FT AGE A

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON THE REVISED LIFE CYCLE COST AND

ENGINEERING ANALYSIS OF FLUORESCENT LAMP 'BALLASTS

PLACE OF WORKSHOP: FORRESTAL BUILDING, ROOM 1E-245

1000 INDEPENDENCE AVENUE, SW

WASHINGTON, DC 20585

TELEPHONE : 2 02/5 8 6-75 74

TELEFAX: 202/586-4617

DATE AND TIME: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1997

9:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

1. PURPOSE OF THE WORKSHOP

The purpose of this public workshop is to hear the views of interested persons and gather

information concerning the revised life cycle cost analysis, engineering analysis, and interview

summaries for fluorescent lamp ballasts. The Department of Energy (DOE or Department) will

consider the views presented and comments submitted to guide its approach in the development

of energy efficiency standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts.

II. WELCOMING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS

III. OPENING STATEMENTS

The Department will present a status report on the energy efficiency standards program

for fluorescent lamp ballasts, and review the objectives of today's workshop.

IV. TOPICS

The Department will introduce each topic, and present any necessary background

information. Participants will be invited to comment on issues pertinent to that topic.

EE-RM-97-500 COMMENT 0C

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DRAFT AGENDA 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 

OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY 

PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON THE REVISED LIFE CYCLE COST AND 

ENGINEERING ANALYSIS OF FLUORESCENT LAMP BALLASTS 

c 

PLACE OF WORKSHOP: FORREST AL BUILDING, ROOM 1E-245 

1000 INDEPENDENCE AVENUE, SW 

WASHINGTON, DC 20585 

TELEPHONE: 202/586-7574 

DATE AND TIME: 

I. PURPOSE OF THE WORKSHOP 

TELEFAX: 202/586-4617 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18,1997 

9:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. 

The purpose of this public workshop is to hear the views of interested persons and gather 

infonnation concerning the revised life cycle cost analysis, engineering analysis, and interview 

summaries for fluorescent lamp ballasts. The Department of Energy (DOE or Department) will 

consider the views presented and comments submitted to guide its approach in the development 

of energy efficiency standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts. 

II. WELCOMING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS 

III. OPENING STATEMENTS 

The Department will present a status report on the energy efficiency standards program 

for fluorescent lamp ballasts, and review the objectives oftoday's workshop. 

IV. TOPICS 

The Department will introduce each topic, and present any necessary background 

infonnation. Participants will be invited to comment on issues pertinent to that topic. 

1 Draft 

\ 

\ 

\ 

DRAFT AGENDA 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 

OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY 

PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON THE REVISED LIFE CYCLE COST AND 

ENGINEERING ANALYSIS OF FLUORESCENT LAMP BALLASTS 

PLACE OF WORKSHOP: FORREST AL BUILDING, ROOM 1E-245 

1000 INDEPENDENCE AVENUE, SW 

WASHINGTON, DC 20585 

TELEPHONE: 202/586-7574 

DATE AND TIME: 

I. PURPOSE OF THE WORKSHOP 

TELEFAX: 202/586-4617 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18,1997 

9:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. 

The purpose of this public workshop is to hear the views of interested persons and gather 

infonnation concerning the revised life cycle cost analysis, engineering analysis, and interview 

summaries for fluorescent lamp ballasts. The Department of Energy (DOE or Department) will 

consider the views presented and comments submitted to guide its approach in the development 

of energy efficiency standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts. 

II. WELCOMING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS 

III. OPENING STATEMENTS 

The Department will present a status report on the energy efficiency standards program 

for fluorescent lamp ballasts, and review the objectives oftoday's workshop. 

IV. TOPICS 

The Department will introduce each topic, and present any necessary background 

infonnation. Participants will be invited to comment on issues pertinent to that topic. 

