In addition to the substantial energy savings, the new installation has resulted in the CRAA realising sizeable savings in maintenance as well. When combined with an approximate US$ 36,000 rebate from an AEP (American Electric Power) Gridsmart Rebate programme from the local utility, CRAA expects to save over US$ 80,000 in the first year alone
Objective
Port Columbus International Airport is the largest passenger airport in the central Ohio region and is the second busiest in the state. Owned and operated by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA), Port Columbus is primarily a passenger airport, with nine airlines offering 151 non-stop flights to 34 airports daily. In an effort to improve lighting performance and save energy, airport officials recently retrofitted the Port Columbus arrival and departure roadway and pedestrian walkway lighting with Cree 304 Series luminaires featuring the latest LED chip package technology.
Challenge
In the fall of 2010, the airport underwent a major customer service initiative that included a curb-front beautification project to make the area cleaner, safer and more welcoming to travellers. CRAA was in search of a 24×7 lighting solution that required virtually no subsequent maintenance. As part of the CRAA’s ‘15 by 15’ campaign (CRAA’s campaign to reduce energy consumption by 15 per cent by the year 2015), the airport replaced nearly 350 metal halide fixtures with Cree 304 Series LED luminaires. The energy-efficient luminaires reduced energy consumption by nearly 60 per cent compared to the previous metal halide system. As a result, the CRAA was able to exceed its goal of a 15 per cent energy reduction by 2015.
Paul Kennedy, manager of energy and environment at the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, became aware of Cree luminaires when airport maintenance personnel upgraded 100 watt high pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures in one of the airport’s Sawyer Road tunnels with Cree Edge flood wall-mounted luminaires in order to save energy and maintenance costs. A cost analysis comparing the savings and payback period of a Cree solution, as against metal halide fixtures, revealed to Kennedy that a retrofit with LED luminaires provided the most efficient and highest performance.
Solution
The 344 Cree luminaires that were installed on two levels of the airport passenger drop-off point, arrival and baggage claim areas, as well as a covered pedestrian walkway, have significantly reduced energy use. In addition to the substantial energy savings, the new installation has resulted in the CRAA realising sizeable savings in maintenance as well. When combined with an approximate US$ 36,000 rebate from an AEP (American Electric Power) Gridsmart Rebate programme from the local utility, CRAA expects to save over US$ 80,000 in the first year alone.
