Light Fixtures Withstand Operating Temps up to:
212℉Energy Savings Return on Investment Within 1 Year:
97%The Backstory of Our Partnership With Waymo
Waymo faced significant challenges achieving consistent, reliable lighting in its thermal chamber areas used for manufacturing and testing self-driving cars. Their Senior Optical Hardware Engineer, David Lu, reached out to LED Lighting Supply to seek consultative support in selecting a high-temperature LED lighting system.
The lighting needed to be suitable for the high-heat areas where they weld on and rigorously test the car sensors, cameras, and internal computers. This testing and QA process ensures reliable operation and durability before daily use. The customer was paired with our Product Specialist, Jeff Cesenaro, for expert guidance.
The Challenge of a High-Heat Environment
Waymo needed an effective lighting solution for a wide range of high-heat environments. The installation area required a more specialized fixture than a typical LED high bay. Our Specialist, Jeff Cesenaro, helped guide the customer in selecting a unique fixture type designed to perform effectively during the welding and testing process without the risk of heat damage. LED Lighting Supply worked with Waymo to understand the operational needs and temperature ranges in the area.
The customer had a key project requirement: delivery in a reasonable timeframe for the project, as choosing a supplier with product expertise, fixtures in stock, and inventory readily available was a top priority
The High-Temperature Lighting Strategy & Solution For Waymo’s Thermal Chamber Testing Environment
Jeff Cesenaro began our engagement with Waymo by working with David Lu to understand the heat tolerance of the space, dimensions, and mounting heights. He suggested they sample a high-temperature fixture for performance before investing in the full lighting solution. After purchasing and installing a 100 Watt high-temperature high bay light with an operating temperature range of -40°F to 212°F, the customer was confident of the light fixture’s performance in the high-heat environment. We assured the customer that the lights were in stock in our New Hampshire warehouse, ensuring prompt delivery. In total, 4 of these high-temperature high-bay LED lights were installed across the Mountain View, California, facility.
The Results of Our Lighting Solution in Waymo’s Facility
Waymo’s thermal testing and welding areas now have a lighting solution built to last in the demanding environment. The high-temperature LED high bays operate reliably through the heat generated during the welding and testing process. The lights deliver consistent, uniform illumination without performance degradation. With a 50,000-hour lifespan, the fixtures are a long-term solution that mitigates the need for frequent maintenance and repairs. The facility will see significant savings with LEDs compared to traditional metal halide lights, while providing safe, accurate sensor welding and testing for the development of self-driving cars. Waymo later purchased three additional high-temperature fixtures for the facility.
Waymo’s Estimated Savings & Payback From Choosing an LED Lighting Solution:
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Savings and payback estimations are based on the local utility rate of $0.58 per kWh for commercial and industrial buildings in Mountain View, California.
