Selection Methods and Procedure for Evaluation of LED Roadway Luminaires

This study evaluated the existing light emitting diode (LED) roadway luminaires available in the U.S. market for field implementation to displace the high intensity discharge (HID) luminaires. Four methods were proposed for selection of qualified LED luminaires, including, in order, specification evaluation, computer simulation, implementation cost-effectiveness analysis, and field mock-up tests. A total of 148 LED roadway luminaires were collected and evaluated over 28 factors. Those luminaires were tested in computer simulations for optimized roadway layout and preferred lighting performance in compliance with the codes and standards. An approved products list (APL) of 88 luminaires was selected for potential field implementation. A lighting economics calculator was developed for cost-effectiveness analysis on their implementation. Guidance on the field mock-up tests was also proposed. The present study then evaluated the selection methods in an assumed replacement project of 1000 luminaires in Kansas. In this project, the APL was shortened to a short list of 13 standard pole and three high-mast LED luminaires based on their efficacy, year released, availability of manufacturer sales representatives, and simple payback time period for roadway implementation. The short-list products were compared to their equivalent existing HID luminaire counterparts for cost–benefit analysis that revealed significant 12-year life cycle cost savings with an average payback time period less than 3 years. The present study then evaluated the four selection methods in their effective procedure for future uses in the selection of qualified replacement LED luminaires with expected adjustments and timely update.