1 Draft 
A. Life Cycle Cost Analysis

After consideration of the comments from the June 20 , 1996, fluorescent lamp ballast

workshop ana d subsequent interviews with manufacturers, the Department has revised its February

1996 life cycle cost (LCC).analysis and engineering analysis. Descriptions of such revisions, and

the rationale for each, are presented below.

Ballast Life

The proposed ballast life, for both magnetic and electronic ballasts ; has been

changed from 33,000 hours to 45,000 hors. During the June 1996 ballast workshop, there was

the indication that the proposed ballast life of 33,000 hours was too low. At that time and during

subsequent interviews, manufacturers asserted that a longer ballast life be used. The Illuminating

Engineering Society (IES) Lighting Handbook, 8th edition, lists 45,000 hours as the average life

for magnetic ballasts. DOE then performed sensitivity analyses on ballast life ranging from a low

of 33,000 hours to a high of 60.000 hours . As a result, DOE proposes to adopt 45,000 hours as

the average life both for magnetic and electronic ballasts.

2. Ballast End-User Price

In the February 1996 LCC analysis, the Department used aggregated 1993 ballast

price data from a survey performed by the Lighting Research Institute (LRI). DOE would have

used data from a comparative analysis of quantity and value of shipments from the U.S.

Department of Commerce , Bureau of the Census, Current Industrial` Report, MQ36C, for

fluorescent lamp ballasts. However, during subsequent interviews, fluorescent lamp ballast

manufacturers, asserted that DOE use the 1993 LRI ballast price data, because the Bureau of the

Census data reflected only the manufacturers ' average net selling prices, not the end-user price.

Consequently, the revised LCC analysis performed by DOE has been based on the 1993 LRI price

data, and includes a sensitivity, analysis that takes into account the data from the Bureau of the

Census.

Comments have asserted that use of a cathode cutout ballast could reduce

fluorescent lamp life by 15 percent. DOE has used this reduction in lamp life for the revised

analysis.

Draft

EE-RM-97-500 COMMENT 0C

A. Life Cycle Cost Analysis 

After consideration of the comments from the June 20, 1996, fluorescent lamp ballast 

workshop and subsequent interviews with manufacturers, the Department has revised its February 

1996 life cycle cost (LCC) .analysis and engineering analysis. Descriptions of such revisions, and 

the rationale for each, are presented below. 

1. Ballast Life 

The proposed ballast life, for both magnetic and electronic ballasts; has been 

changed from 33,000 hours to 45,000 hours. During the June 1996 ballast workshop, there was 

the indication that the proposed ballast life of 33,000 hours was too low. At that time and during 

subsequent interviews, manufacturers asserted that a longer ballast life·be used. The Illuminating 

Engineering Society (IES) Lighting Handbook, 8th edition, lists 45,000 hours as the average life 

for magnetic ballasts. DOE then performed sensitivity analyses on ballast life ranging from a low 

of 33,000 hours to a high of 60.000 hours. As a result, DOE proposes to adopt 45,000 hours as 

the average life both for magnetic and electronic ballasts. 

2. BaUast End-User Price 

In the February 1996 LCC analysis, the Department used aggregated 1993 ballast 

price data from a survey performed by the Lighting Research Institute (LRl). DOE would have 

used data from a comparative analysis of quantity and value of shipments from the U.S. 

Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Current Industrial Report, MQ36C, for 

fluorescent lamp ballasts. However, during subsequent interviews, fluorescent lamp ballast 

manufacturers' asserted that DOE use the 1993 LRI ballast price data, because the Bureau of the 

Census data reflected only the manufacturers' average net selling prices, not the end-user price. 

C0J?sequently, the revised tcc analysis performed by DOE has been based on the 1993 LRI price 

data, and includes a sensitivity, analysis that takes into account the data from the Bureau of the 

Census. 

3. Lamp Life 

Comments have asserted that use of a cath<?de cutout ballast could reduce 

fluorescent lamp life by 15 percent. DOE has used this reduction in lamp life for the revised 

analysis. 

