Top R&D Achievements Honored at DOE Solid-State Lighting Workshop

February 05, 2010

Nine research and development project teams were honored at "Transformations in Lighting," the seventh annual U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solid-State Lighting (SSL) R&D Workshop, held in Raleigh, North Carolina. The three-day event brought together more than 350 researchers, manufacturers, and other industry insiders and observers interested in keeping up to date on the latest solid-state lighting technology developments.

The following organizations were recognized by DOE for significant breakthroughs and achievements in 2009, representing research conducted at large and small companies, universities, and research institutions:

Llight-emitting diodes (LEDs)

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs)  

• Sandia National Laboratories was recognized for its use of novel spectroscopy in improving the efficiency of green LEDs.
• University of Florida was recognized for achieving a record efficacy of 59 lm/W in a blue phosphorescent OLED.
• PhosphorTech Corporation was recognized for its work in developing advanced phosphor materials to increase the efficiency of LED lamps.
• Los Alamos National Laboratory was recognized for its efforts to develop new materials to lower the cost of OLED manufacturing.
• Cree, Inc. was recognized for significant improvements in its cool-white multichip LED prototype, which demonstrated record efficacy of 117 lm/W.
• Arkema, Inc. was recognized for its work in developing a lower-cost substitute for indium as a key component of OLED anodes.
• Osram Sylvania Development Inc. was recognized for demonstrating an efficient warm-white LED light engine for use in downlights.
• Universal Display Corporation was recognized for moving toward the development of commercially viable white OLED panels by fabricating a white OLED that achieves 68 lm/W.
• Philips Lumileds Lighting, LLC was recognized for improving warm-white LED performance by demonstrating an LED with an efficacy of 83 lm/W.

For more information about the DOE Solid-State Lighting R&D Portfolio, visit the R&D Projects page on EERE's Solid-State Lighting Web site. Workshop highlights and presentations will be posted on the EERE Solid-State Lighting Web site soon.

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

CHALLENGE DOE ENERGY STAR REQUIREMENTS FOR INTEGRAL LED LAMPS

Once Innovations, a Minnesota based research, development and manufacturing company with a firm focus on LED technologies announced today its intent to formally challenge newly finalized ENERGY STAR Eligibility Criteria for Integral LED Lamps.

"We feel that the increase in operating frequency requirements was erroneously based on speculation about visual flicker, which has nothing to do with energy conservation. The new 150 Hz criteria will hinder the introduction of low cost, energy savings AC LED lighting solutions, which is contrary to the goals of the ENERGY STAR program," stated Mr. Zdenko Grajcar, CEO and Chief Technology Officer at Once Innovations.

Grajcar went on to state, "We stipulate that 60 Hz luminous modulation (flicker) is likely to cause certain discomfort in some people. However, the majority of low frequency AC LED systems operate in the rectified mode, which effectively doubles the luminous modulation frequency to 120Hz for 60Hz mains in the United States. Despite many attempts, laboratory investigations have not found statistically significant effects of luminous modulation with frequencies over 100Hz on human performance, health, or comfort. We've collected studies with hundreds of pages of research material that show no evidence other than speculative statistics to support claims that luminous modulation over 100Hz is visible or harmful to human health. This change in frequencies will have a profoundly negative impact on the future of energy efficient lighting in the United States. As such, we feel we have no other choice but to challenge the DOE decision. At the same time, we strongly urge other manufacturers and users of AC LED technologies to do the same. "

"The last minute change to 150 Hz operating frequency raises a stumbling block to new low cost, high efficiency AC LED lighting technology, which promises tremendous energy savings potential in the U.S." added Mr. Craige Thompson, Chief Legal Officer at Once Innovations. Mr. Thompson went on to say, "The increase to 150 Hz appears to be arbitrary and applied in a way that discriminates against new, more efficient LED technologies in favor of other forms of light fixtures. The DOE should examine the relevant facts and articulate a rational connection between the facts and the frequency specification." Mr. Thompson explained, "The electrical grid in the U.S. operates on 60 Hz. Therefore, rectified topologies will operate at 120 Hz modulation. Generating frequencies above 150 Hz is generally much more complex and expensive. Before increasing the frequency requirement to 150 Hz for LED-based fixtures, the DOE should provide an opportunity for notice and comment pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act."

