A.C.E. Building Service and Orion help building owners 'see the light'

For the Herald Times Reporter

MANITOWOC — Installing light pipes, generically known as tubular daylighting devices (TDD's), in buildings is not new.

Owners have been turning to these devices, also called light tubes or sun pipes, for years. In fact, interest has grown in recent years, with an accelerated emphasis on energy savings and going "green."

However, installing a solar light pipe in a metal building had significant challenges, according to Tom Teteak, director of the Apollo business unit at Orion Energy Systems in Manitowoc.

"Basically, the Apollo light pipe flashing is similar to installing a big vent," Teteak said.

"Venting is usually anchored to the structural frame. In this case we want the Apollo Light Pipe to 'float' with the roof during wind loading and not be anchored to the structural frame."

Orion found an installation solution in its own backyard when the company turned to commercial and industrial
builder, A.C.E. Building Service.

"By partnering with Orion Energy Systems, we were able to develop a precise process to install light pipes in a metal building, offering building owners a viable option for reducing, if not eliminating, light-related energy costs at 'peak' energy rates during the day," said Stan Johnson, president of A.C.E.

Teteak said Orion's Apollo light pipe is effective because it is the largest diameter "industrial grade" all-aluminum and acrylic tubular daylighting device on the market, harvesting up to 20 percent more sunlight, then directing the light into the zonal cavity, or work space, below.

System monitors light levels

Teteak said the light pipes are integrated with an automatic control system that will turn off electric lights when the light pipes have met needed lighting levels for operations.

Savings accrue to companies going off the grid when peak load demands — and rates — are the highest.
Teteak said customers may save up to 80 percent of their lighting costs, which, on average, are 22 percent of an industrial customer's electrical bill.

He said decreased electric light usage also contributes indirectly to reduction of power plants' output of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide output.

"A.C.E. brought their experience and Butler technology to the table, which helps us improve how light pipes are installed in metal buildings, increasing their longevity, as well as guarding against potential leaks," Teteak said.

"Metal building owners, especially those with larger structures, will be able to notice a significant energy and cost savings with these light pipes installed," Johnson said, and demonstrate a commitment to having a green building.

Building owners may qualify for an Epact tax rebate. Epact is an accelerated tax deduction allowing companies to deduct up to 60 cents per qualifying square foot.

A Focus on Energy program gives building owners up to $90 per fixture to replace their inefficient metal halide fixtures with energy efficient fixtures like Orion's.

A.C.E. has installed Orion's three-phase energy management platform, including the Apollo light pipes, in its own facility on 26th street to showcase the system to customers, as well as at Manitowoc Public Utilities, the Chamber of Manitowoc County, and Superior Chemical Corporation in Sheboygan.

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