State-of-the-art lighting lab opens in Durban

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29 October 2014 News Opto-Electronics

Energywise Systems, in co-operation with Magnet, has established a specialist lighting service laboratory in Riverhorse Valley, Durban, which offers complete photometric, electric and thermal testing of light sources and luminaires.

Energywise lab technician, Nathi Msweli, using state-of-art computer software that aids in evaluating performance of luminaires.

“The Energywise Systems lighting laboratory team is committed to achieving the highest levels of accuracy in every aspect of lighting, including design and manufacture,” says the company’s managing director, Andrea Barausse. “Precise analysis and defined performance parameters during laboratory testing ensure absolute efficiency and project optimisation. Our highly skilled technicians are also involved in research into the latest light sources and reflective and diffusion materials.

The new laboratory, with a tunnel length in excess of 12 m, is equipped with the latest photometric equipment and electrical instrumentation, including two goniometers, three spectrometers, a 2,4 m integrating sphere, a digitally controlled thermal incubator oven for thermal endurance and efficiency tests with a 450 litre capacity, a scotopic/photopic light meter and a thermal imaging camera.

Portable mini-goniometers are used for testing small-scale light sources to produce a comprehensive report.

With the addition of portable goniometers and spectrometers to the range of laboratory equipment, Energywise also offers remote testing services. Portable goniometers are housed inside standard sized, impact resistant pressure equalising briefcases for offsite luminaire testing. These instruments, which are calibrated with an integrated spectrometer, have a range of 10 – 10 000 lumens from light sources up to 80 mm in diameter.

Energywise mini goniometers measure lumen, beam angle, CRI, colour temperature, power factor and peak candela, in less than five minutes. Results are compiled in a comprehensive report, which can be printed, saved in PDF format or emailed instantly. The briefcase automatically factors in ambient background light during testing procedures, enabling the accurate measurement of light sources in virtually any environment.

Energywise lab technicians, Daniel Zuczek and Nathi Msweli, using a power analyser and mini-goniometer to measure and record photometric and electrical performance of a light source.

Energywise is also the local distributor of portable mini spectrometers which are smaller than a smartphone. These user-friendly measurement tools are designed to take readings in spaces which would normally be difficult to reach, including offices, warehouses and construction sites. These devices, which are controlled by smartphones or tablet software, have the same functionality as larger devices, to measure colour temperature, CRI, illuminance, CIE, SP radio and spectrum.

Energywise mini spectrometers have full graphic capability and are interfaceable to a PC, with the power to apply multiple filters and display illustrative comparisons, identifying irregularities through numerous filtered measurements.

Thermal analysis of a luminaire using an infrared camera to measure temperature and record heat gradient/transfer.

With the investment in the latest photo-metric equipment and ongoing technical training for the laboratory team, Energywise now offers industry a comprehensive testing service for locally developed and imported light fittings. The company offers the full set of IES and LTD photometric files for lighting computer simulation and thermal analysis, with relative performance for those products exposed to challenging temperature conditions.

Lab service and equipment is available from Energywise for hire or purchase.

For more information contact Andrea Barausse, Energywise Systems, +27 (0)31 764 2345, andrea@energywise.co.za

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State-of-the-art lighting lab opens in Durban

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