LED lighting specifically designed for elevator applications, with particular focus on low profile form factors and durable designs to withstand vibration.
Elevator lighting is an application where LED products are becoming broadly available. LEDs are particularly suited for elevator applications because their rugged design can withstand the vibrations and motions of the cabin. Also, because of the inherent directionality of LED light sources, elevator lighting is a good application for LED sources.
A field study conducted by the Lighting Research Center (LRC) demonstrated that LEDs can be effective, energy-saving alternatives to incandescent downlights in elevators. The field installation showed an energy savings of 45 percent compared with the original incandescent lights. The long life of 40,000 hours also means LEDs compare favorably with the 2,500 hour lifespan of traditional incandescent products. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) is encouraging research, development and market penetration of LED lighting, and is providing resources which provide objective, frequently updated information about the technology.
Energy savings over traditional elevator lighting using incandescent sources may be significant; 45 - 60% savings can be achieved depending on design light levels and fixture efficiency. Lamp life could be significantly longer than for other systems in use, potentially providing maintenance savings. The white light is available in a range of color temperatures and high Color Rendering Index (CRI) levels suitable for architectural lighting uses. Light distribution can be precisely controlled in well-designed luminaires by taking advantage of the inherent directionality of LED sources. Additionally, the DOE predicts continued improvement in efficiency and decline in price for LED lighting.
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Baseline Description: 50 W incandescent Baseline Energy Use: 438 kWh per year per unit
This estimate came from: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/resources/news/enews/Jul05/general259.html. It assumes 50W * 24 hr/day *365 days/year. Note, however, that some elevators are equipped with fluorescent tubes with diffusers while newer models are often equipped with cab occupancy sensors.
"Typical" Savings: 45% Energy Savings Reliability: 4 - Extensive Assessment
A study by the LRC examined an elevator with six 50 W incandescent downlights. The recommended replacement was a recessed fixture with six 3 W Luxeon LEDs per downlight (27.5 W total when ballast losses are included). The total lighting load for the cab was reduced from 300 W to only 165 W. This approach yields an energy savings of 45% (LRC, 2005).
Energy Use of an Emerging Technology is based upon the following algorithm. Baseline Energy Use - (Baseline Energy Use * Best Estimate of Energy Savings (either Typical savings OR the high range of savings.))
According to the National Elevator Industry, Inc., there are 900,000 elevators in the U.S (NEII, 2014). If we take 4% of that, assuming the number of elevators is proportional to the population, that equals approximately 36,000 elevators in the Northwest. During the time that most existing elevators were installed, the dominant technology has been hydraulic. Assume that each elevator is equipped with six 50 W downlights that can be replaced with LEDs. The total number of 50 W incandescent lights to be replaced is thus 216,000.
Regional Technical Potential of an Emerging Technology is calculated as follows: Baseline Energy Use * Estimate of Energy Savings (either Typical savings OR the high range of savings) * Technical Potential (potential number of units replaced by the Emerging Technology)
Simple payback, new construction (years): N/A
Simple payback, retrofit (years): N/A
Cost Effectiveness is calculated using baseline energy use, best estimate of typical energy savings, and first cost. It does not account for factors such as impacts on O&M costs (which could be significant if product life is greatly extended) or savings of non-electric fuels such as natural gas. Actual overall cost effectiveness could be significantly different based on these other factors.
LRC, 07/19/2005. LED Elevator Downlight Benefits Lighting Research Center
LRC, 01/01/2014. Low-Profile LED Fixtures for Elevators Lighting Research Center
Jennifer Taylor, 07/12/2005. Elevator lighting gets an upgrade with LEDs Lighting Research Center
BOMA, 01/01/2013. Calculating Return on Investment for Energy Projects Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Silicon Valley
Technical Advisory Group: 2009 Lighting TAG (#1) TAG Ranking: Average TAG Rating: TAG Ranking Date: TAG Rating Commentary: