#55 LED LIGHTS IN MARINE INDUSTRY

LED makes its way across more and more in Marine/ Industrial applications. In today’s maritime industry, the term ‘Energy Efficiency’ is of sheer importance in all aspects of shipping operation. From main engine to cargo operations, energy efficiency has become the base to set up and plan any machinery or procedure. Electrical system being the most important network onboard ships, it is important for ship owners and operators to make their energy efficiency plans considering the same.

Use of energy efficient LED lighting in place of conventional lamps and tube lights on ship, contributes to more savings and add up to its energy efficiency model. An incandescent globe (bulb) can provide a life span of 1000 hrs and a fluorescent lamp can be used up to 7500 hrs. However, far better performance can be achieved by LED lights which have lifespan of about 50,000 hours and 60% less energy consumption. Implementing this would not only reduce the maintenance hours but also bring down the operating costs in thousands every year, which includes the generator fuel cost and operation/maintenance cost of the lights.

Benefits of using LED lighting onboard ships:

Less time in dangerous situations: LED bulbs last an average five times longer than traditional bulbs. This means crew spends up to 80% less time up on ladders and lifts replacing them.

Reduces vessel’s electrical load: LED lights use approximately 50% less energy – with higher-end fixtures saving as much as 70%. Less energy used by your lighting means more energy can be utilized elsewhere on vessel.

More horsepower to where you need it: With less energy used by lighting, more horsepower can be directed to pumps, motors and hydraulics. This also lessens the load on switchboard, giving it longer life.

Lowers operating costs: Reducing the energy needed for vessel’s lighting by 50% – or even 70% with higher end solutions – lowers costs to generate that energy, too. Generators will last longer and need less fuel to create the energy needed.

Reduces maintenance costs by up to 80%: LED lights are more durable and less prone to failures due to vibration, temperature, and impact – perfect for maritime vessels. LED bulbs are shatterproof and can withstand impacts that traditional bulbs won’t. Their temperature resistance is well-suited to extremes of hot sun and cold water, not to mention rapid shifts in weather. And vibration is always a long-term and permeating condition on any vessel.

Increases small target visibility by as much as 50%: This helps crew pinpoint hazards both on and off the vessel.

LED lights are safer to handle: Because they’re cool to the touch, you eliminate those safety concerns normally associated with working around and handling hot bulbs.

Better identification and avoidance of hazards on your vessel’s deck: LED lights are hemispherical, rather than 360°. So they can be configured directionally, purposefully shining into the darker areas where you need them. This also provides more efficient use of light, with less spill and waste.

Flexible illumination control: LED lighting can be configured to provide multiple beam angles per fixture. This gives you the flexibility to tailor where the light is targeted for whatever situation you’re in.

Crew is safer when an LED light breaks: Unlike CFL or fluorescent lighting, LED lights are completely non-toxic. There’s no exposure to hazardous chemicals when an LED light breaks. And the shatterproof material is less dangerous than falling glass, too.

Immediate lighting when needed: LED lights turn on immediately – no more waiting for the annoying “warm-up.” Plus no more re-strike issues from switching off your forward mast lights when approaching another vessel. Traditional bulbs degrade and lose illumination with each re-strike, a fact every captain hates. LED lights don’t need to re-strike and don’t experience that degradation. Not only that, but the lights also come right back on when the other vessel’s passed.

Lowers vessel’s carbon footprint: This can help to meet environmental and emission standards. Because LEDs use much less power, there is less carbon dioxide generated as a byproduct of that power.

Better visibility in challenging weather: LED lighting offers a variety of colors, including the traditional, yellowish HPS-type color. As this color believed to penetrate through snow, fog, and spray better than white light. So we get the best of both worlds – the penetrating color of a typical high-pressure sodium light, with the energy savings and durability of LED.

Less glare and eyestrain : The neutral white color available in LEDs minimizes issues of glare and flash back. This is perfect for deck applications and places less strain on the operators’ eyes during long night-hour shifts.

Conclusion

The advent of energy efficient LED lighting products not only provide better living and working environments, but also contribute in a cost-effective manner to the global reduction of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

By

MAGESH SHANMUGHM,

CHIEF ENGINEER,

FACULTY,PMA