Life Cycle Costs analysis, comparing LED to Induction light sources
There has been quite a bit of controversy regarding “Life Cycle Costs” analysis, comparing LED to Induction light sources. Much of the controversy has to do with the life expectancy of the sustainable product. The Induction companies claim that Induction light sources have a much longer life expectancy than do the LED light sources, with less much failure rates. They state that their claims are that based upon their historical data learned after years of testing. In part, some of their claims are as follows; “After 15 years (over 60,000 hours,) they believe that less than 20% of lamps would fail or have lumen maintenance less than 70% before the 100,000 hour stated life. In one analysis, stated useful life of LEDs and induction was utilized, i.e. 50,000 hours for LED according to DOE SSL information and 100,000 for induction. In one financial analysis it was assumed that only 10% of the LEDs would not achieve useful life and require replacement while 20% failure of induction before 100,000 hours was considered as well. The feeling was that their analysis provided a basis for their assumptions and provided each technology with a comparable life expectancy considering the historical life experienced for each to date.” They also stated: “The rated life of LED lamps can only be estimated to be 36,000 hours since there has not been sufficient time to study these systems. Their suggestion of 50,000 hours was claimed sufficient challenging anyone to point out any studies that established a longer life. LED life is tied to thermal management and they claimed that so far, no manufacturer has shown any tests to prove their LEDs in fixtures would last over 50,000 hours.” They did make this statement to cover themselves: “However, we do recommend each and every one of our customers to conduct their own analysis based upon their comfort levels and risk tolerance.”
As a rebuttal to these types of claims and for your further education, Beta Lighting provided a comparison of data between their LED light sources and the Induction light sources. Though published by Beta and are not necessarily endorsing their product specifically, they have provided a very compelling argument to the contrary for the claims as listed above.
Click on this PDF link entitled “LED vs Induction” to view their lobby for the LED market.
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