New Employee Examines Useful Lifetime Data of 4-foot LED

ACEP and the Cold Climate Housing Research Center are excited to welcome Dana Truffer-Moudra to their staff.

Truffer-Moudra is compiling longevity data from light-emitting diode linear lamps that have replaced fluorescent lamps, specifically the 4-foot-long, 1-inch-diameter (T8) fluorescents. The replacement LEDs are known as either linear or tubular LEDs.

The fluorescents typically draw around 32 watts of power, plus a ballast that may draw another 2 watts. LEDs, in contrast, draw two-thirds that amount or less. With 10 percent of electricity consumption in commercial and institutional buildings going toward lighting (https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=99&t=3 ), there is a potential for significant energy and cost savings by switching to LEDs.

LED useful lifetime is influenced by two characteristics: how likely it is that an LED may randomly fail and completely stop producing light (either soon after installation or later) from manufacturing or material defects; and, because LEDs slowly dim over time, how long it takes before the LED dims to useless levels.

Truffer-Moudra’s project involves trying to find installations where fluorescent tubes were replaced with LEDs, and talking with personnel familiar with the installations to identify the specific products and experience with them. This data may prove useful for Alaska building managers.

 

Dana Truffer-Moudra joins ACEP and CCHRC under a joint appointment. Photo by Amanda Byrd.