Recently in Government LED Light Applications Category

The California Department of Transportation has been involved with the development of LED traffic signal modules for more than a decade. The recent energy crisis played a key role in speeding up the statewide conversion from incandescent lights to LEDs.

The Institute of Transportation Engineer's Future Directions Advisory Committee (FDAC) was appointed to identify and consider the trends and issues facing the Institute and the transportation profession. The FDAC gathered and reviewed information on transportation issues and identified trends:

• continuing increase in demand for transportation;
• Population increases and urbanization increase traffic flows
  
• traffic congestion;
• Progarmmable controllers and LED lights can improve communications and monitor/measure and adapt to traffic congestion
  
• transportation programs to help meet air quality and energy goals;
• Think saving energy, reducing greenhouse gases and reducing wasted mileage on the streets
  
• greater mix of revenue sources for transportation;
• Think BLUE LEDs on traffic signals to identify traffic violations!
  
• federal government setting the direction for transportation programs;
• Think funding...and ubiquitious traffic communications for tourism and travelers
  
• operations and demand management taking precedence over increasing capacity;
• Less is better...especially vehicles on the road.  Less oil consumption, less congestion, less accidents, less infrastructure costs...
  
• intelligent vehicle highway systems
• Programmable systems adapt to changing conditions and can even be predictive and take immediate steps to reroute traffic, etc. 
  

2008 -  McCain Incorporated introduced their 2070L Advanced Traffic System Controller Unit. The McCain 2070L controller has been approved by CalTrans and is designed to meet Transportation Electrical Equipment Specifications (TEES). 

The 2070L is a ruggedized multitasking field processor and communications system that can be easily configurable for traffic management applications.

This industry standard controller is used in various cabinet styles such type 332, 334, 336, 333, 332D, NEMA as well as the new ITS Cabinets. This versatile controller utilizes an OS-9 operating system, which mated with various off-the-shelf firmware packages is a powerful controller unit.

The McCain 2070L controller also exceeds the Joint AASHTO/ITE/NEMA Advanced Transportation Controller Specifications.  The design of the McCain 2070L is flexible to meet specific user needs; it is capable of multitasking with each unit running multiple applications and is physically compatible with Model 170 and 170E controllers and facilities. 

The backlit crystal display has 8 lines of 40 characters.

For more information on the McCain CalTrans approved 2070L or any of our products, contact McCain Incorporated today at info@mccain-inc.com

Established in 1987, McCain Incorporated designs and manufactures state-of-the-art traffic management and testing technology, including vehicle signals, pedestrian signals, traffic controllers and cabinets, the hardware and software for programmable CMS signs, and Amber Alert signs.  An industry leader throughout North America and 11 foreign nations, the company’s software division has produced the technology that controls more than 40,000 intersections, and more than 150 sophisticated traffic management systems.  McCain Incorporated has a solid history in the industry as well as a strong record of service backing product innovations.  Get to know McCain’s products.  But, more importantly, get to know the people behind the products.

Keeping people safe on streets, at intersections and even in parking lots requires a variety of vehicle signals, pedestrian signals, traffic controllers and cabinets, programmable CMS signs, and advanced transit management systems.

Not only is safety a concern, but the liveability and beauty of our urban communities are impacted by lights, poles and wires.  Decorative poles and lighting fixtures improve  the  mood of people, both residents and travelers.

Quality pays in long term, low maintenance investment. Parts cast whole or in components and welded together prior to application of finish is a sign of quality.  Connecting hardware made of stainless steel socket head style bolts accessible from outside the base improves easy installation. Finish colors made with TGIC polyester powder coating can extend the life of the installation. LED lights provide lower energy costs and lower maintenance -- a real savings for cash-strapped municipal budgets.

Decorative Lighting installations can feature design and quality construction for savings:
    Ornamental Traffic Signal
    Street Lighting

Management and testing technology for safety includes:

Vehicle signals
Pedestrian signals
Traffic controllers and cabinets
Hardware and software for programmable CMS signs
Amber Alert signs

 

The LED industry is expected to boom on the adoption, deployment and benefits of LED lighting by the end of this year, according to an independent survey conducted at the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair.

The survey, conducted by solid-state lighting components marketer Cree, found that LED lighting will become the most commonly used in offices, parking garages and residential outdoor applications.

The survey confirms a strong global demand increase for LED lighting products. It reveals that, globally, an increased awareness is developing around the benefits of energy-efficient LEDs. According to Cree, this indicates that the adoption trend should continue through to the end of the decade.

The survey found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of the respondents have experienced a growth rate in excess of 20% for LED lighting products in their businesses during the last six months.

