CHALLENGE DOE ENERGY STAR REQUIREMENTS FOR INTEGRAL LED LAMPS

Once Innovations, a Minnesota based research, development and manufacturing company with a firm focus on LED technologies announced today its intent to formally challenge newly finalized ENERGY STAR Eligibility Criteria for Integral LED Lamps.

"We feel that the increase in operating frequency requirements was erroneously based on speculation about visual flicker, which has nothing to do with energy conservation. The new 150 Hz criteria will hinder the introduction of low cost, energy savings AC LED lighting solutions, which is contrary to the goals of the ENERGY STAR program," stated Mr. Zdenko Grajcar, CEO and Chief Technology Officer at Once Innovations.

Grajcar went on to state, "We stipulate that 60 Hz luminous modulation (flicker) is likely to cause certain discomfort in some people. However, the majority of low frequency AC LED systems operate in the rectified mode, which effectively doubles the luminous modulation frequency to 120Hz for 60Hz mains in the United States. Despite many attempts, laboratory investigations have not found statistically significant effects of luminous modulation with frequencies over 100Hz on human performance, health, or comfort. We've collected studies with hundreds of pages of research material that show no evidence other than speculative statistics to support claims that luminous modulation over 100Hz is visible or harmful to human health. This change in frequencies will have a profoundly negative impact on the future of energy efficient lighting in the United States. As such, we feel we have no other choice but to challenge the DOE decision. At the same time, we strongly urge other manufacturers and users of AC LED technologies to do the same. "

"The last minute change to 150 Hz operating frequency raises a stumbling block to new low cost, high efficiency AC LED lighting technology, which promises tremendous energy savings potential in the U.S." added Mr. Craige Thompson, Chief Legal Officer at Once Innovations. Mr. Thompson went on to say, "The increase to 150 Hz appears to be arbitrary and applied in a way that discriminates against new, more efficient LED technologies in favor of other forms of light fixtures. The DOE should examine the relevant facts and articulate a rational connection between the facts and the frequency specification." Mr. Thompson explained, "The electrical grid in the U.S. operates on 60 Hz. Therefore, rectified topologies will operate at 120 Hz modulation. Generating frequencies above 150 Hz is generally much more complex and expensive. Before increasing the frequency requirement to 150 Hz for LED-based fixtures, the DOE should provide an opportunity for notice and comment pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act."

 
Once Innovations, Inc. is a privately held corporation that manufactures highly differentiated LED lighting using a visionary approach to research and product development - from unique designs with proprietary technologies through final production and distribution. Once was founded in 2008 by current CTO, Zdenko Grajcar, considered a pioneering rebel in LED technology for his remarkably unconventional thinking and relentless challenge to the industry status quo. The Once Innovations technology research, marketing, and product development campus is located in Plymouth, MN United States of America.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Moody
E: jmoody@onceinnovations.com
T: +1.763.381.5621
W: www.onceinnovations.com
5455 Highway 169 N
Plymouth, MN 55442
United States of America

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DOE found that LED lighting systems enable big energy savings in supermarket refrigeration and have been getting cheaper every year.

LED system prices dropped 9% in 2008 alone and DOE's Solid State Lighting Research and Development Program projects they will fall by 50% by 2012.

In preliminary analysis released in August 2008, DOE showed that, assuming a 50% decline in LED prices, the highest standards would make sense for all supermarket refrigeration systems and would save purchasers $5 billion in net savings over 30 years.

However, for the analysis underlying today's standard, DOE rejected its own LED price estimates, instead assuming that LED prices will stay at 2008 levels forever.

READ MORE at ACEEE.ORG

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Category B is established as a future target for performance of SSL-based luminaires.  Products cannot qualify under Category B until three years after the effective date of these criteria.  If technology improves faster than expected, and opening category B prior to completion of a three-year waiting period would be in the public interest, DOE will advance the date for allowing products to qualify under Category B.

DOE's intent, is to substantially increase future performance requirements of LED Luminaires, and to encourage continued improvement in technology selection and design of luminaires using SSL sources. Products for a wide range of general illumination applications will be eligible.

The minimum luminaire efficacy target given for Category B is intended to rival today's most efficient lighting systems using traditional light sources.

T8 Fluorescent Lamp and Electronic Ballast Comparisons For example, the best commonly available high-performance T8 fluorescent lamp and electronic ballast systems are rated around 100 lm/W.

