Proposal

Thesis:
How can energy consumption in houses be reduced by the use of LED (light emitting diodes) in lighting design?

Purpose:
To investigate how much energy can be saved using LED lighting instead of conventional lighting applications.

Goals and objectives of the project:

To conduct a cost analysis comparison between an incandescent lighting design and a low voltage LED lighting design in a standard house to produce a cost difference report.
Methodology and analytical approach:

I. Establish an average bulb of both LED and incandescent from common types.

a. Determine best option for LED bulb

b. Determine best option for incandescent bulb

II. Calculate lumen output

a. LED

b. Incandescent

c. Adjust amount of lights to produce equal lumen output

III. Calculate cost analysis

a. LED

i. Determine efficiency

ii. Determine installation cost

iii. Determine replacement cost

1. Life length

2. Bulb cost

b. Incandescent

i. Determine efficiency

ii. Determine installation cost

iii. Determine replacement cost

1. Life length

2. Bulb cost

IV. Compare results

a. Calculate a “pay-off length”

b. Research the use of LED lighting in houses being built

Previous Studies and related information:
Architectural and engineering technology (ARET) 150 – Building Electrical Design, ARET 151 – Building Lighting Design, participation in designing an Equilibrium Sustainable House in April 2009 (ARET 130 – Building Technology 1), and experience working in electrical construction (2003-present).