Architectural SSL – May 2013

12

LEGACIES OF LIFE. Without consideration of usage and environmental variables, it is impossible to predict the life of a product with certainty. Only clearer metrics can help unshroud the mystery.

AT THE FRONT The ascending LED star has altered the way exteriors are showcased, accented, and integrated into the surrounding environment.

SSL BUZZ U.S. Dept. of Energy releases third report in its comprehensive life-cycle analysis comparison between LED, CFL and incandescent.

SSL PROJECTS London’s Historic Burlington arcade receives a well thought out LED update that allows the original architecture to shine once again.

NUMBER 28 • MAY 2013 www.architecturalssl.com

CAN YOU PREDICT PRODUCT LIFECYCLE?

Regardless of efforts to set monolithic standards to measure the end of life for SSL products, a convoluted mix of variables makes it difficult to predict service “life” confidently.

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 519 BRIARCLIFF ROAD, BOLINGBROOK, IL 60440

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

PAGE

31

SSL Profile: Carmes District, Namur, Belgium.

35

SSL Profile: Helix Architecture+Design, Kansas City.

38

White Pages: Advanced Plastics Foster New Designs.

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μAy.13

21

11 In Brief: Pasadena continues its use of LED technology, this time in retrofitting street lamps.

35 Project Profile: Helix’ LED office retrofit.

24

BUZZ

PERSPECTIVES

07 Life-Cycle Assesment

05 LED Insights

The latest CALiPER report examines the impact materials within LED fixtures might have on landfills.

Lightfair wows our editor with great leaps in cost and controls.

But the reality of inexperience remains a big barrier.

By Jim Crockett

09 Throw the Book at LED SSL at its creative height, a new illuminated “book” gives new legs to mobile lighting.

10 Totally Tubular Philips has developed an interesting tubular LED form.

02 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

48 SSL Observed

18

“Just as a smart phone is more complex than a rotary phone, SSL is a technology demanding greater attention to detail to accurately predict a product’s useful end.”

—Kevin Willmorth

SSL is hitting some significant performance milestones, with some LED die breaching the 270 lm./watt barrier. Even if the lab efficacies are removed, the results are still impressive.

By Kevin Willmorth

www.architecturalssl.com

35

FEATURES

DESIGN & PRODUCTS

12 Market Setting Feature: Reconsidering L70

38 White Pages New developments in thermal and optical technology are further helping SSL advance; manufacturers are lowering SSL costs with lower-power arrays.

Regardless of efforts to set monolithic standards to measure the end of life for SSL products, a convoluted mix of variables makes it difficult to predict service “life” confidently.

by Kevin Willmorth

18 At The Front: SSL’s Exterior Evolution Since the world turned the corner into the 21st century, the lumen output, color rendering accuracy and life span of LED appears to be approaching mach-speed. Lighting design, too, is broaching new ground.

by Vilma Barr

42 Advances OLED, drivers, modules, heat sinks, replacement sources, architectural floods, bollards, area lighting, decorative sconces.

Architectural SSL, Vol. 7, No. 3 (ISSN# 1941-8388) is published five times per year 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 © 2013 by Construction Business Media) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Architectural SSL Magazine, 519 East Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.

24 Featured Project: Burlington Arcade, London Once the shopping center of Victorian London’s elite, the mall remains a retail mainstay, but thanks to well thought out applications of SSL technology by Speirs + Major, the structure’s original architecture shines once again.

www.architecturalssl.com

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 03

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NUMBER 28 • MAY 2013 www.architecturalssl.com

Gary Redmond

Managing Partner Director Publishing Operations gary@architecturalssl.com

Tim Shea

Managing Partner Director Business Development tim@architecturalssl.com

Mind the Gap… er, Carry On…

Dave Pape

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

In a clever marketing twist, module maker Xicato urged the community at Lightfair to ‘Stay calm and be Consistent.’ But I urge all to heed the original Brit phrase, and carry on.

One interesting thing I learned at Lighfair was

EDITORIAL Jim Crockett 847 359 6493 Kevin Willmorth

Megan Mazzocco 847 359 6493

Editorial Director jimc@architecturalssl.com

Alex Mastera

friend of SSL, the program gives college students hands-on experience in designing well-lit LED spaces. But one of the things that jumped out at incident the lighting designer experienced on a

Call it waiting for the muse to strike, or simply

recent university project. Derry noted she sent

procrastination, but until a pair of press releases

out an LED design for bid at roughly $600,000,

gave me inspiration, I struggled with this month’s

feeling she included some padding, but was

column. The plan was to recap Lightfair—as boy,

shocked to have the bids come back at twice that

did I see plenty of good stuff—but it was just too

figure. The contractor told university officials

much to expound on in a limited space. So it was

they could probably come in near the budget, but

kismet when these two items hit my inbox almost

they’d have to use traditional tech to deliver the

simultaneously. The first release was from the

goods. Derry stood her ground, went through the

National Lighting Bureau (NLB) promoting end-

pricing exercise, and said the original number

users to check out the organization’s updated

should stand. Unfortunately, this battle between

database of lighting designers. The release

visionary lighting designer and traditionally

argued that users should always try to engage

entrenched contractor is still part of the reason

Associate Art Director lauren@architecturalssl.com

a professional designer, as a quality lighting

why SSL’s “tunnels” remain only 50% complete.

scheme—according to the organization—not only

Even though the tech may be close to being ready

Graphic Designer alex@architecturalssl.com

would result in significant energy savings, but

for prime-time, not everybody else is—or wants

could also lead to increases in employee produc-

to be. I’m sure the contractor padded his quote

tivity. Such a boost, said NLB, could translate into

based on an expected learning curve, as well as a

major dollars, as much as $400 per employee. The

lack of a relationship with some of the manufac-

second release was from ETC about a new line of

turers listed in the spec. I also foresee challenges

heavy-duty RGB architectural floods which hap-

on the approval process side in selling local AHJs

pened to include a photo of the installer whipping

not quite sold on the safety of low-voltage prod-

this puppy into place with just two cables.

ucts. The bottom line, a lot of education remains. I

Associate Editor megan@architecturalssl.com

Copy Editor

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Dave Pape Art Director dave@architecturalssl.com Lauren Lenkowski

sity. As the brainchild of Derry Berrigan, an old

me during her press conference was a pricing

Editor kevin@architecturalssl.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Vilma Barr vilma@architecturalssl.com Barbara Horwitz-Bennett barbara@architecturalssl.com Ellen Lampert-Greaux ellen@architecturalssl.com Chuck Ross chuck@architecturalssl.com Jan Bottiglieri

about a novel program called Light Think Univer-

ADVERTISING SALES Gary Redmond 847 359 6493 gary@architecturalssl.com

Tim Shea 847 359 6493 tim@architecturalssl.com

Trey Higgens 847 577 8980 trey@architecturalssl.com

Jim Oestmann 847 838 0500 jim@architecturalssl.com

OK, what’s the point? In past columns, I’ve

applaud companies like ETC for making installa-

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

referenced the 50% tunnel gag from an old Mr.

tion easier. And as I noted, many manufacturers

Peabody cartoon, which happened to be about a

have made great strides in making controls much

race between a horse and a prototype locomotive.

more simple and intuitive, as well as instituting

Jim Führer 503 679 5409 jimf@architecturalssl.com

Hilarity ensues when the seemingly victorious

measures to help bring costs down. But unless

train crashes because a bridge is not complete.

most owners buy into NLB’s productivity num-

It happens a second time in a tunnel with effects

bers, there remains a major gap to mind in board-

something like this #$%@*&!!. Here’s the corol-

ing the SSL train. So stay calm and carry on.•

Bob Fox 203 356 9694 bob@architecturalssl.com

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 ext. 201.

lary: there’s a lot of SSL infrastructure work still to do. But in making the rounds at Lightfair, it seemed to me the gap wasn’t so impossible as manufacturers appeared to have made tremendous advances in addressing these “infrastruc-

A Publication of Construction Business Media

ture” issues, particularly on the controls and dimmability side. That said, the guy in the photo

Member:

still presents a significant barrier. Let me explain:

www.architecturalssl.com

Jim Crockett, editorial director

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 05

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DOE Life-Cycle Assessment, Part 3 LLE LED ED ED LIF LLIFETIME IFE FET ETIM TIM IME ME AN A AND ND ND LIFE-CYCLE L LIF IF IFE FE-C E-C -CY CYC YC CL LE IMPACT LE IMPA IM MPA PAC AC CT T STUDIED S ST TUD TU UDIE DIE IED ED IN N NE N NEW EW EW DOE D DO O OE E RE R REPORT EPO EP POR ORT RT

Life-Cycle Impacts Relative to CFL Current and projected LED benchmarks

AI-01: Global Warming AI-02: Acidification AI-03: Photochemical Oxidation AI-04: Stratospheric Ozone Depletion AI-05: Human Toxicity

The U.S. Dept. of Energy has released the third

WI-01: Freshwater Aquatic Ecotoxicity WI-02: Marine Aquatic Ecotoxicity WI-03: Eutrophication

report in its comprehensive life-cycle analysis

SI-01: Land Use SI-02: Ecosystem Damage SI-03: Terrestrial Ecotoxicity

impacts of these three lighting technologies.

comparison between LED, CFL and incandescent lamps, this one focused on the environmental Researchers performed chemical analyses on 22 lamp samples (representing 11 models) to see if

RI-01: Abiotic Resource Depletion RI-02: Non-Hazardous Waste Landfill RI-03: Radioactive Waste Landfill RI-04: Hazardous Waste Landfill

any of 17 specified elements were present in levels that exceeded California or federal hazardous waste standards.

The testing wasn’t intended to provide infor-

Current CFL Benchmarks

Current LED Benchmarks (2012)

Predicted LED Benchmarks (2017)

mation on how safe the varying products were to operate—just to judge how hazardous they might be to dispose. The three key findings include:

ABOVE: The diagram reflects the potential impact LED products (2012 products in blue) might have in a landfill if thrown away. LED impact levels exceeded CFL slightly in one category—hazardous waste—in the form of aluminum. The positive is that much of the aluminum, from the heat sinks, will likely be salvaged or recycled.

Z The tested models were generally found to

fall below thresholds for federally regulated elements—though the volatile mercury in the CFLs is presumed to have escaped detection.

Z Nearly all the lamps exceeded at least one

Comparison with LIM (2012) LED

California threshold, typically for copper, zinc, antimony or nickel.

Z Metal screw bases, drivers, ballasts and wires

DO§-t§st§d l±μps

or filaments contributed the most to hazardous

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Liμ (2012) L±μP

ANTIMONY

227%

1%

71%

25%

ARSENIC

3%

0%

1%

0%

waste issues—internal LED light sources generally didn’t cause problems for LED lamps.

This report follows on previous research looking at life-cycle energy consumption and

BARIUM

26%

0%

8%

4%

manufacturing processes among these three

CHROMIUM

171%

0%

28%

5%

lamp technologies. In both previous efforts,

COPPER

2698%

284%

1765%

1264%

LEAD

48%

0%

15%

2%

MERCURY

0%

0%

0%

2%

their shorter lifespan meant multiple replace-

NICKEL

105%

3%

40%

8%

ments to produce a similar amount of light, over

SILVER

19%

0%

6%

32%

time, compared to the other technologies.

ZINC

421%

54%

180%

91%

incandescents had the biggest environmental impact, because their energy use per lumen significantly exceeded LEDs and CFLs and because

Although LEDs have longer lifespans than even CFLs, fewer likely will be thrown away over time, but their anticipated penetration into

ABOVE: DOE tested levels of hazardous chemicals in a number of LED products, expressed as a percentage of the federal TTLC—total threshold limit concentration—and then compared that to similar testing done by LIM. Copper, typically from elements in the driver, was found that have exceeded the federal TTLC for the element.

