Why do you save energy with 'e-box'?
The savings achieved with 'e-box' systems are the result of two different effects:
1) Reduced energy consumption levels for the same load used (same number of lamps lit);
2) Reduced costs for routine maintenance of the systems owing to the extended average life of the lamps, in turn for two different reasons:
a) The filter effect that 'e-box' has on the grid parameters, reducing the voltage spikes leading to a reduction in the stress directly affecting the luminaires and the mortality typical of such events;
b) The regulation of the grid parameters leads to a reduction in operating temperature for the entire luminaire, in turn leading to a reduction in wear and tear;
How does 'e-box' work?
The 'e-box' system regulates power, in other words it acts not only on the voltage but also on the current, thereby improving the power factor reduction by several percentage points compared to the previous situation.
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How much can you actually save?
The overall economic benefits which can be achieved with 'e-box' can reach values, guaranteed by contract, of up to a maximum of 40% of the costs incurred prior to the installation of 'e-box' on the system.
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Where do you install 'e-box'?
'e-box' systems are single-phase units made of structural steel with an IP2X protection rating, suitable for wall application in CONTROL ROOMS or ELECTRICAL CABINETS. 'e-box' systems should be installed downstream of the main light switch, intercepting the light load power supply cables, which are connected to the 'e-box' system input, where power is regulated. The system returns the regulated line which is to be brought back to the point of interception. A neutral branch is required for the system to operate correctly, and the system should be earthed for safety reasons.
If it is not possible to install 'e-box' systems inside the CONTROL ROOM or ELECTRICAL CABINET, the 'e-box' equipment will be supplied assembled and wired (single-phase and three-phase modules), ready for installation and kept in indoor or outdoor cabinets (the protection rating varies from IP43 to a maximum of IP55 depending on the type of installation and on the applicable standards in force).
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How much does an 'e-box' cost?
The overall cost cannot be specified in advance as it is the result of a pre-feasibility study drawn up by Energia Europa s.r.l.. However, we would like to emphasise the fact that investing in this technology does not involve significant financial expenditure, since, based on the experience it has gained over the years, Energia Europa s.r.l. has set up a special credit agreement in conjunction with one of the best-known credit institutions, which, from the very first month of installation, enables a net return compared to previous monthly costs .
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Do 'e-box' systems need maintenance?
The pre-feasibility study, from initial conception through to implementation, is a gradual process consisting of a preliminary verification of the suitability of introducing 'e-box' systems to a given site, including the initial estimates of technical and economic feasibility. This study gives an approximate quantification of the key technical and economic factors which determine whether installation of an 'e-box' system produces a good cost-benefit effect. The pre-feasibility study is conducted completely free of charge by Energia Europa s.r.l., whose experts are fully conversant with the engineering and commercial skills required.
One of the most important results of the pre-feasibility study is calculation of the pay-back on investment, which gives companies a rapid comparison between the value obtained and the value that is usually accepted for individual investments.
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Who pays for the pre-feasibility study and what does it involve?
The 'e-box' system requires no special maintenance immediately after installation except for occasional monitoring (once a year) to check that the signal LEDs are operating correctly. As there are no moving parts, there is no need for continuous replacement of parts for wear and tear.
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What makes 'e-box' different?
'e-box' systems are single-phase modules with unique dimensional characteristics for small amperages in the category of energy-saving systems featuring electrical magnitude transformation. Moreover, the possibility of wall or pole installation is a unique solution in energy-saving systems, both in technical and architectural terms, requiring no masonry work to build a base. Furthermore, the 'e-box' system was devised to handle any failures originating from the internal components via the PASSIVE ELECTROMECHANICAL BY-PASS, which is a guarantee for the customer in terms of energy supply, as the light load can continue to perform its lighting function without any interruption in the service. The 'e-box' systems can also be switched to BY-PASS during operation in Active Regulation, both manually and remotely, without ever causing lamps to go out, as they are powered in grid tolerance. The 'e-box' energy Saving Systems are fitted with an automatic thermal protection to monitor the operating temperature with deactivation and reactivation via the Active Regulation function (without switching off the light load, which returns to standard operating conditions) should the set values be exceeded. Current overload is handled by way of automatic cut-off from the Active Regulation function (without switching off the light load, which returns to standard operating conditions).
