Expert: LEDs could start replacing lightbulbs soon

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LED Avantages, Problems extra Savings

LEDs have great advantages in long life & low power consumption but there are a few problems as well as hidden advantages.

One major advantage often not mentioned is that because they do not have filaments, they do not have a problem with impact or vibration that can significantly reduce the life of conventional lamps.

The problems are that LEDs must never get over heated & must be kept strictly within their rated voltage & current. Currently manufacturers often don't keep within the LED specifications leading to the dead LEDs seen on cars & traffic lights etc. If they are put in a string, which is also common, then one dead LED can take out a whole string.

LEDs are encased in plastic so any hazardous materials used in them will not leach into the environment & water table like currently happens when lamps & fluorescent tubes get smashed in the trash now. Many fluorescent lamps & some bulbs contain mercury so when they get smashed that gets released.

Now for the extra savings. Mention has been made of LEDs remaining cool in use so fridges don't need to get rid of the additional heat, air conditioning doesn't need to work harder etc. One of the biggest hidden savings though will be in the reduced labour to maintain & replace lighting. Industrially, fluorescent tubes are replaced every couple of years so longer lamp life will be a huge saving, not to mention the amount of labour & additional costs when working on high & inaccessible light fittings.

The biggest hidden advantage is to do with the aggregate energy savings that could be had with wide spread LED use. The entire electricity supply system has to be designed for PEAK usage - the absolute maximum use that may occur for a few hours or a few days each year. This additional supply capacity is totally wasted the rest of the time but must be there when needed so our electricity bills include a premium to upgrade the system to allow for peak usage.

Because lighting is a significant proportion of the electricity usage, LEDs may allow for a reduced peak so having a further hidden saving.

Posted by: rxtxau   Posted on: 11/08/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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