High-quality fixtures for these lamp-ballast systems are about 70% efficient, yielding 70 lm/W luminaire efficacy.

Based on current commercially available technology, the Category B level of minimum luminaire efficacy is not achievable for LED luminaires. However, DOE anticipates performance will rise rapidly over the coming years due to on-going progress in LED efficacy, LED high temperature tolerance, power supply efficiency improvements, and luminaire design.

DOE believes a significant number of general illumination products will be able to achieve 70 lm/W luminaire efficacy within three years after the effective date of these criteria.

DOE will monitor the technical progress of the technology, steadily adding additional Category A products in future versions. If technology improves faster than expected, and opening category B prior to completion of a three-year waiting period would be in the public interest, DOE will advance the date for allowing products to qualify under Category B.

SOURCE: Energy Star Program Requirements for Solid State Lighting Lunminaires

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The ENERGY STAR criteria for SSL Luminaires use  Luminaire Efficacy to establish performance as defined below:

                                     Luminaire Light Output (includes fixture efficiency and thermal effects
   Luminaire Efficacy =                       Luminaire Input Power
 
The ENERGY STAR criteria for non-SSL residential light fixtures (commonly referred to as
RLF) use system efficacy defined as the light output of the lamp-ballast system divided by the
input power measured in a 25°C environment.  Established test procedures for fluorescent
sources support this approach.  However, the program requirements in this document are
based upon luminaire efficacy, instead of system efficacy for the following reasons:
 
• Accurate measurement of the LED light source separate from the fixture is often not
possible.  LEDs typically are integrated into the fixture and not readily removable
without altering the performance of the light source.

• LED performance is significantly affected by elevated temperature.  LED devices
generate heat that is typically removed by an external heat sink, which may be
designed into the luminaire itself.  Separating the light source from its heat sink will
significantly impact test results.  There are no standards or test procedures to measure
system efficacy of LEDs.  However, standards organizations are developing a test
procedure for photometric measurement of LED luminaires.  This test procedure is
currently in draft form and scheduled to be final by the 4th quarter of 2007.

• Luminaire efficacy provides more realistic energy efficiency information because it
accounts for power supply, thermal, and fixture losses, thus better meeting the needs of
buyers who seek the most light output for the least energy input. 

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Current market-ready or near market-ready uses of LED lighting include:

Commercial Signage: Commercial signage often operates 12 to 24 hours per day, consuming about 2% of the total electricity in the United States. Fluorescent signs currently account for about 48% of this market, with neon signs holding about 41%, and the remainder of the market dominated by incandescent products.

Institutional, Industrial and Commercial Lighting: LED products can have a significant impact on energy use in airport, ports and roadway lighting, where conventional fluorescent- and incandescent-lit signage is heavily used.

Retail Lighting: LEDs offer unprecedented flexibility in colors and configurations to lighting designers in creating displays and “moods” in retail settings.

Key resources pertaining to LED technology:

• LED Lighting Systems, 2003 (47 pgs.), by John Bullough
• Information from ENERGY STAR about high efficiency exit signs and traffic signals
• Information from the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on LEDs in transportation applications and exit signs
• Specifications on LED traffic signals developed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

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SYLVANIA LED lighting products are rated by several certification agencies to provide customers with choice to meet their commercial and residential lighting needs, requirements and prerequisites for green building rating systems.

Three widely recognized lighting quality and application systems are listed below.  Sylvania products are regularly submitted for these kinds of certification and compliance programs.  Check their website for specific technical informatino.
 

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ENERGY STAR Qualified Fixtures:

• Use 1/4 the energy of traditional lighting.
• Save money on energy bills and bulb replacements, with bulbs that must last at least 10,000 hours (about seven years of regular use).
• Distribute light more efficiently and evenly than standard fixtures.
• Come in hundreds of decorative styles including portable fixtures — such as table, desk and floor lamps — and hard-wired options such as front porch, dining room, kitchen ceiling and under-cabinet, hallway ceiling and wall, bathroom vanity fixtures, and more
• Deliver convenient features such as dimming on some indoor models and automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors on outdoor models.
• Can be found at most home centers, lighting showrooms, and specialty stores.
• Carry a two year warranty — double the industry standard.

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An ENERGY STAR ALP designation identifies homes equipped with a comprehensive set of ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures. With an ALP installed, homebuyers can expect to save energy and money through reduced lighting operating costs - while sacrificing nothing for aesthetics!

ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures are available in many designs and fixture-types, giving homeowners a wide range of choices to create just the right look for their home.

The ALP designation applies to lighting packages, for new home construction, that consist of a minimum of 60% ENERGY STAR qualified hard-wired fixtures and 100% ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans where installed.

Some homebuilders who have participated in the ALP program include Casa Home Marketing, D.R. Horton and Ravenswood Homes. 

Benefits of the ENERGY STAR ALP

• Energy Bill Savings. You can save more than $65 per year in energy costs just by replacing your home's five most frequently used light fixtures with ENERGY STAR models. That's because ENERGY STAR qualified lighting uses about 75% less energy than standard models.

• Improved Quality. ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures meet strict EPA guidelines for energy efficiency and quality, producing warm, long-lasting light without slow starts or annoying flicker or hum. Fixtures that have earned the ENERGY STAR come with a two-year warranty, double the industry standard. Qualified ceiling fans offer a minimum 30-year motor warranty and 1-year component warranties.

• Enhanced Comfort. ENERGY STAR qualified lighting generates about 75% less heat than standard incandescent lighting. This means they are cool to the touch, keep you more comfortable, and help reduce home cooling costs. Install ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans and light kits, which together are 50% more energy-efficient than conventional fan/light units, and save even more while staying cool. Make sure to adjust the thermostat while using ceiling fans to save additional energy and money on your air conditioning costs.

• Environmental Protection. More than half of the homes in the United States use electricity generated by burning coal. Lowering energy use at home helps prevent greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants at the source. If every American home replaced its five most frequently used light fixtures with ENERGY STAR qualified models, together we'd prevent the greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars.

• Design Flexibility: There are thousands of ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures to choose from. They are available in many styles and finishes and are suitable for every application in home. The ALP requirements are designed to promote flexibility in fixture selections throughout the home.

Be sure to make LED fixtures part of your ALP package -- they will save our environment and the homeowners lots of electrical costs over the coming decades!

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Earning the ENERGY STAR

• Exit signs that have earned the ENERGY STAR operate on five watts or less per sign, compared to standard signs, which use as much as 40 watts per sign.
• When installed throughout a building, qualified exit signs can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in energy and maintenance costs. One sign alone can save about $10 annually on electricity costs and can last up to 10 years without a lamp replacement, compared to less than one year for an incandescent.
• Signs that have earned the ENERGY STAR are tested for visibility factors, and come with a five-year manufacturer warranty.

Remember, saving energy prevents pollution.

There are more than 100 million exit signs in use throughout the U.S. Typically lit by incandescent bulbs, these signs consume 30-35 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) hours of energy each year.

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The EPA provides resources designed to assist procurement officials in smart purchase decisions.

Product Categories

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bulk_purchasing.bus_purchasing

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Energy use is the single largest operating expense in commercial office buildings, representing approximately one-third of typical operating budgets and accounting for almost 20 percent of the nation’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.

In a 200,000-square foot office building that pays $2 per square foot in energy costs, a 10 percent reduction in energy consumption can translate into an additional $120,000 of NOI. At a cap rate of 8 percent, this could mean a potential asset value boost of $500,000!

Commercial real estate applications for energy strategy includes  any multi-family residential, office, industrial, or retail property that can be bought or sold in a real estate market.

Office buildings waste up to one-third of the energy they consume.

Low-Cost Measures

• Measure and track energy performance.
• Turn off lights when not in use or when natural daylight can be used.
• Set back the thermostat in the evenings and other times when a building is unoccupied.
• Educate tenants and employees about how their behaviors affect energy use.
• Improve operations and maintenance practices by regularly checking and maintaining equipment to ensure it is functioning efficiently.
• Optimize start-up time, power-down time, and equipment sequencing.
• Revise janitorial practices to reduce the hours that lights are turned on each day.
• Use ENERGY STAR Target Finder to integrate efficiency goals into the design of new properties.

Cost-Effective Investments

• Engage in energy audits and retrocommissioning to identify areas of inefficiency.
• Install energy-efficient lighting systems, ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs, and occupancy sensors where feasible.
• Install window films and add insulation or reflective roof coating to reduce energy consumption.
• Purchase energy-efficient products like ENERGY STAR qualified office and commercial food service equipment.
• Retrofit, upgrade, or install new heating and cooling equipment to meet reduced loads and take advantage of efficient technologies.
• Use a performance contract to guarantee energy savings from upgrades made.
• Work with an energy services provider to manage and improve performance.

