Comparative Assessments of CFLs, Incandescent and LEDs Bulbs for Energy Efficient Lighting System in Building

Abstract

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diode (LEDs) are fast replacing incandescent bulbs in most residential buildings because they are designed to fit into most lamp holders originally designed for incandescent bulbs. The aim of this work is to look at to what extent the usage of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) or Light Emitting Diode (LEDs) can help reduce energy demand and how energy wastage in residential buildings due to lighting can be addressed by using energy efficient lamps. Energy meter was used to measure the actual energy in kWh (kilowatt-hour) of each bulb. Lux meter was used to measure the luminance (brightness) between CFLs, LEDs and Incandescent bulbs. Lighting point calculation for a three bedroom flat was carried out and the number of lighting points required to light up the building was calculated. An estimate of energy consumed for one year by the different bulbs using the readings from the energy meter was done and the prices of the bulbs was compared to ascertain if the cost outweighs the energy consumption. The prices of incandescent bulbs when compare to CFLs and LEDs in local stores is far cheaper than CFLs and LEDs with a burden of huge cost in lighting the incandescent bulbs due to energy wastage. Lighting design calculation for a three bedroom flat was carried out using IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) recommendation for different area. It was observed that LEDs bulbs can save almost 86.4% energy consumed by Incandescent bulbs while using CFLs bulbs can save 78.8% energy consumed by incandescent bulbs. Hence, LEDs is the most energy efficient bulb, by using LEDs in every home there will be a reduction of over 80% energy consumption due to lighting when compared to incandescent.

DOI: 10.7176/JETP/10-5-04

Publication date:September 30^th 2020