 
Once Innovations, Inc. is a privately held corporation that manufactures highly differentiated LED lighting using a visionary approach to research and product development - from unique designs with proprietary technologies through final production and distribution. Once was founded in 2008 by current CTO, Zdenko Grajcar, considered a pioneering rebel in LED technology for his remarkably unconventional thinking and relentless challenge to the industry status quo. The Once Innovations technology research, marketing, and product development campus is located in Plymouth, MN United States of America.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Moody
E: jmoody@onceinnovations.com
T: +1.763.381.5621
W: www.onceinnovations.com
5455 Highway 169 N
Plymouth, MN 55442
United States of America

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

Osram Life-cycle Assessment has concluded that "LED lamps are already today more than five times more efficient than incandescent lamps and future technical achievements offer additional potential for the coming years."

Read the LED life-cycle research! The total LCA also shows that the LED lamp is one of the most environmentally friendly lighting products.

The life-cycle assessment looks at manufacturing, usage and end of life realities.

An OSRAM study monitored the life cycle of an LED and an LED lamp. It´s outcome made it clear - LED lamps need less than 2% of their energy consumption for their manufacture - over 98% are used for their task: illuminating the world.

Click here for more information about this study.

The aim of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors' LCA is therefore to analyse the environmental impact of an LED lamp over its entire life and to compare it with a compact fluorescent lamp and an incandescent lamp. The relevant material and energy supplies were determined in detail for all the LED lamp's components and production processes. Apart from a detailed analysis of each individual production stage, for LED chips and lamp housings, for example, these also include all necessary transports such as the transport of an LED lamp from its production site in China to its place of installation in Europe.

Apart from direct input of raw materials, the energy input, materials and emissions associated with the retrieval of resources are recorded. The results allow for conclusions not only on resource consumption and primary energy input but also acidification, eutrophication, the greenhouse effect, ozone depletion and toxicity.

The bottom line is that LED are efficient

In the first LCA, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors show that LED lamps are a genuine alternative to incandescent lamps, even when considering the cumulative energy input and environmental factors.

Often these fundamentally different lamps were compared based on their wattage. Conventional lamps with filaments are way behind diode lamps. A 40 Watt incandescent lamp, for example, can either be replaced by an 8W compact fluorescent light or, for some applications, by an 8W LED lamp, which means an energy saving of 80 percent.

In order to guarantee the comparability of results in the LCA, a lifetime of 25,000 hours was chosen as reference. The latest LED lamp generation (Parathom Classic A55 with Golden Dragon Plus LED) achieves precisely this rating. Therefore, 25 incandescent lamps (OSRAM Classic A 40W) with a lifetime of 1,000 hours and 2.5 fluorescent lamps (Dulux Superstar Classic A 8W) lasting 10,000 hours have to be used for a comparison.

Over 98 percent of the energy used to produce light

The study was done in collaboration with experts at Siemens Corporate Technology, Centre for Eco Innovations and shows that similar to compact fluorescent lamps with LED-based lamps over 98% of the energy used is consumed to generate light. Less than two percent is allocated to production. This has dismissed any concern that manufacturing of LED particularly might be very energy-intensive. In contrast to the primary energy consumption of incandescent lamps of around 3,300kWh, LED lamps use less than 700kWh. The bottom line is that LED lamps are therefore definitely more efficient than conventional incandescent lamps. Apart from this, the ratings that indicate the lamps' effects on the environment are consistently better than those for incandescent lamps. As the efficiency of LED continues to increase, LED lamps will be capable of achieving even better LCA results in future. Three independent experts are currently verifying the findings of the internal study.

A summary of the study is available at www.osram-os.com/life-cycle-assessment.

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

More than 4,200 LR24 recessed LED luminaires are planned for installation in Wedge 5 of the Pentagon as part of a major renovation.

In a signing ceremony today at the Pentagon, John J. Kubricky, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Advanced Systems and Concepts, and Albert C. Ellet, acting director of the Washington Headquarters Service responsible for overseeing the renovation, signed an intra-departmental Memorandum of Agreement kicking-off the initiative to install LED lighting in the Pentagon.
 

