Session: 02-01: Building Energy Efficiency Technologies

Paper Number: 130960

130960 - Facility LED Lighting System Upgrades With Constant Illumination Consideration 

Abstract: 

LED lights have gained widespread popularity and have been extensively adopted across various applications. The benefits of LED lights are numerous and contribute to their popularity. First, LED lights are highly energy-efficient, consuming significantly less electricity compared to traditional lighting sources. This energy efficiency translates into reduced utility costs and lower carbon emissions, making LED lights an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, LED lights have a longer lifespan, lasting many times longer than traditional lights, which reduces maintenance and replacement costs. Third, LED lights offer exceptional brightness and color rendering capabilities, providing high-quality illumination for various settings, including residential, commercial, and outdoor environments. Furthermore, LED lights do not emit harmful ultraviolet rays or contain hazardous substances like mercury, making them a healthier lighting option. Last but not least, LED technology also allows for instant-on and flicker-free operation, contributing to visual comfort and reducing eye strain. Given these advantages, it is no surprise that LED lights have become the go-to choice for lighting solutions in a wide range of applications, offering substantial benefits for users and the environment alike.

However, LED lights often have much higher brightness levels compared to traditional fluorescent or metal halide lights, which means that they are significantly brighter than traditional lighting sources. As a result, replacing lights one-to-one with LED lights can lead to a room being much brighter than intended. This excessive brightness can cause physical discomfort for some employees who are exposed to strong lighting. Many employees have reported experiencing discomfort, including eye strain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, which can significantly hinder their ability to effectively perform work tasks. Therefore, it is essential to determine the appropriate number of LED lights needed to provide optimal lighting levels without causing discomfort to employees. This consideration is particularly crucial in work environments where employees spend extended periods in a single space. By carefully evaluating and adjusting the lighting design, it is possible to create a comfortable and productive work environment while harnessing the benefits of LED technology.

Besides the discomfort experienced by employees working in excessively bright interior areas, light pollution has become a pressing concern due to the widespread use of LED lights in exterior facilities. While LED lights offer high brightness and energy efficiency, their indiscriminate one-to-one replacement of traditional lights has led to significant over-illumination. This excessive brightness contributes to light pollution, where the night sky becomes excessively illuminated, obscuring stars and celestial objects in many regions. The consequences of light pollution extend beyond its impact on astronomical observations and affect ecosystems, human health, and overall quality of life. Glare, sky glow, and light trespass are common issues associated with excessive lighting, adversely affecting wildlife behavior, disrupting natural ecosystems, and disrupting human sleep patterns. To address the issue of light pollution, it is crucial to adopt appropriate lighting design practices that consider the specific lighting requirements of each outdoor space. By raising awareness about the negative effects of light pollution and promoting responsible lighting practices, human beings can mitigate its impact and restore the beauty of the night sky while fostering sustainability and preserving the natural environment.

The paper aims to establish a comprehensive framework for accurately determining the optimal quantity of lights needed for a facility's lighting system when transitioning from traditional lighting sources like fluorescent or metal halide lights to energy-efficient LED lights. Ensuring the proper design of the lighting system is essential to avoid excessive brightness, which can lead to potential health concerns. This initiative will not only promote the well-being and health of employees but also contribute to environmental preservation and enhanced energy efficiency.

Presenting Author: Qi Guo McNeese State University

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Qi Guo obtained his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Shandong University in 2011. He went on to receive his M.S. and Ph.D.degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton in 2012 and 2017, respectively. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor ofMechanical Engineering at McNeese State University.
Dr. Guo's research interests encompass the broad area of sustainability, with a focus on integrating end-of-life product recycling, renewableenergy, energy efficiency, and optimization. His doctoral research was instrumental in demonstrating the significance of optimization in the field ofsustainability. His ultimate research objective is to provide students with practical experience and knowledge that they can apply to real-worldprojects, ultimately enabling them to commercialize their research and serve a larger population for the greater good of society.

Authors:

Qi Guo McNeese State University
Qinhe Zhang Shandong University
Firouz Rosti McNeese State University
Cunzhi Zhao McNeese State University