LED: The growth of a new light source
Ian Cathcart, national sales manager – Solid State Lighting at Osram, looks at how RGB solutions can create dynamic lighting scenes while white LED luminaires and retrofit lamps can be used for general illumination
The spotlight is firmly on LED lighting solutions as we all look for more efficient ways to light the world around us. An enormous amount of R&D has gone into developing this technology leading to the emergence of highly efficient and innovative solutions, but how much do you know about the broad range of LED solutions that are available and what they are capable of?
LEDs have come a long way in recent years. Originally, they were used for display lighting within electrical equipment such as remote controls – a far cry from the complex lighting schemes that they can be found today.
Coloured LEDs were the first to be used for lighting purposes and it wasn’t until the mid-90s when white LEDs were developed that the possibility of using LEDs for general lighting could be considered. Since then, significant developments have been made in the efficacy of white LEDs which has led to LED solutions for general illumination being commercially available.
RGB Modules and Luminaires
For decorative lighting effects, the latest LED modules and luminaires add versatile and innovative lighting effects to any interior or exterior environment and are taking lighting design into a new dimension. Modules and luminaires are available in white or colour-changing RGB options which add versatility to the lighting scheme. When RGB LED solutions are used in an application, it enables complete control over the colour produced by the light source. This means that the colour can be tailored for a specific event or occasion. All the requirements from linear lighting applications to strip lighting, surface illumination and wall washing can be met by installing an RGB LED lighting product in an application.
Using the latest light management systems (LMS) it is simple to control the colour created by RGB modules and luminaires. You can predefine sequences and recall them at the touch of a button among other functions. All this can be done using attractive and easy-to-use interfaces such as touch panels mounted on the wall or remote controls.
General Illumination
High quality lighting manufacturers such as Osram have created highly efficient LED retrofit lamps, modules, and luminaires which can now be used for general illumination. Significantly, LEDs require very little power to achieve high light output so it is possible to reap energy savings of up to 80% when LED solutions are used in place of a more traditional lighting product.
Due to their long lifetime, LED solutions are an excellent alternative where light fittings are in difficult-to-reach locations. In comparison to a halogen lamp that has a lifetime of 2,000 hours, an LED retrofit lamp will last 25,000 hours significantly extending the time between relamping.
Easy-to-install LED retrofit lamps have become increasingly popular over the past few years and they are now ideal for general illumination thanks to improvements in their efficiencies. These lamps ensure that changing over from conventional incandescent lamps and halogen lamps to energy-saving high-power LED lamps is easy as they can be fitted into standard holders to reap 80% energy savings.
LED luminaires are also available for large-scale general illumination, and simple task lighting applications. The latest LED luminaires are incredibly user friendly and can be installed with ease. Whether you are fitting them in a new installation or upgrading an existing installation from halogen luminaires to LED alternatives, this can be done quickly and easily.
It is possible to purchase LED luminaires that can replace 26W compact fluorescent lamps or be used as an alternative for a number of 75W halogen downlight applications. These luminaires enable you to save money without compromising on style or light output.
LED technology is already proving itself as a versatile and efficient choice for decorative lighting effects. In addition, the scope for using white LEDs for general illumination is enormous thanks to technological developments that have taken place in recent years. It is only the beginning for exciting new opportunities in lighting driven by this innovative technology.
Contact Details and Archive...
Related Articles...