2 Draft 

A. Life Cycle Cost Analysis 

After consideration of the comments from the June 20, 1996, fluorescent lamp ballast 

workshop and subsequent interviews with manufacturers, the Department has revised its February 

1996 life cycle cost (LCC) .analysis and engineering analysis. Descriptions of such revisions, and 

the rationale for each, are presented below. 

1. Ballast Life 

The proposed ballast life, for both magnetic and electronic ballasts; has been 

changed from 33,000 hours to 45,000 hours. During the June 1996 ballast workshop, there was 

the indication that the proposed ballast life of 33,000 hours was too low. At that time and during 

subsequent interviews, manufacturers asserted that a longer ballast life·be used. The Illuminating 

Engineering Society (IES) Lighting Handbook, 8th edition, lists 45,000 hours as the average life 

for magnetic ballasts. DOE then performed sensitivity analyses on ballast life ranging from a low 

of 33,000 hours to a high of 60.000 hours. As a result, DOE proposes to adopt 45,000 hours as 

the average life both for magnetic and electronic ballasts. 

2. BaUast End-User Price 

In the February 1996 LCC analysis, the Department used aggregated 1993 ballast 

price data from a survey performed by the Lighting Research Institute (LRl). DOE would have 

used data from a comparative analysis of quantity and value of shipments from the U.S. 

Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Current Industrial Report, MQ36C, for 

fluorescent lamp ballasts. However, during subsequent interviews, fluorescent lamp ballast 

manufacturers' asserted that DOE use the 1993 LRI ballast price data, because the Bureau of the 

Census data reflected only the manufacturers' average net selling prices, not the end-user price. 

C0J?sequently, the revised tcc analysis performed by DOE has been based on the 1993 LRI price 

data, and includes a sensitivity, analysis that takes into account the data from the Bureau of the 

Census. 

3. Lamp Life 

Comments have asserted that use of a cath<?de cutout ballast could reduce 

fluorescent lamp life by 15 percent. DOE has used this reduction in lamp life for the revised 

analysis. 

2 Draft 
4. Payback Analysis

The Department understands that the simple payback analysis for fluorescent lamp

ballasts does not work for cathode cutout ballasts because of the shortened lamp life. Other

payback analyses are being considered.

B. Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity analyses were performed on four different parameters: 1) lamp operating

hours; 2) ballast life, in.hours; 3) ballast price; and 4) price of electricity. A low and high

sensitivity analysis was performed on each parameter.

1. LamOperating Hours

Assumed average lamp operating hours was 3600 hours per year for the

commercial sector, and 5000 hours per year for the industrial sector. Low and high sensitivity

analyses, both for commercial and industrial sectors, were 2500 hours per year and 8000 hours

per year.

2. Ballast Life

Assumed average ballast life of 45,000 hours was used both for magnetic and

electronic ballasts. Low and high sensitivity analyses, for both magnetic and electronic ballasts,

were performed at 33,000 hours per year and 60,000 hours per year.

3. Ballast Price

The assumed ballast prices for the average case were those used in the LCC analysis. The

assumed ballast prices used in the sensitivity analyses were:

Ballast System s l

1, 2 lamp F40T 12 and F40T 12/ES EEM and CC +6% -5%

1, 2, 3, 4 lamp F32T8 EEM and CC +6% -5%

2 lamp F96T12, F96T12/ES, F96T12110 & F96T12HO/ES +3% -5%

EEM and CC

All ERS and EIS -15% +5%

where + and - % is relative to the average retail price listed in Tables 4.1 through 4.15 in the LCC

EE-RM-97-500 COMMENT 0C

4. Payback Analysis 

The Department understands that the simple payback analysis for fluorescent lamp 

ballasts does not work for cathode cutout ballasts because of the shortened lamp life. Other 

payback analyses are being considered. 

