Analysis of Energy and Cost Performance of Retrofitting Fluorescent Tubes with Compact Fluorescent and Light Emitting Diode Lamps

Abstract

Over the years, visual comfort has been described as a major requirement needed to enhance optimal performance of occupants in any learning environment in tertiary institutions. This is reflected in the poor performance of the commonly used Fluorescent Lamps (FL) occasioned by its constant burn-off, high failure rate and reduced durability. Hence, there is a shift to the adoption of Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED). This study therefore examined the pattern of electricity consumption involving the adoption of FL, CFL and LED in the purposively selected lecture theatres of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study was carried out using energy monitor to obtain the consumption data of the lamps for periodic logging at intervals of 1 hr, 3 hrs, 6 hrs, 12 hrs, 1 day, 7 days, 1 month and 3 months respectively; and also to determine the payback period of each of the lamps. From the data collected, patterns of electricity used, electricity savings were calculated and compared to establish performance potentials of each of the lamps. The study found that there was a significant difference in the pattern of electricity consumption of FLs compared with that of CFLs and LEDs, but a reduced margin existed between CFLs and LED lamps. It showed that the FLs consumed 681.576 kWh, 1619.466 kWh and 5652.432 kWh, CFLs consumed 387.302 kWh, 692.479 kWh and 1936.600 kWh, while LED consumed 294.188 kWh, 426.608 kWh and 1499.015 kWh. There were significant differences in consumption with 43, 47 and 65% reduction in electricity consumption using CFLs while 57, 73 and 73% using LED fittings were obtained. The CFLs performed better in terms of return on investments by having a lower payback period when compared to LED. The study concluded that replacing FL with CFL and LED would be desirable option in order to enhance optimal performance of lecture theatres, but in terms of payback period, it would be beneficial to retrofit FLs with CFLs.