ABOVE: The 10-element overlap between the DOE and LIM studies found a number of useful comparisons—most notably that, with minor exceptions, the lamps in the LIM study fell within the range of lamps in the DOE study.

multiple lighting markets means LEDs could still

Z

www.architecturalssl.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 08

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 07

ASPIRE

®

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 07

Y

have h hav ave ve an an im impact mpact in n the th he en nation’s atio tion’s n’s sw waste aste es stream tre trrea am o once nce tthey hey beg b begin egin e in n ending en nding in ng gu up p in n lan la landfi an ndfi fills. lls. A number numbe mber berr off test tes tte estt methods met eth tho hod ods ds s and an and regulations regulat la atio ion ons ns have h hav ave ave eb been een nd developed evelop lo ope ped ed d att st sta state tat ate e and an nd d fed fe ffederal ede der era al lev le levels eve vel els s to o ide id identify den ent ntif tify fy y pot po p potenote ten enn ttially ial ia ally ly y hazardous haz ha haza zar ard rdo dou ous us waste waste e to o ensure ensur su ure re e proper pro rop ope per err treatment. tre tr trea atmen me ent nt.. California Califo lifor orn rni nia a is is notable n ota tab abl ble e in in having ha hav avi vin ng developed develo dev velop ope ped ed d regulations regu eg gul ula ation io ons ns s that tha th that at are are more more stringent str tri rin ngent tthan tha han han n those tth tho hos ose e at at the tth he e federal ffed fe deral level, le lev vel, modeled vel, modeled le ed d after afte aft af er the the European E Eur uro u opean Union’s U Un nio ion on’s n’s RoHS R RoH oHS oHS S Directive.

Direc Dire ect ctiv ive ve. e. Under Unde Und nder err these the th thes ese se guidelines, gui gu guid deli lin nes, new new w products—rather prod pro r duc duct u ts— —rath atthe her er than tha th han an nw waste—are aste—are ttested. este sted.

For For or this thi this th s installment ins in nst sta tall allm lm men ent ntt of of the th he e continuing con ont nti tin nuin ing ng g life-cycle life lifee-c -cy ycle e analysis ana an anal aly ysis s of of LEDs, LE LEDs, DOE DOE OE commissioned comm mmiss is ssio ion one ned ed d two tw wo independent independent labs lab la abs bs s to to perform perf errfo forrm both both otth h current curr rre ren ent nt EPA E PA tests tests s and and the the more more e stringent stri trrin ngent California Califo lifor orn rni nia a tests tests stts s on on the the selected selec le ect cte ed iincandescent, ncandesce cen ent nt, t, CFL CFL and and an d LED LED products. pro rod odu duc uct cts s. The The procedures procedures pro re es s involved inv in nvo vol olv ved disassembling d isa is sas ass sse embl mblin b ing ng g the th he lamps, lam la am mps, identifying ide id den ent ntif ify fyin ing ng g potentially poten te ent nti tia ally lly toxic toxic c elements ele el e em men ent ents ts within w with itthi hin n iindividual ndivi iv vid dual c components ompo mpon pone nen ent nts s ((17 17 e elements lem le em ments wer w were ere e e iidentifi denti tifi fie fied ed d for fo f r iinvestigation) nvesti sttig gatio tion) n) a and nd the nd th tthen hen en n det d de determining ete ter erm minin min nin ng tthe he c concentrations oncentr tra rat atio ion ons ns so off tho th those hos ose se materials m mat ate ater eria ial als s und u under nde nder er eith ei e either the her err E EPA’s PA’s ffed federal ederal ra all reg re rregulatory egu gul ula ato tor ory ry y le llevels evels s (FR (F (FRL) FRL RL) L) or o California’s C alifo lifor orn rni nia a’s s ttotal ota tal al thr tth threshold hre eshold d lim lli limit mit c mit concentrations on nce cen ent ntr tra ation io ons ns s (TT (T (TTLC).

TT TLC).

IInvestigators nvestig tigator to ors rs s lo llooked ooked at at bot b both oth o h om o omnidirectional mnid idi dirrecti cttio onal (w (with with ith llu lumen umen me en n

THE NEW STANDARD IN LED AREA & ROADWAY LIGHTING TThe ASPIRE® AP650 luminaire is suitable ffor area, roadway, site and general lighting applications. Providing excellent vertical light distribution, high uniformity, and lasting performance, the ASPIRE® is ideal for commercial, institutional and municipal markets.

o utput e equivalent quiv iva val ale ent to o a 606 60-watt 0-w 0 wat watt a th household ousehold d inc in incandescent nca can and nde des esc cent b bulb) ulb lb) b) and an and d output d ire irectio tional (w (with with itth h lu llumen umen um no output utput e utp equivalent quiva iv val ale ent to oa an n ave av a average ver era rag age e 656 65-watt 5-w 5 wat watt a t directional iincandescent ncandesce sc cen ent ntt BR30 BR BR30 lamp) lam la am mp) mp) p products. products. pro ts s.

The The he tes ttested te estted d lam la lamps am mps gen g generally ene ener era all lly y did did not no ot exc e exceed xce x eed ffederal edera ral al lim llimits im mits itts for ffor tthe he tes te estted e elements, lem le em ments, how h however ow owever a almost lm most a all lll e exceeded xceeded C California’s alifforni rn nia a’s T TTLC TLC tested llevels evels ffo forr c copper, opper, a and nd a n nd num number umber a um approached pproach hed do orr e exceeded xceeded tthe he sstate’s tat ta ate te’s e’s nicke nick kel el llimits. im mits its. S Several eve ev ver era ral al CFL CFL FL a and nd LED LED ED lam la lamps am mps also also oe exceeded xcee eed ede ded ed dC California’s alifo lifor orn rni nia a’s s nickel a nti tim mony mon ony ya and nd zin z zinc inc lim li limits. mits. mit antimony IIn na add addition ddi dditi tio ion n to to mea m measuring easurin ing ng g the tth he ea amounts moun mou ount nts s of of haz h hazardous aza azar ard dous m material at ate ter eria ial al within wit na an n iindividual ndivi iv vid dual p product, rod ro odu duc uct ct,, the th he e rresearchers esea se ear arc rch hers a also ls lso so o com co compared om mpared tthe he within potential p ote ten ent ntia tial al llif lifespan-weighted ife fes span-w weig igh ght hte ted d iimpacts mpac mpa pact cts s tthe he var v varying a ary ying in ng g ttechnologies ec ech chn hno nol olo ogies ie es could co ould h have ave w within ith ithin a llandfi andfill, ll, b based ased o on nc con concentrations once ncentrati attio ons wit w within ithin na an n individual in ndi div ivi vidu du ual pro p pr product. rod odu duc uct ct.. T The he s selected elec le ect cte ed bas b baseline ase aseli lin ne w ne was as tthe he 5 50-gram 0-gr -g gra ram am mw weight eig eiigh ht ht a nd 1 10,000-hour 0,00 ,0 000 000-h hour ass a assumed ssumed med ed life life e for fo or a C CFL FL llamp. amp. mp. p So, So, o b because ecause inc in incannca can annand desc des esce ents mig m might ight rrequire equir ire re m more ore ffrequent req re equ que uen ent ntt rep rre replacement, epl pla acem ment, men nt, the tthey th hey ey y may may a descents c ontri trrib bute mor m more ore ore en nickel ick ickel to o a llandfi andfill ove o v verr tthat hat 1 0,00 ,0 000 000-h hour p eriod io od. d. contribute over 10,000-hour period.

L EDs w were ere erre ea assumed ss ssu sum um med tto o hav h have a ave ve ea2 25,000-hour 5,00 ,0 000 000-h hour lif li life, fe, but bu utt the th ttheir hei eirr g greater reat ea ate ter er LEDs

ALWAYS INNOVATING ALWAYS IMPROVING

m ass was was as see se s seen een en n to oo offset ffs ffset the th their hei eirr llifespan ife if espa sp pan an na advantages. dvantages. es s. mass Across a Acr all ll pro p product roduct ttypes, yp pes, es s, s screw crew w ba bas b bases, ase ses es,, d drivers, riv riive verrs, bal b ballasts alla a las ast sts sa and nd w nd wires ire irres es Across o lam la am ments were were wer e e the the greatest grea gre r atestt contributors con cont co ntr trib ibu but uto tor ors s to to above-threshold abov abo bove ve-t -th thr hre res esh hold d orr filaments llimits im mits its o off tthe he s studied tudied ied e elements. le ements ts.. T This his was was tthe he ca cas case ase ew with ith ith th the he tes te tested sted LED LED ED lam la lamps—the am mps—the int in internal nte ter ern nal lig li light ght s sources ources ce es s wer w were ere not not o tthe he pro p problem. rob robl blem em m. And m.

And n the th he e rep re report epo por ort rt aut a authors u uth tho horrs not n noted o ote ed tthat hat h hazardous azardou us mat m material ate aterrial ia al iis so one ne of of a n numummber ber e of of fac ffactors fa ctor to ors rs s tha th tthat hat at nee n need eed eed d to ob be ec considered onside id der ere ed iin n eva e evaluating val valu uatin ting any any ny p particuart rti ticu cuular la arr lam la lamp’s am mp’s o ove overall vera ver all env e environmental nvi nviro ron onm nm menta men ntal im impact—if mpact ct— t—i —if if rreducing educing in ng gh hazardous azard arrdo dou ous us waste wast was a te c content onten te ent ntt res re rresults esu sul ults ts s in in low llower lo wer wer er lam llamp la mp e mp effi ffi ficac ca cacy, acy cy, y, for fo orr exa ex example, xam am mple, mpl p e, end e end-ofndnd-o ofllife ife iffe w waste aste stte e red re rreduction edu duc uct ctio ion on nc could ould d be be o overshadowed versh rs sha had ado dow ow wed by by hig h hi higher gher her ene e energy nerg ner gy use use s

800-621-3376 | info@sternberglighting.com www.sternberglighting.com

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and, a nd d,, s so, o, la llarger arger life li life-cycle fee-c cycle clle env en e environmental nvi virronmen ment enta al im impact. mpact.•

www.architecturalssl.com

The New Linear

CoveLine

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PRODUCTS: LUMIO LAMP

Book It Independent architect Max Gunawan could write a book on how to use crowd funding to launch a creative business—but he’s probably too busy bringing production of his new book-shaped Lumio lamp to commercial scale. He left a position in corporate design in 2012 and launched his idea for a collapsible LED luminaire on the crowd-funding site Kickstarter in mid-February, with a goal of raising $60,000. Within a month, enthusiasts had pledged $578,000.

The cordless lamp weighs a bit more than 1 lb. and has a rechargeable battery promising up to 8 hours of 500-lumen illumination. The laser-cut wood “covers” are offered in blonde maple, warm cherry and dark walnut finishes. Open up the Lumio, and see light shine through the Tyvek

t Specification grade t Even linear light distribution t Coves, wall washes, indirect t 2700K, 3000K & 4000K t Several optical solutions t Up to 100 lumens / watt

pages within – open the covers wider for brighter light. The covers incorporate magnets that allow the fixtures to be mounted onto metal surfaces.•

ABOVE: The Lumio offers a lot of interesting possibilities as an ambient fill and accent light. The idea of a small notebook light that can be used in a mobile capacity like a tablet is especially useful—especially in sometimes dim environments, such as a restaurant.

