LightNOW

Lumenique’s Kevin Willmorth recently published a blog post questioning the use of the term “humancentric lighting” and raising concerns about how it is being marketed and applied.

Without mincing words, his post begins:

I do not use, like, or support, the term “Human-Centric Lighting” or HCL, and the marketing of it. Nor am I convinced the bullish marketing of the term makes it any more attractive or legitimate. The term has been tagged onto so many crack-pot claims, unsupported promises, and misapplication of hand-selected, overly simplified misleading single-line extractions from legitimate studies, and anecdotal claims by unqualified “experts” – that it has become nothing more than an extension of the now discredited “Full Spectrum” marketing that has plagued lighting for decades.

The confusion of white light tuning for lighting color effect has now been bolted to human-centric lighting, as more and more marketers rush to stake a claim on this populist movement. I am weary of the numerous “studies” supporting claims, that are nothing more than simple biased surveys of lighting customers, with no effort to remove the Hawthorne Effect, or other bias, that I no longer believe any of them present any meaningful data worth wasting time considering.

He goes on to talk about abuses, what research is telling us now, and that our advancing understanding of the relationship between lighting and health may necessitate new expertise and possibly even a new profession.

Click here to check it out.

RETAIL ENVIRONMENTS recently published an interesting article about how retail lighting is changing in the LED era. It appears we need to go on hammering the basics–layering with light, integrating light and architecture, and so on–while talking about the extraordinary new possibilities in lighting with LED technology.

Click here to read it.

Eaton’s Metalux Cruze LED Retrofit Kit is an energy-efficient solution featuring simple and quick installation for customers wanting to easily upgrade from fluorescent luminaires to LED technology without the need to install a new fixture. Eaton’s LED retrofit kit utilizes the existing fluorescent luminaire’s housing to save on the cost of purchasing a complete fixture, while also reducing material disposal cost in a retrofit project. Saving on installation labor costs, the high-performing and aesthetically-styled LED system features the latest solid state lighting and driver technology for optimal performance, while providing energy savings of more than 50 percent compared to select fluorescent fixtures.

The highly efficient LED system with an advanced optional design provides optimal light uniformity while delivering high performance efficacy of up to 138 lumens/W. Available in 2×2 and 2X4 sizes, four stocked lumen levels and two color temperatures at 85+ CRI, the product is designed to last 60,000 hours at 75% lumen maintenance.

The Metalux Cruze Retrofit Kit is available with a variety of control options including an optional integrated sensor system, optimized to meet energy codes for occupancy sensing and daylight harvesting. Factory wired for out-of-the-box operation using thoughtful default setting, the system reduces time and complexity with no additional wiring and adds lighting control without commissioning. If the application demands more, an optional handheld remote is available for field adjustments to make changes to one or more fixtures. The system achieves the lowest installed cost as compared to traditional control products.

In addition, the retrofit kit is available with Eaton’s connected lighting systems, including the WaveLinx Wireless Connected Lighting System and the LumaWatt Pro Connected Lighting System powered by Enlighted. The WaveLinx wireless system is a simple to install “no new wires” system that eliminates the cost and complexity of meeting code and programming advanced control systems while providing a flexible and reconfigurable wireless topology for on the fly space adjustments through a mobile app. The LumaWatt Pro system powered by Enlighted allows enterprise customers to take advantage of the system’s advanced LED lighting technologies and wireless sensing capabilities to acquire actionable, granular data on lighting energy performance, space utilization, real time location services and building system integration.

The product is DesignLight Consortium qualified, making it eligible for energy rebates.

Click here to learn more.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jon Zelinsky, PE, Contractor Marketing Director, Philips Lighting. The topic: upgrading troffers to LED. I’m happy to share his responses with you here. The interview informed an article I wrote for the May 2017 issue of tED Magazine.

DiLouie: What basic choices do building owners have to upgrade existing troffer-based fluorescent lighting systems to LED?

Zelinsky: Building owners can choose from a few different product categories with a variety of performance features. There is a wide range of TLEDs if a customer wants to keep a more traditional “socket” approach, including smart TLEDs, such as Philips InstantFit TLED with EasySmart Technology, that allow for wireless independent dimming and regrouping of fixtures for greater flexibility in the room. Philips InstantFit TLEDs are compatible with over 184 existing fluorescent ballasts used in the field today to simplify the retrofit. To drive even higher performance and greater energy savings with socket solutions, new TLEDs can be installed with new LED Drivers as well.

The next rung up would be LED retrofit kits, such as Philips EvoKit. These retrofit kits provide a greater level of energy savings and performance, and have the ability to add individual daylight harvesting and occupancy controls wirelessly to drive added energy savings. Moreover, when the controls option is utilized, the individual fixture(s) can be set to a lower level light output on day 1 to capture additional savings and prevent a space from being over lighted. The flexibility an owner has with this product family is greater, and the fixture settings and groupings can be easily changed with a smart phone app.

And finally, there are new LED troffer fixtures for those customers who want a completely new fixture. Philips EvoGrid matches the look and feel of the EvoKit when a combination of retrofit kits and new fixtures are needed. Additionally, there are new LED troffer fixtures with air handling capabilities for those specialty requirements.

