A different perspective on fluorescent lamps

In Australia, lighting is responsible for 21 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in all specific operational energy applications in commercial buildings. 13 This being the case then what is the general consensus with regard to the use of energy efficient fluorescent lighting technologies, one of the most popular type of lamps used in commercial offices?

 

Fluorescent energy saving options have come a long way.

The review, which looked at several documents and case studies that have been released internationally in recent times, found that the use of T8 fluorescent bulbs should not be overlooked as a lighting option, especially when installing them with more recently developed High Performance (low-loss) magnetic ballasts (class B1 and B2), which can provide greater energy efficiency at a lower cost. 6

This is interesting because it is generally regarded in the industry that T5 tubes are the most energy efficient fluorescent lighting currently available.4 However, T5 fluorescents can only be installed in conjunction with electronic ballasts, and as such, this has lead to the current recommendation that electronic ballasts are the preferred option for the fit-out of all new buildings. However, there are other factors that need to be considered, such as initial fit out cost, and the use of emerging magnetic ballast technologies.

For instance, compared to the traditional magnetic C ballasts, which can no longer be sold in Australia, the new class B1 and B2 High Performance (HP) magnetic ballasts are now also being produced which are similar to HP electronic ballasts. It works by reducing the energy loss across the ballast, thus causing a direct energy saving. This energy saving is approximately 9%, when changing from a traditional magnetic class C ballast to a HP B1 magnetic ballast, and approximately 15.5% from a C ballast to a HP A1 electronic ballast. 6 Power management technology (hereinafter referred to as Power saver units) that reduces the running voltage of lighting systems after start-up, without any noticeable light loss, can also be installed that will further reduce energy loss.7 The fact that magnetic ballasts are now only commonly available for purchase in Australia in the form of HP class B1/B2 ballasts, will ensure that potential savings through reduced waste energy/heat loss across the ballast will also be achieved. Furthermore, if disposal issues are a concern then the recycling of new, HP copper-based magnetic ballasts is regarded as less problematic than that of electronic ballasts, due to the varying components of each.8

In terms of existing buildings, the case studies found that there are instances where comparative, or even greater energy savings than in the use of T5 tubes and electronic ballast combinations, can be gained through the use of power saver units in combination with magnetic ballasts.12 These case studies involved buildings with less efficient (older style) magnetic C ballasts, which have now been superseded by HP magnetic class B1 and B2 ballasts. These HP magnetic ballasts are likely to increase potential savings even further. In terms of retrofitting existing buildings, similar (at the very least) or even greater energy savings may be achieved by installing a voltage reduction/power saver unit, rather than going down the path of re-installing accepted energy efficient T5 tubes, fittings and control gear throughout an entire building (with a significantly greater cost and labour process).

Seen in the cases where energy savings of better than 30% have been achieved by installing voltage reduction/power saver units with older style (less efficient) magnetic ballasts, there is actually also an argument to fit-out new buildings with HP magnetic ballasts.1 This is because the potential energy consumption reduction achieved through power saver units can actually go beyond the standard 17-25% energy improvement of HP electronic vs. traditional magnetic ballasts.1

In conclusion there is a seemingly strong case to review the single emphasis on the use of electronic ballasts only, to achieve optimum energy efficiency and environmental outcomes. This review should include the assessment of HP magnetic ballasts, used in conjunction with voltage reduction power saving units, electronic starters, and innovative new technologies in project analyses and Green Star™ credits, to take energy efficiency in lighting to yet a new level of saving.1

 

References

1:Knowledge Base—Technical Guides: High Performance Fluorescent Lighting ; http://www.ecospecifier.org/knowledge_base/technical_guides/high_performance_fluorescent_lighting

2: European Copper Institute, 2006, Some Basic Facts and Some Advanced Information on Ballasts for Fluorescent Lamps, accessed June 2006 at http://lighting.copperwire.org/index.php

3: Nickols, D., June 2007, BMASS,  Pers. Comm.

4: Philips Lighting, 2001, Philips ‘TL’5 Lamps: Product Information, Roosendaal.

5: Ziebarth, K., June 2007, BMASS,  Pers. Comm.

6: Australian and New Zealand Standard MEPS - Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts, as cited on Comparison of Energy and Ligthing Efficiency Technologies, accessed June 2007 .

7: Prasad, J.,  2007, Pers. Comm., 16 July/16 August 2007,  Philips Lighting.

8: Are You in Line with the Future of Lighting?: Keep in Step by using High-Performance Ballasts, accessed June 2007

9: Cohen, D. 2007, New Scientist, 23 May 2007, iss. 2605 page 34-41 accessed at  http://environment.newscientist.com/channel/earth/mg19426051.200-earths-natural- wealth-an-audit.html 

10: Accessed 12.08.07 at www.lenntech.com/Periodic-chart-elements

11: Stephens, C.  & Ahern, M, 2001, Worker and Community Health Impacts Related to Mining, LondonSchool of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

12: QLD EPA, 2007, The Compass: New Directions in Queensland Industry, Issue 19- Autumn 2007, Brisbane. Sustainable Industries Division,

13: Australian Greenhouse Office –Commercial Building Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990 – 2010 Executive Summary Report 1999

A recent investigation into the general use of energy efficient fluorescent lighting technologies has revealed that questions are to be raised about the general assumption that T5 fluorescent lamps together with electronic ballasts are the most efficient and preferred option. In a technical guide conducted by ecospecifier, an independent product and building advisory firm, it was revealed that there are instances where comparative, or even greater energy savings can be gained through the use of power saver units in combination with T8 magnetic ballasts, than in the use of specific types of fluorescent tubes(T5) and an electronic ballast combinations.1