Anheuser Busch, Budweiser Plant in Ft. Collins, CO.
Challenge:
For this project, we were challenged withretrofitting the entire industrial plant for Anheuser Busch/Budweiser in Ft.Collins, CO. We were tasked with replacing every light both inside and out ofthe building.
Solution:
With the client’s input, we decided thatthe best solution was to retrofit and replace all of the outdated fluorescentand metal halide lights to LED.
Result:
The main focus of replacing outdatedlighting technology to the newer LED technology was the massive energy savingsfor our client. After everything was installed, our client immediately saved75% on their energy bill. Not to mention and brighter, cleaner, and morereliable lighting system for them overall.
Before we dive into the benefits of LEDretrofits for industrial businesses, we wanted to give you some background onwhat Metal Halide, Fourescent, and LED lights are:
Metal halide lights are a type ofhigh-intensity discharge (HID) lighting technology that utilizes a mixture ofmetal halide compounds in a high-temperature gas discharge to produce light.These lights consist of an arc tube filled with a blend of metal halides, suchas sodium iodide and scandium iodide, along with mercury vapor. When anelectric current is passed through the arc tube, it generates an intense white light.
Fluorescent lights are a type of lightingtechnology that produce visible light by exciting a phosphor coating on theinside of a glass tube using an electric current. These lights operate througha process called fluorescence. Inside a fluorescent light, there is a smallamount of mercury vapor and an inert gas, typically argon or krypton.
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. Itis a type of lighting technology that uses a semiconductor material to emitlight when an electric current passes through it. Unlike traditionalincandescent or fluorescent lights, LED lights do not rely on heating afilament or using gas discharge to produce light.
With the advancing technology and thegrowing demand for energy-efficient solutions, industrial facilities are increasinglyturning to LED lighting as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to oldfluorescent lights and metal halide lamps. In this blog post, we will explorethe benefits of retrofitting industrial lighting systems with LED technologyand how it can significantly enhance illumination, energy efficiency, andoverall productivity in industrial environments.
1. Improved Energy Efficiency:
One of the primary reasons forretrofitting industrial lighting is the remarkable energy savings offered byLED technology. LED lights consume significantly less electricity compared totraditional fluorescent lights and metal halide lamps. Through a lightingretrofit, industrial facilities can expect to reduce their energy consumptionby up to 50-70%. This translates into substantial cost savings on electricitybills and contributes to a greener, more sustainable operation.
2. Enhanced Illumination:
LED lighting offers superior qualityillumination that surpasses fluorescent lights and metal halide lamps. LEDsprovide a more consistent and uniform light distribution, eliminating anyflickering or buzzing issues commonly associated with older lightingtechnologies. This upgraded illumination not only improves visibility but alsoenhances safety in industrial workspaces, reducing the risk of accidents andimproving productivity.
3. Longevity and Durability:
LED lights have an exceptionally longlifespan compared to traditional lighting options. LED retrofits can operatefor up to 50,000-100,000 hours, while fluorescent lights and metal halide lampstypically last around 10,000-20,000 hours. The extended lifespan of LEDseliminates the frequent need for maintenance and replacement, saving both timeand money for industrial facility managers.
4. Reduced Maintenance Costs:
As mentioned earlier, LED lights have alonger lifespan and require minimal maintenance compared to fluorescent lightsand metal halide lamps. With fewer failures and replacements, industrialfacilities can reduce their maintenance costs substantially. Additionally, LEDsare solid-state lighting devices and do not contain fragile filaments orgas-filled chambers like fluorescent lights and metal halide lamps, making themmore resistant to vibrations and impacts commonly found in industrialenvironments.
5. Instant On/Off and DimmingCapabilities:
LED lights offer instant-on capabilities,which means they reach their full brightness as soon as they are switched on.This is particularly useful in industrial settings where lights need to bequickly and reliably turned on during shifts. Moreover, LED lights can beeasily dimmed to adjust brightness levels according to specific tasks orrequirements. This flexibility in lighting control enhances energy savings andprovides a comfortable working environment for employees.
6. Environmental Benefits:
LED lighting is an eco-friendly choicethat contributes to sustainability efforts. LED lights do not contain harmfulsubstances like mercury, unlike fluorescent lights. Additionally, the reducedenergy consumption and carbon emissions associated with LED lighting helpmitigate the environmental impact of industrial facilities.
Upgrading from old fluorescent lights andmetal halide lamps to LED lighting through a retrofit offers numerousadvantages for industrial facilities. Improved energy efficiency, enhancedillumination, extended lifespan, reduced maintenance costs, and environmentalbenefits are just a few of the compelling reasons to make the switch. Byembracing LED technology, industrial facilities can optimize their lightingsystems, reduce operational costs, and create a safer and more productive workenvironment. It's time to embrace the future of lighting and reap the rewardsof industrial lighting retrofit.
