CUSTOMER
Quest Diagnostics is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information, and services. Its fleet of light aircraft is housed and maintained in a hanger near the Reading Regional Airport in Reading, Pennsylvania. These aircraft are responsible for extremely time-sensitive health missions including transporting critical, medical laboratory samples.
CHALLENGES
According to Scott Elison of Atlantic Energy Concepts, “The old metal halide lamps had noisy magnetic ballasts and consumed 1000 watts of electricity per lamp, additionally the lamps had exhibited significant light-level depreciation since the facility was built, only four short years prior. Also, since this is a 24/7 operation, we had to find a way to meet the customer’s schedule, working nights when the planes were not in the hanger, to complete the project successfully.”
SOLUTION
When Quest Diagnostics approached Atlantic Energy Concepts, their concerns were two-fold. They wanted to eliminate the noise emanating from the magnetic ballasts, which was a continuous annoyance to their maintenance crew working in the facility. They also wanted to maintain or improve light levels for the critical aircraft maintenance taking place in the facility.
Atlantic Energy Concepts was able to achieve both goals. The 1000-watt metal halides were replaced with 724-watt 12-lamp state-of-the-art T-5 fluorescents. In addition, we were able to scale back the wattage even further in the mezzanine storage area. Improved light levels were achieved, coupled with energy savings. The new fixtures also resolved the noise problems. They contained sound rated class “A” electronic ballasts. For further energy savings and convenience, occupancy sensors were installed.
Beyond the technical improvements, one of the most significant benefits was the extremely short payback period of slightly over one year. This means that the energy savings can quickly be applied to the facility’s operating budget!
According to Ray Benischeck of Quest Diagnostics Inc, “On a scale of 1–10, this project is a 20! From the day we moved into the hanger, the noise was very irritating and distracting to our staff. It is now extremely quiet in the facility. Plus, before the retrofit, 50% of our lighting wasn’t even working. Now the lighting is nice and even… just like daylight. The workers are thrilled.”
Brad Salamone, Vice President of Atlantic Energy Concepts, summed up the project by saying, “It’s great to work with a local customer who truly enjoyed the benefits of the new lighting system, both the energy savings and the other advantages.”