Library: Afterimage + Space

This paper provides the scientific background of SEL and details the most recent field studies performed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) that have demonstrated both energy savings and occupant acceptance of SEL. Moreover, this paper demonstrates how the use of this lighting method can realistically permanently reduce the electric lighting load by approximately 25% as compared to standard T8/electronically ballasted lighting and 50% as compared to T12/magnetically ballasted lighting. Finally, the paper concludes that SEL installations have immediate payback for new installations and no more than a 4-year payback for lighting retrofit installations.  (Abstract only)

This study determines whether the energy savings benefits of scotopically enhanced fluorescent lighting can be achieved while maintaining user acceptability. Scotopically enhanced lighting studies have been ongoing by the U.S. Department of Energy since 1990. While the theoretical energy savings potential of this lighting method has been clearly established prior to this study, user acceptance remained unknown. Because this method requires both a shift in color spectrum and a reduction in traditional lighting level measurements, occupant acceptance under these altered conditions presents a potential critical market barrier to the use of this method in applied practice. This study, co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, and the University of California, investigates the use of a previously derived design method in a field application to determine the acceptability and energy savings potential of scotopically enhanced lighting when used at reduced lighting levels.