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ZENERGY® ELECTRONIC LIGHTING MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
The Zenergy® electronic lighting management system controls the voltage to
discharge lighting loads (Fluorescent, Mercury Vapour and High Pressure
Sodium) using electromagnetic induction which produces effective financial
savings.
OPERATION:
The operation of Zenergy is based on the principal of Ohms Law.
As the impedance of a lighting circuit, containing inductors, capacitors and
resistors, is the ratio between the r.m.s. values of the voltage and current, by
reducing the voltage the current is reduced by the same proportion. Since
Zenergy® introduces a loss less impedance in the lighting circuit under
control, the reduced power in the circuit in which the current is reduced, will
cause a greater reduction in power consumption.
This reduction can be calculated by the formula W=I 2R where W = watts, I =
current and R the impedance of the circuit. The impedance R is affected by
the introduction of Zenergy®.
SAVINGS:
Power savings are achieved through the use of the patented Zenergy®
electronic control system together with custom designed autotransformer
technology to lower the voltage to a predetermined level between primary
winding taps. The normal voltage output is lowered to 95% (boost mode) and
then to between 87.5% - 92.5% (economy mode) depending on the
circumstances, which then produces a saving in power consumption of
between 20% - 25% in the discharge lighting circuits.
DISCHARGE LAMP TECHNOLOGY:
In general, lamp manufacturers guarantee the efficiency of their products over
a set voltage range between 207V - 244V. The Zenergy® electronic lighting
management system is designed to operate within these parameters by
initially reducing the input voltage to the discharge lighting circuit by 5% to
allow for the striking of the lamp and thereafter sets the voltage to allow for
different lamp operation. The Zenergy® electronic control system allows
lamps to strike and operate within lamp manufacturers design parameters and
does not impede the effectiveness of the lamps. The striking voltage is
important because when higher striking voltages are required to insure ignition
of the gases in the lamp, the electrodes will not be stressed by too low an
input voltage. Once this striking process is complete, voltages may then be
allowed to set within predetermined levels.
Typical Fluorescent Circuit
Fluorescent
Lamp
PF Correction
Capacitor
Glow
Starter
Ballast (choke)
LAMP EFFICIENCY:
Discharge lamps do not always operate at optimum efficiency. When the
Zenergy® electronic control system effects the voltage changes to the light
fittings, the electrical changes that occur actually improve the efficiency of the
lamps. The lumen output of the lamp might be slightly less but power
consumption reduces by between 20 – 30%.
LAMP LIFE:
Lamp manufactures confirm that lamp life is improved under lower voltage
conditions and Zenergy® in active mode increases lamp life by up to 30%.
COMPARISON WITH POWER FACTOR CORRECTION EQUIPMENT:
Zenergy® is not Power Factor Correction although the introduction of
Zenergy® in a discharge light circuit does improve the power factor.
The cost effectiveness of Power Factor Correction is difficult to measure.
Maximum savings are only achieved at peak demand periods. Zenergy®
provides immediate savings as it is switched on and provides constant
continual savings while the lighting is left on.
INSTALLATION:
Zenergy is installed “in-line” between the main busbars of the Distribution
Board and the lighting circuits and does not interfere with other power circuits.
Unit installed on
concrete wall
with rawl bolts or
on unistrut frame
on brick wall
Zenergy Unit
P9000 Trunking
MCB
Electrical Distribution Board
Lighting Contactor
Electrical DB
Main Isolator
Zenergy Unit
Remote of DB
MCB
Zenergy Unit
L
T
Lighting Contactor
Lighting Circuits
COST SAVINGS:
Electricity charges per site are normally determined as follows:



Metered kWh usage x rate per kWh,
plus
Metered kVA(kW) Demand x rate per kVA(kW),
Small basic charge per site
Or,
plus
Cost per month = (kVA x rate) + (Days x Hours x Power Factor x kVA x rate) +
Basic
However they are charged out, these costs form the basis on which Zenergy®
claims a share of the savings in their standard rental contract.
VALIDATION:
Each site is assessed to determine actual power consumption and the correct
Zenergy® unit size.

All Zenergy® electronic lighting management systems installed on a site
are commissioned and actual data validated by using test equipment to
record:Voltage (Input)
Amps
KW
KVA
Power Factor
These readings are then confirmed by a client representative and used to
determine kVA(kW) demand savings and kWh usage for inclusion in the rental
contract.
SUMMARY:
Zenergy reduces the power required to operate discharge lamps in lighting
circuits and this is achieved by lowering voltage to predetermined levels. This
in turn reduces the current and the impedance of the circuit thereby effecting
significant power savings. The Zenergy lighting management system is
autotransformer based and is intelligently controlled by Patented solid-state
electronic circuitry.
The Zenergy system automatically controls and allows for the following:
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
Protects the Zenergy unit against overload.
Protects lighting circuits from under voltage.
Controls time necessary for start up and warm up of lamps.
Controls the pulse trigger to allow for seamless and smooth switching
between selected voltages.
The benefits derived from the installation of Zenergy are:
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
Reduced operating costs.
Longer lamp life.
Increased life of operating gear.
Reduced maintenance costs.
Reduced power factor on lighting circuits.
Optimal operation of lamps to manufacturer’s specifications.