Joshua CaineEarth Dynamics WIN

3/8/15

Energy Efficient Pool Lighting in the CRC

Abstract:

This project was created to reduce the energy usage and cost of the CRC pool lights

via a replacement fixture. Research leads to a replacement LED fixture, which used a

third less energy and money than its halogen predecessor. By switching from

halogen to LED fixtures, We achieve out goal of saving, energy (1,100 kWh reduction

per fixture per year), money ($1/3 of total cost to run), and pollution of CO2

(450lbs/ CO2 per fixture per year).

Introduction:

I have hopes to get the ball rolling in the area of sustainable development

with this research proposal, pushing for the installation of more efficient lighting in

The Evergreen State College Pool. Although only a small percentage of lights reside

in the pool area, the message behind this proposal would be clear. If we are to move

forwards with our hopes to become a sustainable campus, we must make small

steps in the right direction. These small steps will eventually cover great distance,

and take us to our goal of becoming zero waste and carbon neutral.

This project would aim to improve the current lighting system that is in place

in the CRC pool. Currently, the system is running a total of 40 320-watt halogen

bulbs, which are notorious for not being energy efficient. My goal was to find a

replacement bulb that is more energy efficient and can be retrofitted to the current

lights to avoid having to purchase all new lighting, which just happened within the

last 5 years. The goal of this project in short, is to utilize a small amount of money to

purchase more sustainable lighting, In turn saving energy and money in the future.

Upon Further research and investigation, it was brought to my attention that

finding a replacement fixture was the most viable. While finding a bulb that could be

retrofitted would be cheaper, it may not be an easy swap, because the new lights

would have a different light output as well as a different photometric pattern. Also,

there was a lot more information and regulation than meets the eye. Not only does

the pool have to be adequately lit, but also safety issues such as glare off the water

must be met for patron safety. As a lifeguard I understood how serious this safety

precaution must be taken, because one patron underwater that isn’t seen, could be

end up dying with no notice to the lifeguard on duty. On top on glare, lights must

have a quick re-strike time, or the time it takes the light to warm back up to a

brightness where people can safely walk about the pool in case of an emergency.

New fixtures must meet all of these guidelines, as well as be aesthetically pleasing,

cost efficient, and low maintenance.

The final goal I ended up deciding on was to install and replace one current

fixture in the Pool with a new viable LED alternative. Strategically placed by the exit

for safety reasons, this light will illuminate the exit quicker than a current fixture

would due to their fast re-strike time.

SuccessThe Success of this project will be measured in energy and money saved, as

well as the ability to keep the lighting similar to if not the same as the current lights.

The new bulbs/fixtures must consume less amount of energy, not add difficulty in

maintenance and upkeep, and have a positive cost benefit ratio.

Methods:

This research project began in the fall quarter as an idea. An idea to replace the

energy source of the Pool lights with clean energy, either solar or wind. This idea

came into existence when speaking to the Pool Maintenance Head Ira Malhum one

day out of total curiosity. I asked Ira, “These lights are bright, any idea if they are

energy efficient?” Ira proceeded to tell me that they were in deed not as efficient as

they could be. We spoke for a half an hour, and in my mind it was decided that this

would be the thesis for my project. It seemed like a good idea until one day I sat

down and realized that the action needed for that project was way out of my league,

and more on the scale of years not weeks. Keeping the heart of the idea the same,

which was to save energy and money in the CRC pool, I decided to take up replacing

bulbs or fixtures in the pool. Which ever was more cost efficient and available. I

sought out the advice of Zita, who pointed me in the direction of Rich Davis, who

then pointed me in the direction of Mike Drennon. I set a meeting with Mike, Rich,

and Ira, to discuss how this project would even proceed. I was totally blown away

with how complex it is to replace a light. You have to factor in everything;

photometric data, lumen output, color temperature, re-strike time, Power Input and

output, cost, and maintenance.

