UIC upgrades Gymnasium with Induction High Bay Lights from American Green Lights

University of Illinois Chicago Uses Induction to reduce Electricity Expenses and Improve Light Quality

The tired old metal halide lighting in the university gymnasium was buzzing so loudly that we had to shout inside the gym just so we could hear each other talk---and we were the only two people in the gym!  The 198 metal halide lights were a maintenance nightmare.  The lumen degradation was such that some lamps needed to be replaced within 3 months of installation.  Some lamps had shifted in color to be virtually unusable.  The lights needed to withstand impact from activities including baseball strikes and volleyball strikes.

They had tested a number of LED fixtures and the cost was prohibitive for wide-spread deployment.  We were invited to offer a solution that would solve their problems, yet be cost effective.

 

American Green Lights assessed the situation and determined that we could reduce the electricity consumption and improve light quality with payback of just over 2 years.  They wanted to increase the light levels about 10%.  We conducted computer simulations of the gymnasium to identify the best combination of technology and wattage to solve the problem.  We chose 250 watt induction high bay lights to replace each 400 watt metal halide fixture.

 

The result was an increase in lighting levels from an average of 45 ft-candles to an average of 55 ft-candles on their standard courts, and an increase from 70 ft-candles to over 100 ft-candles on their championship courts.  We replaced the current fixtures one-for-one in the same locations.  The fixtures chosen  were configured with clear polycarbonate domed lenses and protected with wire guards.

With 100,000 hour lifetime and using 40% less electricity, the 45,000 watt reduction in electricity usage will save over $1million in electricity and maintenance over the 20 year lifetime of the fixtures.

 

“Our Facilities Management team did an excellent job vetting the potential technologies & suppliers for the PE gym project. Our installation of the INDUCTION fixtures from American Green Lights significantly reduced our energy & maintenance expenses while dramatically increasing the light output and performance. This retrofit will improve the end user experience while maximizing the university's investment. We couldn't be more satisfied"

    -Mark Donovan: Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services

“Not being familiar with INDUCTION technology caused some initial concern for me. However, once the installation started, it became obvious that we made the right decision~ brighter lights, no buzzing ballast noise, less heat eminating from the lamps, no flickering and instant-on light. Everyone that comes into the gym comments on the positive change. Based on our success with this project, we plan to relamp other areas of this & other facilities.”

--Bill Bavirsha: Associate Athletic Director / Director of Facilities

All phases of this project evolved as planned: the assessment>proposal>delivery timeframes, ease of installation, no damaged or defective fixtures and a light output that matches exactly to the American Green Light forecast. We were under a tight timeline due to previously planned activities in the facility. We accomplished my goal: a seamless, hassle-free building upgrade for all who enter this facility.
--Peter Martin: Project Manager, University of Illinois Chicago