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Only the Best for Lighting Efficiency: Triphosphor Lamps and Electronic Ballasts
Peter RumseyPeter du Pont International Institute for Energy Conservation, Thailand Lee Eng Lock Supersymmetry Services, Pte. Ltd., Singapore Abstract In the last decade a revolution in straight-tube fluorescent lamps has occurred. Improvements in fluorescent lamps and the ballasts used to power the lamps have drastically increased fluorescent lighting efficiency. Current off-of-the-shelf T-8 (26 mm) lamps with triphosphor coatings and electronic ballasts make it possible to save 35% of the energy used in standard fluorescent lighting. A further 10% to 40% savings are possible with the use of specular reflectors, high-efficiency luminaires, lighting controls, daylighting and improved lighting design techniques. This paper examines three generations of fluorescent lighting technologies for their applicability in energy-efficiency promotion programs, with a particular focus on their usefulness in demand side management (DSM) programs. Each successive generation of lighting technology offers increasing levels of energy efficiency. The most common type of fluorescent lighting used throughout the world is the first generation type (40 watt lamps and magnetic ballasts). This generation is the least efficient of the fluorescent lighting technologies. Therefore, there is a significant amount of electricity that can be saved by upgrading to second and third generation lighting technologies. In DSM programs, the promotion of second generation lighting (lower wattage lamps and low-loss magnetic ballasts) encourages yesterday's technologies. Efficient lighting equipment is often compared to the computer market due to the rapid technological developments in efficiency and the rapid decreases in cost of the most efficient technologies. Lower wattage lamps and low-loss ballasts are similar to yesterday's 286 computers and third generation lighting technologies (triphosphor lamps and electronic ballasts) can be compared to the 386 and 486 computers of today. The best DSM and efficiency promotion programs will promote the most efficient and up to date technology. Although the promotion of second generation technologies might be appropriate in certain circumstances, promotion of third generation technologies is much more effective in ensuring maximum energy savings and cost effectiveness. In this paper, we show how the promotion of third generation fluorescent lighting technologies will maximize energy savings and cost effectiveness and will also minimize free readership, avoid cream-skimming, maximize lighting power factors, increase lighting quality and maximize customer satisfaction.
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