Lighting in industry accounts for approximately 10–15% of total energy consumption. Around 75% of the lighting used in industrial environments is based on outdated and inefficient technologies; therefore, there is significant potential for both energy and economic savings through the implementation of efficient lighting systems.
Energy Saving and Efficiency Measures
Use of natural light
As a general lighting principle, regardless of the type of area, it is important to maximise the use of solar radiation. Translucent or transparent surfaces should be incorporated to allow the use of natural light without neglecting their thermal performance.
In general, translucent and transparent surfaces such as windows or skylights should be kept clean, as these elements often have difficult access and are therefore not cleaned regularly, limiting the entry of natural light.
Adjustment of lighting levels
When designing a lighting system or studying its modification, it is essential to adjust lighting levels to the actual needs of each area.
The recommended lighting levels for an industrial building depend on the activities carried out within it and must be based on current legislation.
In the Valencian Community, there is applicable legislation regarding the minimum lighting levels required depending on the tasks performed, as established in Royal Decree 486/1997 on Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Generalitat Valenciana.
Replacement of lamps or luminaires with LED technology
Traditionally, the types of lamps most commonly used in industrial applications were discharge lamps, particularly high-pressure sodium vapour lamps, high-pressure mercury vapour lamps (now obsolete due to their low efficiency), fluorescent lamps and metal halide lamps.
Nowadays, the introduction of high-power LED technology for industrial applications, together with the reduction in cost of these products, is leading to their gradual replacement, due to the significant energy savings they offer compared to traditional lighting technologies in all environments.
Control, management and maintenance
A well-designed lighting control system provides quality lighting only when needed and for the required duration.
To ensure optimal use of lighting installations, proper maintenance is essential. If lamps and luminaires are not kept sufficiently clean, the emitted luminous flux is significantly reduced and lamp temperatures increase, which negatively affects both luminous efficiency and service life.