ENERGY STAR Offers Assistance for Commercial Real Estate Planning:

• Guides and manuals
• Facility benchmarking
• Training
• Institutional purchasing
• Technical support
• Financing resources
• Emissions reporting
• Third-party recognition
• Motivational campaigns

Recognition for Energy Savings Achievements

Earn the ENERGY STAR: The top 25 percent of energy-efficient buildings in the nation may qualify for the prestigious ENERGY STAR label. www.energystar.gov/eslabel

Become an ENERGY STAR Leader: ENERGY STAR partners who demonstrate continuous, portfolio-wide improvements qualify for recognition as ENERGY STAR Leaders. www.energystar.gov/leaders

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The ENERGY STAR criteria cover the requirements for SSL products used for general illumination, including
those with significant decorative function.

If a decorative SSL product serves a significant general illumination function, it falls within the scope of these criteria. The criteria apply to both residential and commercial products. The criteria apply only to products designed to be connected to the electric power grid. In addition, they do not apply to SSL products made for indication (such as traffic lights and exit signs); to products exclusively intended for decoration (such as holiday lights); nor to SSL products intended for retrofit into existing fixtures.

The general requirements apply to both Categories A and B. Additional requirements for correlated color temperature (CCT), luminaire efficacy, zonal lumen density, and minimum light output are listed under
Categories A and B.

A few key requirements include:

• Luminaires shall not draw power in the off state (but there are exceptions)
• A warranty must be provided for luminaires, covering repair or replacement of defective electrical parts (including light source and power supplies) for a minimum of three (3) years from the date of purchase.
• Luminaire manufacturers shall adhere to device manufacturer guidelines, certification programs, and test procedures for thermal management.
• LED module(s)/array(s) shall deliver at least 70% of initial lumens, when installed in-situ, for the minimum number of hours specified below:

Residential Indoor: 25,000 hours
Residential Outdoor: 35,000 hours
All Commercial: 35,000 hours

• Power supplies designated by the manufacturer for residential applications must meet FCC requirements for consumer use (FCC 47 CFR Part 15/18 Consumer Emission Limits).
• Included documentation must clearly state any known incompatibility with photo-controls, dimmers or timing devices.

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DOE has finalized a new ENERGY STAR specification for solid state lighting luminaires, including LEDs. The criteria goes into effect September 30, 2008.

Under normal circumstances, DOE would establish an effective date 270 days after public release of the final criteria. However, additional time is required for these criteria because the LM-80 Lumen Depreciation test procedure has not yet been adopted by ANSI and IESNA.

Solid State Lighting (SSL) Luminaires

The ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Solid State Lighting (SSL) Luminaires are intended for general illumination. SSL general illumination devices were not previously covered by any ENERGY STAR product category, although there are other product categories using light emitting diodes (LEDs) for non-illumination purposes, including indication and decoration.

DOE is leading ENERGY STAR management, specification development, and partner relations for SSL devices used for general illumination, including:

• Residential, commercial, industrial, and outdoor lighting SSL applications of all types
• Innovative SSL systems applications of all types (includes "free-form" SSL systems, and those incorporated into furniture, buildings, and equipment)

Solid-state lighting differs fundamentally from traditional lighting technologies in terms of materials, drivers, system architecture, controls, and photometric properties. A host of new test procedures and industry standards is needed to accommodate these technical differences.

MORE INFORMATION from Energy Star:

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Technology of LEDs is advancing rapidly.  In 2006 the "White Light" SSL Challenges included Lifetime lumen maintenance and thermal management; luminous efficacy, color quality, cost and test procedures and standards.

Color temperature and color consistency have been challenges.  Different color appearance within shipments of white LEDs, and color shifts over time with LED degradation have plagued the manufacturers. 

Color efficacy advances were announced by Cree with a 70 lpw for the XLamp 7090 and Lumileds' Luxeon I was rated at 45 lpw for 5500K white; however, manufacturer data represented performance under laboratory conditions of controled temperature, pulsed operation (not continuous), and performance depended on electrical, thermal design.