The Cree LR24 luminaires have undergone extensive government testing and business-case analysis, including a preliminary Pentagon installation to meter the fixtures and compare the results to the alternative fluorescent technology.

This independent analysis demonstrated a 22% reduction in energy usage and improved light quality.

• The business-case analysis yielded a payback of less than four years.
• The payback analysis considered energy savings, lifetime maintenance savings, savings from reduced load on the HVAC system, and elimination of hazardous waste disposal fees for mercury-laden fluorescent bulbs.
• Extensive modeling was also performed to determine optimal lighting design--analyzing the light distribution and spacing to ensure superior lighting and energy efficiency.
• The Wedge 5 installation is estimated to save 140 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

"The U.S. federal government is taking a leadership role in energy efficiency for federal buildings both through existing mandates, as well as President-elect Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which calls for the renovation of public buildings to make them more energy efficient," said Chuck Swoboda, Cree chairman and chief executive officer. "Installations of highly efficient, low-maintenance LED lighting, like these in the Pentagon and in the U.S. Federal Reserve, demonstrate that the future of energy-efficient lighting is here today."

The LR24 units being used for the Pentagon renovation are being purchased from Cree by the Department of Defense's (DoD) Title III program as a part of its ongoing development program with Cree, and provided to the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), which oversees the Pentagon renovation program.

"The Title III program has long supported the development and deployment of SiC substrates and devices for use in high-power RF and power-switching applications for DoD systems," said John Palmour, Ph.D., Cree co-founder and chief technology officer for advanced devices. "The program realized the importance of ensuring a strong domestic supply of SiC substrates and related devices, and the potential growth of solid-state lighting in the U.S. This Pentagon lighting project is a perfect example of stimulating America's leadership in high-technology manufacturing yielding unique commercial and defense products, while saving energy. Title III funding was also used to develop the technology in Cree's lighting class XLamp® XR-E LED platform--the light source in the LR24 recessed LED luminaire."

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

Ruediger Mueller, CEO of Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH, said at the Electronica 2008 exhibition, that LED technology has the potential to lower light energy usage by 30 percent. This means total energy use could be slashed by 50 percent. He estimated that 19 percent of global electricity is used for lightning. The LED technology can help reduce light energy consumption by 30 percent, and by adding some intelligence, it goes to 50 percent.

Mueller noted overall LED efficiency has improved by a factor of 50 percent.

Read More at LEDInside.com

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

LED maker Cree, Inc., Durham, NC, has made the XLamp MC-E LED commercial available.

Cree says that the MC-E is the highest-lumen LED in the award-winning XLamp family. The multi-chip XLamp MC-E has the same 7mm x 9mm footprint as Cree's existing XLamp XR family LEDs. However, the company says that it provides four times the light output of the existing XR-E. Cree boasts that this is the highest lumen output commercially available for a package of its size.

Cree says the MC-E is designed to enable new applications and reductions in overall system cost to other LED packages.

At 9.8W, the XLamp MC-E LED provides up to 790 lumens at 6000K (80.61 lumens/W) and up to 605 lumens at 3000K (61.73 lumens/W).

The CRI for cool white and neutral white (3,700 K - 10,000 K CCT) is 75.

CRI for warm white (2,600 K - 3,700 K CCT) is 80.

Each LED chip in the four-chip package is individually addressable.

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

The multi-chip XLamp MC-E  retains the same 7mm x 9mm footprint as Cree’s existing XLamp XR family LEDs while providing four times the light output of the existing XR-E, the highest lumen output for a package of this size. This powerful combination is designed to enable new applications and reductions in overall system cost compared to other LED packages. At 9.8W, the XLamp MC-E LED being demonstrated provides up to 790 lumens at 6000K and up to 605 lumens at 3000K.

Secondary optics for the Xlamp MC-E LED are also being demonstrated by Carclo and Ledil/Marubeni.

The XLamp MC-E LEDs are targeted to be available for purchase in late 2008.

KramerLED luminaires

“For added design flexibility, our new line of KramerLED luminaires integrates the MC-E LED from Cree in combination with our proprietary NanoOptic refractors,” said Kramer Lighting president Al Ruud. “This combination of technology ensures each LED is used to its fullest potential for unsurpassed control, uniformity, and intensity.”

