WASTE ISOLATION PILOT PLANT SAVES 97% ON ENERGY
COSTS WITH INDUCTION LIGHTING RETROFIT
Case Study compiled and presented by James Hedin,
WIPP Energy Control Project Manager
In 2002 the Department of Energy's (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
(WIPP) near Carlsbad, New Mexico replaced all the high-pressure sodium
(HPS) bay lamps inside their water pump house with the latest technology
induction lamps. Each fixture combines quality construction with the
dependable long life of an induction lamp and ballast system rated at
100,000 hours of operation.
Problem: The original lighting design consisted of (18) 100-watt HPS
fixtures kept in continuous operation due to the emergency related
aspects of the building. Concerned with the re-strike / warm up period
required with HPS lights, operations and emergency personnel departments
were forced to compensate by maintaining a 24/7 light operation schedule
to ensure that immediate access into the facility would not be impeded.
This also caused the system’s lighting components to prematurely reach
design life early in the projected life of the building. Maintenance
personnel were constantly required to troubleshoot the problem of
intermittent lights being out in order to maintain proper lighting
levels. Additional problems with elevated cooling requirements derived
from the increased heat emitted from the existing fixtures.
“The ideal lighting solution would minimize energy, operation and
maintenance of the system while providing longevity.” Solution: The
fixtures were replaced on a one-for-one basis so that re-piping the
system would not be required. This also minimized downtime for building
access as well as the costs associated with piping. The new
configuration allows for maintenance / changes (if any) to be performed
on a single fixture basis without any lockout / tag-out requirements.
Next, the toggle switches were replaced with time-controlled switches.
This allows for quick switching and permits the duration of light
operation to be adjusted to the individual user’s need.
The pinnacle of the solution adopts the current technology of an
induction lamp and ballast system combined with a clear acrylic
refractor type lens and aluminum ballast housing manufactured by 1st
Source Lighting in Auburn, Ca. The lamps yield an 80 CRI @ 4100 K equal
to the quality of office lighting. The result is a uniform level of
light throughout the space, providing a new look in an old room. The
enhanced color rendering provides an additional level of safety into the
area as the previous yellow hue is now replaced with distinct color.
Information tags and labels are easier to read, which ensures
appropriate decisions in emergency conditions. While the before and
after photos speak for themselves, the numbers behind the power and
energy reductions need to be addressed to fully appreciate the upgrade:
Annual energy savings is a staggering 97% (701kwh from 20442kwh), with
the connected load essentially removed.
The new induction lighting system is predicted to last the remaining
life of the building, which would suggest a 100% reduction in future
maintenance for parts and labor.
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