How Linear Generation II Provides Real-World Results
We’ve recently launched Linear Generation II – an upgrade on the original SPARTAN Linear where we’ve been able to increase power, performance, and durability across the Linear range. Linear is now delivering up to 7,000lm / 142 lumens per watt, and for the first time is available with a choice of beam angles (see below) which are ideal for a wide range of applications.
While this all sounds great on paper, what do these performance upgrades mean in the real world? In this article, we use our award-winning lighting design service to demonstrate the improvements; We’ll look at three different scenarios and compare the existing Linear (Gen 1) products side-by-side with the new Linear Generation II (Gen II).
Utilise Fewer Luminaires
The first design we’ll look at is a basic 14x14m square internal room, where we’ll be aiming to achieve an average of 150lx.
The Gen I design (left) requires an installation of 20 luminaires to achieve the target light levels, with the result coming out at 165lx. If we compare this to the Gen II design (right), for the same installation we only need 16 luminaires – and despite using fewer fittings, there’s actually more light on the ground, with an average of 182 lux.
In addition to the improved performance, there’ll also be a significant reduction in energy consumption – a 45% saving, largely thanks to a new, more efficient driver. With fewer luminaires required, there’s also a capital saving to be made of around 17. For larger installations, the extent of these savings will grow exponentially and help end-users to significantly reduce both their initial outlay and ongoing running costs.
Mount Higher
In the next example, we’ll look at the impact of Linear Gen II’s improved performance has on mounting heights. Below, the Gen I design (left) has the luminaires mounted at 6m, whereas the Gen II design (right) which has the mounting height increased to 10m.
Despite being mounted 4m higher, Linear Gen II is delivering almost identical results to the Gen I luminaires mounted at 6m.
In short, Linear’s increase in power means it’s now possible to significantly increase the height in which the luminaire is mounted. It also brings the performance of the luminaire into the territory of low-bay style fittings, but with the advantage of being far more cost effective, and being available with emergency battery back-up. This brings lots of new opportunities to end-users.
Greater Flexibility
Linear is now available with a choice of different beam patterns thanks to a range of secondary optics. While this is beneficial to a host of applications, the new 80×30 beam angle is particularly beneficial for aisle or walkway applications, offering big improvements over the single beam angle available with the existing Linear;
In the Gen I design (left) the results are noticeably patchy. A lot of the light is being wasted against the side wall, leaving dark areas along the floor as you continue down the corridor. If we compare that with the same design using the new Linear Gen II (utilising the 80×30 optic), we can see that the floor has a much more even light distribution with far less light wasted against the wall.
This is reflected by a big improvement in the average and minimum lux levels, as well as a far better uniformity rating when using Linear Gen II and it’s 80×30 beam angle.
Use Smaller Luminaires
In some scenarios, Linear’s performance upgrade and new optics can even allow end-users to utilise a smaller sized variant.
Below are two identical scenarios; a warehouse installation where the lighting goal is to illuminate the aisles between the racking. On the left is a design using a Linear WL168 Gen I luminaire (designed as a direct replacement for a traditional 4ft/2x36W fluorescent), and on the right is the same design using Gen II Linear, but a smaller WL84 fitting (designed to replace a traditional 2ft/2x18W fluorescent).
While the larger Gen I fitting has a greater light output on paper, within this application we can see a lot of the light is being wasted against the racking either side of the aisle (especially towards the top of the racking). In contrast, looking at the Gen II (right), the beauty of the new optics means that more of the light can be targeted straight down to the ground, between the aisle, exactly where it’s needed. The upshot of this is, despite using a smaller sized Linear on the Gen II design, both are delivering the same performance on the ground. Both solutions deliver an average of 57 lux from the same 12-meter mounting height.
While end-users looking to retrofit existing fluorescents may still have to consider existing infrastructure, such as cabling and bracketry, the ability to use a smaller luminaire could be particularly beneficial for new installations. Utilising a smaller Linear will again help to reduce the initial capital outlay as well as ongoing running costs.
As we’ve demonstrated, the performance upgrade to Linear Generation II brings significant benefits when it comes to real-world applications. It provides end users with greater levels of flexibility in terms of the types of applications and the areas where the luminaire can be used effectively, all while helping to reduce costs and energy consumption.
To learn more about how Linear Generation II could benefit your application, or to speak to us about our free of charge lighting design service, call us on +44 (0) 1670 520 055, or email Raytec Global at sales@raytecled.com.