B. Sensitivity Analysis 

Sensitivity analyses were perfonned on four different parameters: 1) lamp operating 

hours; 2) ballast life, in hours; 3) ballast price; and 4) price of electricity. A low and high 

sensitivity analysis was perfonned on each parameter. 

1. Lamp Operating Hours 

Assumed average lamp operating hours was 3600 hours per year for the 

commercial sector, and 5000 hours per year for the industrial sector. Low and high sensitivity 

analyses, both for commercial and industrial sectors, were 2500 hours per year and 8000 hours 

per year. 

2. Ballast Life 

Assumed average ballast life of 45,000 hours was used both for magnetic and 

electronic ballasts. Low and high sensitivity analyses, for both magnetic and electronic ballasts, 

were perfonned at 33,000 hours per year and 60,000 hours per year. 

3. Ballast Price 

The assumed ballast prices for the average case were those used in the LCC analysis. The 

assumed ballast prices used in the sensitivity analyses were: 

Ballast System 

1, 2 lamp F40T12 and F40T12IES EEM and CC 

1,2,3, 4 lamp F32T8 EEM and CC 

2 lamp F96T12, F96T121ES, F96T12HO & F96T12HOIES 

EEMandCC 

All ERS and EIS 

.S.l 

+6% 

+6% 

+3% 

-15% 

-5% 

-5% . 

-5% 

+5% 

where + and - % is relative to the average retail price listed in Tables 4.1 through 4.15 in the LeC 

3 Draft 

4. Payback Analysis 

The Department understands that the simple payback analysis for fluorescent lamp 

ballasts does not work for cathode cutout ballasts because of the shortened lamp life. Other 

payback analyses are being considered. 

B. Sensitivity Analysis 

Sensitivity analyses were perfonned on four different parameters: 1) lamp operating 

hours; 2) ballast life, in hours; 3) ballast price; and 4) price of electricity. A low and high 

sensitivity analysis was perfonned on each parameter. 

1. Lamp Operating Hours 

Assumed average lamp operating hours was 3600 hours per year for the 

commercial sector, and 5000 hours per year for the industrial sector. Low and high sensitivity 

analyses, both for commercial and industrial sectors, were 2500 hours per year and 8000 hours 

per year. 

2. Ballast Life 

Assumed average ballast life of 45,000 hours was used both for magnetic and 

electronic ballasts. Low and high sensitivity analyses, for both magnetic and electronic ballasts, 

were perfonned at 33,000 hours per year and 60,000 hours per year. 

3. Ballast Price 

The assumed ballast prices for the average case were those used in the LCC analysis. The 

assumed ballast prices used in the sensitivity analyses were: 

Ballast System 

1, 2 lamp F40T12 and F40T12IES EEM and CC 

1,2,3, 4 lamp F32T8 EEM and CC 

2 lamp F96T12, F96T121ES, F96T12HO & F96T12HOIES 

EEMandCC 

All ERS and EIS 

.S.l 

+6% 

+6% 

+3% 

-15% 

-5% 

-5% . 

-5% 

+5% 

where + and - % is relative to the average retail price listed in Tables 4.1 through 4.15 in the LeC 

3 Draft 
analysis.

Si = price difference between magnetic and electronic ballasts decreases

S2 = price difference between magnetic and electronic ballasts increase

Electrici Price

$/kWh.

The assumedmed electricity prices used for the sensitivity analysis are shown below, in

LM -Avgr= High

Commercial 0.055 0.075 0.105

Industrial 0.03 0.048 0.065

C. Uncertainty Analysis and Life Cycle Cost Analysis

The uncertainty analysis will focus on the annual operating hours (hours/year), electricity

price ($/kWh), ballast lifetime (hours), and ballast consumer price ($). The analysis will be

interactive to allow real time changes.

D Stakeholder Interviews

The Department of Energy conducted one-on-one interviews with stakeholders, and, as a

result, gathered quantitative and qualitative information. Presently, the Department is interested

in receiving comments on how to incorporate the qualitative information in its development of

energy. efficiency standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts.