877- SSL- GREEN download brochure at

SolidStateLuminaires.com www.architecturalssl.com

Circle 05

NEWS: TUBE LIGHTING REPLACEMENTS

Philips Puts a New Spin on Fluorescent Replacement Royal Philips Electronics has announced a new

watt of high-quality white light (compared with

promises to drive massive energy and cost sav-

innovation in LED lighting, creating an energy-

100 lm/W for fluorescent lighting and just

ings across the globe. The TLED lamp is expected

efficient LED light source suitable for general

15 lm/W for traditional light bulbs). This proto-

to hit the market in 2015 for both office and

lighting applications, most specifically as a

type is twice as efficient as predecessor lamps,

industry applications.

fluorescent tube replacement source.

basically halving the energy used. With lighting

Philips researchers developed their TLED prototype that produces a record 200 lumens per

The TLED prototype lamp also marks the

accounting for more than 19% of the world’s

first time that lighting engineers have been able

total electricity consumption, this innovation

to reach 200 lm/W per watt efficiency without compromising on light quality, with all parameters required to meet the stringent requirements for office lighting. “This again is a major

AND

CONFIDENCE

STEP | IN-GRADE | UP & ACCENT | BOLLARDS & PATH LIGHTS

CRAFTSMANSHIP

breakthrough in LED lighting and will further drive the transformation of the lighting industry,” says Rene van Schooten, CEO Light Sources & Electronics for Philips Lighting. “After being recognized for our quality of LED light, mimicking traditional light bulbs, for creating new experience with the Philips Hue—the connected light system for the home as previewed in the January issue (p. 11)—we now present the next innovative step in doubling lighting efficiency. It’s exciting to imagine the massive energy and cost savings it will bring to our planet and customers,” he says.

The TLED lamps are intended to replace fluorescent tube lighting used in office and industry, which currently account for more than half of the world’s total lighting. Conversion to the twiceas-efficient 200 lm/W TLED lamps will generate significant energy and cost savings.

In the United States alone, for example, fluorescent lights consume around 200 terawatts of electricity annually. If these lights were all replaced with 200 lm/W TLEDs, the U.S. would use somewhere around 100 terawatts less energy (equivalent to 50 medium sized power plants), saving more than U.S. $12 billion and preventing

Vista Architectural Lighting continues to build a reputation of excellence

around 60 million metric tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.•

on a trusted foundation. We’re committed to supporting your success with American made, expertly engineered fixtures superbly crafted to your specifications. Visit our new website to learn how Vista is leading the way with superior service and lighting solutions that will exceed your expectations.

800-766-8478 | www.vistapro.com

Circle 06

www.architecturalssl.com

The New Linear

UnderLine

SERIES

High Efficiency LED Ultra Low Profile

EFFICIENT CITIES: PASADENA

Pasadena Gains Rosy Savings From LEDs Well known for the Rose Bowl Parade, Pasadena

they replaced. This is the latest of several

also has been recognized by Popular Science

projects undertaken between the lighting

Magazine as one of the 50 greenest cities in the

manufacturer and Pasadena over the last

United States. A recent streetlight-replacement

several years. The company also has supplied

project will only help enhance its reputation as

recessed ceiling luminaires to replace existing

an environmental leader. Approximately 200 LED

fluorescent fixtures in the Pasadena Central

lamps from LEDtronics—in either new fixtures

Library’s document room, and designed a 95-

or as replacements for metal halide products in

watt LED cluster to replace metal halide lamps

existing fixtures—now help illuminate the city’s

that had totaled 900 watts in pendant fixtures

streets. The new 27-watt lamps cut energy con-

mounted in the library’s main lobby and other

sumption by up to 80%, vs. the 100-watt lamps

common areas.•

MANUFACTURER: GLOBAL LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES

Shining a Light on Its Own Products

Actual Size Profile

Employees at the headquarters for LED-fixture manufacturer Global Lighting Technologies are getting some first-hand experience with the luminaires they sell. The company has replaced all the existing fluorescent units with its own 2

t Over 250 Lumens / Foot t Over 70 Lumens / Watt t Commercial, Plug N’ Play

ft. × 2 ft. and 1 ft. × 1 ft. ceiling fixtures. The new luminaires use the company’s edge-lit light guide technology. In this design, LEDs are strategically spaced along one or two edges of the guide.

The fixtures use an average of 65% less energy than those they replaced, so this building-wide showroom for the maker’s products also should be significantly less expensive to operate.•

877- SSL- GREEN download brochure at

SolidStateLuminaires.com www.architecturalssl.com

Circle 07

12 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

CAN YOU PREDICT PRODUCT LIFECYCLE?

By Kevin Willmorth, editor

THE HªZY ΩAGIC o PREDICTING USEFUL LIFE o LIGHTING SYSTEMS

Lighting products do not live forever. Products

L70), MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) of driv-

Without acceptable standards for service

that are lightly used last longer than those exposed

ers and power supplies, or color shift/consistency

life definition, the market would fall victim to a

to abuse. Some technologies tolerate certain

change over time. Technologists might suggest

confused mix of smoke and mirrors marketing.

environmental conditions well, while others fail

that service life is also be defined by the point at

Universal metrics established by industry organi-

with the slightest provocation. Further, regardless

which a newer technology is available that justifies

zations create a foundation upon which customers

of a desire for simple monolithic standards for all,

replacement using an ROI calculation, regardless of

can base objective decision making. What metrics

definition of end-of-life also varies by customer

existing system condition. These are also less obvi-

are used and how they might be applied is where

expectation. Spot re-lampers see end of life as the

ous legacies of technologies having a life of their

the divergence begins. While standards attempt

moment a light source ceases to emit photons.

own, as evidenced by the Edison socket—created

to establish how long products can be reliably

Group re-lampers see end of service life as a point

as an incandescent lamp foundation, now evolv-

depended upon, practical experience shows that

at which a portion of failures has occurred, or time

ing into a de-facto interconnect separate of light

these are seldom universally accurate. Populations

passed, to trigger preventive maintenance. For sol-

source technology. No product survives infinitely.

of light bulbs often live well beyond their rated

id-state technology, service life is equally diverse.

While defining what constitutes the end of usable

lives, while others fail much earlier. In solid-state

“Life” may be defined by lumen depreciation (L50 or

life may not be crystal clear, it is far from magic.

lighting, similar behavior has been observed, with

www.architecturalssl.com

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 13

actual service lives both exceeding and falling well short of predictions. While this might be interpreted as a failure in the predictive metrics, the reality is that the best any singular numeric metric can accomplish is to represent a mean level of overly generalized behavior. Without consideration of switching and/or dimming cycles, ambient operating temperatures, incoming power fluctuations, surrounding physical environmental factors, suitability of the product to its use, tolerance for color shift over time, and an understanding of manufacturer test procedures, it is impossible to predict the life cycle of a product with certainty. Inclusion of all significant factors in a life-cycle calculation is subject to a litany of estimations, inaccuracies, and complex interactions requiring more diligence than most lighting customers are willing to invest.

In an attempt to dumb-down evaluations, the establishment of lumen depreciation as a foundation for life expectancy has emerged and is widely accepted. Unfortunately, this approach is decidedly flawed and attributed with greater value than it

the LM-80 test results, the lumen depreciated life

deserves. The underlying assumption is that the

rating offered is a guess at best.

manufacturer involved used actual LM-80 data for

LM-80 data does not offer lumen depreciation

the specific LED employed, tested the product to

in a luminaire system, as it does not include any

establish operating temperatures and calculated

down-stream system components. Plastics used

the lumen depreciation of the entire system using

in optics, thermal interface materials, encapsu-

the established TM-21 calculation procedure to

lating materials, driver/power supply electronic

create an estimated service life rating. Evidence

components and reflective surfaces all degrade

that this is true is the proliferation of a single

over time, accelerated by exposure to heat. None

“50,000hr to L70” service life rating applied to a

of these are included in LM-80 test results, nor

wide range of products with decidedly disparate

are they a component of LM-79 testing other than

constructions. If each manufacturer were indeed

what is present in a new product’s configuration at

completing the actual predictive calculations, or

time of testing. These factors must be included in

testing products in-situ using a series of LM-79

product lumen depreciation values, as they are not

tests over time, this would not be the case. The

generally included in lumen depreciation calcula-

odds of a large population of manufacturers of un-

tions elsewhere. This is rarely well understood by

related products coming to exactly the same result

manufacturers, so it is frequently ignored out-

are statistically impossible. Further, the actual

right in setting a “service life” rating. When these

result of calculations using TM-21 will be repre-

factors are considered, the ubiquitous “50,000hr

sented as a value such as >36,000hr L70 / 8,000,

to L70” service life statements universally applied

indicating the number of hours for the LED test

in most solid-state lighting product literature

data, limiting the maximum claimed service life

becomes absurd.

based on LM-80 test data duration. For products

One of the big winners among Lightfair’s Innnovation Awards was Philips and its Boldplay luminaire, winning most innovative product at the show. But with continued innovation in SSL products comes a continued need to advance in predictive maintenance in order to establish a product’s true life time. Rather than outright failure, or even data suggested by L70 information, true lumen depreciation will only be gauged with dedicated light level monitoring—either with meters or a computerized system, along with pre-established procedures to rejuvenate or replace sub-par systems.

Compounding the question of lumen depreci-

built using LEDs that have no certified LM-80 test

ated service life is the acceptability of that rate of

data, use of the lumen depreciation terms “L70”

loss within a lighting application. If the product

or “L50” are simply invalid. If the manufacturer

lumen loss is not included in the lighting design,

cannot provide information as to the operating

degradation of applied performance becomes the

temperature of the LED and how it correlates with

determining factor. For example, if the lighting

14 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

SEA CHANGE

www.architecturalssl.com

“Service Life” Contributing Variables

DOE: LED Luminaire Lifetime Report

Total reliability relies on individual reliability

Failures from a sampling of 5,400 outdoor luminaires

70 60

Driver Electronics

of LM-80 predicted lumen losses. Since experience has shown the failure incidence to be significantly

40 Optical

lower than this, a greater understanding of calcu-

30

lating reliability from MTBF ratings is required.

20 10%

10 Electrical Connections

PCB

In “MTBF and power supply reliability” published

7% < 1%

0 Power Supply Failure

LED LUMINAIRE

LED Package Failure

Driver Failure

Failure from 34,000 Hours

Housing

Mechanical Thermal

in Electronic Products (Aug 2009), John Benatti explains that failures occur at a greater rate in the early and late phases of product use, presenting significantly lower losses over the middle portions of a products life than will be experienced later. In

Finish (Paint)

Gaskets/ Sealants

the lighting system will have suffered additional losses from outright product failures, regardless

52%

50 LEDs

that within a typical LED product's L70 service life,

the article he explains that at 8,760hrs, only 8.4% ABOVE: An overwhelming percentage of luminaire failures stem from the onboard electronics, instead of the LEDs. LEFT: While there are numerous other intangible variables, these are the physical components comprising a luminaire.

of products with a 50,000hr MTBF rating will have failed. As the product reaches its “wear out” period, this rate will increase rapidly. Regardless, a loss of 8.4% within 8,760hrs of operation for products advertised to deliver over 50,000hrs of reliability is a significant contradiction.

