 |
Categories |
 |
|
 |
Search LEDstuff |
|
|
|
Information |
|
|
|
|
|
| The Future of LED Lighting |
 |
|
In the Mercury News technology section from December 6th, 2004, an article predicted that light
bulbs will become obsolete and replaced by white light emitting diode (LED) technology in the next
five to ten years.
Federal studies estimate that replacing traditional light bulbs with white LEDs could save up to
$17 billion a year in energy costs, or the equivalent of 30 power plants. In addition, this transition
could reduce carbon dioxide emission by 155 million tons annually. According to the Mercury News, LEDs
consume less power, don't use harmful pollutants (such as mercury), and last up to ten times longer than
conventional lights. Despite a higher initial cost, their long term value comes in the form of lower
electric bills and maintenance costs.
Despite the apparent benefits of white LEDs, Lumileds Chief Technology Officer George Crawford acknowledged
that “eliminating the light bulb will take a long time.” Although LEDs do not use heated filaments or
product the same level of heat as traditional light bulbs, challenges remain in making LEDs that match
light bulb costs, brightness, and ease of use.
Standard 60 watt light bulbs generate around 850 lumens (a unit of measure for brightness), or approximately
14 lumens per watt of power. By comparison, High Power LEDs are brighter at 30 lumens per watt but do not
beat fluorescent bulbs' 80 lumens per watt. Currently, it requires a number of LEDs to match the brightness
of a bulb.
Another problem is in making white LED light that well with colors. There is some inefficiency in this, as
the brightness level underachieves while the costs are higher. LED prices have fallen by a factor of ten
while performance has grown by a factor of 20 over each of the past several decades. However, LEDs need to
improve cost efficiency by about 100-fold to match current light bulb price and quality.
LEDs are gradually encroaching on light bulbs, especially in the realm of colored lighting. Since color
mixtures can be controlled, LEDs provide good mood lighting. Romantic and relaxing ambiance can be achieved
by mixing white light with red while blue-tinged lights fit the workhorse environment of offices. Interior
designers and retail exhibiters have taken a great liking to LEDs. Sony uses white LEDs in its new Qualia
46-inch flat-screen TV for improved brightness, while dozens of concert promoters use LED lighting for their
productions. Red LEDs have replaced light bulbs in car taillights and car manufacturers are experimenting
with white LEDs in headlights.
The high-brightness LED market is expected to grow from $2.7 billion in 2003 to$6 billion in 2008, according
to Mountain View market research firm Strategies Unlimited. Cell phones and other mobile devices make up
about 50% of the market while the automotive industry makes up about 18% and 23% goes to outdoor signage.
“It may take five to ten years, but one day well go to a WalMart and buy LEDs instead of light bulb,” remarks
Jagish Rebello, an analyst at market researcher iSuppli in El Segundo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Popular Stuff |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEDstuff Newsletter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your cart
