LED Freezer Lighting Study in the Works

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff December 30, 2004

The use of dimming systems is steadily increasing, mostly due to a desire for flexibility and energy savings in projects, suggests the 2004-2005 Dimming Study, recently released by ZING Communications, Inc.

The study uses data from architects, lighting designers, engineers, electrical and lighting distributors and electrical contractors to explore trends in the specification, distribution and contractor sales channel. The 219-page study, sponsored by the Lighting Controls Association, includes 15 pages of methodology and analysis, approximately 160 pages of data tables and graphs and around 20 pages of verbatim responses.

According to the study, dimming is being used in a broader range of spaces and applications and is seeing more integration with other building systems. Participants generally agree that dimming is seen as a “green” technology and that daylighting is becoming increasingly important as an energy-saving measure. Additionally, there is a general consensus among participants that most dimming strategies and equipment generally meet their performance standards. Among the most highly touted technologies are low-voltage master controllers and programming, personal dimming control, centralized dimming control and dimming panels. And distributors note they are motivated to sell dimming equipment and think that it can raise profit on a project.

For more information on the study, go to lightsearch.com .

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center is evaluating light-emitting diode (LED) technology for use in commercial display freezers. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority-funded study will evaluate performance, energy savings, shopper preferences and sales of products lit with LEDs in comparison to the fluorescent lighting currently used in supermarket freezers.

A four-door freezer with a prototype LED lighting system was recently installed in an Albany, N.Y.-area Price Chopper supermarket, and LRC will survey shoppers over the next several months on their preference between the LED freezer and a similar fluorescent freezer. The results will be presented in spring of 2005.

A prior laboratory study using another prototype LED refrigerator lighting system revealed that the LED system produced more uniform illumination on displayed products. Researchers also estimated that when the efficacy of white LED lighting systems reaches 38 lumens per watt, LEDs would use less energy than traditional fluorescent lamps in this application.

The LRC is collaborating with GE’s GELcore, the Golub Corporation (Price Chopper supermarkets), and Tyler Refrigeration (a division of Carrier Corp.) on this project.