Israeli-made Light Energy Controller saves power around the world

Microsoft, AmDocs, FedEx, the city of Budapest and the state of California are just a few of the big names using the device.

By MARGARET STONER
light energy controller 248.88 (photo credit: )
light energy controller 248.88
(photo credit: )
Microsoft, AmDocs, FedEx, the city of Budapest, the state of California, and now, Sonol gas stations are just a few of the big names working towards a new standard of energy efficiency with the help of a device manufactured by the Israeli company Power Electronics. The Light Energy Controller ("LEC") device is helping existing lighting systems worldwide "go green." Locally designed, developed, and manufactured, the LEC is 100% Israeli. Power Electronics CEO Eran Tagor insists that his company was "going green before Al Gore," and notes that 90% of the company's business deals with energy efficiency. The company describes itself as "a global provider of energy-efficiency solutions for energy savings and reduction of CO2 emissions," Tagor said. Last week, Sonol fuel stations announced the completion of an installation of the device in all of its Israeli locations. The company was born when company founder Shimon Limor began working on energy-saving technologies in the 1980s. The core platform of the LEC is to "provide the right voltage." Each country has a legal range in which the voltage must flow to the lighting system. Any number within this legal range is acceptable. Because the voltage flowing to the system is constantly fluctuating, much valuable energy is lost in the process. The LEC system works by controlling the voltage supplied to the lighting circuit. Produced in a full range of sizes, the LEC is unique in its ability to, unlike many new energy solutions, function with existing infrastructure. "People talk about new bulbs, but they are missing the most important thing, the voltage," Tagor said. The small, robust device can easily be installed, controlled, and programmed to adjust the voltage for peak efficiency. In Budapest, for example, the voltage is decreased late at night when lighting does not need to be as strong. Ideal for outdoor lighting, gas stations, stadiums, and the like, the LEC brings 20%-30% savings on power and the reduction of CO2 emissions by 50%, Tagor said. According to Tagor, "The idea of achieving energy saving and efficiency by optimization and voltage is not new, but the technology we have developed is small, light, and cost effective. Basically, we have achieved savings in an efficient manor with a device that is not expensive. The return investment is between 13 to 18 months - this is very good." Tagor acknowledges that people are usually skeptical at first, and often pose the question, "Can you really save money? Show me!" "Everything is measurable. Our device is a proven technology - that's why they [energy consumers] keep coming back to us," he said. The company also produces other energy saving devices, including the Sinumec, which increases efficiency in motors by adjusting the amount of energy to the size of the load. The Sinumec is used many commercial and industrial motors, such as in escalators and lifting machines. Reflective of the engineer's modest approach to business, Power Electronics is located in a discreet building in Or Yehuda's industrial district. Power Electronics pledges to remain a humble company. "We can't change the world in one day, but we can install our system and save money in the meanwhile," said Tagor. Kiryat Motzkin, a Haifa suburb, has already begun saving NIS 500,000 per year. Tagor noted that if all of Israel were to utilize the LEC system, the country could potentially save NIS 3 billion in energy costs. Tagor is optimistic about the company's future. "When everyone wants 100% of the energy, the demand increases. With our systems, we can reduce the demand. It benefits everyone - the electric company, the distributor, the general public, and of course, the environment," he said.