The key to long service life in solid-state

“BEYOND THE FLAWS IN LUMEN DEPRECIATION AS A LIFE RATING IS THE REALITY THAT MOST SOLIDSTATE PRODUCTS SUFFER MORE COMMONLY FROM POWER SUPPLY MALFUNCTION THAN LED FAILURE.”

in standard light loss factors, most founded on

products is the composite of an LED source with

the legacy of re-lamping cycles, which are well

high reliability and strong lumen maintenance

short of the longer 50,000hrs+ predicted service

characteristics coupled to luminaire compo-

life of LED light sources. For this reason, inclu-

nents that retain their initial performance over

sion of higher lumen depreciation factors must be

the expected life of the LED, powered by driver/

included to recognize the lack of interim mainte-

power supplies with reliability characteristics

nance over the life of the products employed.

well matched to the anticipated life of the LEDs

Beyond the flaws in lumen depreciation as a life

employed, assembled into luminaires that control

rating is the reality that most solid-state products

heat effectively. An LED with an LM-80/TM-21

suffer more commonly from power supply mal-

lumen depreciation life of 100,000hrs connected

function than LED failure. According to the DOE

to a power supply with questionable reliability,

system is designed with an assumption of lumen

report “LED Luminaire Lifetime: Recommenda-

assembled with compromised optical and thermal

loss less than the combined LED lumen loss and

tions for Testing and Reporting”, in a sampling of

components will never deliver reliable results.

environmental factors (dirt depreciation, etc…),

5,400 outdoor luminaires, only 10% of failures were

This further illustrates the lack of credibility in

the delivered illuminance will fall below the de-

attributed to LED package failures, while 59% were

the universally stated 50,000hr L70 rating.

sign levels before the LED has depreciated within

from driver (7%) and power supply (52%) failures.

the stated service life rating—making an L70

While the report indicated that <1% had actually

ing with lamps and hardware with minimal

rating irrelevant. To facilitate use of the entire

failed at 34,000hrs, the implications are quite clear.

consideration of lumen losses, or degradation of

rated service life requires inclusion of a 30–50%

Electronic components also impart their own

materials over very long lifetimes. With a legacy

lumen loss, plus all other standard applicable

impact on lumen depreciation and degradation of

of renewal by re-lamp to reset light delivery

loss factors. This is significantly greater than

efficacy as products age. Unfortunately, rating the

every few thousand hours, the more complex and

incandescent and fluorescent lumen deprecia-

failure mode of these components is often stated

complete considerations required for solid-state

tion expectations, but is inferred when luminaire

in terms of MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure),

life prediction is too often overlooked. This applies

service life is founded on lumen depreciation.

too often confused with estimated life rating. Un-

to manufacturers and lighting decision makers

This is specifically critical in life-safety areas,

like lamp life, which is based on 50% of products

alike. Where manufacturers are guilty of short

such as exit corridors, as well as exterior parking

failing, MTBF indicates that for a population of

cutting product factors and testing, decision mak-

and roadway applications. Aggravating this is the

1,000 products put into service, a random failure

ers often overlook the impact of longer service life

assumption of maintenance cleaning including

can be expected every 100hrs. This would indicate

on lighting calculations, as well as ignoring the

www.architecturalssl.com

The lighting industry is accustomed to work-

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 15

impact that ambient conditions have on the life of

approach. Light level monitoring, either with

products rated by lumen depreciation established

meters or computerized system, coupled with pre-

THE SUM OF ALL PARTS

at a specific temperature. The ease with which an

established procedures for rejuvenating or replac-

overly generalized lumen depreciation value has

ing sub-par systems will be required. Additionally,

become a surrogate for lamp life is an indication of

conventional lighting technology has been stable

the laziness inherent with legacy behavior.

for so long that consideration of retrofitting to

While L70 is a standard that provides some guidance on the life time a user might expect out of an SSL fixture, the latter is the sum of many parts, not just the LEDs themselves: Plastics used in optics, thermal interface materials, encapsulating materials, driver/power supply electronic components and reflective surfaces all degrade over time, accelerated by exposure to heat. None of these are included in LM-80 test results. These factors must be included in product lumen depreciation values, as they are not generally included in lumen depreciation calculations elsewhere.

The legacy of conventional lamp technologies is

attain greater performance is not a part of regular

further evident in the approach the lighting indus-

building maintenance schedule. The result is that

try takes in product development. In design, lamp

even when solid-state lighting presents the op-

degradation is seldom a significant issue, while

portunity to realize significant gains, the installed

ballasts require minimal consideration for heat

base of easy-to-maintain conventional products is

exposure. In application, lamp failures force a cer-

difficult to dislodge from conventional thinking.

tain amount of attention to be paid—from cleaning

Lighting technology will continue to advance in

bugs out of outdoor products, to wiping off a lens

performance and reliability, as well as complexity.

in the process of re-lamping a fluorescent fixture.

For this reason, the assumptions learned from

Through this, conventional lighting products have

simpler conventional sources will need to be re-

established a foundation of reactive behavior in

dressed. This includes consideration of all factors

maintenance of lighting systems. The rhythm of

that impact service life, including recognition that

failing lamps also continuously renews lighting

any simple single numeric metric and unquali-

system output as it ages. Solid-state lighting sys-

fied assumptions by decision makers or manu-

tems create no such regular demand. While a few

facturers are not supportable. Just as a smart

products will fail prematurely, the majority will re-

phone is more complex than a rotary dial phone,

main lighted well beyond that point where lumen

solid-state lighting is a technology that demands

loss from LED degradation and dirt accumulation

greater attention to detail in order to accurately

have created dangerous conditions and harm to

predict a products useful end. The answer to de-

productivity or comfort of occupants living under

termining solid-state service life is not magic—it’s

them. For this reason, relying on a product to go

just a matter of applying careful consideration to

dark to signify a need for maintenance is an invalid

blow away the haze of uncertainty.•

16 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

© 2013 OSRAM SYLVANIA.

www.sylvania.com/indoorluminaires

Light that leads to eye-opening ideas.

Define your space with modern curves and better illumination that easily adjusts to the task at hand. With the award-winning signature design of OSRAM RLC22 LED luminaires, it’s possible to deliver ambient illuminance levels free from the troffer aesthetic defined by fluorescent lamps. The RLC22 blends beautiful form with energy efficiency in a luminaire that will make any space memorable. So dare to be different and go with lighting that leads.

To learn more about the RLC22 and our other LED luminaires, please visit www.sylvania.com/indoorluminaires, or call us at 1-800-LIGHTBULB.

Circle 08

TOPICS AT THE FRONT

Re-imagining Exterior LEDs

By Vilma Barr, contributing writer

From festoon lights in Salt Lake

experimented with gallium arsenic

from primarily functional—walk-

sensing technologies, puts the LED

City to the top of the Empire State

phosphorus (GaAsP) as a route to

ways and street and highway light-

above pretty much all the other

Building, from the classic façade of

wide bandgap tunnel diodes—in

ing—to art forms and entertain-

alternatives,” he indicates. “To me,

a mega-deli in Munich to a doorway

other words, toward making lasers

ment and building image identity.

the LED represents an extension

surround in lower Manhattan, the

visible. He authored a paper in

Can the industry support such a

of information, entertainment and

ascending LED star has altered

1962 describing a GaAsP laser, and

pace of new product introductions

personal technology into the built

the way exteriors are showcased,

innovative lighting technology has

for exterior applications?

environment through light. I can

accented, and integrated into the

taken over from there.

surrounding environment.

While LED lighting technology

Since the world turned the

Tapio Rosenius, director of the Lighting Design Collective SL, with

see a lot of potential there.”

During LED’s formative years,

corner into the 21st century, the in-

offices in Madrid, London, and

Rosenius says, the nighttime

lacks a certain Thomas Edison

troductions of improvements to the

Helsinki, believes that the ability

exterior environment suffered

“inventor identity” regarding its

output, regulation, color rendering

of LED technology to control very

from poor quality light and

creation, LEDs do have a sort of

accuracy, and life-span of LEDs

small packages of light individually

optical control, and overuse of

“Father” in the form of then-GE

have seemed to approach mach-

will lead to even newer artistic and

color-changing light. “This is set to

scientist Dr. Nick Holonyak. While

speed. Their applications for the

technical solutions. ”Parametric

change now that LED technology

working on lasers, Holonyak

exterior built environment range

control, coupled with meaningful

is reaching maturity. How well and

18 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

230 Park Avenue, New York City

sible for the new lighting of the

Until last December, the architec-

top of the Empire State Building.

tural details of the 84-year-old,

For 230 Park Avenue, the entire

34-story-high structure spanning

north-facing façade, including the

the intersection of Park Avenue and

spire-top, is a palette of pattern-

45th St. could be appreciated only

changing LEDs. For most evenings,

during daylight hours. A product

the façade is white, with colors

of Warren & Wetmore, architects

beaming from the top.

of the adjacent Grand Central

At intervals on the fifth, 16th,

Station, it was originally known as

32nd, and 33rd floors, illumination

the New York Central Office Build-

is provided by a mixture of 700

ing to house the rail company’s

Lumenpulse luminaires—Lumen-

headquarters. Real estate investor

beam Large and LBX fixtures, and

Harry Helmsley later renamed it to

Lumenfaçade fixtures with narrow

reflect his involvement until it was

optics to accent the details. The

purchased by Monday Properties,

sloping roof was dramatized by

who chose to identify it by its ad-

Lumenbeam Large and LBX flood-

dress—230 Park Avenue.

lighting fixtures, while the cupola

Monday Properties’ pride in ownership manifested itself in a visual upgrade and re-imaging program

glistens with narrow-beam Lumenbeam and Lumenfaçade fixtures.

Responsible for the programming

of the 1.4-million-sq-ft. building.

for the pattern- and color-changing

Part of the company’s strategy was

sequences was Joshua Baker, Lu-

to establish the building’s place on

menpulse’s Applications Engineer-

the city’s skyline with new lighting.

ing Manager, who utilized a Pharos

Selected to turn the objective into

LPC-1 Lighting Playback Control-

reality was lighting designer Alfred

ler with Designer software. Each

Borden of the Lighting Practice,

luminaire is capable of individual

Philadelphia, who was also respon-

programming.

A NEW ICON IN MANHATTAN’S EVENING SKYLINE

A system was devised to anchor the mounts to exposed structural joints rather than drilling into the building’s surface, preserving 230 Park Avenue’s landmark status. An all-white program is beamed on the north façade most evenings, with color-changing capabilities for holidays and special events. Photos: Evan Joseph; Lighting, Ed Ledeman/Monday Properties

how quickly the design community

“Now, my firm’s activities are what I

des Arts in Montreal. “White light

use of bollards to illuminate the

comes up with some truly original

call ‘architainment’ such as the LED

manufacturers are producing small,

walkway leading up to the main

applications for this technology for

exterior constructions used for The

efficient, and brighter fixtures with

entrance. Instead, Bauer selected

the outdoors is the challenge.”

Cube in Winnipeg and the illuminat-

individual controllers that give us

4-in.-square LED paver modules by

ed grain silos with narration telling

this capability. We’ve not yet seen

Martin rated at 3.6 watts per tile.

president and creative director of

the history of the City of Quebec.”

all the benefits for lighting that can

LEDs were also used for illuminated

Ambiances Design Productions,

Gagnon’s most recent production is

be adapted from the electronics

signage and behind multi-color pan-

admits to having assembled his

the Fresque de Nuit sound and light

industry,” he states.

els as part of the store’s façade. A

own LEDs in 1996 for a theatrical

show beamed onto the façade of the

production in collaboration with

Mont-Laurier Cathedral.

Montreal-based Martin Gagnon,

set designer and director Robert

Gagnon credits advances in

LED also has quite a role for

prototype power substation under

interior and exterior uses when it

construction is replacing high pres-

comes to lighting design for retail,

sure sodium with LEDs for exterior lighting.