Need To Know Terminology1

-Photometric data: the total light output and the angular spread of the light output

(how far the light reaches, and the area it will illuminate)

-Lumen Output: a measure of the total "amount" of visible light emitted by a source

-Color Temperature: Dictates the “color” of the light that is emitted.

-Re-Strike time: The amount of time you must wait before turning the lamp back on

after it has been abruptly shut off, for example due to a power outage.

Usage and Cost Data: 2

Halogen Fixture o Usage (per light)-4.48 kWh Per day/ 1612.8 kWh p/year

a. COSTi. Hour- $.019

ii. Day-$0.25iii. Month- $ 8.18iv. Year- $ 98.12

o Usage (40 lights)-179.20 kWh p/day-65,408 kWh p/yeara. COST

i. Hour- $.768ii. Day- $10.75

iii. Month- $327.08iv. Year- $3294.91

Halophane Vantage LED (100w LED bulb)o Usage (per light)- 1.40kWh p/day-- 504 kWh Per year

Hour: $.006 Day: $.08 Month:$2.56 Year: $30.66

o Usage (40 lights)—56kWh p/day--20,440kWh p/yearo COST

Hour: $.24 Day: $3.36 Month:$102.21

1 Davis, Rich- Personally explained terms to me.2 http://energyusecalculator.com/electricity_incandescent.htm

Year: $1226.53

CO2 Emissions: Current halogen system:

o Emissions: 1 Fixture: 1612.8 kWh X .4lbs CO2/kWh= 645 lbs CO2/kWho 40 Fixtures: 65,000 kWh X .4lbs CO2/kWh=  26,000 lbs CO2/kWh 

New LED System Emissions:o 1 fixture: 504 kWh X .4lbs CO2/kWh=  200 lbs CO2/kWho 40 Fixtures: 20,000 kWh X .4lbs CO2/kWh= 8,700 lbs CO2/kWh

Applicable Replacement Fixture:

--Cost: $950 all includedHalophane Vantage LED (100watt bulb) (arrows pointing to preferred options)

The Halophane Vantage LED3 fixture is a very good replacement for our current

320watt halogen fixture. The Vantage requires 3 times less energy than a current

fixture, which was my first area of concern. Will the fixture save money and energy,

yes it will. Designed specifically for high stress environments (humidity, wet, high

heat, etc.) this fixture will definitely be able to put up with the high humidity and

long hours of use in the pool. Also, the current fixtures are bullet shaped and hang

about 3 feet from a base that is attached to the ceiling via a wire. This poses dangers

to patrons if a light were to fall due to wire malfunction, and makes for difficult

upkeep and maintenance. Over all, these lights are a much better fit for our school

and our pool as far as cost, energy usage, upkeep, length of bulb, basically in all

ways!! Unfortunately, we will have to wait until the CRC survey has gone through to

consider ordering one new fixture, which is a shame because it is a waste of our

3 http://www.holophane.com/products/family.asp?brand=hlp&family=Vantage%20LED&producttype=Indoor&category=LED&subcategory=LED

class budget. Bad timing to say the least, but hopefully it will be done in the near

future!

Significance:

Switching over to the New LED system would save approx. 450 lbs/CO2 from being

emitted per fixture, and an approx. total of 17,500 lbs/CO2 per year. That is a lot of

carbon from just one lighting system on campus! On top of this pollution reduction,

running the light(s) would use about a third less energy, and would cost 3 times less

to run the system.

Acknowledgments:

Rich Davis and Mike Drennon- Helped me understand the system, and what needed to be done, and get me in touch with the right people.

Ira Malhum- Helped me come up with he idea in the first place!!

E.J. Zita- pointed me in the right direction, and helped me when I needed that extra push.

References:

1. http://www.evergreen.edu/facilities/utilities/images/2012Utilities.pdf

2. http://www.holophane.com/products/family.asp?brand=hlp&family=Vantage%20LED&producttype=Indoor&category=LED&subcategory=LED

3. Rich Davis-For help with definitions of terminology needed.