LED lighting implementation as a strategy for energy saving in energetically sustainable campus

Abstract

Since lighting constitutes an important part of the total electricity consumption of a country, the design and implementation of more efficient interior lighting systems are one of the feasible strategies to reduce energy consumption. With this purpose, in recent years several studies have considered the use of LED lighting systems. However, its implementation at a large scale is still unaffordable for some organizations like academic institutions. In this context, this research presents a strategy to replace the current fluorescent-based lighting system to LED technology in a building of a higher education institution in Ecuador, and thus contribute to reducing energy consumption in campus facilities. The appropriate LED lamp alternative was selected from those available in the Ecuadorian market through AHP multicriteria decision-making method. The improvement proposal included an annual schedule for the progressive replacement of fluorescent lamps, based on the economic savings that would be generated every year after its implementation. The proposal was technically validated by simulation in DIAlux 4.12 and its economic feasibility was demonstrated by estimating the net present value and the equivalent uniform annual cost. With this strategy, a total of 2595 fluorescent tubes installed in the 215 building light points, can be replaced with LED technology in three years, with an initial investment of 4949.10 USD and generate an energy saving of 47.36%.