Lepage. Two years later, Gagnon

LED lamp and fixture miniaturiza-

says Bernard Bauer of Integrated

customized a set of LED controls for

tion that have contributed to the

Lighting Concepts, Westlake Vil-

a Cirque de Soleil production. “Five

ability to keep lighting sources

lage, Calif. For the Neiman Marcus

handful of other case studies that

years, ago, my practice was mostly

out of user’s view, such as those in

branch store in Walnut Creek, Calif.,

identify innovative and exciting

architectural lighting,” he says.

the decorative ceiling at the Place

a local ordinance prohibited the

uses of SSL on building exteriors.

www.architecturalssl.com

In the following pages are a

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 19

The Bay Lights, San Francisco Earning the distinction since March as the world’s longest LED illuminated art sculpture, the 1.8-mi.long Bay Bridge that connects San Francisco with Treasure Island is adorned with 25,000 white LEDs. Visual artist Leo Villareal individually programmed the $8 million Bay Lights installation into hundreds of different patterns to be seen for a two-year run. A total of 300 vertical cables ranging in length from 50 ft. to 2 ft. are fitted with Philips Color Kinetics eW Flex SLX LED nodes with a correlated color temperature of 4200K. Installed on the suspension bridge’s north side, it is visible from the San Francisco area from dusk to midnight. Bay Lights, which receives most of its power from dedicated solar panels

TWILIGHT DANCE

in Davis, Calif., was coordinated by

Inspired by the 75th anniversary of the Bay Bridge, the art project by Leo Vilareal uses LED and networking technology to allow the lights to dance over the cable spans. Image: Courtesy, Philips Color Kinetics

Caltrans and Illuminate the Arts.

City Creek Center, Salt Lake City With 900,000 sq. ft. of retail space, five condominium buildings, and an office building, City Creek Center is a new 23-acre development covering three city blocks that anchors the downtown revitalization of Salt Lake City. Flowing through the center of the project is a previously covered waterway that was used as a source of fresh water by the region’s settlers. Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design created the illumination program for the multi-use site. Above the roadway into the Center, HLB and architects Hobbs & Black agreed on a contemporary version of festoon lighting customized by Auroralight’s LHL50 Candela LED luminaire. They are hung in a random pattern in 12-, 24- and 36-in. lengths.

NEW CUSTOM?

The custom LED Festoon hanging lights bring the scale of the surrounding buildings to a more intimate and welcoming level. Image: Jean-Pierre Bonin

20 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

The Empire State Building, New York City From the 72nd floor to the top of its mast, the Empire State Building is a symbol for the New York City skyline as is the Eiffel Tower for Paris or Big Ben in London. Malkin Holdings, the building’s owners, launched a $550 million renovation program for the 83-year-old, 2.3-million sq ft, 1,250-ft-high tower. They decided to change the existing cumbersome metal halide lighting system of the upper floors and mast. The Lighting Practice, Philadelphia, was commissioned to re-create and enhance the building’s landmarked nighttime appearance. Supplier of the new system was Philips Color Kinetics with a custom version of their ColorReach Powercore luminaire, a long-throw RGBW floodlight. Initial estimates of the reduction in operating cost is over 80% for the crisply brilliant appearance of the new LED tower lights.

BEACON RE-ENVISIONED

As part of a renovation of the landmark structure, its owners wished to create a new nighttime appearance. But beyond creating a new look, the new system is saving more than 80% in operational costs. Image: Courtesy, the Lighting Practice

Uniqlo, Osaka, Japan Located in Osaka’s central shopping area, Uniqlo’s 13-story branch has a façade with an overall glow for everyday or holiday-inspired images and graphic animations. Lighting consultant was Sirius Lighting Office. To achieve this 29,920-sq.ft. installation, 312 Traxon Dot XL-9 RGB were installed behind an ETFE film, which acted as the façade’s second skin as well as a diffusion material, spreading Dot XL’s light across each 29-sq.ft. metal-bordered square. The fixtures were paired with an e:cue Lighting Control Engine (LCE), 32 Butlers, and a Connect Base 3 that activates the LED lamps for after-dark visual broadcasting.

STANDING OUT IN A CROWD

Known primarily as a roofing material, a new version of EFTE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) was created to form a double layer translucent film that was inflated on-site to create a cushion-like surface with LEDs installed behind the panels on all four of the store’s façades.

Image: Courtesy, Traxon

www.architecturalssl.com

Circle 09

PROFLEX SERIES Architectural/Commercial mercial Grade LED Flood

Block Headwear, New York Sergio Mannino loves transforming spaces into ones full of character and color. When tapped to create the façade of the company’s first U.S. store, he wanted to make a big impact on the Lower East Side neighborhood.

The ProFlex is an architectural floodlight incorporating our patented, industry-leading optics, resulting in unsurpassed light output and uniformity.

The illuminated façade certainly attracts ProFlex 14

attention. Inspiration, he says, came from the brand’s products and logo—with the latter actually repeated throughout. But Mannino also drew inspiration from the neighborhood itself, as the store is across the street from one of New York’s most famous grafitti walls.

“The intersection [of art] still tells the story of a New York that doesn’t exist anymore, but

ProFlex 21

that is still missed by many,” says the artist.

Applications:

U Building Facades

DIGITAL GRAFITTI

U Uplighting

The façade is illuminated by 73 LEDs inside the yellow letters which are made from SIntra PVC. Azek products are used for the back paneling, complimenting the design. Image: Courtesy, Sergio Mannino.

Trees U Parking Lots U High Bay Low Bay ProFlex 28

For more information visit

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Applications:

Dallmayr, Munich, Germany

height pilasters above the ground level arched

Attracting over 1.5 million visitors a year to

windows; and Glim Cubes for the fourth floor

its downtown Munich location, legendary food

windows. Dallmayr, which was founded 300

purveyor Dallmayr has a newly illuminated

years ago, distributes such products as its coffee

façade, fully lit by LEDs, from the two-level-

brand worldwide.•

tall pilasters to the top garrets. Lighting

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designer Tom Schlotfeldt specified three types of luminaires by iGuzzini: Miniwoody

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the third floor columns; Woody LED floodlights

The aim of the new architectural lighting was to show the splendor of the entire surface of the façade. As a result, lighting focuses on details, notably the columns.

with a spot optic for uplighting the double-

Image: Courtesy, iGuzzini

LED floodlights for the garrets and features of

Versa VL

www.architecturalssl.com

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Burlington Arcade, London Clients: Meyer Bergman & Thor Equities Architect: Blair Assocs. Architecture Lighting: Speirs + Major Electrical: Polyteck LED product manufacturers: Mike Stoane Lighting, ACDC Lighting, Control Lighting Text: Speirs + Major Photos: James Newton The Challenge: Situated between Bond Street and Piccadilly in London, the Burlington Arcade is one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated shopping destinations.

Almost 200 years old, it has a rich and varied history, including being the shopping choice of the cream of British society. The aim of the project was to restore the arcade to its original design and its former glory as Britain’s most historical retail destination. A specific part of the client brief was also to provide a more natural lighting solution that would accentuate the building’s magnificent architectural detailing. This required the lighting to have a minimal physical impact.

The Solution: Speirs + Major were commissioned to redesign the lighting in conjunction with heritage architectural specialists Blair Assocs. First on the docket was the removal of low-hanging modern ceiling lights which, for the first time in over 100 years, opened up the unobstructed and original view of the arches down the full length of the arcade. The color temperature changes throughout the year, evoking the softness of candlelight.

24 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

Victorian Sensibilities Addition by Subtraction

driven both by a desire to improve

arcade, facilitating the installation

The lighting scheme also had to

the sustainability of the scheme

of temporary lighting equipment

address a number of important

and by increased demands from

and allowing the installation to be

practical considerations. In ad-

elsewhere on a limited electrical

fully controlled and operated from

dition to stripping back the large

supply to the building. Speirs +

an event lighting desk.

quantity of exposed light fittings

Major also worked to reduce the

and cabling—and replacing it with

maintenance required; not only for

renovation, a look back helps bet-

concealed fittings and wiring

the cost benefits, but to protect the

ter understand the full story. The

infrastructure where possible—the

long-term appearance of the instal-

arcade’s history runs parallel to the

mall had to operate on a reduced

lation by reducing the chance of fit-

development of artificial lighting.

total load compared to the previ-

ting focuses being changed. Finally,

Initially gas lit, the arcade was

ous installation, which was already

the installation had to support the

subsequently illuminated by incan-

very energy efficient. This was

many events that are held in the

descent lighting and later by dis-

Before delving into details of the

www.architecturalssl.com

charged lighting. The consequence

the addition of dedicated uplight-

the daylight conditions. 4000K

of these changes was not only the

ing was the key component in

white light, for example, is used on

loss of the historic fixtures and the

improving the appearance of the

dull summer days; this balances

original illuminated appearance

arcade. Achieving this required the

well with the daylight, making the

of the arcade, but each iteration

firm to work with LED manufac-

artificial light almost impercep-

left its own legacy—many times

turer ACDC to design a new min-

tible. On a winter’s day, a warmer

unwanted—in terms of conduits,

iature linear LED lighting product

temperature, closer to 3500K, is

cabling and defunct equipment. Ad-

incorporating a barn-door system

used to provide a more inviting

ditionally, the northern end of the

to provide simple control over the

appearance in the lower ambient

arcade was completely destroyed

light distribution.

light conditions.

during the Blitz in World War II. Upon reviewing the structure, the Speirs + Major team decided

www.architecturalssl.com

Variable color temperature was

U

The arcade was purchased in 2010 by a joint venture comprising two international specialist retail real estate investors, Meyer Bergman and Thor Equities, whose aim was to physically restore the iconic property and reinstate the historic space as a global luxury shopping destination.

Throughout the year, after dark,

built into the system to allow the

the color temperature is warmed

appearance to be adapted to suit

progressively down to 2700K and

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 25

dimmed to evoke the softness of

particular profile of conduit was

the corners of the skylights; the LED

gas light.

selected by the architect that could

fixture is profiled to match the an-

be integrated imperceptibly into the

gle of the skylights. It incorporates

corners of the window frames.

transverse louvres to minimize

Uplighting is supplemented by spotlighting at the archways to highlight the rhythm of the archi-

Following the removal of the

visibility and is adjustable to avoid

tecture. Miniature LED fittings

reproduction lanterns, downlight-

using elliptical lenses are po-

ing needed to be re-introduced to

sitioned on either side of each

maintain appropriate light levels at

also been provided to help them to

archway to provide an accurate

the floor of the arcade and to cre-

improve the lighting of their shop

contained effect.

ate brighter levels adjacent to the

windows as they refurbish their

shop frontages. A custom fixture,

units as well as to try to ensure

much as possible, great efforts were

developed for this purpose, was

that their lighting complements

made to conceal the wiring too. A

integrated as subtly as possible into

the look of the arcade as a whole.

Beyond concealing the fixtures as

26 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

U A layered lighting scheme

was developed to highlight the key architectural components of the façade. Uplighting the curved flank walls completes the scene.

any catch on the skylight edges.

Guidelines for the tenants have

The Arcade has taken home a number of honors, including one form the British-based Lighting Design Awards, and most recently an Award of Merit from IALD.

www.architecturalssl.com

NOTABLE HISTORY Z The Burlington Arcade

opened in 1819 after Lord Cavendish commissioned architect Samuel Ware to enclose a troublesome alleyway on the western boundary of his London estate, Burlington House—now home to the Royal Academy. Originally it housed a range of 55 specialty shops providing luxury goods such as pocket watches, writing pens and jewelry. The upper echelons of society flocked to Burlington Arcade, a trend that has continued ever since, because of the combination of discretion of service and the high quality of products.

Z Royalty has long favored Burlington Arcade, a tradition which began when the Prince Regent (later George IV) bought gold lace for his uniforms there.

Perfumers Penhaligon’s still holds two Royal Warrants, and at Christmas members of European royal families are often found perusing the arcade for gifts.

