Energy Efficient Light Bulbs: In with the old, in with the new

Two very different stories concerning energy efficiency lighting appeared on our radar this Monday. One deals with new technology, while the other is a testament to the strength of the original bulb designs. First, two of the 2010 World Cup stadiums are shifting from the familiar old projection lighting Jumbotrons, instead opting for energy efficient LED screens. Accompanying this story is the tale of the world’s oldest light bulb, a carbon filament model which was first flipped on in 1901.

     At least two of the World Cup venues are rolling out new LED screens for 2010 World Cup attendees. Spectrum Visual, billed as South Africa’s leading digital signage company, was awarded the contract for the screens, which will be in full use in both Nelson Mandela Bay and Mbombela Stadiums. LED screens are composed of individual LEDs which are directed via a master controller to display video images. These screens are a testament to the rapid strides LED technology has taken because they are fully visible in the daytime light of sunny South Africa. The screens are being billed by Spectrum Visual as the perfect storm of energy efficiency and functionality.
    Energy efficient LED light bulbs, whatever the usage, do bring a lot to the table. LEDs draw up to 90% less amperage in comparison to incandescent bulbs. This mean the higher initial costs are quickly off-set by lower electricity bills. Additionally, LEDs are rated for 100,000 hours compared to 3,000 hours for incandescent bulbs. The only concern is start-up price, with LED lights running at a premium to incandescent bulbs. This should be a thing of the past in the coming years, or perhaps months, as manufacturers refine their process and volume increases. While old-style bulbs may need to be replaces annually or even more frequently, energy efficient LED lamps have an expected usable life of up to twenty years.
    Related to long-lasting bulbs comes the next bit of news. At the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Station Number 6 in Northern California they celebrated a birthday. First screwed in in 1991, their hand-blown glass with carbon filament bulb turned 109 today. Residing in its second home, the bulb was moved, with full police and fire escort, in 1975 when the fire station was relocated. Interestingly enough, the bulb follows the design of Adolphe A. Chaillet, a fierce competitor to Thomas Edison. While Edison’s bulbs of course won out, the Chaillet model was shown to have a longer live and survive much higher voltages. Clearly energy efficiency is a much more important, and measured, factor now than it was at the turn of the 20th century.The more things change, the more they stay the same...
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