerably greater than the simple comparison indicates. The

• The act of evaluation indicates a need or desire to realize an

By considering operating costs beyond simple energy reduction,

improvement in either lighting performance or energy use. Existing

results will vary by project, including instances where the additional

systems are rarely performing at 100%, while a new system will. As

considerations extend payback periods, rather than shorten them as it

a minimum, the assumption should include a cleaning and group re-

has in this example. In any case, the accuracy and fairness is improved

lamping of the existing system as a baseline.

by looking beyond simple energy use. However, even this example

fails to consider the additional benefits of rebates or tax credits, or

• All lighting systems require periodic maintenance, upkeep, and

eventual replacement. Evaluations should include the amortized cost

the costs of lost productive days, liability exposure, costs for scaffold-

of eventual replacement of both existing and new proposed products.

ing, or other project specific expenses that can significantly change

TABLEnew 1. ALUMINUM COST IN ENERGY TO PRODUCE For SSL systems, service life may be used. For existing lighting

results. Increasing the number of factors included will add fidelity to

systems, assigning both a remaining life in hours and future replace100% Virgin 25% Recycled 50% Recycled 75% Recycled 100% Recycled ment value is essential in creating a fair comparison.

7.5 5.7 kWh/lb 4 kWh/lb 2.2 kWh/lb 0.44 kWh/lb kWh/lb • Consideration of lighting load on AC systems is of greater

the results, improving both fairness and accuracy.• Based on 100 fixtures, operated 3,200 hrs. per year, at an energy rate of $0.10/KWh, and 30 air conditioning weeks per year. Base fixture replacement cost amortized over 64,000 hrs. (20 years) is $85 + 1 hour installation at $65.00/hr. New LED fixture cost includes $115 per fixture + 1 hour installation at $65.00/hr.

Re-lamping cost is calculated at $3.00/lamp + 0.5 hrs. at a rate of $35.00/hr.

impact in some regions than others. In climates demanding long cooling cycles, this should be included for any interior lighting system.

EXAMPLE. TOTAL ENERGY USE OVER 25,000 HRS OF OPERATION – INCLUDING MANUFACTURING COST

Initial $

Watts Load

Lamp Cost

Lamp Life

Fixture Life

Fixture Amount

Re-lamp $/Year

AC Load

Energy Cost

Total Cost

Simple Comparision

Existing

$0

7500

—

—

—

—

—

—

$2,400

$2,400

New

$18,000

1200

n/a

n/a

—

—

n/a

—

$384

$384

Equitable Comparision

Existing

$2,025*

7500

$20.5

2000

64000

$750

$3,280

950W

$2,400

$6,430

New

$18,000

1200

n/a

n/a

50000

$1,152

n/a

228W

$384

$1,536

Savings

Payback Years

$2,016

10.7

$4,894

3.3

*Assumes group re-lamp to restore system performance to 100%

TABLE 3. MERCURY INVOLVED OVER 25,000 HOURS OPERATION

www.architecturalssl.com Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 41

Incandescent

CFL Fluorescent

LED

ADVANCES

Product Introductions

Sleek and Sneaky LEDs integrated with the built environment come in the form of the Lumenatrix Backlighting System from Duo-Gard. A single, structural source provides architectural illumination. Each panel consists of a structural power rail grid system that provides low voltage to the LED lights; a unique heat sink design keeps the lights at 81 degrees.

Visit www.duo-gard.com or Circle 306.

“I would encourage architects to investigate the use of LED products through qualified professionals who have some experience in the use of LEDs.”

1 Interior Options Creative Systems Lighting Eco-Downlight LED IC/ AT Adjustable Lamp allows light to be focused and positioned throughout any setting. Compliant with Energy Star and state of California high-efficiency regulations, its performance equals a 50-watt lamp using only 16 watts. Available finishes include black, white, satin aluminum and bronze.

Visit www.csllighting.com or Circle 305.

2 Smooth Operator All the cheering is for Illumra’s dimmer product, named “Best Dimming or Control” at The LED Show in Las Vegas. The wireless or wired dimming device uses 65,000 dimming steps to provide ultra smooth LED dimming at all light levels. Visit www.illumra. com or Circle 304.