Z Burlington Arcade is not immune to misfortune. Fires in 1836 and 1871 caused terrible damage, and in 1940 a German bomb destroyed its north end.

events, an interface has been pro-

façade is architecturally quite com-

programmed to change automati-

All of the arcade lighting is

vided that allows external contrac-

plex, so a layered lighting scheme

cally through the day. During the

tors to plug in their DMX lighting

has been developed to highlight

daytime, uplighting and downlight-

desk and to take control over every

the key architectural components:

ing are only used when there is

lighting element individually to

the main archway, the window

insufficient daylight, with color

give them total creative freedom

archways, the balustrades and the

temperature being used selectively

over the look of the arcade. As soon

coat of arms. Additional lighting is

according to the season. During

as users unplug their equipment,

provided to identify the arcade by

the course of the evening, these

the lighting is restored to its previ-

highlighting signage and the flag.

main lighting elements progres-

ous settings.

The composition is completed by

sively dim and warm, allowing the

uplighting the curved flank walls

detailing of the architecture to be

Piccadilly Façade

just inside the main archway, help-

revealed by the spotlighting. For

Burlington Arcade’s Piccadilly

ing create a welcoming entrance.

www.architecturalssl.com

Z Beadles—the original “mall cops”—enforce the by-laws of the Arcade laid down in 1819, which include a prohibition against the opening of umbrellas, whistling, bicycles, public “merriment,” and the playing of musical instruments. The rules may seem archaic now, but were put in place to stop criminal activity and to maintain an ambience of gentility.

Z The original Beadles were recruited from non-commissioned officers of the 10th Hussars, the former regiment of Lord Cavendish, and are the smallest private police force in the world, pre-dating the Metropolitan Police by 10 years.

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 27

Besides concealing both the

Gardens Façade

along the edge of the canopy.

fittings and wiring, the main chal-

The Art Deco façade at the northern

lenge on the façade was to achieve

end of the arcade is considerably

is the underside of the canopy.

a consistent quality of white light.

simpler than the Piccadilly façade.

Previously this had been a simple

The variety of unique lighting ele-

For the distant views, it is grazed by

hardboard soffit into which half a

ments required the use of fixtures

a close-offset curtain of light, which

dozen metal halide downlights had

from five different manufacturers.

gives the building a gentle presence

been recessed.

With LED being used for its size,

and dramatically reveals the coat

efficiency and dimmability—in all

of arms in relief. From closer views,

buildings, a new glazed canopy has

but the flag spotlighting—great

the detail of the façade is revealed

been backlit to provide real impact

care was taken to select the correct

through the gentle uplighting of

for the entrance and a welcoming

binnings for each manufacturer to

the finials, the flag lighting and the

appearance on winter’s days and

create as close a match as possible.

concealed uplighting of the signage

during the evenings.•

28 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

The key feature of this entrance

U During the evening, the main

lighting elements progressively dim and warm, allowing the detailing of the architecture to be revealed by the spotlighting.

In keeping with similar Art Deco

www.architecturalssl.com

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ILLUMINATING A RENOWNED ART DECO DISTRICT IN BELGIUM Carmes District Namur, Belgium

Namur, capital of the Wallonia region of Belgium, is also a global reference in Art Deco architecture with its historic Carmes district. Therefore, when the town desired new illumination for buildings on three of the streets of the district, that lighting absolutely needed to highlight the numerous architectural features on the historic façades.

Following World War I, Art deco architecture, a distinct departure from Art Nouveau, boasted streamlined, geometric shapes. The curves faded in favor of straight, angular lines using industrial materials. Flat roofs, bow windows, multi-colors and friezes with abstract or stylized patterns are characteristic of Art Deco architecture.

To best detail the Art Deco features without taking away from the architecture, lighting designers Ores and Radiance 35 worked with LED lighting manufacturer LEC to create customized solutions. In fact, the company designed and produced more than 235 lightbars and spotlights for this unusual, multi-building project. All this equipment was adapted, in size and lighting effects, to the characteristics of each feature on each façade. “The district was built in 1928 in Art Deco style. Until now there was no illumination, so we decided to develop customized architectural lighting using LED technology,” says David Decellier, Street Lighting Designer for ORES, one of the two firms working on the project.

Several constraints were linked to these illuminations. The first, says Decellier, was gathering the necessary authorization from each resident in order to to install the lighting equipment on the façades. To do so, in collaboration

ABOVE: When the Belgian town of Namur desired new illumination for buildings on three streets in its historic Carmes district, customized LED lighting from LEC was chosen to highlight the numerous architectural features on the Art Deco-style façades.

with the town, a project meeting was organized to present the equipment that was going to be installed. “The second hurdle concerned nocturnal nuisance as we were working on inhabited

Images: Namurimage pour LEC.

façades,” says Decellier. “This problem was resolved using pinpoint LED lighting which en-

www.architecturalssl.com

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 31

SSLProfile:

CARMES DISTRICT, NAMUR, Belgium

THE CHALLENGE: Re-light the streets of a historic Flemish Art Deco-influenced district in the town of Namur. This lighting retrofit, however, would not involve mere replacement of older area lighting, but would entail direct illumination of the architectural details of the buildings on the streets themselves. Each building would then require the permission of the occupants to make said changes.

THE SOLUTION: Lighting designers ORES and Radiance 35 developed a plan to create custom LED luminaires, manufactured by LEC, that would not only allow the city to save money in energy and maintenance costs, but would allow it to discreetly mount the new fixturs to the buildings themselves, which would allow highlighting of the Art Deco details—something that had never occurred in the town’s history.

PROJECT CREDITS:

Management: Town of Namur

DESIGNED FOR THE DETAILS Because Art Deco-styled details on columns, moldings, and sculptures vary, the illumination of these features was designed on a case-by-case basis. LEC adapted the angles, beams and color temperature of the LED spotlights to provide a personalized illumination focused on its subject.

Lighting and Visual Design: ORES and Isabelle Corten, Radiance 35 PRODUCTS:

LEC: Customized LED lightbars and spotlights.

Lifetime, he says, was also a major criterion

turer, 5mm LEDs generate less heat than smaller,

as LED fixtures require less maintenance and

but higher power sources, so the lightbars could

replacement. “This aspect was very important

be equipped with 165 LEDs per meter, minimizing

for Namur, which bears the maintenance costs

the space required.

of the decorative lighting,” says Decellier. “LED also consumes less energy than other technolo-

Spotlights Highlight Façade Details

abled us to focus on each feature. The ultimate

gies available for applications like these; which

For lighting related to columns, moldings, and

adjustments were made in situ.”

of course is one of our selection criteria.”

sculptures, these Art Deco-styled architectural

A final issue involved the discretion of the fix-

But perhaps the best reason that LEDs were

details vary in the district. The illumination of

tures in the daytime. “LEC provided us with very

chosen was that the power consumed for the

these features was therefore examined and

discrete solutions which we colored with very

entire project is less than that of the original

designed on a case-by-case basis. In accordance

carefully selected colors,” says Decellier.

functional sodium lighting.

with the lighting designer’s specifications, LEC

To avoid having to install additional protec-

As far as the fixtures themselves, LED

adapted the angles, beams and color tempera-

tive cables, because many of the fixtures are

lightbars, from 30 cm to 2 m, were installed for

ture of the LED spotlights, thus providing a per-

very close to the windows, the firm was required

linear surfaces. For the illumination of linear

sonalized illumination focused on its subject.

by local law to install low-voltage lighting solu-

features—moldings, friezes and the like—the ob-

tions only; all LEC products are only 24 volts.

jective was to create accurate lighting adapted

Flexible and Meticulous Organization

to the subject, with good uniformity. LEC thus

The implementation of a project like this re-

Decellier, has been adopted in most cases by his

manufactured lightbars of 20 different lengths.

quired meticulous organization, from the design

company for exterior illumination because the

To improve the discretion of the fixtures, power

to the installation of the lighting equipment.

light is much more “sober” than discharge lamps,

cables were directly integrated into the fixtures,

Computer tools, qualified staff and management

which he says are too powerful for projects like

making them invisible. Each one was also

of the manufacturing processes enable LEC to

this. “We needed a directed and accurate flux,”

painted with a RAL color corresponding to the

work on projects like Namur, integrating a multi-

says Decellier.

color of the façade. According to the manufac-

tude of different references.•

Why was LED chosen? LED technology, says

32 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE When it came to site and area lighting for the Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park, the City of Pensacola wanted an exterior LED luminaire that could deliver on performance and be cost effective. MayaLED was chosen because of its ability to fully deliver the potential of LEDs. Due to its outstanding optical performance, MayaLED post top luminaires could be installed further apart necessitating fewer luminaires, resulting in overall energy savings and lower acquisition costs.

Project: Community Maritime Park - Pensacola, FL Photo: Paul Brown

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Circle 15

OFFICE GOES LED BULB FOR BULB AND FIXTURE

BY FIXTURE Helix Architecture+Design Kansas City, Mo.

Founded in 1992 and located in the heart of the Crossroads in Kansas City, Mo., nationally recognized design firm Helix Architecture + Design focuses on people instead of structures.

By focusing on the idea that great architecture and design transforms the world and its people, Helix’ unique business platform begins and ends with the people who live, work or play in the places they create. Implementing sustainable practices, the firm recently remodeled, including lighting, by retrofitting with top quality LED replacement lamps throughout their office.

Officially launched in August 2012 and completed in January 2013, the upgrade was designed to reduce energy consumption, yet maintain quality lighting throughout the office.

The project involved the upgrade from the firms’ previous PAR30 and MR16 halogen sources to more efficient LED replacement lamps.

In a New Light Helix worked with local lighting designer Bruce Yarnell, of the eponymous Shawnee, Kan. firm, who recommended products from EiKO, another local company, with whom the lighting designer worked with to design custom LED solutions for the manufacturer’s new headquarters (visit the hot project archive of SSL Interactive [Jan. ’12] at architecturalssl.com). That project involved the creation of many custom LED-based fixtures; Helix, however, desired a more traditional solution. According to EiKO, a top priority for everyone was ensuring that the quality of light and dimmability in the existing space was not com-

ABOVE: The classic before and after shots show the design firm’s conference room where 50-watt halogen MR16s were replaced with 6-watt LED equivalents. The replacement sources are RoHS certified and contain no mercury, a feature that appealed to Helix in helping the firm assure its investment in a sustainable solution.

promised. At the same time, energy efficiency and maintenance benefits had to be guaranteed. The solution came in the form of EiKO’s LitespanLED replacement sources, including their 6-watt

Images: EiKO

MR16 and 15-watt PAR30 retrofit lamps. One of the reasons Yarnell turned to the LitespanLED

www.architecturalssl.com

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 35

SSLProfile:

HELIX ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN, Kansas City, Mo.

THE CHALLENGE: Update the offices of architectural firm Helix to a lighting environment that was not only more energy efficient, but one that preserved the lighting quality and dimmability of the previous incandescent- and halogen-illuminated space.

THE SOLUTION: Lighting designer Bruce Yarnell worked closely with Helix’ Kathy Kelly and Mike Huele, as well as Curt Anderson with EiKO, to outline a path of investigation regarding the feasablity of a complete LED retrofit. The solution came in the form of 6-watt MR16 and 15-watt PAR30s that would deliver seamless transition from existing halogen and incandescent sources. The LED replacement sources produce light levels that are adjustable to suit individual preference; save 80% energy over the previous system; and come with a lifespan of 35,000 hours.

PROJECT CREDITS:

Lighting Design: Yarnell Assocs.

