McGraw-Edison Valet LED Luminaires help Detroit Windsor Tunnel reduce overall electricity cost by 72 percent.

The Detroit Windsor Tunnel, a subterranean passage connecting the United States and Canada, recently upgraded its lighting fixtures to include energy-saving LED products from Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to delivering innovative products and driving transformational technology in the lighting industry. Project goals, like providing ample lighting and reducing energy cost, were easily met with McGraw-Edison Valet™ LED Luminaires featuring Cooper Lighting’s LightBAR™ technology and patented AccuLED Optics™.  

“Meeting standards that also provided quality, cost-efficient lighting was paramount to Detroit Windsor Tunnel, LLC and the City of Windsor,” said Neal Belitsky, CEO, American Roads and Detroit Windsor Tunnel. “And, while we know that our upgraded lighting system will help our bottom line, we also know that it will aid those who utilize the Detroit Windsor Tunnel on a daily basis.”

Before simply deciding on an LED solution from Cooper Lighting, the operation first called upon the University of Windsor Research Collaboration to study the tunnel. After spending three days underground, it quickly became apparent that the current lighting system, relying on metal halide fixtures, was a major cause for concern. Costing more than $160,000 each year, the system wasn’t just expensive; it was also inefficient. The Collaboration recommended that the Detroit Windsor Tunnel update to a more efficient system.

From there, Cooper Lighting, working alongside Motor City Electric, was able to quickly select the McGraw-Edison Valet LED Luminaire as the ideal solution for this particular project. The Valet LED Luminaire, featuring a rugged and low-profile housing, incorporates patent-pending, modular LED LightBAR™ technology for impressive performance and energy efficiency.

Through its superior optical control, the Valet LED Luminaires deliver both uniform and energy-conscious illumination optimized to improve vehicular movement–ideal for this specific application. Additionally, patented AccuLED Optics™ provide shaped distributions and scalability and are designed to meet the exact needs of each specific requirement. For added durability, its one-piece, die-cast aluminum housing and heavy wall construction offers superior heat transfer and reliable performance for a wide range of temperatures from as low as -22°F (-30°C) and as high as 104°F (40°C).

“This project has been an incredible opportunity for us to show how choosing Cooper products can help increase overall efficiencies and performance,” said Mark Eubanks, President, Cooper Lighting. “We’ve been able to showcase both the great products we offer and our ability to adapt to each specific situation and deliver superior results. Our Valet™ LED lighting fixtures will no doubt provide ample lighting while significantly reducing the overall lighting cost within the tunnel. This is a great project and one in which we have particular pride.”

In addition to providing ample lighting, the Valet LED fixtures helped decrease overall energy dependency. Key decision makers were able to do this not only by choosing ultra-efficient, long-lasting LED lighting, but by reducing the total amount of fixtures needed. Due to slow warm-up and cool down periods, the previous metal halide fixtures needed to be placed every 20 feet on center to allow for maximum coverage. With an increased light output and instant-on feature, Cooper was able to expand the distance between the lighting fixtures to 40 feet and cut the total number of fixtures in half, except at the portals and entrances, which require additional light and closer fixtures.

While the project is slated to be complete this month, initial findings show a significant amount of savings for the operator and the City of Windsor. The overall number of fixtures has decreased from 570 to just 480, wattage use per hour has dropped a dramatic 135,810 watts/hour from 185,250 to 49,440, and the cost per year has plummeted about 72 percent from more than $160,000 to just under $45,000. When evaluating the project over a timeframe of 10 years, the Detroit Windsor Tunnel will have saved more than $1.18 million dollar on energy costs.