Advanced Technologies for Commercial Buildings

Definition:

Compact fluorescent lights that can operate outdoors at cold temperatures.

Benefits:

• increases energy efficiency
• operates in all climates

Limitations:

• limited light output
• less efficient than low-pressure sodium lighting
• reduced performance below -29 C

Building Use:

	highrise office			retail
	lowrise office			food service
	highrise apartment			institutional
	lowrise apartment			arena

Building Type:

	New
	Retrofit

Development Status:

	Prototype
	New Technology
	Mature Technology

Description:

Many fluorescent lamps are not suitable for outdoor applications. At cold temperatures (below 4 C or 40 F), the ballast (in particular, magnetic ballasts) may not be able to start the lamp. Most cold-temperature compact fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts can operate properly down to -29 C (-20 F) provided they are installed in an enclosed fixture. Below this temperature, the lamp may still operate but the light will flicker and have reduced lifetime. The light output is reduced at cold temperatures. However, if the lamp is in an enclosed fixture, the heat from the lamp will warm the fixture and the light output will rise to normal levels. Normal compact fluorescent lamps are limited in size to 26 watts and 1800 lumens; long tube higher output lamps are available although they may be difficult to install in an enclosed fixture. Compact fluorescents have a rated life of 10,000 hours.

This cold temperature compact fluorescent is controlled by an occupancy sensor.

Design, Construction and Operational Issues:

Cold-temperature compact fluorescent lighting is best used for accent, walkway or low-level security lighting. One type of security lighting combines a compact fluorescent lamp with a motion sensor. Compact fluorescent lamps are not suitable for high outdoor lighting requirements such as parking lots. Low pressure sodium lamps or high-intensity discharge lamps should be used in these applications.

Experience and Application:

Compact fluorescent lamps operate well in cold climates (under the conditions noted previously). In some cases, the rated lifetime has not been achieved; this may be due to constant cycling (on-off) of the lamps.

Cost:

The cost of a 26W compact fluorescent lamp (with ballast) is approximately $30CAD. The price for enclosed fixtures will vary with the type and style chosen.

Information Sources:

• Energy Efficient Lighting Product Knowledge Guide, Canadian Electrical Association, 1 Westmount Square, Suite 1600, Montreal PQ Canada H3Z 2P9
  tel 1-514-937-6181

Example Manufacturers:

• Osram Canada Limited, 2001 Drew Road, Mississauga ON Canada L5S 1S4
  tel 1-905-673-6171
  fax 1-905-673-1413
• GE Lighting, 2300 Meadowvale Blvd., Mississauga ON Canada L5N 5P9
  tel 1-905-858-5405
  fax 1-905-858-5441

www.enermodal.com/advancedtech