Consumer products often use clusters of 5 mm LEDs and they have lower efficacy, low wattage and low light output.  Research is improving SSL efficacy while decreasing price.

Potential near term applications of LEDs include:

• Airplane reading lights
• Accent lights and focused light applications
• Task lights and desk lights
• Under cabinet lights
• Display cases, including refrigerated
• Elevators with longer life and vibration resistance
• Architectural applications for hard to reach locations.

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Illuminated exit signs are an important and legally required safety feature in a facility, be it a manufacturing plant, a public meeting facility or an apartment building.

In the case of an emergency such as a fire, their operation is critical in protecting the well being of residents, employees or visitors.

By design, exit signs operate 24 hours per day, and can consume large amounts of energy to operate. Many exit signs in today’s buildings use older, incandescent and fluorescent/compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) technology. To make matters worse, many older exit signs require frequent maintenance due to the short life span of the lamps that light them. For example, many older exit signs consume over 350 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and cost $28 each annually to operate.

Advances in the technology of solid-state light-emitting diodes (LED)  have allowed exit sign manufacturers to develop signs that harness the advantages of this technology at competitive costs. In addition, exit signs are easy to install, if you can install a light switch or electrical receptacle you can install an exit sign.

Advantages of LED Exit Signs:

Ultra-low energy usage.  Energy Star labeled LED exit signs use approximately 44 kWh of electricity annually to operate. Low energy use not only means less pollution but also lower electricity bills as a LED exit sign usually costs less than $4 annually to operate.

Low maintnance. Energy Star labeled LED exit signs must be guaranteed to last at least 5 years, however, many manufacturers state that their lamps will maintain National Fire Protection Association compliant levels of luminance for 10 to 25 years.

Safety: LED exit signs are usually brighter than comparable incandescent or fluorescent signs, and have greater contrast with their background due to the monochromatic nature of the light that LEDs emit.

Exit Sign Features

LED Color: Exit signs come in two colors, green or red. Choosing what color is right for your facility depends on   aesthetics and local regulations. Check with your local building codes office or fire officials before purchasing any exit sign.

LED Battery Back-up: To ensure a powered exit sign remains lit during an emergency if the building’s electrical system is interrupted, many exit signs come with a battery back-up or offer this feature as an option. Some localities may require that a battery back-up be installed with any exit sign so consult your local building codes office or fire officials before purchasing.

LED Emergency Lighting: Some exit signs have integrated emergency lighting; if your current exit sign has integrated emergency lighting you can replace it with a combined LED exit sign/emergency lighting unit or install emergency lighting separately from your exit sign.

LED Voltage: LED exit signs are available that are compatible with either 120 volt or 277 volt power. Many models are variable voltage and will operate properly on both voltage levels.

Ask your architect or designer to use only LED exit signs in your new building. And LED exit signs are an ideal replacement in current buildings, but you need to determine what kind of exit sign your facility already has. LED exit signs provide the best balance of safety, low maintenance, and very low energy usage compared to other exit sign technologies.

MORE INFORMATION:

 

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Energy Star guidelines and rating systems for electrical products focus on energy efficiency and usage standards. LED lighting is new to the Energy Star evaluation process, and they are continually upgrading their ratings of categories  of LED lights and specific vendors.

Energy Star guidelines for LED light sources include the following requirements:

• Illuminance levels
• Efficacy
• Photometry
• Minimum light output

Proposed Category A Products include:

• Under-cabinet Kitchen Lighting
• Under-cabinet Desk/Task Lighting
• Display Case Lighting
• Portable Desk Lamps
• Outdoor Step Lighting
• Outdoor Walkway Lighting
• Outdoor Porch Lighting

A couple Energy Star approved products in various categories include:

Under-cabinet Lighting:  Albeo Talea, EnbrytenLED ENBU
Display Case Lighting: American Fluorescent, GELcore
Portable Desk/Task Lighting:  Halley LED Desk Lamp, and 6 Watt LED Desk Lamp
Outdoor Step:  (no listed brands)
Outdoor Pathway:  Advanced LED Ltd -- Alpha and Delta

Category "B" Efficacy Based Performance is most similar to current Energy Star criteria: Long-term efficacy based on exceeding current Energy star residential light fixture and CFL thresholds.  They will potentially introduce a new parameter to account for LED directional characteristics.

Key standards organizations include:  ANSI, CIE, IEC, IES, IEEE, NEMA, NIST, etc.

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