ECOPOWER Lighting Control Bi-level Fixtures 5 levels (4 level remote and bypass)   2 levels only   4 adjustable levels (1 factory, 3 user)     levels are non-adjustable   12% savings in high (both kWh and kW demand)     zero savings when in high   low level adjustable to desired foot-candles     low level designed for unoccupied areas (unusable light levels 70 - 75% reduction in foot-candles)   gradual lowering of light level (no one gets upset)     abrupt jump in light level from high to low (noticeable)   no control wires to fixtures     requires fixture control wires (extra installation cost)   works with any standard ballast     proprietary (expensive) ballasts required   entire system electrically removed with one switch     no way to bypass system in the event of a malfunction   engineered for maximum adaptability (works equally well in warehouses, ice arenas, factories, parking garages, atriums, airplane hangars, retail spaces)     specifically designed for warehouses The Ecopower Lighting Control is not a fixture-based dimming system; therefore no low-voltage control wires need to be run to the fixtures. The system is installed in the electrical room next to the lighting panel; this means reduced installation cost and easier system maintenance. The system varies the voltage to the entire lighting panel to provide completely variable, stepless control of your ice surface light level. Our Ecopower Lighting Control system will provide your facility with 5 possible light levels. Four of these levels are selectable from a remote control located in your office (or wherever you would like it), and the fifth level (100%) is obtained by bypassing the system. When in Bypass, the dimming system is electrically removed from your lighting system. This feature is an important failsafe, though it is overlooked or not possible in most 2-level systems. Of the other four levels, one level (High) is factory-set to obtain 12% energy savings all the time. The other three levels can be set on-site to accommodate any other light level requirements you may have for your various activities. To increase savings, three motion sensors are placed over the ice surface to take the light level to its lowest setting when no one is on the ice pad. When motion is detected, the level will quickly ramp back up to whatever setting you have chosen on your remote. It is important to note that changes in light level are smooth transitions rather than sudden jumps. Experience has shown that some customers will get upset if they are aware the light level is being reduced for their activity (even though lower light levels may be better suited for that activity); this is one of the many things that sets the arena lighting application apart from industrial applications. Another factor to consider is the adverse consequences of using switching patterns to obtain reduced light levels. Increased switching of metal halide fixtures dramatically reduces lamp life; dimming solutions involving switching will almost always increase a facility’s lamp replacement costs. Secondly, having some fixtures off will impact the lighting design and cause dark areas to appear on the surface below, which in many circumstances can compromise workers’ safety (and even where safety is not a concern, the effect is aesthetically displeasing to say the least). Finally — and again from past experience — in an installation where space is rented, many customers will not be pleased to find that half the lights they payed for have been switched off. Our system has been specifically engineered to fit the widest possible applications, meaning that it can easily be adapted for whatever unique requirements are present (consider the very different needs of a factory, an airplane hangar, an ice arena and a 24-hour supermarket). The fixture-based 2-level systems available were originally designed only for warehousing-related applications where the area is considered to be either fully occupied or totally unoccupied. Because of this, the low level is usually too low for most activities, and you may find yourself having to use the high level most of the time, which saves no energy.

Home • Technical overview • Applications • FAQ’s, forms & more • Contact us
Phone 1.877.ECO.7778
© 1999 - 2006 Ecopower