Energy Cost Saving Potential by Using Light Emitting Diode Lamps: A Case Study at a Female Hostel

Abstract

The statistics from the Energy Commission (EC) show the demand for energy is increasing rapidly. This factor will eventually lead to the hike in price of energy. One of the examples that require high usage of electricity is the commercial buildings. Commercial buildings include office buildings, university buildings, retail spaces or warehouses. In this study, an alternative solution is recommended for a female hostel at Universiti Kuala Lumpur British Malaysian Institute to reduce their monthly electricity bill. The recommended alternative solution is supported by a data collection from the sampled lamps to model the actual energy consumption at the female hostel made by the fluorescent and LED lamps respectively. The total energy cost is also estimated in this paper as to prove the saving made by the LED lamps. As a first step towards a better energy efficiency, this study recommends a replacement of existing fluorescent lamps to light emitting diode (LED) lamps for the areas at the female hostel that requires 24-hour usage. In general, the recommendation is proposed since the energy saving made by LED lamps can achieve up to 50%. Therefore, it makes the LED suitable for long hours’ electricity consumption. It can be seen through a sample of replacements, the electricity consumption and electricity bill are significantly reduced. Although there is a sum lumped for the first time replacement to LED lights, the saving gained from this alternative solution is experienced as early as in the second year of installation. The projection of saving made from this measure for the first five years is also discussed in this paper.