The Cold Hard Facts: Contemporary LED Lighting Offers Superb Performance in Cold Storage Applications.

October 5, 2011 – Vol.16 No.29

The Cold Hard Facts:
Contemporary LED Lighting Offers Superb Performance, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance Savings in Cold Storage Applications.
by Michael Schratz

Highly regarded for their maintenance-free, energy-efficient operation and environmental friendliness in a wide range of commercial applications, LED lighting solutions are quickly becoming a sought-after alternative to traditional HID and fluorescent lighting in cold storage applications. By their very nature of operational form and function, LEDs effectively overcome virtually all of the most vexing challenges surrounding cold storage lighting for both refrigeration and deep-freeze environments to provide an ultra-long-life lighting solution with an ROI payback period of as little as two years.

The LED Advantage

As a solid-state device, LEDs are, by design, more rugged and durable than HIDs and fluorescents to withstand even the harshest environments. With no filaments to fail, bulbs to change or ballasts to burn out, the leading commercial LED lighting systems offer up to a decade of worry-free performance. This exceptionally long life virtually eliminates the trouble and cost of routine maintenance and the inherent disruption in workflow inside cold storage lockers. Plus, it ensures a safer working environment: no doubt most every facility has a few burned-out bulbs at any given time that can significantly reduce visibility. LEDs eliminate this safety risk with reliable operation for years.

Compared to traditional fittings, LEDs also deliver a substantial energy savings by virtue of their drastically reduced electricity consumption. For example, the Dialight 150W LED High Bay operates at less than half the wattage of the typical 400W HID unit it’s designed to replace, for a significant drop in energy use and cost. This not only saves money—to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in some instances—but also plays well into corporate sustainability and environmental goals. And, because there are no bulbs to dispose of, nor any hazardous materials within to deal with, LEDs are much more environmentally friendly in this regard as well.

Cold Storage Bonus

Aside from the overall energy savings and related environmental advantages, the unique technology at work in LED fixtures makes these innovative fittings particularly well-suited to cold storage applications with a number of distinct advantages over typical conventional lighting.

LEDs offer superior performance in cold temperatures. In fact, unlike traditional fittings, LEDs actually deliver up to 20 percent more light output in cold temperatures. Where typical HID, fluorescent or incandescent fixtures have issues with turning on, discoloration or are completely non-operative, the cooler ambient temperature actually allows the LEDs to operate more efficiently.

No Warm-Up

LEDs startup instantly at full light output the moment they are switched on, eliminating the time-consuming warm-up period for most conventional fittings that is often exacerbated by cold temperatures. This instant-on capability not only improves safety and operational efficiency by restoring illumination in the wake of a power outage, for example, but it also means the lights can be turned off when not needed (many facilities leave conventional lights on 24/7 to eliminate the warm-up waiting period). For even greater ease of use and efficiency, LEDs can be equipped with motion/occupancy sensors to activate the lights only when needed for significant additional energy savings. And, unlike conventional fittings, the performance lifetime of most LED fittings is unaffected by frequent switching on and off.

Less Heat Output

From a heat emissions standpoint, LED fixtures produce a fraction of the heat emitted by conventional fittings, which dramatically reduces the strain on cooling systems, improving energy efficiency in this area as well. The most efficient LED fixtures feature advanced heatsink technology for built-in thermal management, rather than just relying on the ambient temperature in the cold locker to keep the fixture cool. This reduction in heat output lowers the risk of condensation buildup that can cause dangerous icicle formations. These are a significant problem with conventional fixtures, pose a safety threat to workers and must be removed regularly. LEDs mitigate the risk and removal by eliminating the formation from the start.

Improved Air Circulation

The most innovative LED systems also offer a much smaller profile than traditional lighting fixtures, and as a result can improve airflow and temperature consistency. For example, Dialight LED High Bays are the smallest on the market with a form factor less than one- third the height of most conventional fittings that eliminates turbulence and pockets of warm air. The low-profile design of today’s LED-based fixtures also allows the fittings to be mounted closer to the ceiling (using existing wiring) for even less interference with air flow.

With energy savings of up to 75 percent, and a potential ROI payback period of less than two years, LED lighting solutions alone offer powerful cost-saving incentives to make the switch to LED, particularly in areas where energy costs are already high. In addition, government agencies and utility providers in all 50 states now offer energy-saving rebate programs for industrial facilities that make the switch to LED to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Factor in the extended life—up to 10 years maintenance-free in some cases—and LED solutions offer a clear advantage over traditional lighting solutions in cold storage applications.

Michael Schratz is the Director of Marketing for Dialight, he has responsibility for the Company’s worldwide corporate branding, messaging, market positioning and communications including web marketing, PR and social media initiatives. Michael plays an integral role in managing new product introductions, successfully rolling out new LED lighting products into the market.

MSchratz(at)dialight.com

Dialight http://www.dialight.com