DiLouie: How would you categorize LED troffer/panel products aimed at replacing fluorescent troffers?

Zelinsky: There is a quantifiable performance upgrade with the LED retrofit panels, in addition to an improved look and feel of the space itself. From an aesthetic perspective, a building owner can transform their space from a 1990’s, or older, office look to a modern facility. Moreover, it takes a static lighting environment with basic on/off functionality to a dynamic, adaptable environment when the wireless controls are added.

DiLouie: What are typical energy savings and other advantages of replacing fluorescent troffers with LED troffers/panels?

Zelinsky: By utilizing an LED troffer only solution, an owner can expect to achieve energy savings in the 50% range. Adding the controls options can generally capture an additional 25%.

For example, when Philips Lighting first introduced our LED retrofit solution, our product was installed at the GSA’s Metcalf Building in Chicago. By using an LED troffer/panel retrofit and the wireless controls, we achieved a 75% measured energy reduction which was also independently validated by Lawrence Berkeley National Labs.

DiLouie: What are the disadvantages of replacing the troffer with an LED luminaire compared to TLED lamps and retrofit kits?

Zelinsky: Looking at a new fixture solution versus a retrofit kit or TLED lamps is generally an increase in labor to complete the renovation. Generally it would be important to know what the objectives are by the customer and then to design the most appropriate solution for them.

DiLouie: What are conditions under which replacing the luminaire would be ideal as opposed to replacing the lamps?

Zelinsky: There are different options for consideration, and each one has a different cost consideration. Troffers may have any number of lamps, 1, 2, 3, 4, so one would have to consider the number of lamps and ballasts that an owner has. A four lamp and two ballast fixture may be more expensive to replace individual components instead of putting in a LED retrofit kit or new luminaire.

Additionally, there could be other factors such as utility incentives that could drive preference for one solution over another.

DiLouie: How would you categorize TLED lamps and retrofit kits aimed at replacing fluorescent lamps in fluorescent troffers?

Zelinsky: There is a wide range of products in both the TLED and retrofit kit categories. It is important to match the right light with the right application and customer objectives. Sometimes a combination of different solutions from different categories is appropriate. It might make sense to use EvoKits in general office spaces, and InstantFit TLEDs in storage rooms as an example.

DiLouie: What are typical energy savings and other advantages of replacing fluorescent lamps with TLED lamps and retrofit kits?

Zelinsky: TLEDs can generate energy savings in the 40% range when paired with a traditional fluorescent ballast, and can generate additional energy savings when paired with a dedicated LED driver. Smart TLEDs that can be dimmed can generate even more savings.

As mentioned before, retrofit kits can drive energy savings in the 50% to 75% range.

DiLouie: What are the disadvantages of replacing the lamps in a fluorescent troffer with TLED lamps instead of replacing the luminaire?

Zelinsky: The greatest risk can be compatibility issues with an existing fluorescent ballast. It is critical to know if the TLED has been tested by the manufacturer to ensure that the TLED will perform as expected. The contractor and the owner lose time, money and resources when callbacks occur to figure out why something isn’t working properly.

Additionally, it is worthwhile to consider the age or expected remaining life of the ballast in the fixture. A ballast that may need to be replaced in the near term anyway would wind up adding additional labor costs.

DiLouie: What are conditions under which replacing the lamps with TLED lamps instead of replacing the luminaire would be ideal?

Zelinsky: If the compatibility of the ballast is verified, and a TLED lamp retrofit is in line with the owner’s expectations of how the space will look, feel, and perform in terms of energy consumption, then it is a good match. A lot will depend on the type and age of the existing fixture, and how happy is that owner, or the owner’s tenants, with the existing lighting system.

To help simplify and support the decision making process, Philips Lighting developed a lighting retrofit tool that helps a contractor or even an owner evaluate the different lighting systems from an energy perspective. Then, it would be easy to do a mock up in the space to see how the different solutions would look in the owner’s space.

DiLouie: What control options exist for TLED lamps and retrofit kits?

Zelinsky: Philips Lighting developed EasySense and SpaceWise wireless controls that are an option for any LED retrofit kit or new LED fixture.

Additionally, the Philips InstantFit TLED with EasySmart Technology can be controlled wirelessly and grouped independently. This can be a real game changer for someone with limited resources.

DiLouie: If you could tell all electrical distributors just one thing about retrofitting fluorescent troffers to LED, what would it be?

Zelinsky: The best decisions are made when contractors to talk to their customers and propose a solution that meets their needs. Your customer’s customer will be happier, and you will become a valued resource offering solutions that fulfil the owner’s needs and wants.

DiLouie: Is there anything else you’d like to add about this topic?

Zelinsky: The Philips Lighting Retrofit Tool is a flexible and easy way to develop and test different options in order to identify the best solution possible. It is an excellent resource that can empirically support decisions made in the field.

The Rocky Mountain Lighting Academy (RMLA) recently announced two lighting courses. The RMLA Technical Course and the RMLA Design Course will be offered concurrently from September 28 to October 1.