The Department also requests comments on how to improve the one-on-one interview

process.

The Department invites comments on the following issues that were discussed during the

interviews.

Electronic Ballasts May Cause Interference with Building Electronic

Systems

The Department is concerned that electronic ballasts could, in certain applications,

cause interference with other building electronic. systems. DOE is interested in receiving data on

that portion of the U.S. building stock that is affected by such interference. How does this

Draft

EE-RM-97-500 COMMENT 0C

analysis. 

8 I = price difference between m~gnetic and electronic ballasts decreases 

82 = price difference between magnetic and electronic ballasts increase 

4. Electricity Price 

The assumed electricity prices used for the sensitivity analysis are shown below. in 

$/kWh. 

Commercial 

Industrial 

0.055 

0.03 

Average 

0.075 

0.048 

0.105 

0.065 

C. Uncertainty Analysis and Life Cycle Cost Analysis 

The uncertainty analysis will focus on the annual operating hours (hours/year). electricity 

price ($/kWh), ballast lifetime (hours), and ballast consumer price ($). The analysis will be 

interactive to allow real time changes. 

D. Stakeholder Interviews 

The Department of Energy conducted one-on-one interviews with stakeholders, and, as a 

result, gathered quantitative and qualitative infonnation. Presently, the Department is interested 

in receiving comments on how to incorporate the qualitative infonnation in its development of 

energy. efficiency standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts. ' 

The Department also requests comments on how to improve the one-on-one interview 

process. 

The Department invites comments on the following issues that were discussed dUring the 

interviews. 

1. Electronic Ballasts May Cause Interference with Building Electronic 

Systems . 

The Department is concerned that electronic ballasts could, in certain applications, 

cause interference with other building electronic systems. DOE is interested in receiving data on 

that portion of the U.S. building stock that is affected by such interference. How does this 

4 Draft 

analysis. 

8 I = price difference between m~gnetic and electronic ballasts decreases 

82 = price difference between magnetic and electronic ballasts increase 

4. Electricity Price 

The assumed electricity prices used for the sensitivity analysis are shown below. in 

$/kWh. 

Commercial 

Industrial 

0.055 

0.03 

Average 

0.075 

0.048 

0.105 

0.065 

C. Uncertainty Analysis and Life Cycle Cost Analysis 

The uncertainty analysis will focus on the annual operating hours (hours/year). electricity 

price ($/kWh), ballast lifetime (hours), and ballast consumer price ($). The analysis will be 

interactive to allow real time changes. 

D. Stakeholder Interviews 

The Department of Energy conducted one-on-one interviews with stakeholders, and, as a 

result, gathered quantitative and qualitative infonnation. Presently, the Department is interested 

in receiving comments on how to incorporate the qualitative infonnation in its development of 

energy. efficiency standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts. ' 

The Department also requests comments on how to improve the one-on-one interview 

process. 

The Department invites comments on the following issues that were discussed dUring the 

interviews. 

1. Electronic Ballasts May Cause Interference with Building Electronic 

Systems . 

The Department is concerned that electronic ballasts could, in certain applications, 

cause interference with other building electronic systems. DOE is interested in receiving data on 

that portion of the U.S. building stock that is affected by such interference. How does this 

4 Draft 
interference effect the market?

2. Conversion Rates

The Department is interested in receiving data on the percent of existing magnetic

ballasts that are being converted to electronic ballasts.

3. Incorporating Voluntary Programs

The current analysis assumes that utility demand side management programs will

diminish after 1995. Although, the Department has considered the impacts of the EPA Green

Lights program, DOE seeks information on how other voluntary energy management programs

could impact the fluorescent lamp ballast market.

4. Future Ballast Sales

To adequately project potential energy savings for various energy efficiency levels

of fluorescent lamp ballasts, the Department is interested in receiving information and data on

what the fluorescent lamp ballast market will look like in the future . In particular, the Department

is interested in receiving information and data on if and when unit sales of electronic fluorescent

lamp ballasts will surpass the unit sales of magnetic ballasts.

