'Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI)'
Doi
Abstract
More thn 200 solid-state fluorescent ballasts were installed in representative areas of the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Long Beach, California, to determine the cost-effectiveness of the installation and to measure levels of conducted and radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI). The power, illumination, and EMI levels were measured first as the test sites initially existed, then after the fixtures were cleaned and relamped with energy-saving fluorescent lamps, and finally after the core-coil ballasts were replaced with solid-state ballasts. The annual energy savings for the complete retrofit was measured as 34%. In the director's suite natural daylight was used to supplement the electrical illumination, saving an additional 20 to 25% in energy. Thus, in that area, the total annual energy savings amounted to 51%. EMI levels were measured in general areas (lobby and director's suite), in diagnostic examination areas, and in a coronary care ward. The EMI levels, compared to existing levels, were not considered excessive. All of the above data are analyzed on the basis of life-cycle costing. The analysis is presented on sets of curves relating the cost-effective price of a ballast to the cost of electrical energy
