Advantages

The main advantages of the new technology can be summarized as follows:

  • Major energy savings can be achieved (see field test results over a 5 month period) when applied to natural daylight harvesting applications.

  • Less heat produced by the lamps translates into air-conditioning cost savings.

  • Life expectancy of the magnetic ballasts is extended (expected to be more than double the current 10-year life).

  • Life expectancy of the tubes is preserved or possibly extended (an independent source is quoted to double bulb life expectancy).

  • Defective tubes can be detected, and the respective fixtures can be turned off individually.

  • The light level setting while dimming is maintained when power line voltage varies during normal daily fluctuations.

  • The light provided by the tubes is flicker free throughout the full dimming range.

  • Audible noise is suppressed, even on old ballasts.

  • The quality of the light produced is more appealing to the human eye and is more suitable for certain filming requirements.

  • The Dim&Save device is easily inserted next to the existing magnetic ballast in retrofit installations.

  • The Dim&Save device could easily be incorporated in new dimmable magnetic ballasts.

  • The cost of a Dim&Save device, its installation and maintenance costs are economically attractive (estimated at 7 months to 2 years payback depending upon usage).

Technical Background Technology Performance ..... Operating Modes Field Test Results Benefits
Dim&Save Home