Dubal mulls shifting to LED lighting

Dubai, May 30, 2011

Dubai Aluminium (Dubal), operator one of the world's largest single-site primary aluminium smelters, is evaluating the feasibility of converting its lighting system to energy efficient LED lighting, said a senior official.

“LED technology is not only well tested and proven to be extremely energy efficient but also has become more affordable,” added Tayeb Al Awadhi, vice president: power & desalination, Dubal. “The aim is to embark on plant-wide full scale LED lighting conversion at Dubal as soon as practicable.”

“Furthermore, these energy-saving bulbs are mercury-free, making them environment friendly during disposal.”

Dubal has also taken steps to minimize the air-conditioning load by setting the units’ thermostats to 24 degrees Centigrade during working hours and 27 degrees during non-working hours, with advisory stickers being pasted on every thermostat controller to remind users of the initiative.

In addition, a review is currently in progress to convert Dubal’s electrically-driven air-conditioning chillers to a much more efficient system using absorption chiller technology, Al Awadhi said.

“Being steam-driven, absorption chiller technology uses approximately 75 per cent less electrical power than conventional air-conditioning system,” explained Al Awadhi.

“Phase 1 of the project — which entails trialing absorption chiller technology at Dubal’s desalination control building — should begin by the end of 2011. Once operational, the absorption chiller is expected to reduce Dubal’s power consumption by approximately 2 million kWh per annum.”

Dubal will ensure that all unnecessary lights are switched off after working hours, wherever applicable; and that all computers/monitors are also switched off when employees leave after a shift at the office, Al Awadhi added.

“A dedicated committee has been formed within Dubal with the mandate to implement these and other energy-saving initiatives,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service

Tags: Dubal | Dubai Aluminium | LED Lighting | Energy savings | Air-conditioning |