Developments and trends in emergency lighting systems: from energy-efficiency to zero electrical power consumption

Abstract

Emergency lighting systems are an essential component of building safety infrastructure and play a critical role in ensuring the safety of people during power outages or other emergencies. As energy efficiency and environmental sustainability continue to be a focus in building design and construction, there is a growing interest in developing emergency lighting systems that not only reduce energy consumption but also operate on zero electrical power. This paper presents a comprehensive review of emergency lighting systems, with a focus on energy efficiency and zero electrical power consumption. The study first examines traditional lighting systems such as incandescent bulbs and their limitations in terms of energy consumption and efficiency. Then discusses energy-efficient options (CFLs and LED lighting), which have significantly improved energy efficiency and reduced power consumption. It also explores the latest generation of emergency lighting systems (Tritium and Photoluminescent), which have zero electrical power consumption throughout their lifetime and provide long-lasting illumination without the need for external electrical sources. Additionally, the paper presents a detailed comparative study of the energetic, environmental, economic, and life cycle assessment of the different emergency lighting technologies. The results of the study revealed that the use of Power Free emergency lighting signs not only reduces the installation and maintenance cost but also eliminates utter energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.