Lighting Energy Controller

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In the UK, the mains voltage is typically at 240V and sometimes at 250V. Most lighting can work down to 210V. The result is that in most lighting circuits the excess power is used up to generate heat that is wasted.

The Lighting Energy Controller (LEC) provides a controlled voltage to the lighting circuits and reduces the power consumption. By dropping the voltage by 10% the current drops by 10% and overall a 20 to 30% saving in power is achieved. The reduced voltage also significantly improves lamp life and reduces maintenance costs. With most lighting there is no noticeable drop in lighting levels.

Our LEC is unique in a number of respects and these are outlined below.

• Energy saving of between 15 to 35% on all your lighting bills.
• The LEC is compatible with most lamp types, including fluorescent, metal halides, high pressure sodium and low pressure sodium.
• Voltage stabilisation. This can cope with fluctuations in the mains supply.
• Compact size and light weight. The LECs are about a third of the size of comparable systems and can go into tight spaces.
• Highly efficient - less than 0.5% of load power. Some comparable system lose upto 5% in their windings.
• No change to existing infrastructure. Very simple installation, typically 1/2 a day to 1 day. No need to change light bulbs or fittings.
• Reduce maintenance and lamping costs. The lower voltage can increase lamp life by 50%.
• Typically 2 years return on investment. This is a much quicker payback period compared to some renewable energy projects which can take between 10 and 20 years to payback the original investment.

LEC systems are being used to improve lighting efficiency at office buildings, warehouses, fast food and retail chains, petrol stations, car parks, airports, as well as street and road lighting installations throughout the world.

How does it work?

All lighting is designed to work optimally at 230V. In the UK the supply voltage is usually at 240V and sometimes can be as high as 250V. Discharge lighting such as fluorescent tube lights, once they have reached their operating temperature and brightness continue to work even when the voltage is dropped down to around 200V. The LECs drop their voltage by 25V to 35V after the initial ignition period to save the wasted electricity without a noticeable drop in light output.

By supplying this controlled voltage, the LEC products improve energy efficiency, reduce electricity consumption and minimise electrical wear and tear.

Does the LEC reduce the lighting levels?

The LEC reduces the voltage to lighting by 10%. Because of the non-linear behaviour of discharge lighting, the current drops by more than 10% resulting in a power saving of around 25%. The lighting level drops by less than 10% which is negligible and is not noticed by users.

Energy Saving Proposal

Click here if you would like us to find out how much money you can save on your lighting. Please complete this form and return it to us. We will get back to you with an energy saving proposal.

Return on Investment

With many renewable energy and energy saving projects the payback period can stretch out anywhere from 10 to 20 years. With the LEC there are many installations around the world where the Return on Investment has been proven to be anywhere form 18 months to 3 years. This makes the LEC far more acceptable as an energy saving measure and makes it more attractive to a Financial Director.

Interest free loans from the CarbonTrust

The Carbon Trust is offering 0% unsecured business loans for projects aimed at reducing energy consumption. Loans range from £3000 to £400,000 and in most cases the repayments will be covered by the money saved on the electricity bills. The LEC is eligible for these loans.

If you decide to go ahead with a LEC installation we will make an application to the Carbon Trust on your behalf for the complete cost of the project.

Different LEC models

There are 3 different LEC models available, each of which is outlined in the table below.

Model	LEC A (3Phase)	LEC B SUPER (3Phase)	LEC A (Single Phase)
Voltage reduction	12V then 2.5V steps up to 35V	One 25V step	12V then 2.5V steps up to 35V
Energy savings	15-35%	18-25%	15-35%
Re-ignition	If change in current is > 5A	If change in current is > 5A	No re-ignition option
Voltage stabilisation	Stabilises at set voltage	Fixed 25V reduction to mains voltage	Stabilises at set voltage
Operation modes	Automatic and astronomical clock	Voltage reduction at switch on	Automatic and astronomical clock
Bypass modes	Has manual and automatic bypass	No bypass option built in	Has manual and automatic bypass
Compatibility with bulbs	MH, LPS, HPS PL & Fluorescent bulbs	LPS, HPS PL & Fluorescent bulbs	MH, LPS, HPS PL & Fluorescent bulbs
Ranges of models	From 3x20A up to 3x250A	From 3x20A up to 3x160A	10A, 16A, 20A and 25A
Datasheet	Download	Download	Download

Application Notes:

Car Dealerships, Food and Retail Stores, Petrol Stations, Health Care Facilities and Street Lighting.

Case Studies:

Bus Depot, Bottling Warehouse, Sports Centre, Parking Garage, Street Lighting and Hotel.