Introduction
As part of its commitment to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions across its estate, Dudley MBC tested some of the latest light sources and control gear on its lights in the Priory Estate, Dudley. A trial scheme was launched in March 2010 through the installation of 128 energy efficient lights.
What was involved
The street light trial involved replacing some traditional street lights with energy efficient LED (Light Emitting Diode) technologies, some with newer types of discharge lighting, whilst operating hours were trimmed and the brightness of the lamps reduced.
Each road was assigned a different type of light unit to allow comparison in terms of energy consumption, effectiveness and light appearance. The lighting units were assessed by surveys of residents in affected streets. The new units trialled were of the types PL (compact fluorescent) and CPO (Cosmopolis metal halide), as well as a number of different LED units.
A Central Management System (CMS) was used to monitor energy consumption. The CMS was also used to implement dimming and trimming regimes making its versatility invaluable to the project.
Outcomes
The electricity consumption has been shown to have been reduced by up to 50% across the estate, for which the CPO units were shown to be most economic to provide and maintain. The performance was measured by the CMS and was compared with the performance of the sodium lighting which it replaced. Comments from residents on the trial have generally been favourable, with LED type lighting showing the best performance.
A scheme is under preparation for the bulk replacement of a number of existing types of street light with the CPO unit and, following Council approval, this should commence in 2012 meaning the Dudley MBC can continue to reduce the amount of energy use by street lighting.
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