High lumen output in a small footprint

“Cree’s XLamp MC-E LED is a lighting-class solution designed to enable applications that require high lumen output in a small footprint,” said Norbert Hiller, Cree vice president and general manager for lighting LEDs. “Customers can increase design flexibility and reduce overall system cost over other, lower flux-output LED packages, without compromising on quality.”

For more information about Cree XLamp MC-E LEDs, visit www.cree.com/MCE.

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

Environmental Advantage for LEEDTM Certification by USGBC

LED lights offer numerous environmental benefits over other types of lighting for today's environmentally-conscious facilities and for buildings working toward LEED certification.

• Longer life ratings for less waste for landfills
  
• Daylight harvesting capabilities with solar power
  
• Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHs) compliant
• No mercury or lead is used in the product
  

Earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points by using KramerLED fixtures. See how by reviewing Kramer Lighting's  LED Lighting Systems in Sustainable Building Design brochure.

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

Auxiliary lighting on motorcycles

The "Night-time Awareness - Auxiliary Lighting" bill unanimously passed through the Maryland Senate  and the House in April 2008. This Motorcycle lighting legislation enables the front, rear, and sides of bikes to be illuminated using non-outwardly projecting lights. The bill was publicized to raise awareness for the National Highway Traffic Safety Association's motorcycle awareness week.

"Most motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, they are almost always the fault of the other vehicle, and usually the comment of the other vehicle is, we just didn't see him."

Police Sgt. Dave Ennis adds that "Anything that adds to the visibility of the rider, I think is a move in the right direction."

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

Carmanah Technologies Corporation  is providing solar-powered airfield lights for a United States Air Force installation in the Middle East.

The order, valued at approximately USD $463,000, will enable the facility to upgrade its five-year-old system of A702 solar-powered airfield lights with Carmanah's wireless, high-visibility A704-5 GEN II runway lights. The new airfield-lighting system will help ensure the safety of air traffic and airport personnel by providing bright and reliable lighting for taxiways and runways within this challenging environment.

Featuring Carmanah's top-of-the-line solar-powered A704-5 airfield lights, the new solar-powered system significantly improves visibility thanks to a revolutionary new optical lens and high-intensity LED light source that makes the new lights up to 40 times brighter. Dual-mode LEDs can be switched from visible to infrared mode (for use with night vision goggles), and configuration and control is quick and convenient using the onboard programmable interface or secure wireless controller.

Offering a quick and easy installation, versatile operation, and no scheduled maintenance for up to five years, the stand-alone solar-powered lighting system offers an effective and dependable alternative for improving airfield safety around the clock.

Industry proven for reliable operation in a range of environments, Carmanah solar-powered LED aviation lights are installed at some of the world's busiest airports, including Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dubai International Airport, Gatwick International Airport, Singapore Changi International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport. For more information, visit www.solarairportlights.com.

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

Vortex Vision Corporation, a pioneer of the rechargeable-battery flashlight market, has chosen Cree’s new XLamp XR-E power LEDs for five of its LED flashlight models.

Cree XLamp XR-E LEDs lead the industry in brightness and efficiency, critical features in battery-powered, portable lighting applications such as hand-held flashlights. XR-E LEDs also produce the high-quality, uniform white light required by flashlight manufacturers. The new white Cree XR-E LEDs produce typical luminous flux of 80 lumens at 350 mA, yielding 70 lumens per watt, and establish a new class of LED performance.

“We chose the Cree XLamp XR-E LED because it allows us to make very bright flashlights featuring long run times,” said Arne Ogaard, Vortex managing director. “The combination of the XLamp XR-E LED and the advanced Vortex technology ensures that our customers will have the most powerful Vortex Premium Aluminum Flashlights and TacLites available.”

“The rechargeable-battery flashlight market is focused on brightness and efficiency,” said Norbert Hiller, Cree general manager and vice president for XLamp power LEDs. “We are pleased that an industry pioneer, Vortex, has chosen Cree XLamp XR-E LEDs due to their superior performance and quality.”

For additional information on Cree XLamp power LEDs, please call (919) 313-5300 or visit www.cree.com/xlamp.

For additional information about Vortex LED flashlights, please call +1 951 695 5545 or visit www.vortexvision.us.