3 At The Track Designed for high-performance accent lighting, the MB-Led track luminaire from Intense Lighting is capable of delivering up-to 51 lumens per watt. The MB-LED is available in 650lm or 900lm.

Fixtures are available in a variety of finishes. Visit www.intenselighting.com or Circle 303.

42 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

Product Introductions

ADVANCES

Get Me to the Greek The renovated Galaxy Bar at the Hilton Hotel, Athens features a fresh, innovative appearance thanks to 35 Martin Professional smartMAC gobo and color-changing moving heads. The smartMACs are controlled via LightJockey system with the DMX line. A Fingers controller allows hands-on access to LightJockey functions. Visit www.martin.com or Circle 302.

“Some owners, in the excitement of a new technology, just want LED, and it's a bit scary in making such a decision without really knowing what's involved.”

4 On the Spot Yamagiwa’s X-series High Quality LED luminaires incorporate the Xicato Spot Module, resulting in a unique combination of elegance and robustness in luminaire design. Visit www.xicato.com or Circle 301.

5 Long Division The Lighting Quotient’s concealed cove fixture developed with the company’s fraqtir optical technology, throws a clean, even and warm wash of white light in an asymmetric pattern. The luminaires feature the latest Philips Lumileds LUXEON Rebel emitters with advanced Lumiramic phosphor technology to provide crisp warm white light with greater color consistency and higher efficacy. Visit www.thelightingquotient.com or Circle 300.

6 Down in the Light enLux DL6-TC Down Light provides vivid color renderings of illuminated objects. Hues include red, amber, green and blue with custom colors within CIE 1931 chromaticity. DL6-TC Down Light is offered in superior white light in warm 2700°K, neutral 3500K or cool 4500K or any custom CCT. Visit www.enLuxLED.com or Circle 299.

www.architecturalssl.com

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 43

ADVANCES

Product Introductions

Parking Break An LED upgrade at Tampa General Hospital employs LSI Crossover XAM 137-watt LED luminaires; the project included a 1-to-1 retrofitting of the existing metal halide site, garage, wall and canopy fixtures with LED. The retrofit provided a lower acceptable average light level while producing very uniform lighting with no shadowing or unlit parking spaces.

The LED installation has reduced energy and maintenance requirements and the well-lit space will result in a 50%-plus annual savings in energy and maintenance costs, with a payback of less than three years. Visit www.lsi-industries.com or Circle 298.

“All lighting systems require periodic maintenance, upkeep and eventual replacement. For new SSL systems, service life may be used. For existing lighting systems, assigning both a remaining life in hours and future replacement value is essential in creating a fair comparison.”

1 Light Therapy Lighting designs can augment the affects of healthcare and lessen patient stress and anxiety.

For that reason, Medical Lighting Systems MedFilter16 LED light source offers a unique solution to provide EMI/RF filtered power to areas where it needs to be passed though an RF-shielded wall.

Visit www.medicallightingsystems.com or Circle 297.

2 The Replacements LEDtronics LED replacements for recessed T-bar fluorescent ceiling luminaires CLL2x2-400-TPW001W replace 2-ft. × 2-ft. standard fluorescent 64W units. The fixtures deliver a Color Rendering Index of 75 and a clear prismatic acrylic lens. Visit www.ledtronics.com or Circle 296.

3 Unlocked The next generation of the Lightvault (LTV71LED) from Kim Lighting are ideal for in-grade applications.

The LTV71 includes a wall wash distribution option an the LTV72 is an eyeball design available in spot and narrow distributions, and a directional marker option—the LTV73, is available in 360° and 180° distribution. Visit www.kimlighting.com or Circle 295.

44 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

Product Introductions

ADVANCES

Besame Mucho A new linear pendant fixture from Besa brings a transitional style to a modern lamp source. The Besa multi-light linear cable-suspended luminaires is available with 7 different Besa glass families: Mia, Brella, Sabrina, Kani, Nico 4, Palla 5 and Tay Tay. These fixtures utilize 40W max G9 Halogen 120V lamping, and are fully dimmable with standard incandescent dimmers. Visit www.besalighting.com or Circle 294.

“In testing LED products, be aware that they take a few hours to reach actual operating temperature, while the color of LED light is different in character from conventional sources.”

4 Lunch Box An elegant but simplistic Japanese box surrounding a bottle of sake became inspiration for the Bento Sconce from Boyd Lighting. The alabaster box provides even, glare-free illumination. Visit www.boydlighting.com or Circle 293.

