LED Luminaires

for Elevators
L
EDs are an ideal solution for applications that require
low-profile luminaires. The LED’s smaller size, long life,
low energy consumption, and durability make it a great
choice when space is at a premium.
During a two-year project, the LRC developed and evaluated
a low-profile LED downlight to replace a less efficient
incandescent luminaire in an elevator application. The goal
was to reduce energy consumption by 25 percent while
preserving light levels inside the elevator.

Luminaire development
The prototype downlights consisted of six high-flux white
LEDs in a custom reflector and heat sink package of less than
two inches high. The design efficiently balanced the required
light output and distribution, visual comfort, and thermal
management within a small and attractive package. The LRC
used optical modeling software to optimize the efficiency of
the reflector. LRC researchers also designed the heat sink for
thermal management and the aluminum-core printed circuit
board to house the LEDs and provide electrical connections. Field study
Six downlights, installed in a public elevator
on the RPI campus, required 165 watts of
electricity (including a complementary LED
cove system) compared to 300 watts for the
50-watt R20 systems they replaced. At the
system efficacy of the LEDs used, an energy
savings of 45 percent was realized over the
actual incandescent system (~5.5 lm/W).
The LED luminaires provided similar light
distribution and illuminance levels inside
the elevator cabin with better comfort and
attractiveness, according to passengers.
The survey also showed that better color
rendering and a color temperature lower
than 6500 K would be desirable.

Left: Optical ray-tracings show the paths of light exiting the reflector array (top) and
Prototype performance
the intensity distribution of the array (bottom). Right: Close-up of the prototype.
• LED module efficacy: 18 lm/W at 15.4 W
• Reflector efficiency: 75 percent
Sponsors • Luminaire light output: 210 lumens
Project: California Energy Commission PIER Program, • Luminaire power (including driver): 21 W
Architectural Energy Corporation, Westinghouse Lighting • Luminaire efficacy: 10 lm/W (210 lm at 21 W)
Equipment: Advance Transformer Co., Lumileds Lighting • Color rendering index of 65 at 6500 K
© 2005 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. All rights reserved.

Site: Otis Elevator Co., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • 40-degree beam angle

www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/solidstate
Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • 21 Union Street • Troy, NY 12180 • (518) 687-7100 • www.lrc.rpi.edu