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SHINING A LIGHT ON LEDS THE M OST EF F E C TIVE A P P LICATI ONS DEPEND ON MATCHI NG ADVANCE S IN T H E T E C HN O LO GY TO FAC ILI TY NEEDS. Authored by: Dan Webb | August 13, 2018 LEDs are one of the most energy-efficient and quickly evolving lighting technologies and offer the potential to fundamentally change the future of lighting in institutional and commercial facilities. Widespread use of LEDs could save the equivalent annual electrical output of 44 large electric power plants by 2027, a total savings of more than $30 billion at today’s electricity prices, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. EYE ON OPPORTUNITIES What does this all mean to a facility, and what should maintenance and engineering managers look for in planning an upgrade to use the latest technology? The main advantage of upgrading from an incandescent or fluorescent lighting system to an LED system relates to energy cost savings over the life of a facility. Ultimately, managers need to consider several factors when looking to implement the latest technology, but here are a few considerations to keep in mind when contemplating an upgrade: ▪▪ Can the current lighting control system or network support the features of the LED fixtures? ▪▪ 0-10V dimming, DMX, or DALI systems are good candidates for controlling LED fixtures while providing support for the color tuning, color mixing, and other controllability functions available. ▪▪ The proper recycling of old fluorescent or mercury vapor lighting fixtures is important. Managers need to check with the local jurisdiction to ensure workers use proper recycling procedures. Beyond making strides in the use of LEDs in displays and mobile devices, LED and solid-state lighting manufacturers also have improved LED technology since becoming widely used in commercial building lighting applications. Today’s LED light fixtures are more efficient, and in most cases, they are more cost effective than incandescent or fluorescent solutions. The latest advances — including color temperature tuning, color mixing, beam angle tuning, and glare control optics — have far-reaching applications in facilities. Also, recent advances in technology allow power over Ethernet (PoE) light fixtures and lighting fidelity (Li-Fi) based wireless communications to take a foothold in the building sector. One recent technology advance demonstrates continuous disinfection lighting systems utilizing nonultraviolet, narrowly tuned spectrum of light to provide visible white light and to target and eliminate bacteria. As these LED technologies advance, one element that will need to change with it is the control system. Managers who are looking to incorporate any of these new types of technology within a facility also might be able to upgrading to a more robust lighting control system.
SHINING A LIGHT ON LEDS UNDERSTANDING LED ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS The next step in planning a lighting system upgrade is to consider the potential applications of the advances made in LED technology. For many retailers, the color of the light is key. It can make products stand out or highlight certain aspects of a product’s form. For example, in a jewelry case it is not only the intensity that matters. The color temperature also can enhance the hue of a gemstone or the color of the metal. In office buildings and athletics facilities, where users spend a large portion of their day under interior lighting, color tuning can also be used. Over the past few years, many studies have explored circadian rhythms and the effect that lighting can have on a person’s mood and productivity. Light entering the eye affects Ganglion cells, which send signals to the central circadian clock, according to Cerritos College. This process regulates the body’s sleep/wake cycle, alertness, melatonin, cortisol, and core body temperature. Exposing bodies to different levels of lighting throughout the day can stabilize circadian entrainment. Exposure to low-intensity, bluedepleted white light for as long as possible in the evening before bedtime increases sleepiness, while high-intensity, blue-enriched white light contact as soon as possible after waking up in the morning decreases sleepiness throughout the day. The benefits of stabilizing circadian rhythm include increased alertness, improved cognition, and non-pharmacological treatments. When applying circadian lighting design, the process must include a thoughtful approach as to timing and location, as well as the best way to apply it. Many researchers and lighting designers are working together to determine the best way to properly apply different lighting throughout the course of the day to help end users reach their full potentials. Many educational developments in this field are worth following, and one point is clear: The goal is to help people. As LEDs have evolved, one fact remains: LEDs are a point-source light, and that source will cause glare if the incident angle is too low in respect to the eye for aimed fixtures or too high in relation the surface a person is looking at. Previous attempts at controlling glare included shielding and lenses, but, some fixture manufacturers can provide a system to control the glare from amiable fixtures and to tune the beam angle of the LED or the fixture to reduce light spill. With the continued increase in efficiency, the wattage required to drive an LED fixture while maintaining a desired illuminance has dropped. In conjunction with LED advances, power over Ethernet technology has been pushing the limits as well. With PoE+ — 30 Watts — or the latest universal PoE — 60 Watts — switch port feeds, LED manufacturers are looking at low-voltage solutions for smart fixture installations. Typically, these systems integrate individual, addressable fixtures and control devices over the building network. While this system can be applicable to general lighting, emergency lighting would be a challenge, and managers would need to address it separately. In addition to PoE fixtures, designers have used LED light sources for data transmission. For example, on a factory floor, they have used the light fixtures to communicate with the automated assembly-line components. One obvious limitation to this technology is maintaining a line of sight with the receiver. But for spaces with high electromagnetic interference or for large bandwidth applications, this might be a viable solution. sufficient independent outputs that eliminate the need for additional wiring or a daughterboard.
SHINING A LIGHT ON LEDS
Another potential consideration a manager should be aware of is potential operability issues related to existing dimming controls. While LEDs are the preferred source for dimming versatility, they do require a dimming-compatible driver in order to provide dimming control whether using a new fixture or a retrofit lamp. Be sure to coordinate with the manufacturers of both the driver and dimmer to confirm that it is the right product for the application’s needs. Even if a driver and control device are said to be compatible, managers should test the combination if possible. Many fixture or driver manufacturers can perform this test. The benefits of having LED lamps with proper dimming capabilities include even greater energy efficiency and a prolonged lamp life. They also provide end users with more ability to fine-tune their environments to their needs and preference. LEDs have become a much more viable and increasingly simple option for replacing fluorescent lights in a variety of facilities, and they often provide considerable energy savings. But it is important for managers to be aware of the potential challenges when upgrading from fluorescent to LEDs before making the purchasing decision. Understanding the desired light level and the intended use of a space are important first steps in considering whether to pursue one-for-one replacement lamps or invest in a full light fixture replacement. Researching compatibility with dimming controls and ballast types, along with testing proposed combinations, can go a long way in preventing potential post-installation issues. Managers also should consider the assistance of a professional lighting designer or engineer to provide evaluation of the application and guidance through the purchasing process.
DAN WEBB PE As an associate and electrical engineer for Henderson Engineers he works closely with architects and clients to create beautiful, well-lit environments that enhance the visitor experience. Webb is the lead electrical engineer for Henderson’s work on the forthcoming Los Angeles Stadium and Entertainment District at Hollywood Park.