5 Interior Interchange Interior architectural downlights dubbed, Essentia, from BetaLED offer a variety of warm interior correlated color temperatures (CCT), a wide range of LED counts, a great lumen package and wide, medium and narrow optics including adjustable and wall-wash. Modular light engine and optics keep fixtures up to date with LED technology advances.

Visit www.betaled.com or Circle 292.

6 Great Outdoors The Emco LED outdoor luminaire from Philips was designed around the LED lightsource to ensure longevity of performance. The simple, modular and sleek fixture is composed of a one-piece, die-cast aluminum and mounts to a pole with an extruded arm.

The optical systems provide IES types II, III, IV and V distributions. Visit www.philips.com or Circle 291.

www.architecturalssl.com

Architectural SSL • 02.11 • 45

Ad Index

±DV§RTiS§R

∆§BSiT§

CiRCL§ ∑UµB§R

P±g§ ∑UµB§R

Beta Lighting

www.betaled.com

Circle 11

32

finelite

www.fineliteled.com

Circle 01

IFC

IALD

www.iald.org

47

Kim Lighting

www.kimlighting.com

BC

ledalite

www.ledalite.com

Circle 08

Ledtronics

www.ledtronics.com

Circle 10

lightsearch

www.lightsearch.com

lusio lighting

www.lusiolighting.com

Circle 06

12

moda lIGHT

www.modalight.com

Circle 03

04

Nora Lighting

www.noralighting.com

Circle 13

IBC

Osram Sylvania

www.sylvania.com/LED

Circle 05

09

PIA ’11 (SSL Product Innovation Awards)

www.architecturalssl.com/pia

Philips/LumiLeds

www.philipslumileds.com

Circle 09

Sternberg Vintage Lighting

www.sternberglighting.com

Circle 07

The continuing architect

www.thecontinuingarchitect.com

Tersen

www.tersenlighting.com

tyco electronics UL

14-15 27 47

39 21 13 36 Circle 12

35

www.nevalo.com/future1

Circle 02

01

www.ul.com/shine

Circle 04

06

A Closing Thought

editorial preview IN THE MAY ISSUE: We’ll take a look at SSL’s role as both an artistic and functional element of cultural facilities such as theaters and museums. Specifically, we’ll profile the dramatic use of LEDs in the new Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York. In the Market Setting Feature Kevin Willmorth will break out his crystal ball and proffer some predictions as to the growth potential of the SSL industry on the building side. He’ll also ID major issues which need addressing for real growth to occur. Elsewhere, in our White Pages section, we’ll examine self-testing of SSL products and common errors in doing so.

46 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

I began this issue noting that the history of Architectural SSL has been a journey, and really an ongoing education. In fact, I noted my next step was to move on to SSL “grad school.” But I wanted to add that all of you can join me in this process. Coming this Fall, we’ll conduct our fourth annual ArchLED Conference. Along with my chief advisor, Kevin Willmorth, we’ve identified the bones of the event. This year we want the sessions to provide true “take-back” information that’s going to allow attendees to directly take content from the sessions and apply it back at the office. We’ve come up with a “quadrant” of themes: color-quality, electronics, performance/metrics and standards, and we plan to address the “pain points” of each of these over-arching categories, such as flicker, CCT deviation, etc. We’ll also present case studies and bring forth other members of the team—the architect, the owner and the installers—

to talk about the issues they encountered and how they were solved. In the meantime, this Spring, we’ll be publishing our first “Products Annual” in advance of Lightfair. The special issue will feature the winners of our inaugural Product Innovations Awards and it’s our hope the publication will help shine light on products that are worth investigating. Stay tuned.

Jim Crockett, Editorial Director

Feedback: questions? comments?

We hope you found this edition of Architectural SSL insightful. We would love to hear from you about the features included in this installment and we welcome your suggestions for changes, improvements or additions. What would you like to see in future issues and how can we best help you do your job?

Email your thoughts to: jimc@architecturalssl.com

www.architecturalssl.com

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SSLObserved:

By Kevin Willmorth

The Best Thing About SSL:

Good Light Sources Go Unnoticed The worst comment I can get is “Ooh, that’s LED lighting, isn’t it?”