E. National Energy Impacts and the Commend Forecasting Model

The Department is using the Electric Power Research Institute's Commend Forecasting

Model to estimate future energy consumption of fluorescent lamp ballasts and ballast shipments

on a national scale. The Commend Forecasting Model analyzes the commercial market by

building types, end uses, and fuels to forecast the growth of energy efficient ballasts and the

economic transition of energy efficiency levels into that building stock. The Department is

interested in receiving comments and data concerning the accuracy and workability of the

Commend Forecasting Model, or any other forecasting model, with respect to energy efficient

fluorescent lamp ballasts.

V. NEXT STEPS

VI. ADJOURNMENT

5 Draft

EE-RM-97-500 COMMENT 0C

interference effect the market? 

2. Conversion Rates 

The Department is interested in receiving data on the percent of existing magnetic 

ballasts that are being converted to electronic ballasts. 

3. Incorporating Voluntary Programs 

The current analysis assumes that utility demand side management programs will 

diminish after 1995. Although, the Department has considered the impacts of the EPA Green 

Lights program, DOE seeks information on how other voluntary energy management programs 

could impact the fluorescent lamp ballast market. 

4. Future Banast Sales 

To adequately project potential energy savings for various energy efficiency levels 

of fluorescent lamp ballasts, the Department is interested in receiving information and data on 

what the fluorescent lamp ballast market will look like in the future. In particular, the Department 

is interested in receiving information and data on if and when unit sales of electronic fluorescent 

lamp ballasts will surpass the unit sales of magnetic ballasts. 

E. National Energy Impacts and the Commend Forecasting Model 

The Department is using the Electric Power Research Institute's Commend Forecasting 

Model to estimate future energy consumption of fluorescent lamp ballasts and ballast shipments 

on a national scale. The Commend Forecasting Model analyzes the commercial market by 

building types, end uses, and fuels to forecast the growth of energy efficient ballasts and the 

economic transition of energy efficiency levels into that building stock. The Department is 

interested in receiving comments and data concerning the accuracy and workability of the 

Commend Forecasting Model, or any other forecasting model, with respect to energy efficient 

fluorescent lamp ballasts. 

v. NEXT STEPS 

VI. ADJOURNMENT 

5 Draft 

interference effect the market? 

2. Conversion Rates 

The Department is interested in receiving data on the percent of existing magnetic 

ballasts that are being converted to electronic ballasts. 

3. Incorporating Voluntary Programs 

The current analysis assumes that utility demand side management programs will 

diminish after 1995. Although, the Department has considered the impacts of the EPA Green 

Lights program, DOE seeks information on how other voluntary energy management programs 

could impact the fluorescent lamp ballast market. 

4. Future Banast Sales 

To adequately project potential energy savings for various energy efficiency levels 

of fluorescent lamp ballasts, the Department is interested in receiving information and data on 

what the fluorescent lamp ballast market will look like in the future. In particular, the Department 

is interested in receiving information and data on if and when unit sales of electronic fluorescent 

lamp ballasts will surpass the unit sales of magnetic ballasts. 

E. National Energy Impacts and the Commend Forecasting Model 

The Department is using the Electric Power Research Institute's Commend Forecasting 

Model to estimate future energy consumption of fluorescent lamp ballasts and ballast shipments 

on a national scale. The Commend Forecasting Model analyzes the commercial market by 

building types, end uses, and fuels to forecast the growth of energy efficient ballasts and the 

economic transition of energy efficiency levels into that building stock. The Department is 

interested in receiving comments and data concerning the accuracy and workability of the 

Commend Forecasting Model, or any other forecasting model, with respect to energy efficient 

fluorescent lamp ballasts. 

v. NEXT STEPS 

VI. ADJOURNMENT 

5 Draft