An Old Concept Produces Significant Savings in Energy & Maintenance
http://smart-buildings.com/downloads/inductionlightingmay2009.pdf
Would you use a light rated to 100,000 hours or 11.4 continuous years? This is a lifespan five times longer than HID. Imagine the cost savings in energy and replacement. This is a possibility with induction lighting.
Induction lighting may be new to some of our readers; it is not a new concept. It’s hard to imagine but induction lighting has been around since the 1800’s when Nicola Tesla lit 200 lamps without wires from 25 miles away.
Induction lighting is similar to fluorescent lights in that it uses gases to produce white light. Where the similarities end and the savings begin is in the manner to which the gases are “engaged”. Fluorescent lights use electrodes to engage the gases and thus produce the light. The electrodes erode over time. Induction lighting produces light when energy is transmitted by magnetic field (electromagnetic induction). It is through this process that induction lighting gets its name.
Induction light bulbs contain an antenna. The antenna receives electric power from the ballast. The ballast generates a high frequency such as 13.6 MHz, 2.5 MHz, or 250 kHz. A circuit in the ballast produces a voltage on the coil located in the light bulb. The coil discharges the gas. When light is produced, the voltage is reduced to the normal level. There is no electrical connection inside the bulb. Energy is transferred through the glass.
For a video on how induction lights are made, click here .
Advantages of Induction Lighting
Along with its longevity, induction light provides a wealth of additional benefits. Used in tunnels, warehouses and other low lit areas, it provides additional safety and security with its natural light.
Induction lighting provides a great advantage to buildings and areas were replacement and maintenance of lights can be difficult. This can include high ceiling areas such as lobbies, street lighting, parking lots, industrial buildings, cafeterias, gymnasiums, signage, tunnels, bridges, roadways, public spaces, and any area where lighting is needed 24/7.
Induction lights are dimmable. In addition, induction lamps can be integrated with motion sensors. There are a couple of advantages to using motion sensors with induction lighting. There is no delay in switching on/off. In addition, repeated on/off in high traffic areas will not affect the longevity of the light as it may with an electrode charged fluorescent.
A few other specifications of induction lighting are listed below:
* Long Life - 100,000 hours
* Color rendering - 85 CRI
* Color Temperature - 2,700K-6,500K
* Energy Efficient - 85+ Lumens per Watt
* Lumen maintenance - 70% of its light output at 100,000 hours
* Maintenance costs - go at least 10 years with out a change out
* Instant on Capability - Can be used with photocell or motion sensor with instant strike and restrike (Metal Halides take up to 8 mins to restart).
* High Output - 70W to 400W
* No flickering, strobing, or noise
* Minimal Color shifting
* Starting temperatures as low as -40° F
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Savings and comparison’s to traditional lighting
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