Performance and Economics of LED Luminaire Suite Retrofits in Scott Hall
Advisor Information
Mahmoud Alahmad
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
2-3-2018 12:30 PM
End Date
2-3-2018 1:45 PM
Abstract
Environmental concerns have become hot topics since evidence of global warming and climate change were first discovered. A common statistic given to engineering students from the U.S. Energy Information Administration states that roughly half of the electricity used in the United States is consumed in buildings. This and other statistics provide the basis for arguments in favor of improving sustainability in building construction and lifetime use. In order to reduce the carbon footprint, renewable energy alternatives, high-efficiency practices and building control automation can be implemented. In the lighting sector, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are the most efficient electric lighting source available, and are steadily becoming more cost effective due to improving manufacturing methods.
As LED technology improves, they should be considered to replace fluorescent and incandescent sources in structures designed more than a decade ago. The Scott Residence Hall at 6510 Pine Street is an excellent example, and could provide opportunities for lower post-retrofit operating costs.
This project uses modeling software to determine whether an LED fixture would be comparable to a fluorescent one currently in use in the Scott residence hall living suites. Next, the fixture efficiencies are compared using Microsoft Excel to determine the difference in power used, which can be converted to a dollar amount based on utility fees. The savings of the LED fixture can be compared to contractor estimates of the installation costs, and from there can be converted to the number of years required before the savings overcome the initial expenditure.
Performance and Economics of LED Luminaire Suite Retrofits in Scott Hall
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Environmental concerns have become hot topics since evidence of global warming and climate change were first discovered. A common statistic given to engineering students from the U.S. Energy Information Administration states that roughly half of the electricity used in the United States is consumed in buildings. This and other statistics provide the basis for arguments in favor of improving sustainability in building construction and lifetime use. In order to reduce the carbon footprint, renewable energy alternatives, high-efficiency practices and building control automation can be implemented. In the lighting sector, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are the most efficient electric lighting source available, and are steadily becoming more cost effective due to improving manufacturing methods.
As LED technology improves, they should be considered to replace fluorescent and incandescent sources in structures designed more than a decade ago. The Scott Residence Hall at 6510 Pine Street is an excellent example, and could provide opportunities for lower post-retrofit operating costs.
This project uses modeling software to determine whether an LED fixture would be comparable to a fluorescent one currently in use in the Scott residence hall living suites. Next, the fixture efficiencies are compared using Microsoft Excel to determine the difference in power used, which can be converted to a dollar amount based on utility fees. The savings of the LED fixture can be compared to contractor estimates of the installation costs, and from there can be converted to the number of years required before the savings overcome the initial expenditure.