(All photos courtesy of DOE)

The U.S. Department of Energy has released a report on a GATEWAY demonstration, in which maintenance and energy costs were significantly reduced while retaining the quality of light when LED modules replaced 87 halogen lamps in existing wall washers at the University of Maryland's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. The project began with mockups in the spring of 2014, with final installation completed in March 2015. The primary goals were to maintain the visual appearance of the space while reducing maintenance costs, with energy savings considered an additional benefit.

Two options were considered financially feasible: a complete LED wall washer and a retrofit of the internal components of the existing wall washer with an LED module. The mockup provided an opportunity to visually evaluate light distribution, glare, color, dimming behavior, and flicker. Many of these factors were unfavorable for the LED wall washer, while the LED module cost less, delivered the desired quality of light, was easier to install, and was selected as the best solution. Energy savings over the halogen wall washers were calculated at approximately 80%.

Some minor visual changes were noted after the retrofit, but they were considered acceptable by UMD. All installed LED modules were operational and required no maintenance as of the writing of the report, so the benefits of the LED module wall washer retrofit are already being realized. UMD facilities management is pleased with the results of this retrofit, and continues to initiate LED retrofit projects across the campus.

The full report can be downloaded from the DOE SSL website.