Test Projects at the Southern California Lighting Technology Center (SCLTC)
Following are descriptions of some of the projects under way at the Southern California Lighting Technology Center (SCLTC) in Irwindale.
Full Brilliance in One Second for Stairwell Safety
Thanks to an ultrasonic motion sensor, the stairwell light demonstrated at SCLTC detects foot traffic at the first opening of the entry door — and powers up its two lamp system to full brilliance in just one second. The stairwell light goes to 50% power and 33% light via a step-dimmable ballast when the stairs are not in use. If the sensor fails, the system goes to full light. This is a Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Project. For more information, reference the Bi-Level Stairwell Fixture Research Study brochure (PDF) and the Bi-Level Stairwell Fixture Performance Final Report (PDF).
T5 Durability Test Concludes
Lighting experts have determined the typical wear rate of common T5 fluorescent undercabinet lights in a test rack at the SCLTC. T5s under test included 18-, 24-, and 30-inch lamp sizes in electronic and magnetic ballast configurations. Some burn continuously while others cycle on and off to test the linear fluorescents' longevity.
Recipes for Energy Efficiency
The SCLTC's kitchen is actually a testbed for present and future lighting systems. The variable height ceiling simulates lighting under a wide range of conditions created by changing the volume of the room. Lighting is tested for intensity, uniformity, quality and energy use.
On display are under- and over-cabinet T5 fluorescents and an advanced compact fluorescent/electronic ballast downlight system that offers easy plug-and-play installation and a 30% increase in lighting efficiency over traditional recessed fixtures. Only one ballast is required for every two downlights. For more information, reference the PIER Kitchen Downlighting Project Brochure (PDF) or the Portable Office Lighting Systems Final Report (PDF).
Future lighting will include direct and indirect recessed, surface mounted, and direct and indirect pendant mainlights. Light emitting diode (LED) cabinet/task lights may replace traditional linear and compact fluorescents and tungsten halogen systems. For more information, reference the LED Task Lighting PIER project (PDF).
Future lighting will include direct and indirect recessed, surface mounted, and direct and indirect pendant mainlights. Light emitting diode (LED) cabinet/task lights may replace traditional linear and compact fluorescents and tungsten halogen systems.
Variable Geometry Office
By changing the ceiling height and wall placement in this office, technicians simulate different room geometries to determine the photometric performance of advanced lighting systems.
On display are fluorescent portable task/ambient luminaires that feature an 80-watt biax lamp with a color temperature of 3500K (degrees Kelvin). An integrated motion sensor shuts the light off after 10 minutes. More information on the portable task lights can be found in the PIER Portable Office Luminaire brochure (PDF) and the Portable Office Lighting Systems Final Report (PDF). Also featured are indirect and direct pendant fixtures with optimized performance for low ceiling applications without sacrificing visual comfort. These fixtures provide excellent ceiling uniformity even when suspended only 3 inches from the ceiling.
Future lighting includes advanced fluorescent/electronic ballast downlight systems, direct and indirect recessed, surface mounted lights, and advanced floor, desk and wall lights, task lights and controls. Some systems contain the ever more popular light emitting diode (LED) sources.
LED Hybrid
This outdoor porch or path light combines a traditional incandescent with cutting-edge LED technology. The LED array provides a pleasant, low-level amber-colored light that runs continuously during the night. An occupancy sensor turns on the incandescent lamp when motion is detected, instantly flooding the area with a warm, bright light.
The LED shuts off soon after motion stops. The result is exceptional energy efficiency and lighting quality. More information on the LED hybrid is provided in the PIER LED Hybrid Outdoor Fixture brochure (PDF) and the Hybrid Outdoor Lighting Systems Final Report (PDF).
LED vs. HPS Comparison
How will future light-emitting diodes (LED) stack up to their standard high pressure sodium (HPS) counterparts? An exterior installation mounted on the STLTC's roofline simulates real world street conditions to test LED street and area lights.
The two technologies are being compared for intensity and pattern, uniformity, energy efficiency and longevity. The LED fixture houses an LED lamp array designed to emulate the typical ground pattern of traditional street lights. Tests will reveal how well the operating heat of the LED array is dissipated, especially under hot California summer conditions.
Scene Controlled Lighting
This conference room features versatile, dimmable lighting controls which allow testers to pick different preset scene combinations.
T5 fluorescent and asymmetric wall wash lighting offer focused illumination of vertical whiteboard surfaces.
Also displayed are indirect linear T8 fluorescent fixtures that provide an interesting center-of-room canopy atmosphere and direct compact fluorescent downlights for general illumination.
Fluorescent Sign Testbed
Many small and large business marquees use interior illuminated fluorescent signs. Virtually all of them use older T12 magnetic ballast technology. This test bed examines luminance, illumination, uniformity and energy to determine if new, super-efficient T8 or T5HO fluorescent electronic ballast lighting systems can replace traditional T12 systems in these signs. Different lamp characteristics and ballast combinations, and lens and back plate relationships are under study to see if comparable results can be achieved. This project is co-sponsored by the California Lighting Technology Center, UC Davis.