About Induction Lighting
Would you use a light rated to 100,000 hours or 11.4 continuous years? This is a lifespan five times longer than HID. Imagine the cost savings in energy and replacement. This is a possibility with induction lighting.
Induction lighting may be new to some; it is not a new concept. It's hard to imagine but induction lighting has been around since the 1800's when Nicola Tesla lit 200 lamps without wires from 25 miles away.
Induction lighting is similar to fluorescent lights in that it uses gases to produce white light. Where the similarities end and the savings begin is in the manner to which the gases are "engaged". Fluorescent lights use electrodes to engage the gases and thus produce the light. The electrodes erode over time. Induction lighting produces light when energy is transmitted by magnetic field (electromagnetic induction). It is through this process that induction lighting gets its name.
Induction light bulbs contain an antenna. The antenna receives electric power from the ballast. The ballast generates a high frequency such as 13.6 MHz, 2.5 MHz, or 250 kHz. A circuit in the ballast produces a voltage on the coil located in the light bulb. The coil discharges the gas. When light is produced, the voltage is reduced to the normal level. There is no electrical connection inside the bulb. Energy is transferred through the glass.
Induction lighting provides a great advantage to buildings and areas were replacement and maintenance of lights can be difficult. This can include high ceiling areas such as lobbies, street lighting, parking lots, industrial buildings, cafeterias, gymnasiums, signage, tunnels, bridges, roadways, public spaces, and any area where lighting is needed 24/7.
Induction lamps can be integrated with motion sensors. There are a couple of advantages to using motion sensors with induction lighting. There is no delay in switching on/off. In addition, repeated on/off in high traffic areas will not affect the longevity of the light as it may with an electrode charged fluorescent.
A few other specifications of induction lighting are listed below:
- Long Life - 100,000 hours
- Color rendering 85+ CRI
- Color Temperature 2,700K-6,500K
- Energy Efficient 85+ Lumens per Watt
- Lumen maintenance - 70% of its light output at 100,000 hours
- Maintenance costs go 10 years with out a change out
- Instant on Capability Can be used with photocell or motion sensor
- High Output 70W to 400W
- No flickering, strobing, or noise
- Minimal Color shifting
- Starting temperatures as low as -40° F
Benefits of Induction Lighting
Induction lighting may be the best kept secret since the 1800's. Many light manufacturers would be much smaller companies today had they produced induction lighting instead of competing with inferior products. But the growing acceptance of induction lighting has a positive impact on our environment. Less replacement means less landfill. While half of a building's energy needs is generated by lighting, induction lighting uses 40% to 60% less energy and emissions.
While induction lighting can have higher initial costs, most companies see a return in less than two years. A single eight pump gas station, replacing all lighting with induction lighting could see an $6,000 savings the first year in energy and repair and maintenance. Imagine that savings over 10 years. Now imagine that savings if 10 gas stations switched to induction lighting.
If you replaced a 70 watt high pressure sodium light with a 40 watt induction light, the cost of operation for one bulb over 10 years is 64% less with an induction light.
