Author Topic: Let there be light (Read 263 times)

soda72 · « **on:** September 10, 2006, 05:55:40 PM »

Possibly a new lightbulb that uses less energy...

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University of California, Professor Shuji Nakamura was given the 1m Euro (£680,000) prize at a ceremony in Helsinki, Finland. The award recognised his inventions of blue, green and white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and the blue laser diode.

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A light using the LEDs, known as a solid-state light, consumes just four watts of electricity to produce as much light as a 60-watt incandescent lightbulb. It is estimated that it is possible to alleviate the need for 133 nuclear power stations in the US by the year 2025 if white solid-state lighting is implemented," said Professor Nakamura

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5328586.stm

I wonder how well these would work in place of our current lightbulbs?

If it helps reduce our dependency on foreign oil as well, I would be all for this.....

shooter1cac · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2006, 06:08:39 PM »

*SNIP*It is estimated that it is possible to alleviate the need for 133 nuclear power stations in the US by the year 2025 *SNIP*

Well that aint too good for me. :-(
But I'll still have a job for about 20 years if they shut my plant down tomorrow....still gonna need security during the shut down of a plant!

rabbidrabbit · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2006, 06:15:50 PM »

White leds have been around for a while. The biggest problem is they cost upwards of $50 per 60 w lightbulb equivalant. I run red LEDs for tail lights on my trailer though. They are about twice the cost of incandesants but last forever.

Widewing · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2006, 08:25:50 PM »

While this is surely promising, I have three compact florescent bulbs in my den's lamps. I bought them in 1992, and all three still work perfectly. I have several others that are between 6 and 9 years-old and they work fine as well. Probably saved $100 in electricity and replacement bulbs.

My regards,

Widewing

rabbidrabbit · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2006, 08:57:41 PM »

WW.. LEDS are even more efficient than florescent bulbs and way more reliable. They will eventually replace them both if they can get the costs down.

Widewing · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2006, 11:08:47 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by rabbidrabbit
WW.. LEDS are even more efficient than florescent bulbs and way more reliable. They will eventually replace them both if they can get the costs down.

I'm sure they are more efficient, but a 14 year florescent (it could go 20 years for all I know) is worth about 20 to 30 standard incandescent bulbs and they use 50% less energy. Until the price for LED bulbs is down to a reasonable figure, the florescent bulbs will still be viable.

My regards,

Widewing

Seraphim · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2006, 11:58:41 PM »

I've been tryin to convince my company to switch over to LED's....however, their cheapness doesn't weigh in the long time cost effectiveness. A 20 dollar led bulb as opposed to a .50cent incandescent, but add in the power savings over time..(especially with current costs).....short sightedness can kill