link to Ensol 8 To 5 Energy Saver Case Study (click, download and print)

 

8to5 Energy Saver™

This Case Study provides information and data for the installation of the 8to5 Energy Saver™,
supplied by ENSOL Enterprises Pty Ltd.

ENSOL contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions through the development and provision of sound ethical Energy Consulting Services and Energy Saving Products.

Our Case Study outlines the Energy Savings, Maintenance Savings and Indoor Environment
benefits resulting from the installation of the 8to5 Energy Saver™ product into a commercial office space.

In reading this, you should be able to:
Understand the function and benefits of the 8to5 Energy Saver™.
Identify the range of financial and environmental benefits for installation of the 8to5
Energy Saver™.
Provide an overview of how the 8to5 Energy Saver™ can benefit your business
environment.

8 to 5 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The 8to5 Energy Saver™ is designed to bridge the gap between T8/T12 fixtures and the shorter T5 tube and incorporates a new type of high frequency ballast called Electronic Control Gear (ECG) that is designed to work specifically with T5 fluorescent light tubes. It is the electronic ballast, which provides the excellent energy efficiency and also stops all the slow starts experienced with many T8 and all T12 fittings. This electronic ballast operates at 35,000 Hz so there is no stroboscopic flickering, which is known to be the cause headaches and eye problems for many employees and is a known and real health and safety issue.

Conversion to T5 fluorescent light tubes with the 8to5 Energy Saver™ electronic control gear adapter has a payback time of approximately 1 year, based upon a standard installation and average utility rate of 10c/kWh.

 
CASE STUDY SITE AND EQUIPMENT DETAILS

The 8to5 Energy Saver™ has been installed within a commercial office space located within the Sydney CBD. This office space covers approximately 1000 sqm and consists of (154) single 4ft, 36W Fluorescent Troffer light fittings with Box Crate Reflectors.

The existing 4ft / 48 inches (1210mm) Florescent Troffer fitting consist of the following components:

1 x 4ft - 1x36W Florescent Troffer Housing 
1 x Box Crate Reflector 
1 x Electromagnetic Ballast, 
1 x Capacitor
1 x Electronic Starter
2 x Standard tombstone fixtures

 

INSTALLATION TYPE AND METHOD

The installation of the 8to5 Energy Saver™ within this Case Study consisted of two installation areas per light fitting.

On this occasion, rather than just replacing the existing T8 fluorescent tube with the 8to5 Energy Saver™, our client chose to remove the existing electromagnetic ballast and capacitor from the light fitting circuitry. By doing so, additional energy and heat load efficiencies were achieved as indicated in the chart below and in the results found on Page 4 & 5 of this document. 

 

 
As indicated a standard 36W fluorescent fitting will draw approximately 45 Watts due to the additional energy being drawn by the light fittings Electromagnetic Ballast. It should also be noted that the Electromagnetic Ballast also produces a large amount of heat which will increase the buildings heat load and in turn increase the buildings requirement for cooling. 

The 8to5 Energy Saver™ comes with a built-in Electronic Ballast therefore eliminating the
requirement for both the existing Electromagnetic Ballast and Capacitor. Removal of the existing Capacitor from the lighting circuitry provided for improved Power Factor.

CASE STUDY RESULTS

The installation of the 8to5 Energy Saver™ within this Case Study consisted of (8) lighting circuits and (4) workstation zones with a varying number of fluorescent lights and other mixed light fittings located within each zone and circuit. The following (2) graphs provide both Before and After Installation Current Readings (Measured in AMPS) of all (8) lighting circuits containing the fluorescent light fittings. 
 
CURRENT (AMP) READINGS
Tenant 7A (4 Circuits)
Circuit Breaker (CB1) 17 x 36W Fluorescent Lights Mixed Fittings
Circuit Breaker (CB2) 15 x 36W Fluorescent Lights Mixed Fittings 
Circuit Breaker (CB3) 15 x 36W Fluorescent Lights Mixed Fittings 
Circuit Breaker (CB7) 12 x 36W Fluorescent Lights Mixed Fittings

* It should be noted that the measured circuits below are mixed circuits which explains the varying current readings on each circuit.

CURRENT (AMP) READINGS
Tenant 7B (4 Circuits)
Circuit Breaker (CB2) 8 x 36W Fluorescent Lights Mixed Fittings
Circuit Breaker (CB3) 11 x 36W Fluorescent Lights Mixed Fittings
Circuit Breaker (CB4) 7 x 36W Fluorescent Lights Mixed Fittings
Circuit Breaker (CB7) 17 x 36W Fluorescent Lights Mixed Fittings 

 
* It should be noted that the measured circuits below are mixed circuits which explains the varying current
readings on each circuit.

 LIGHT LEVEL (LUX) READINGS
The following graph provides both Before and After Installation Light Level Readings (Measured in Lux) of all (4) lighting zones containing the fluorescent light fittings.
The installation of the 8to5 Energy Saver™ within this Case Study consisted of the 8to5 Energy Saver™ inclusive Reflector which is primarily used for Fluorescent Troffer installations.

Tenant Level 7 (4 Zones)
Mail Room
Mail Room Workstations
NW Workstations
SW Workstations 

 
* It should be noted that (1) Lux level reading was taken per zone at the height of a typical workstation.

A sample lighting unit with the 8to5 Energy Saver™ installed.