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

In 2007 CREE announced that its XLamp® LEDs would light up campsites around the world in Coleman® lanterns, flashlights and other outdoor lighting products.

The Coleman Company, Inc., one of the best-known manufacturers of lighting products and outside gear, is designing Cree’s new XLamp XR-E and XR-C power LEDs into all of its LED-lighting products.

“Coleman is converting all LED-based products to the Cree XLamp LED due to Cree’s advanced technology, common package size within the entire XLamp LED family and excellent support,” said Traci Willing, Coleman product manager for battery lighting. “As we roll out Cree LED-based lanterns, headlamps, flashlights, spotlights and specialty Exponent® products, we believe our customers will be thrilled with the brightness, runtime and overall performance of these new models.”

“We’re delighted that Coleman has selected Cree XLamp LEDs for its new LED lighting product lines,” said Norbert Hiller, Cree vice president and general manager for lighting LEDs. “Campers and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide can now join the LED lighting revolution.”

For additional information on Cree XLamp power LEDs, please call (919) 313-5300 or visit www.cree.com/xlamp.

For additional information about Coleman camping lanterns and flashlights, visit www.coleman.com.

About The Coleman Company, Inc.
The Coleman Company, Inc. is a  leader in the innovation and marketing of outdoor products, including its legendary lanterns, as well as stoves, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, coolers, furniture and grills. Coleman embraces its leadership role as an advocate for the outdoors, contributing to outdoor causes and inspiring people to get outside. Founded in 1900 and based in Wichita, Kan., Coleman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jarden Corporation.

About Cree, Inc.
Cree is a market-leading innovator and manufacturer of semiconductors and devices that enhance the value of solid-state lighting, power and communications products by significantly increasing their energy performance and efficiency. Key to Cree’s market advantage is its world-class materials expertise in silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) for chips and packaged devices that can handle more power in a smaller space while producing less heat than other available technologies, materials and products.

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

In September, 2007, Cree announced it achieved R&D results of 129 lumens per watt for a cool-white LED and 99 lumens per watt for a warm-white LED.

These are the best results reported for packaged, high-power LEDs, and indicate that Cree is extending its lead in solid-state lighting through its continued investments in LED technology.

The results have been verified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST’s tests confirmed that the cool-white (5,813 K) LED produced 135.7 lumens of light output and achieved 129 lumens per watt efficacy. The warm-white (2,950 K) LED produced 104.2 lumens of light output and achieved 99 lumens per watt efficacy. The institute tests LEDs at 350 mA and measures the output after five minutes of operation to ensure thermal stabilization.

In coming years, such investments in core LED technology could lead to products that replace traditional light sources in all commercial applications.


“To replace traditional light sources, LEDs need to provide both high light output and high efficacy,” comments John Edmond, Cree co-founder and director of advanced optoelectronics. “Cree continues to push the limits of LED performance in order to realize the potential of the LED lighting revolution – energy-efficient, long-lasting LED light.”

For more information on Cree high-power LEDs, please call (919) 313-5300 or visit www.cree.com.

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---

XLamp® LED was selected as the light source for a new lantern from MUJI of Japan. Cree’s XLamp LEDs were selected for their market leading performance.

MUJI assigned the lantern project to G-Com Co., Ltd., a Japanese-based original equipment manufacturer. The sleek MUJI lanterns can be used as table lights or portable torches. G-Com’s product design required a bright light source that generates very little heat. The complete lantern design also had to create an aesthetically pleasing product for MUJI’s high-end customer base. Cree’s XLamp LEDs were the natural choice to fulfill the requirements.

“We first chose Cree XLamp XR-E LEDs for MUJI’s high-power bicycle lights, and then again for the new lanterns. It is important to provide the best products for major brands such as MUJI,” said Tohru Chigusa, G-COM vice president. “We found that Cree XLamp LEDs offer the best brightness and lowest heat emission for packaged LEDs, and Cree’s sales and support people added great value to the product design process.”

For additional information on Cree XLamp power LEDs, please call (919) 313-5300 or visit www.cree.com/xlamp.

---

Green Directory: SolutionsForGreen.com ~ Certification Programs: GreenJobWizard.com

---