PRODUCTS:

EiKO LitespanLED PAR30s and MR16s.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY Helix’ offices operate roughly 12 hours a day, 5 days a week for 52 weeks of the year, meaning it consumes roughly 3100 kWh annually (calculated at a rate of $0.09). Beyond energy savings, a major priority was to ensure the quality of light and dimming capabilities were not compromised.

line is that it helped fulfill one of Helix’ main pri-

tones, color rendering of standard color swatch

orities to conserve energy while maintaining il-

sheets, color consistency within the beam on

lumination quality. The replacement lamps have

a white board, evenness of the beam, beam

light levels that are adjustable to suit individual

smoothness at the edges and dimming qualities

preference, which are perfect for conference

using a quality dimmer.

room settings, and more importantly, can result in savings of up to 80% of current electricity

A second test was then taken at the Helix offices, where an entire conference room was re-

costs compared to the previous technology. The

lamped with retrofit sources that featured color

sources also come with an average lifespan of

temperatures at 3000K for the PAR lamps, and

35,000 life hours, meaning fewer replacements.

2700K with the MR16 replacements. Helix’ entire team of architects then critiqued the solution, in-

Blind Test

cluding dimming capabilities with their existing

To gauge how the new lighting would stack up,

dimmers, for further evaluation. Furthermore,

EiKO and Yarnell created guided visual compari-

foot candle readings were taken during the

sons in the form of photos of the lamps along

on-site test to fulfill one of the main priorities

with the measured reactions in order to test

of Helix: to conserve energy while maintaining

various quality issues seen by the naked eye.

illumination quality. Although tests were strictly

Characteristics that were evaluated included

visual, they were top-notch for the lay person’s

lamp aesthetics, color temperature on skin

impression of the top manufacturers.•

36 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

FINE RETURN The use of EiKO’s LitespanLED PAR30 and MR16 replacements resulted in an annual energy savings of $1,800 with a 1.3-year return on investment. The retrofit cost $2,400 in installation costs.

www.architecturalssl.com

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By Kevin Willmorth, editor

New Technologies Deliver Unique Opportunities for Design Advanced plastics will foster new LED designs and efficiencies.

While the majority of solid-state attention is paid to the LED light

In addition to the use of plastics in conducting heat directly away

sources themselves, several other areas of advancement are creat-

from sources, thermoplastics and graphite materials can be used to

ing new opportunities for product design. Beyond the light source

increase planer conductivity, spreading heat away from a point source.

and electronics, there are two other disciplines involved in solid-state

GrafTech International offers a range of graphite-based interface ma-

lighting product deployment: Thermal and Optic. As LED efficacy has

terials that allow designers to tailor thermal conductivity in through-

improved, so have each of these areas, creating a compounding of per-

thickness, as well as laterally through the material, to eliminate hot

formance improvements available to product designers.

spots. The RTP Company offers several injection grade polymers with

Thermal Technologies That Take the Heat Off

wide range of design needs, with structural properties that are similar

Solid-state lighting demands control of the heat generated by the

to filled nylon.

a range of through and lateral thermal conductivity profiles to suit a

LEDs employed. Ultimately, heat must be dissipated into the environment away from the light source. To facilitate this connection, heat

New Optical Dimensions

must be conducted from the rear of the LED into an appropriate heat

Traditional optics include metal or metalized reflectors, or TIR (Total

sink that has been designed to eliminate the energy absorbed. In the

Internal Reflection) PMMA plastic optics placed over the LED source(s)

past, increasing the conductive efficiency path included use of thermal

to direct light into desired intensity regions. Other approaches include

grease between the LED and a heat sink, usually made from aluminum.

conventional painted surfaces and sheet diffusers. While effective,

The liabilities of this approach include the loss of conductivity as the

these methods often add undesirable physical dimension to a product,

grease dries or leaches out from under the LED, as well as the weight

and frequently lack efficiency.

of heat sinks made from extruded or cast aluminum.

New generations of optical treatments create increased efficiency with profiles often as thin as a few thousandths of an inch. These materials can be used to diffuse and blend multiple light sources, as well as

Plastic offers advantages that are attractive to product designers, but lacks the thermal conductivity required.

Yet recent advancements in graphite-, metal-, and ceramic-filled plastics can deliver advantages including a 70% reduction in weight and reduced component counts.

modify the shape of the light emitted. With transmissions of between 80 and 97%, these materials offer significant gains in total efficiency.

Fusion Optix is a leading supplier of these materials, in both plastic and glass materials as well as flat and shaped forms. They also offer light guide materials for edge light applications, transflective materials for combination optical designs, light shapers, and reflective materials.

Luminit offers a range of LSD (Light Shaping Diffuser) materials that in-

Plastic offers the advantages of lightweight and formability attrac-

corporate holographic surface processing to produce high transmission

tive to product designers, but lacks the thermal conductivity required.

(85-92%) diffuser and light shaping films. When applied over LED ar-

Yet recent advancements in graphite-, metal- and ceramic-filled plas-

rays, these materials conceal individual LED images, while generating

tics deliver the advantages of engineered plastics, reduced component

a desired symmetric or asymmetric light distribution pattern. Further,

counts, a 70% reduction in weight, and the elimination of secondary

Bayer Material Science offers Macrolon Lumen XT, a polycarbonate dif-

finishing.

fuser material with high efficiency specifically for LED application.

Examples of companies offering this technology include Thermal

For diffuse reflectance, White Optics, LLC offers a range of flexible

Solution Resources, which offers standard and custom product incor-

materials that can be thermo-formed or applied in sheets to lumi-

porating their SSL Plastic heat sink technology; and Cool Polymers,

naire interiors, delivering up to 98% reflectivity and 97% diffusion for

which offers a range of CoolPoly LED Series TCP thermally conductive

smoothing optical distributions and eliminating color variations in light

plastics for LED application. Bayer Material Science offers Macrolon

patterns. A similar product is offered by Fusion Optics.

TC8030 polycarbonate. Injection molding allows creation of complete

The combination of lightweight thermal components with these film-

and unique shapes that are difficult to duplicate with other methods

based optical materials creates unique opportunities for creating new

without secondary machining, so waste is reduced, while many of

designs around LEDs that are efficient, comfortable to look at, light in

these materials are fully recyclable at end of service life.

weight, and refined in design considerations.•

38 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

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“

- Jennifer, 6/28/2012

These are just a handful of the public comments you can see under every course on TCA. And surveys continue to show that the TCA user experience is the best in the business.

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Optimizing Performance in Commercial Fenestration

Ventilated Wall Systems: Porcelain Stoneware Cladding Solution for Energy Efficient Buildings

Three Innovations Changing the Face and Function of Fabric Architecture

TheContinuingArchitect.com

By Peter Lieffrig, General Manager Intelligent Buildings Division, TE Connectivity

Control Your Costs Implementing dimming and controls through connectivity

Commercial buildings, including hotels, hospitals, schools, office

The lighting industry requires interconnect solutions that can

buildings and retail stores, are among the early adopters transition-

address both high voltage and low voltage lighting control for intel-

ing from traditional lighting sources to solid-state lighting in an effort

ligent buildings. These connector systems are adaptable for seamless

to reduce their electric energy consumption. In addition to the lower

integration into existing building wiring and wireless infrastructures

power consumption of the SSL elements, lighting controls are essential

and/or new construction builds that are highly modular. This type

in facilitating further cost savings. Each one of these energy reduction

of modular build gives the lighting designers, engineers, contract

solutions comes with its own complexities.

Lighting manufacturers that are adopting lower-energy-consuming LEDs within their designs and architecture require cost effective solu-

manufacturers, and lighting OEMs a high degree of flexibility in fixture selection and placement.

One example of a modular wiring connector system for high-voltage

tions to integrate the chip-on-board (COB) LED arrays into their fix-

applications is TE’s NECTOR M power system. This particular intercon-

tures and to accommodate thermal and electrical connectivity. Today's

nect solution is a fully pluggable, lighting power and control cabling

COB solutions vary in size, but predominantly the LEDs are centered

system for permanent electrical installations. The system allows

on the COB with opposing diagonal electrical contacts. A number of

electrical contract manufacturers the ability to engineer, design and

interconnect solutions exist for these COBs that can be roughly clas-

build power distribution units, electrical devices and cable assemblies

sified into dedicated and scalable products. While a dedicated solution

off-site that result in reduced on-site labor costs.

is self-explanatory, a connectivity solution to address a majority of the

This multi-pole, keyed, modular wiring approach is available for

COB market requires a scalable COB holder that adjusts to the size of

lighting designers, contractors and OEMs that want flexibility in dis-

the overall array.

tributing power to various lighting systems and other control devices

Scalable holder solutions ease the incorporation of SSL elements

common in all buildings. The inherent multiple branch circuit capabil-

into lighting fixtures and architecture. The scalable LED holder utilizes

ity simplifies cabling in the premises and its circular form factor makes

board contact pads referenced to the corners of the array, so it can be

routing during installation simple and fast. The option with five poles

used with a virtually limitless range of board sizes. Board assembly

provides the power and signal connections for emergency lighting

is simplified by the elimination of two-piece separable connections or

applications while the seven pole connector provides additional power

hand soldered terminations. With each holder clamping the corner of

and signal connections for color control lighting capability.

the COB and ensuring a positive electrical and mechanical connection

The growing interest in low-voltage applications is driving the

to the board, wire termination is as simple as stripping and poking the

development of specialized low-voltage connector systems. One

wire into the connector, minimizing the applied cost.

example is the NECTOR S power system which is also a fully pluggable

Intelligent buildings incorporate sophisticated lighting control

connector and cabling system for low-voltage lighting power and

systems that automatically adjust the light output of COB arrays in

control applications. The solution provides a quick plug-and-play

fixtures based on the demands of the building’s occupants. These de-

power connection between lamps such as lighting wiring in offices;

mands come in the form of work space task lighting, personnel traffic

kitchen, bathroom, and office furniture; display cabinets; and mount-

patterns throughout the building, the amount of natural lighting within

able lighting. The two-pole system provides a six-way distributor with

an area, and general safety requirements. Controlling the lighting

an additional switch feature for control, while the four-pole solution is

environment intelligently to meet these demands will provide energy

suitable for low voltage dimming or color control applications.

savings and simultaneously a more comfortable work environment.

Control is accomplished through both wired and wireless mediums to

Lighting control applications within intelligent buildings can also be implemented wirelessly to save installation time. Wireless protocols

perform basic on and off functions as well as dimming or complex scene

exist in a number of formats, both proprietary and open standard.

control. At the simplest level, a wired control system may be imple-

Each has its own benefits to the end application, so care should be

mented via a pair of wires or a multi-conductor cable. More sophisti-

given before choosing a protocol—especially proprietary. Regardless of

cated systems that use networking cable and equipment or a modular

the transport medium, wired or wireless, the choice of connectivity to

wiring approach to lighting control are available on the market today.

LEDs and lighting controls is essential in saving time and money.•

40 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

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Introducing

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www.bklighting.com

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www.bkssl.com

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Product Introductions

OLED Modules A new option for fixture designers is now available with the introduction of the OLEDmodule LUREON REP from Tridonic, which offers efficacy of more than 50 lm/W in neutral white. Producing up to 12,000 lm/sq. meter at a color temperature of 4000K, the modules are only 3 mm. thick, enabling a range of professional lighting applications. ´ Visit www.tridonic.com or Circle 291.

Tridonic’s LUREON REP OLED modules are only 3 mm. thick, enabling a range of professional lighting applications.

1 Outdoor Lamp Replacement The new LED Post Top Retrofit Lamp from MaxLite replaces traditional metal halide and highpressure sodium products in post-top fixtures. The 36W lamps feature a standard color temperature of 6500K; sealed aluminum bodies provide thermal protection and heat transfer. ´ Visit www.maxlite.com or Circle 292.

