Replacing lighting with energy-efficient LEDs
Replacing lighting with energy-efficient LEDs
One way to reduce the electricity consumed in industry is to upgrade lighting. In such facilities, the use of artificial lighting is mandatory and results from the need to maintain at least the minimum required illuminance in workplaces (these values are summarised in the PN-EN 12464-1:2012 ‘Light and lighting’ standard). Particular mention should be made here of areas with limited access to sunlight, e.g. large halls and existing buildings where the installation of windows or skylights is not possible, as well as establishments that operate a three-shift system, where the extent of savings will be even greater.
Replacing traditional luminaires with those using LED technology reduces electricity consumption. It is also a measure to improve lighting conditions by increasing the intensity, standardising light colour and increasing the colour rendering index. An example of the extent of savings following a lighting upgrade is a comparison between LED light sources and sodium luminaires.
Traditional sodium luminaires have a luminous efficiency of 80 lm/W. While the Ultima LED luminaire converts 1 watt of energy drawn from the grid into 170 lm of light. Assuming that the lighting upgrade was to be carried out in the simplest 1:1 manner, i.e.one sodium luminaire replaced by one LED luminaire, energy consumption for lighting would be reduced by approximately 58%. This result is particularly beneficial for multi-shift facilities. In this type of facility, the extent of savings becomes even greater. Meanwhile, it should be borne in mind that an additional benefit of installing new light sources is also a reduction in their failure rate and, therefore, in the money spent on troubleshooting.
Note that upgrading industrial lighting is not the same as replacing light bulbs. The replacement of light sources in plants should be preceded by an energy audit. A properly executed and detailed audit is the basis for concepts and calculations showing the most beneficial measures. Only a properly completed process is the basis for installing a new lighting system aimed at saving energy.