CAROL JONES PNNL

At the June Program Meeting, Carol Jones of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory presented a technology update for light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Her PNNL colleague, Linda Sandahl, detailed the Department of Energy’s progress in a reflector compact fluorescent lamp (R-CFL) procurement.

Because monochromatic LEDs use far less energy than incandescent bulbs in certain applications, such as traffic signals, the potential uses of white LEDs are being researched. More and more manufacturers are showing interest, too.

“There are many new LEDs and packages now available on the market.” said Jones.

Current LED technology is not appropriate for every end-use but certain applications are generally accepted as suitable for this technology. These applications include refrigerated case lights, portable desk lights and under-cabinet lights.

“LEDs are best for applications with modest illuminance requirements and where the source is relatively close to the area needing illumination,” Jones said.

Additional research and development are needed in order for white LEDs to reach their energy-efficiency potential. At this time, the luminous efficacy of white LEDs is somewhere between incandescent and CFL sources, and there is a clear trade-off between color quality and lumens-per-watt. However, the technology is progressing rapidly.

As the widespread use of LEDs in these applications becomes closer to reality, test procedures are being developed for total luminous flux, luminous intensity, color, electrical usage and lamp life.

DOE’s technology procurement for reflector CFLs aims to assist manufacturers in overcoming the challenges of operating CFLs in recessed cans. These challenges include reduced light output, shortened product life and poor lumen maintenance in the elevated temperature environment.

During the residential lighting breakout session, Sandahl described two phases of the technology procurement. She said that Phase I produced three winners, two from Philips Lighting and one by FEIT Electric.

In Phase II, additional entries were sought and four proposals, representing 31 models, were received. Preliminary test results from the Phase II products are available at www.pnl.gov/rlamps.

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