LEDs have been constantly evolving over the last couple of decades. Developments like the blue and high brightness LEDs mark important steps towards the broad adoption of solid state lighting in TV, computer displays and outdoor signs. With the display markets moving ahead, the natural next step is to have solid state lighting help save energy in day-to-day lighting applications.
I have come across a couple of data points recently that indicate an accelerated development of the technologies needed to make LED a viable economic proposition for general illumination applications. First there is talk on the street that prices for LEDs like the ones used in light-bulb replacement are coming down faster than anticipated. The LED prices are still by far the biggest cost in an LED light bulb. Recently Luminus announced a cooperation and cross licensing agreement with Nichia, one of the big names in LED lighting. This will put Luminus' products on a bigger manufacturing platform.
Luminus phlat lights are already working with TI's DLP technology. Here the low power consumption is enabling a handheld projector like BENQ's pocket projector and DLP mcio projector.
LEDs will bring the same advantages by replacing traditional light bulbs. At 161 lm/W LEDs are 10x more efficient than traditional incandescent lights. Lighting today accounts for about 20% of the electricity consumption in residential and commercial buildings. LED lighting will enable us to save 5% of all the electricity consumed in the US. Not shabby!
Consider that 2/3 of all electricity generated never makes it to the user because it is turned to heat in the various transformers on the way. So not only will LED lighting allow us to save on our electricity bills it will also take some load off the grid. Gotta love it!
Chris Link
Energy Business Development Manager