While participants in both courses will learn some basics of light and vision, visual perception, the IES TM-30 color metrics, light and health, LED systems, the lighting design process and the aesthetics of light, each course will also offer opportunities for in-depth learning in specialized break-out sessions.

The Technical Course offers an intensive hands-on exploration of photometry, optics, and luminaire design software.

The Design Course emphasizes how to develop strong design concepts for interior for lighting applications and how to integrate daylighting with electric lighting.

Click here to learn more.

Produced by the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA), the 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) shows growing adoption of energy-efficient lighting in homes. The 2015 RECS shows that a majority of U.S. homes feature more than one type of lamp, primarily a mix of incandescent and CFL. But LED adoption was growing, with the percentage of homes reporting at least one LED lamp installed approaching one-third.

Click here to learn about this and other interesting findings at the EIA website.

Cheryl English has assumed the office of President of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), succeeding Shirley Coyle.

Cheryl English has been a member of the IES for 35 years. She has worked for Acuity Brands in a number of positions including application design, testing, education and marketing, culminating in her current position as Vice President, Government and Industry Relations. On behalf of the IES, English helped develop the Joint IDA-IES Model Lighting Ordinance, the IES classification system for Outdoor Luminaires (TM-15) and the first series of IES ED education programs. She has served on a variety of IES committees: Board of Fellows, Medal Award, Marks Award, Lighting Economics, Sustainable Lighting, Educational Materials, Education Seminars, Legislative & Regulatory and Computer. English has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award, the Fellow Award, and an IES Presidential Award.

2017-2018 IES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lance Bennett, (Vice-President / President-Elect), Eaton’s Lighting Business
Shirley Coyle, LC, (Past President), Cree, Inc.
James Radi, (Treasurer), Shat-R-Shield

AT LARGE DIRECTORS
Susanne Seitinger, PhD, Philips Lighting
Antonio Garza, Iluminacion Total, SA de CV
Naomi Miller, Pacific Northwest Laboratory
Wilson Dau, LC, Dau Design and Consulting, Inc.
Frank Agraz, Frank Agraz
Francois-Xavier Morin, LC, LightFX

REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Jennifer Jaques, LC, (South Region), Lighting Application Sciences, LLC
Michelle (Shelly) Prew, (Midwest Region), Eaton Lighting
Antonio Giacobbe, (West Region), Acuity Brands
Rick Paradis, (Northeast Region), Synergy Investment

Tempo Industries, LLC’s pr1meFX is a linear LED system designed to provide primary general lighting from a cove via indirect distribution. Using a patent-pending optical system, it directs over 85% of the light emission from the cove into the space.

The pr1meFX system is suitable for new construction and existing coves. It will also be offered with a Tempo-supplied architectural cove detail in a knife edge, curved or standard design after October 1, 2017. The system is shipped complete with a linear wall mount hanger assembly in 6-ft. pre-drilled sections that easily attach to the infrastructure with Wall-dogs.

The luminaires are available in sections ranging from 2 to 8 ft. in length and they simply “snap” onto the wall bracket and easily adapt to any cove length with integrated telescoping spacers. The system has a 5W/ft. or 8W/ft. Micro-Drive system in either 120V or 277V producing over 100 lumens/W. Dimming is achieved using a standard ELV dimmer or a 0-10v dimmer when equipped with the Tempo DIM-Z dimming system. Available with white LEDs with CCT ranging from 2200K to 4000K.

Click here to learn more.

Design services at architecture firms continue to project a healthy disposition on the construction industry as the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) recorded the fourth consecutive month of growth in May 2017.

As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the May ABI score was 53.0, up from a score of 50.9 in the previous month. This score reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 62.4, up from a reading of 60.2 the previous month, while the new design contracts index increased from 53.2 to 54.8.

“The fact that the data surrounding both new project inquiries and design contracts have remained positive every month this year, while reaching their highest scores for the year, is a good indication that both the architecture and construction sectors will remain healthy for the foreseeable future,” AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “This growth hasn’t been an overnight escalation, but rather a steady, stable increase.”

Key May ABI highlights:

• Regional averages: South (56.1), West (52.3), Midwest (50.4), Northeast (46.5)
• Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (55.8), multi-family residential (51.3), commercial / industrial (51.2), institutional (51.2)
• Project inquiries index: 62.4
• Design contracts index: 54.8

The regional and sector categories are calculated as a 3-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.

DOE’s SSL Program is hosting two upcoming webinars to present and discuss the results of a recently released investigation of LED streetlighting’s impact on sky glow.

Both webinars will start at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (9:00 a.m. Pacific Time) and last one hour.

Thursday, July 20. “The Impact of LED Street Lighting on Sky Glow.” Presenter Bruce Kinzey of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) will provide a high-level overview of the study and its findings, to put them into a context of typical street lighting conversions taking place in the U.S. today. Register for the July 20 webinar.

Thursday, July 27. “A Technical Discussion of DOE’s Sky Glow Study, Modeling Methods, and Key Variables.” In this follow-on webinar, presenter Tess Perrin of PNNL will provide a deeper dive into the modeling effort as well as the influence of individual variables. Register for the July 27 webinar.

Each webinar will be followed by a live Q&A session.