WAC Lighting collaborates with RPI’s Lighting Research Center to develop and evaluate LED track lighting

Date Announced: 23 Jan 2012 Garden City, New York - Supported by NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), WAC Lighting collaborated with the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to develop high-efficiency LED (light emitting diodes) track luminaires for an art gallery in a suburban library outside of New York City. The project results were reported at the “Center for Future Energy Systems (CFES) annual conference” at RPI’s Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies and published in LRC’s DELTA case study publication series.The LRC conducted an extensive study that evaluated WAC Lighting’s LED track luminaires’ performance, compared to conventional accent lighting and to the library’s existing compact fluorescent (CFL) downlights. The LRC staff provided WAC with engineering support for the development of the LED track luminaire, which is listed on the ENERGY STAR Solid-State Lighting Luminaire Program.WAC’s new high-efficiency LED track luminaires (Vamp Series) were developed for accent lighting in a variety of applications including art galleries. This type of accent lighting is designed to reveal the shape, color and texture of the art without producing glare, flicker or distracting shadows to the viewer. The need for accent lighting on art must be balanced with energy codes that limit allowable lighting power density. Conventional accent lighting for galleries typically consists of aimable track heads with incandescent halogen light sources, such as PAR or MR16 lamps, however, the new LED lighting system offers optimal accent lighting while reducing energy use, costs and maintenance. The study examined WAC Lighting’s high-efficiency LED track luminaires, which were used in the Mineola Public Library, located in a Long Island suburb of New York City, which hosts exhibitions from many local artists. The Walter and Joan Hobbs Gallery shows the work of the community artists, typically framed paintings and photographs. The gallery is located within the lower level of the library. Adjacent gallery spaces receive light from large clerestory windows, however the lighting fixtures contribute the majority of the illumination within this space.The study was designed to evaluate the performance and acceptance of LED track heads, compared with existing CFL downlights and conventional halogen MR16 track heads. The existing lighting in this 174-foot gallery space consisted of four recessed downlights, 10-inch in diameter, each with two 32-watt, pin-based, triple twin-tube CFLs. WAC Lighting provided two track lighting systems, offered with halogen MR16s and LEDs. A two-circuit track was mounted two feet from the wall, and the ceiling height is 9.9 feet. An independent evaluator measured illuminance on the gallery’s artwork, on the immediate surroundings, and on the horizontal plane below the artwork. The evaluator surveyed 22 library patrons and staff with the three lighting systems, comparing LED with CFL and halogen lighting. Participants in the study commented that both halogen and LED accent lighting systems were preferred over CFLs for lighting artwork and in terms of illuminance ratio, the amount of light, color appearance and overall appearance.The halogen and LED accent lighting systems successfully provided the contrast necessary to draw attention to the artwork. The halogen MR16 system provided about 20% lower average illuminance on the artwork compared with the LED system. The LED system used 46% less energy than CFLs. In addition, the heat generated by conventional MR16s may be an impediment to re-aiming track heads for changing gallery displays; the LED track heads remain comfortable to the touch even during operation. In conclusion, the report stated that WAC’s LED accent lighting system saved energy, was equal to or better than the conventional MR16 halogen lamps and CFLs for most of the criteria, and met the most recent energy code limits for lighting power density while the CFL and MR16 systems did not meet code requirements.To review the report in LRC’s DELTA case study publication series, please click on the link below: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/delta/publications/publicationsDetails.asp?id=933&cat=17About NYSERDANew York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation created in 1975. NYSERDA’s principal goal is to help all New York State utility customers solve their energy and environmental problems while developing new, innovative products and services that can be manufactured or commercialized by New York State firms.NYSERDA administers the New York Energy $mart™ program, which is designed to support certain public benefit programs during the transition to a more competitive electricity market. Approximately 2,700 projects in 40 programs are funded by a charge on the electricity transmitted and distributed by the State’s investor-owned utilities. The New York Energy $mart™ program provides energy efficiency services, including those directed at the low-income sector, research and development and environmental protection activities.About ENERGY STAR®ENERGY STAR® is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping the public to save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2010 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 33 million cars while saving nearly $18 billion on their utility bills. Energy efficient choices save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. The EPA also provides an innovative energy performance rating system, which businesses have already used for more than 200,000 buildings across the country. About The Light Research CenterThe Lighting Research Center (LRC) is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the leading university-based research center devoted to lighting and offers the world's premier graduate education in lighting, including one and two-year master's programs and a Ph.D. program. Since 1988, the LRC built an international reputation as a reliable source for objective information about lighting technologies, applications, and products and provides training programs for government agencies, utilities, contractors, lighting designers, and other lighting professionals.The LRC is committed to influencing lighting practice through multidisciplinary research and demonstrations; educating the future leaders in lighting; encouraging a view of lighting wherein economic gains are balanced with environmental sustainability; delivering high quality products in a timely manner; and providing a collaborative working environment for faculty, staff and students.The WAC Lighting StoryWAC Lighting is a leading global manufacturer and innovative designer of lighting for Luxury Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Institutional and Architectural applications, specializing in track, recessed, under cabinet, monorail and decorative lighting, with a new sustainable LED collection. WAC has developed a stellar reputation for upscale decorative and task lighting lines backed by an extraordinary level of service, an unprecedented shipping record, and a Five Year Product Warranty. To reflect Green energy saving strategies, social progress and community involvement, WAC uses the brand standard “Responsible Lighting.”WAC offers a broad range of award-winning products: Low/Line Voltage Track Systems; LED, Line and Low Voltage Recessed Downlights; Line/Low-Voltage Single and Two-Circuit Rail Systems; InvisiLED®, LED tape systems for both indoor and outdoor applications; Artisanal Glass Pendants and Wall Sconces; LEDme® Pendants and Fixtures; Mono and Multipoint fixtures; Counter Balance Adjustables; SMART Transformers; Organic LED Fixtures, and other specialty lighting items. Nearly 90% of WAC Lighting products are fabricated, including components, at its state-of-the-art manufacturing campus in China. WAC Lighting is headquartered in Garden City, New York, and operates a West Coast office and distribution facility in City of Industry, CA. WAC may be reached at 1.800.526.2588 or by visiting www.waclighting.com.

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