Good lighting is good lighting. The technology should not be a topic of discussion, except between us SSL nerds. I’d rather hear nothing at all.

is just painful. So, as long as I hear about the

blown around the room where it’s wasted. In

results of this circus act, I’ll share them.

other words, my stubborn insistence on applying

SSL from a qualitative perspective has resulted

This is not a good thing, but what is good,

at least in my opinion, is when SSL is virtually

in significant energy savings. This is the magic

invisible. In other words, when properly applied,

of this technology I often rant on about in this

the fact that it’s a semi-conductor technology

publication, on the web and when trapping

is completely irrelevant. To me, the worst com-

people in corners of conference snack breaks.

ment I can get is “Ooh, that’s LED lighting, isn’t

it?” Good lighting is good lighting. The technol-

was invisible has not been easy, or cheap. My

Getting to the point where the technology

ogy should not be a topic of discussion, except

first experiences with retrofit lamps support

I’ve heard more than a few disparaging remarks

between us SSL nerds. I’d rather hear nothing at

the negative impressions we have all heard. The

about LED products by end users and end-use

all, or maybe “This is a pretty space, I really like

first round of LED MR16s were a complete joke,

customers. Color and light harshness are two

the lighting.”

even though they came from a highly respected

of the most common, with bad dimmer behav-

brand. They kind of dribbled a weak impression

ior, and, of course, cost, frequent comments. In

dominated by LEDs. Yes, I do have some retrofit

of light into the room, then faded as time passed.

virtually every instance, the products producing

lamps—a couple of aging PAR20 and PAR30

Three rounds later, I can say the lamps I now

the most negative remarks are retrofit lamps

lamps, a half dozen MR16 lamps, and few down-

have in place produce light that is near enough to

purchased at a discount store from an off brand.

light retrofits. These have all been modified to

the original 20-watt NFL MR16s in light pattern,

I have several of the offending products in a box,

correct their shortcomings, primarily to control

brightness and color—so much so that I no longer

sent or handed to me after being removed from

glare. Otherwise, the majority of LED products

wish to return to the old resister lamps. I have

service. These comments include confrontation

around me are of my own creation, using AC and

a powder room that has been through a couple

at a recent American Council for an Energy-Effi-

DC LED products from all over the SSL roadmap.

rounds of fixture designs, evolving from wimpy

cient Economy conference, where an industry

After five years under LEDs, the best single

grey light to what is now a very nice reading

expert, I will call her “The Heckler,” stated that

thing I can say about SSL is that I can’t tell

environment. Room by room, work surface by

she had several LED lamps in her own home,

anymore they are what they are. They just work

work surface, the evolution has been remarkable.

and hated them. As if to prove her super-human

really well, and I find the light very easy to work

Today, I can truly say that with a little care, one

insanity, she followed by stating she preferred

under and live with.

can actually realize an improvement in lighting

CFLs to the LEDs, because the LEDs were too

quality, with a significant reduction in energy con-

harsh, too blue and too glary in comparison.

constant focus on lumens per watt comedic.

sumption, using a light source that works without

With virtually every light around me, I have no

being the center of conversation and comment.

ments aside as the ranting of individuals so

clue how efficient the fixtures or light sources

That is what I like best about SSL. Not having to

focused on low-low prices, they got what they

are. What I do know is I replaced products

reveal how much this trek has cost is what I like

paid for. In fact I still struggle with a reason

that housed 20- to 150-watt sources with 4- to

about word limits to articles, so that will have to

why anyone would want something still in an

24-watt sources. Adding it all up, I calculate a cut

Edison socket—the concept of screwing the

in energy connected by at least 70%, even when

be the topic of another...•

coolest technology to hit lighting into sockets

I include the addition of portable accents for

fashioned after the neck of a kerosene tin is

effect. My focus in every application, has been on

beyond me. Yet, watching customers get bilked

using SSL to create nicer lighting, more comfort,

by marketing clowns passing off geek product

good color, greater task visibility and less light

I could chose to set most of these com-

48 • 02.11 • Architectural SSL

My home and work environment are

Looking around, I can’t help but find the

about the author:

Kevin Willmorth, a lighting expert and fixture designer, has been instrumental in helping create a vision and mission statement for Architectural SSL.

www.architecturalssl.com

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