Norfolk-based electrical contractor Electrical Installation Solutions Ltd (EIS) is helping to significantly reduce the energy consumption of major businesses across Europe. EIS (www.eisltd.co.uk) has recently completed a major upgrade to a lighting scheme for a Brussels-based retailer using energy-efficient induction lighting technology.
EIS has installed 850 induction light fittings at the Benelux distribution centre in Willebroek, Belgium for Maxeda DIY Group, the largest DIY retailer in the Benelux region. Maxeda DIY Group brand names include Brico; Plan-It, Praxis and Formido.
Over half the 200 Watt fittings installed (480) are occupancy controlled. They switch on and off whenever sensors pick up someone entering or leaving the space, leading to improved energy savings. EIS is installing similar lighting schemes for a number of major UK businesses.
The induction lighting installed at the Maxeda DIY Groups distribution centre operates 4,680 hours per year, reducing energy bills by as much as 35 to 40 per cent. Annual energy savings are in the order of 800,000 kWh per year, totalling around four million kWh over the five-year warranty period of fittings and lamps, and there are significant reductions in carbon emissions. Maintenance costs are also reduced because these lamps have a typical life of 65,000 hours with a five-year manufacturers warranty.
Lamps which are normally used in this type of application, such as HID lighting, use electrical filaments, high pressure gases and other components inside the lamp to produce light. After 5,000 to 20,000 hours these components can break down, reducing light output by as much as 40 per cent with no reduction in power consumption. These lamps also need to cool to allow the components to ‘restrike’ (re-establish the arc which generates the light).
Induction lamps as fitted by EIS work by passing electricity around an induction loop mounted on the outside of the lamp, controlled by high frequency ballast controls. This excites the low pressure gases inside the lamp which produces ultraviolet light. Phosphor coatings inside the lamp heated to very high temperatures make the UV light visible to the eye.
Because there is no need for electrical filaments inside the lamp the most life-reducing factor in HID and fluorescent lamps – the reduction in light output can be as little as five per cent over the life of the lamp, which can be as much as 100,000 hours. The fitting uses less energy to produce light – typically between 70 and 90 lumens/watt in a colour temperature to suit the work environment. It is environmentally friendly and can produce energy and maintenance cost savings of between 35 and 55 per cent.
EIS managing director Steve Neeves said: “Given the significant resultant reduction in energy costs, the benefit return on capital investment can be lower than two years before tax allowances are even considered. Where capital investment is not available, EIS is approved to make applications for loan funding from Siemens Financial Services and can also offer leasing over three to five year periods; so lack of investment funding is not a problem.”
Based on the operation hours for a typical high-level lighting system of 100 fittings in a factory of 8,448 hours per year with no reduction in operation hours being offered, installing induction lighting can reduce energy consumption by 194,304 kWh per year. Annual carbon emissions are reduced by around 105 tonnes. This can save the end user more than £17,000 each year on energy costs alone. The benefit return for this example is 1.70 years – or just 1.42 years after Enhanced Capital Allowances at 20 per cent under UK tax laws.
Steve added: “While this technology has become common in the USA and China, it is relatively unknown in the UK where the major lighting manufacturers have pinned their fortunes on LED technology.
“Induction lighting is ideal for high-level installations with an extremely good spread of light and colour rendition. It also suits energy-saving controls to ensure that lights are off when not required.”
EIS offers a solution-based service, undertaking initial feasibility surveys through to the completion of the installation, including data logging to verify the projected savings.
For more details on EIS services, visit its website – www.eisltd.co.uk