2 A Cool Opportunity The Nuventix LED Cooler R150-170 is designed for high-power high-bay fixtures, for use as a standalone heatsink or in combination with up to three of the manufacturer’s SynJets. It offers the ability to cool up to 20,000 lm. in a 6-in.-diameter design. ´ Visit www.nuventix.com or Circle 293.

3 More Lumen-ous The Sierra LED Column, a slender 13-ft. pedestrianscale pathway luminaire from Hess America, has been upgraded to boost lumen output by 300% to 360% over its initial design. Warm and neutral color-temperature options are available, as is ceramic metal halide lamping. ´ Visit www.hessamerica.com or Circle 294.

42 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

Product Introductions

They’re Frosty Universal Lighting’s new EVERLINE LED Modules with frosted lenses mask the pixilation that LED light sources can create, diffusing the illumination created by individual LEDs to produce a solid white appearance without the need for extra parts. The units are available in two models; the modules can be specified in a range of lengths and lumen packages. ´ Visit www.unvlt.com or Circle 295.

The EVERLINE’s frosted lenses mask the pixilation that LED light sources can create, diffusing the illumination.

4 Organically Speaking Nine OLED panels radiate in a vertical spiral to create Bern Unrecht’s 3X3 MACH 9 pendant. The secondgeneration Orbeos OLED panels from Osram can be easily repositioned and produce surface, rather than point-source, illumination. ´ Visit www.bernd-unrecht-lights.de or Circle 296.

5 Right in the Middle MidLev Series LED fixtures from Phoenix Products are designed to replace low- to mid-level wattage HID floodlights, delivering up to 4,000 lm. Multiple lumen and optical packages are available, all featuring marine-grade extruded-aluminum housings, with a heavy-duty steel harp allowing for 360-degree rotation. UL certified for hazardous and marine locations. ´ Visit www.phoenixproducts.com or Circle 297.

6 New Drivers Suitable for use with LED modules from most manufacturers, Harvard Engineering’s 120V CL Analog LED dimmable drivers provide smooth 0-10V linear dimming in fixtures up to 33W. Units are available in 700mA and 1000mA offerings. ´ Visit www.harvardeng.com or Circle 298.

www.architecturalssl.com

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 43

Product Introductions

No Solder Needed The TE Connectivity Type Z50 LED Holder features snap-in LED retention and enables designers to develop ZHAGA-compliant modules around a common core. Optic attachment features were designed in cooperation with Carclo Optics and LEDIL to ensure a firm mechanical fit, and holders are secured to the heat sink with standard screws. ´ Visit www.te.com or Circle 299.

Designers can develop ZHAGAcompliant modules around a common core thanks to the Type Z50 holder’s snap-in LED retention.

1 Higher-wattage Dimmability The 50W Hi-Lume A-Series LED driver by Lutron Electronics is designed for use with Philips Fortimo 3000 lm. and Xicato 3000 lm. modules, among other higher-power products. Units enable dimming from 100% to 1%, and can be software-configured into almost 7,000 unique models. ´ Visit www.lutron.com or Circle 300.

2 A Cool Opportunity With its soft, figure-8 profile, Tech Lighting’s Unison suspension fixture is equally at home in residential or commercial settings. The luminaire incorporates two, 20W field-replaceable LED strips to produce both downlighting and ambient illumination. ´ Visit www.nuventix.com or Circle 301.

3 Never Too Thin The Lumiere Eon Bollard from Cooper Lighting is only ¾-in. thick and offers controlled LED illumination in forward throw, lateral throw and flood beam patterns. The fixture’s optical design allows spacing of up to 24 ft. in some configurations, with color temperatures of 2700K, 3000K and 4000K available. ´ Visit www.cooperlighting.com or Circle 302.

44 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

Product Introductions

New LED Luminaire Series Acclaim Lighting’s Dyna Series of LED white, linear wall and cove fixtures features ouputs averaging 20 watts per foot, and up to 50 lm/W. Models for interior and exterior façade lighting, uplighting, wall grazing and cove applications are included, all in color temperatures ranging from 2700K to 4000K. The 1and 4-ft. sections can be linked together. ´ Visit www.acclaimlighting.com or Circle 303.

Acclaim Lighting’s Dyna Series features models for interior and exterior façade lighting, uplighting, wall grazing and cove applications.

4 Area Solution LSI Industries’ XAMU area light fixture features a sleek, one-piece housing and delivers more than 17,000 lm, with reflectors available to create three individual distribution patterns. A range of energysaving options are available. ´ Visit www.lsi-industries.com or Circle 304.

5 Edge-y Panels Edge-Lit LED Panels from Nora Lighting can be recessed, surface-mounted or hung as pendants to provide glare-free workspace illumination. Featuring an opalescent lens, the pans can be specified in two sizes and a range of lumen packages. ´ Visit www.noralighting.com or Circle 305.

6 Coordinating Fixtures Contemporary-styled pendants and coordinating wall sconces from Jesco Lighting feature mix-andmatch components. Specifiers can opt for LED, CFL, metal halide or incandescent lamping, and choose from a range of pressed, textured and cased-glass shades in multiple available diameters to create customized fixtures. ´ Visit www.jescolighting.com or Circle 306.

www.architecturalssl.com

ARCHITECTURAL SSL • 05.13 • 45

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ACUITY BRANDS AMERLUX B-K LIGHTING BODINE / PHILIPS EYE LIGHTING KIM LIGHTING / HUBBELL HUNZA IALD ILLUMITEX INTENSE LIGHTING JUNO LIGHTING GROUP LIGHTSEARCH LUMINIS METAL COATERS NICHIA NORA LIGHTING OSRAM SYLVANIA LUMILEDS / PHILIPS RAB LIGHTING SOLID STATE LUMINAIRES STERNBERG VINTAGE LIGHTING THE CONTINUING ARCHITECT VISTA ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING

www.acuitybrands.com www.amerlux.com www.bklighting.com www.bodine.com www.eyelighting.com www.kimlighting.com www.hunza.co.nz www.iald.org www.illumitex.com www.intenselighting.com www.junolightinggroup.com www.lightsearch.com www.luminis.com www.metalcoaters.com www.nichia.com www.noralighting.com www.sylvania.com/led www.philipslumileds.com www.rabled.com www.solidstateluminaires.com www.sternberglighting.com www.thecontinuingarchitect.com www.vistapro.com

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EDITORIAL PREVIEW: In the July issue of SSL, we revisit LED’s impact on healthcare design, including its use in Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital. Kevin Willmorth addresses the subject of calculated design vs. creating something on a series of universal assumptions that may not be so universal.

Finally, we’ll take a look at a living LED lab, as a prominent manufacturer lights its own facility with SSL.

LED Sapphire

4", 6" & 8" High Lumen Commercial Downlights 850, 1250, 2000 and 3000 lumen packages 2700, 3000 and 4000K temperatures

a division of Nora Lighting Te l 8 0 0 . 6 8 6 . 6 6 7 2

46 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

|

noralighting.com

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ANOTHER PERSON’S DARK SPACE IS OUR BLANK CANVAS. AN IALD PROFESSIONAL LIGHTING DESIGNER SEES THE POSSIBILITIES IN EVERY ENVIRONMENT. LEARN HOW AN IALD LIGHTING DESIGNER CAN TURN YOUR VISION INTO REALITY. VISIT IALD.ORG AND CLICK ON "FIND A LIGHTING DESIGNER" TO REFINE YOUR SEARCH.

PUBLIC PASSAGE | MUNICH, GERMANY | LIGHTING DESIGN, PFARRÉ LIGHTING DESIGN | © ANDREAS J. FOCKE

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SSLObserved:

By Kevin Willmorth

Wobbling Zombie Gear-Head Progress (Just Not at Home) While the commercial market has begun moving toward LED technology likes zombies wobbling toward a loud noise, the residential market remains unimpressed. This is not a market easily moved.

service lives of 70,000 to 100,000 hours are not

of all lighting energy, the savings is irrelevant.

as unrealistic as they were just a few short years

While we as a nation need to cut consumption,

ago. It’s enough to make the throbbing brains of

we as individuals have little motivation to bother.

any lighting gear-head glow with excitement.

Yet, while the commercial market has begun

It is not just about price, it’s about value creation in the mind of the consumer—something

moving toward this technology like zombies

that energy efficient lighting has failed repeat-

wobbling toward a loud noise, the residential

edly to deliver. While reducing energy is a value,

market remains unimpressed. This is not a mar-

it does not support the premium being demand-

ket easily moved by scientific data or compel-

ed in product cost and reduced light qualities.

If you are a tech gear-head like me, solid-state

ling performance numbers. Proof that it’s not

lighting may not be as intriguing as an F1 car,

about informing the ignorant masses: I’ve been

over low cost incandescent lamps when part of

but there is something fascinating here. There

shocked to find that at-home adoption amongst

the premium available from energy reduction is

are now LED die breaching the 270 lumen per

the zealots of SSL is quite low. This should be a

sapped by 80CRI light with pink or green tones

watt barrier. Of course, this is all marketing ef-

warning sign to all. The residential market re-

in goofy looking bulbs that don’t fit into fixtures.

ficacy. By that I mean efficacy derived from a 20

flects how individuals value a technology, which

Now, deliver a 100CRI light that looks and be-

millisecond pulse of energy through a very low

is more raw and honest than the commercial

haves in ways that exceed customer expectation,

current device, mounted to a thermal plate to

sector—where decisions are made with “other

while offering an easy-to-adopt inspired new

ensure it stays at a perfect 25°C temperature for

people’s money.” In defense, SSL proponents will

feature, and you might have something people

the entire 20 milliseconds, measured within an

point to costs as the core issue. Good point, if you

would be willing to pay extra for. In other words,

integrating sphere to capture every last photon

set aside the fact that consumers today spend

work as hard as other contemporary marketers

generated with no driver or optical losses con-

more on a growing number of non-essential ac-

do while absorbing more than their share of rev-

sidered. Sort of like the old days of auto makers

cessories than ever.

enue from the target customers, and we will see

reporting gross engine power.

Still, give these lofty marketing numbers a

In reality, the cost of lighting a home each

It is impossible to extract a price differential

a real revolution. Anything less is just being lazy

month is invisible to the consumer. Even if it

in today’s toy-rich environment. Lighting needs

reality haircut of 50%, and the results remain

were shown as a line item on the utility bill, the

to take on this issue and stop wandering around

pretty impressive. We are realizing widespread

few dollars spent each month on lighting energy

the woods groaning about ignorant consumers.•

LED system (real world fixture package) perfor-

just doesn’t rate a conversation. Here’s the math:

mance of between 60 and 135 lumens per watt.

In a home with 54 lamps, 60W each, burned 650

That means point source, optically focusable

hours each year, a total of 2,106 kWh is con-

halogen product performance at T8 fluorescent

sumed. At $0.12 per kWh, that comes to a total of

efficiencies. Plus, emerging test results show

$21.06 per month. Most of us are spending many

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

that these gains are long lived. L70 estimates

times that per week on fuel, wireless services,

Kevin Willmorth, a lighting expert and fixture designer,

of 35,000 to 50,000 hours are beginning to look

and cable access. It’s not that LEDs don’t save

has been instrumental in helping create a vision and

pessimistic; it is likely that lumen maintenance

enough energy—it’s that, even if they cut 100%

mission statement for Architectural SSL.

48 • 05.13 • ARCHITECTURAL SSL

www.architecturalssl.com

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ERA速 LANTERN LED This is LED Site Lighting Perfection.

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