whenlightswork

Towards a Totalistic Energy Efficient Lighting System

ABSTRACT

The defining factor that contributed towards the design of an energy-efficient lighting system had been most often simply equated to the use of fluorescent lamps, in replacement of all other lamp sources, due to the high efficacy of fluorescent lamps. Yet, the question arises, is that sufficient to address to the crux of the problem, or is the concept of energy saving sources being misunderstood by most? Or perhaps, there is a need to evaluate if other factors would contribute significantly towards the design of a total system.

Keywords: Energy-efficient lighting, Definition, Technical, Quality of the illuminated environment, Total System

1. INTRODUCTION

As stated in CIBSE Guide F, Energy Efficiency in Buildings, “The process of energy efficient design should always include, the identification of users’ requirements, designing the system to meet these requirements with minimal energy use,

Energy-efficient lighting had been equated by most mainly to the lamp sources that constitute the lighting system. Hence, efficacy[1] of the proposed lamp source is of utmost importance in the consideration towards the design of an energy efficient system. Yet, it must be understood that the energy consumption of the resultant installation is not solely dependent on the specified fittings or lamps; but it should be perceived as a totalistic solution that comprises of several factors. For example, maintenance factors[2], the quality of the lit environment, the resultant lighting level in relation to the space it is intended for, or the suitability of the specified fittings types, etc. Hence, it might be too wide a generalization when the efficiency of the system is only pegged to a specific factor.

Particularly in the context of the presented case-study project, where the existing parameters had to be evaluated to conclude on the necessary measures to improve on the existing, it is a must to establish the defining parameters that would contribute towards an energy efficient system prior to the start of the research. The research project is commissioned by the National Environmental Agency of Singapore, to the study the energy efficiency of Singapore’s outdoor lighting system. As the appointed advisor to the research study, there is a need to understand the parameters that would contribute towards the definition of an energy efficient system, as well as to examine the existing context and the current research trends.

Furthermore, besides establishing a thorough understanding of the quantifiable aspects that would contribute towards a totalistic energy efficient lighting system, there is a need to address to the primary concerns of a well-lit out-door environment[3], which should satisfy the psychological needs of the users; economical system that would incur minimal long run cost; to create a visual environment that is pleasing. Also, the environment should be adequately lit, so as to ensure that the city dwellers are safe and their belongings are secured.

After the analysis of the research’s context, a thorough understanding of the current system had to be established. So, the study had been staged into three main components,

1. Understanding of the current lighting installation through discussion sessions with different government authorities that were identified in the initial phrase of the study.

1. Collection of the data on site (to have a greater understanding if the luminance is related to the installed system and if there is a mismatch, identify the contributing factors.)
2. Decipher and propose solutions, through the use of computational simulation software.

Outdoor lighting system is a complex area of study that require careful treatment of the current parameters, as well as to address to the illumination needs of different areas that were identified in the initial phrase of the study. Hence, these procedures are established in accordance to design parameters that would tally to the proposed lighting system, in relation to the different urban typologies. After the collection of the data, these would be carefully deciphered and analyzed through software to identify the appropriate solution for a better lighting system. Furthermore, the study include an overview of the lighting system that would also comprise of the evaluation of the maintenance cycle or the implementation of lighting control systems, to have a lighting system that would better relate to the use of the installed space. Through the steps established in the study of the existing installation and the need to re-propose the necessary corrective measures, these actual research tools illustrate the complexity in the definition of energy efficient system and the constant effort that would be required in the study to establish a thorough overview of the total lighting system.

During the course of the research, it is important for the existing parameters to be clarified and understood, prior to recommendation of the appropriate measures that should be taken to rectify the current problems. However, the totality of the system had also to be understood in context of the whole and the extent of the study. Therefore, the extent of change would need to be understood.

Therefore, the presentation of this actual research project in the execution, procedure of works, consideration and the defining factors that were identified, would enable a thorough understanding of the procedure of works, as well as, to provide an insight on the details that were required in a totalistic energy-efficient lighting system. Also, due to the context of the study, the need to have a thorough understanding of the separation of the urban areas, as well as to establish a link between the specific outdoor pockets, with their illumination requirements. This would highlight the need for the involvement of relevant government authorities for a comprehensive and realistic research.

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[1] Lumen output of the lamp sources in relation to the operating wattage of the lamp, which is referred to as the efficacy of the source.

[2] Maintenance system of the lighting system consists of both the Light Loss Factor (LLF) and Lamp Lumen Maintenance Factor (LLMF).

[3] Veitch, J., 2001. Psychological Processes Influencing Lighting Quality. Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, Winter 2001.New York: IESNA.