New report illuminates success of outdoor lighting project

By SANDY LONG

BETHEL, NY — Paul Dibbell drove all the way from the Town of Hunter in Green County for a firsthand look at the attractive lamps that were the subject of a special event at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts last week, and to hear presenters discuss the results of the associated photovoltaic light-emitting diodes (LED) outdoor lighting system field test.

“I missed a budget meeting to be here, but it was well worth it,” said the deputy supervisor, whose town has already implemented other innovative projects such as constructing a wetland to treat the leachate at their landfill. A self-labeled “dark skies enthusiast,” Dibbell would like to see his town retrofit some of its current lighting, which spills approximately half of its luminance upwards into the sky, to something more sustainable and less injurious to darkness.

Those who turned out for the event received a copy of a new publication detailing field-test results for photovoltaic-powered LED luminaires installed at three public outdoor sites in Sullivan County. LEDs are seen as important tools in the ongoing effort to reduce outdoor lighting energy consumption.

Dan Frering, of the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, delivered findings of the study, which examined system performance, photometric performance, energy savings and whether people accepted the photovoltaic (PV) LED outdoor lighting system.

Key findings of the study showed that:

· The lights save energy and reduce pollution by avoiding conventional utility power. The three installations combined are expected to avoid about 3,000 pounds of CO2 emissions when compared with other lighting scenarios.

· Light pollution was reduced as the lamps produced less light that may contribute to sky glow and light trespass.

· The on/off programming of the fixtures operated as anticipated throughout all four seasons with little variation, as confirmed through monitoring devices installed at each site.

· The illuminance levels at all three sites were consistent with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America recommendations for similar applications.

· The luminaires were well-liked by residents and visitors at all three sites.

· Installation was characterized as “easy” by maintenance staff.

The project was initiated and co-funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Sullivan Renaissance, a beautification and community improvement program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation.

Key to its success was the establishment of a broad team of innovative partners willing to explore possibilities and meet technological and design challenges. (For a list of participating organizations see below.)

The resulting publication, “The Field Test DELTA: Post-Top Photovoltaic Pathway Luminaire,” evaluated 24 prototype Renaissance luminaires designed by Sullivan Renaissance, Philips Hadco and SolarOne® Solutions.

“NYSERDA funded the independent evaluation of the Renaissance luminaire installations in Sullivan County on the hope that it would spur more widespread adoption of PV-powered LED outdoor lighting. The study’s findings are impressive and should help advance the use of this innovative type of lighting,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray Jr. “The three installations combined are expected to save 2700 kWhs [kilowatt hours] per year compared to conventional outdoor lighting systems.”

The DELTA program, sponsored by NYSERDA, generates a series of case studies in which lighting technology is evaluated in real-world environments including commercial, residential, retail, institutional, industrial and outdoor applications. DELTA Field Tests, such as the Sullivan County project, evaluate lighting technology prototypes and independently verify claims and suggest improvements, when applicable.

DELTA publications feature energy calculations, occupant surveys, feedback from maintenance personnel,and photometric field measurements, as well as the environmental impact of energy savings. The new publication is available for free download at www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/DELTA/publications/outdoor.asp .

The photovoltaic LED outdoor lighting team

NYSERDA

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), established in 1975 as a public benefit corporation, provides energy-related technical and financial packaging assistance to businesses and institutions to promote energy efficiency and economic development, as well as providing energy research and development programs that promote safe and economical energy production efficiency technologies in New York State. Visit www.nyserda.org

Sullivan Renaissance

Since 2001, Sullivan Renaissance has funded over 400 community beautification projects in all six villages and 15 towns of Sullivan County. The program includes school projects, internships, scholarships, mini-grants, seasonal demonstration grants, municipal cleanups, technical assistance grants, environmental grants and special endeavors like the Board of Realtors Showcase Awards. Visit www.sullivanrenaissance.org

Philips Hadco

Philips Hadco is a Philips Lighting company and a leader in manufacturing high-performance, decorative outdoor lighting products since 1953, serving the municipal, utility, commercial, and residential lighting markets. Philips Hadco specializes in custom and modified products and utilizes the latest technologies available, including world-leading LED solutions. Visit www.hadco.com

SolarOne® Solutions

SolarOne Solutions is a leader in commercial-scale solar powered LED lighting systems, serving applications across the globe, ranging from roadway lighting in United Arab Emirates to advertisement lighting in Ontario Canada. The company developed its patent-pending SO-Bright® control and drive technology to power its HL (High Lumen) LED lamps for general outdoor illumination purposes. Visit www.solarone.net

Lighting Research Center

The Lighting Research Center (LRC) is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, NY, and is the leading university-based research center devoted to lighting. The LRC offers graduate education in lighting, including one- and two-year master's programs and a Ph.D. program. Since 1988 the LRC has built an international reputation as a reliable source for objective information about lighting technologies, applications and products. The LRC also provides training programs for government agencies, utilities, contractors, lighting designers and other lighting professionals. Visit www.lrc.rpi.edu .