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Why should I opt for 'e-box'?
Constant availability of energy, lighting and comforts is considered essential. The cost of energy supplies is only noticed at the time of payment, and often remains hidden within administrative procedures. Purchased energy is an incoming commodity for a company and contributes to production activities, both for products and services. The energy-related must nevertheless be contained, and this process must take place irrespective of the performance levels achieved in terms of production. If these containment methods are not measured, they will not be seen by management, who will only be aware of them when they are absent. Saving energy is an economic, political and environmental issue. For years, we have been committed to supplying businesses and public bodies with energy -saving systems which allow for considerable cost containment while paying special attention to protecting the environment. We believe that 'e-box' can achieve this objective, since, to date, it is the apex of the most advanced technology in the field of energy saving.
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Can lamps go out during the energy saving process?
Energia Europa s.r.l. has done its utmost to design technology capable of completely eliminating the risk of lamps going out as a direct result of 'e-box'.
In fact, the system is electronically controlled to ensure constant autotest monitoring of the grid parameters, producing immediate deactivation of the Active Regulation function should one of these parameters fail to meet the set values. Automatic cut-off of 'e-box' from the energy-saving function does not lead to the service fault of lamps going out, as it ensures that they continue to be powered directly in grid tolerance.
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Does saving energy reduce the luminous flux?
It is correct to say that saving energy reduces the efficiency of the electrical system in terms of illuminance. However, this assessment should be made over a period of time equivalent to the life of the lamp. New lamps guarantee maximum efficiency, but this drops over time until the lamps eventually need replacing. When designing a lighting installation, this should be taken into consideration, and consequently every installation is designed with an illuminance level that must be guaranteed until the lamps need to be replaced. So in fact, when an installation is new, it supplies average illuminance approximately 30% above the value that is actually guaranteed. If this were not the case, the installation could be found to be non-compliant with the original project in terms of illuminance. When the 'e-box' system is installed, there is an initial reduction in illuminance, which depends on the type of light source used, on the level of illuminance and on the level of savings you wish to obtain. Today, we can say that, on average, for savings of up to a maximum of 25% with mercury vapour or metal halide or similar lamps, the drop in illuminance is never more than 12-14%. Occasionally when lamps powered by grid voltage have been in operation for approximately 1/3 of their life, they have had illuminance levels on a par with lamps which have been in operation for the same amount of time but powered by the 'e-box' system. From this point on, installations with lamps powered by the 'e-box' produce higher mean illuminance levels than installations powered by grid voltage. Consequently, it is obvious that 'e-box' redistributes the luminous efficacy of the lamps over time, leading to significant savings on the electricity bill, thanks to the reduction in energy consumption and savings in maintenance costs, thanks to the extended life of the lamp.
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Which lamps are the savings intended for?
Electricity savings can be obtained with all types of lamp available on the market. On average, the results obtained are 28/40% with sodium vapour and mercury vapour lamps, 25/40% with fluorescent lamps with a standard ballast and 18/30% with metal halide lamps. With halogen lamps average savings are around 20%. The great advantage stems from the life of the lamp being extended by at least 2-3 times with obvious advantages from the reduction in system running costs. The only type of lamp that we prefer not to be used are fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts, as the energy savings are insignificant.
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Does lamps change colour during saving?
Over its lifetime a lamp varies in illuminance, colour and colour rendering. The Active Regulation involved in 'e-box' systems definitely causes variations in colour on the light produced, which is not easily perceived by the naked eye. Remember that 'e-box' allows you to set a large number of saving levels through which you can also control any variations in the colour rendering of the lamps, should one of these be more sensitive to the Active Regulation phase.
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Who Can Install the e-Box?
The E-Box can be supplied, installed and commissioned by Civic Electrical Services as a turn key package. If you would prefer to use you regular electrical contractor we can sell the E-Box on a supply and commission basis only. All wiring and connection instructions will be supplied with each unit.
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