CBEA High-Efficiency Parking Structure Lighting Specification

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Typically, technology specifications focus on a product rather than an application. To maximize the benefits of converting traditional high-intensity discharge (HID) technology to high-efficiency alternative technologies, including LED, induction, and fluorescence, a CBEA Project Team developed parking structure lighting performance specifications that should be applied to specific sites rather than specific products.

Commercial building organizations (e.g., large retailers, hospitals, educational organizations, municipalities, or developers) will work with luminaire manufacturers, designers, and/or engineers to provide lighting solutions for various locations. The specification provides information about both the luminaire and how the site should be lighted. Key details include:

  • Luminaires should carry a five-year warranty covering the luminaire, finish, and power supply
  • Testing requirements are identified
  • A lighting power density (0.18 W/ft2) that is 10% less than ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2010 (It is also 40% less than ASHRAE/IES Std. 90.1-2001—making the site eligible for the maximum Energy Policy Act of 1992 tax deduction.)
  • Uniformity metrics with both the standard maximum-to-minimum ratio and a weighted average of relevant illuminance measurements.

The following table shows features of three lighting sources considered for the specification, as compiled by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory:

Product Feature

Fluorescent

Induction

LED

Overall Lighting System Efficiency

Most efficient of the sources listed in the specification. Due to the optical nature of luminaires designed around this light source, more fixtures are probably needed than for other sources.

The light source is efficacious and is used in efficient light fixtures.

Very efficient because of LED directionality, meaning nearly 100% of light leaves the luminaire.

Life

Expected life of 24,000 to 46,000 hours. Actual value depends on ballast plus lamp pairing and controls.

Expected life of 100,000 hours. Generator may not last the entire period and have to be replaced.

Expected long life of 50,000+ hours but actual end-of-life performance not completely understood.

Light Output Depreciation

Extremely low depreciation rate. Approximately 5% after 12,000 hours and then 3% more during the course of the lamp's life.

Roughly 20% at 20,000 hours and then a continual depreciation for the remainder of the lamp life.

Low lumen depreciation rate. 30% over the 50,000 hours.

Maintenance

More maintenance than compared to the other sources in the specification. However, maintenance is not as expensive in a parking structure compared to a parking lot.

Very low maintenance expected due to long life and durability.

Very low maintenance expected due to long life and durability.

Environmental Impact

Contains a very limited amount of mercury (less than the amount allowed in fish). Some lead in glass.

Contains a very limited amount of mercury (less than the amount allowed in fish). Some lead in glass.

Contains no mercury. Possible lead in solder.

Use with Controls

Fully dimmable and easy to use with occupancy sensors.

Dimmable.

Fully dimmable.

The following table shows the lighting requirements by parking structure area from the specification:

Area of Parking Structure

Horizontal
Illuminance Requirement

Vertical
Illuminance Requirement

Uniformity
Max:Min

Uniformity
CV

Covered Parking Areas

2.0 (Min)

1.2

7:1

0.38

Ramps

2.0 (Min)

1.0

10:1

0.41

Vehicle Entry/Exit (Day)

60.00 (Min)
(Accounting for daylight)

30.0

10:1

0.41

Vehicle Entry/Exit (Night)

1.0 (Min)

1.2

10:1

0.41

Uncovered Parking Areas (Top Deck)

0.75 (Min)

0.4

10:1

0.41