Almost two-thirds of the respondents (63%) said that they believed that LED lighting would be accounting for 50% of their sales and installations by 2009.

The respondents expect the LED lighting market to grow within a variety of application areas, with  the highest being:

• Street and parking at 20%,
  
• Indoor residential at 17%,
  
• Retail and display at 17% and
  
• Office at 15%

Survey respondents represent top decision-makers and lighting manufacturers who attended the 2007 Hong Kong International Lighting Fair, which is the largest lighting show in Asia and the second-largest in the world. Nearly one-half of the survey respondents were from outside Asia, reflecting the survey’s global reach.

“The survey results present us with a clear and positive picture of LED lighting growth patterns and expectations from leaders in fixture design and manufacturing. “The survey also shows an increasing demand for high-quality, energy-efficient LED lighting,” says Cree director of corporate marketing Greg Merritt.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, in 2000 there were 106,000 crashes from running RED LIGHTS, with 89,000 injuries and 1,036 deaths.

Blue lights above traffic signals  are called "tattletale lights" or "red light confirmation lights." Whenever the traffic signal is red, the blue light is on.

Police previously had to testify that a vehicle was in an intersection when it ran a red light.

Now, officers only have to see the blue light to know the vehicle ran the red signal.

Florida Department of Transportation officials are paying for the lights at intersections on state roads in nine Central Florida counties, reported a representative from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Originally, the DOT put up small white lights at a cost of about $100 each. The DOT is switching to less-expensive blue lights, which are LED (light emitting diodes) that run cooler and need less maintenance.

Running a red light in Florida can bring a fine of $188.50.

Violators also face adding three or four points to their driving record, unless they complete a state-approved driver-safety course.

Future Lighting Solutions is a division of Future Electronics – the 3rd largest electronic components distributor in the world, Future Lighting Solutions is dedicated to the LED lighting industry. With more than 7 years of power LED experience, Future Lighting Solutions is a pioneer in delivering comprehensive, worldwide LED lighting solutions support.

Future Lighting Solutions offers customers LED lighting knowledge, resources, programs, partners, solutions and logistics support, focused on enabling the adoption of LUXEON®-based solid state lighting technology. The have build a team of  LED lighting experts, specialized partners, and have developed an exclusive worldwide relationship with Philips Lumileds Lighting.

Applications served by Future Lighting Solutions include:

SYLVANIA LED lighting products are rated by several certification agencies to provide customers with choice to meet their commercial and residential lighting needs, requirements and prerequisites for green building rating systems.

Three widely recognized lighting quality and application systems are listed below.  Sylvania products are regularly submitted for these kinds of certification and compliance programs.  Check their website for specific technical informatino.
 

In 2007 Cree and Raleigh, North Carolina, Launch Nation’s First “LED City” with Cost-Saving Municipal Lighting

Raleigh Recognizes Greater than 40 Percent Energy Savings as Municipal Garage Switches to LED Lighting.

Cree, Inc., a U.S.-based leader in LED solid-state lighting components, and the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, the anchor city in a rapidly growing metro area, developed a joint, city-wide initiative to test, deploy and promote LED technology focused on a variety of general lighting applications.

The “LED City” initiative will create a “living laboratory” to deliver the economic, environmental and usage benefits of LED lighting to the urban residents.

The first project is focused on validating both the cost savings and technology capabilities of LEDs through an installation of LED lighting in the City’s Municipal Building parking deck.

Both Cree and Raleigh public officials expect the initiative to serve as a model for other cities that are considering implementing energy-efficient infrastructures.

As part of the commitment to creating an “LED City,” Raleigh plans to deploy LED lighting, through its living-laboratory initiative, to serve a number of lighting applications over the next 18 months including:

• garage and parking lot lights
• street lights
• architectural and accent lighting
• portable lighting
• pedestrian and walkway lighting

Cree, the City of Raleigh and Lighting Science Group Corporation (OTCBB: LSGP) of Dallas, TX, also announced initial results of the first installation of the LED City initiative. LED-based lighting fixtures, provided by Lighting Science Group, were installed by Amtech Lighting Services in the Raleigh Municipal Building parking deck in December 2006. Progress Energy, Raleigh’s primary electric utility provider, says the floor equipped with LED lights uses over 40 percent less energy than the standard lighting system. Plus, according to Progress Energy’s research, the quality of light in the garage is greatly improved.

“The economic benefits for municipalities to invest in LEDs are clear – they

• save energy
• reduce environmental impact
  
• improve the quality of light

As leaders in one of America’s fastest growing cities, it’s our civic responsibility to invest in the future and ensure the highest possible quality of life and safety for our citizens in generations to come,” stated Charles Meeker, Raleigh mayor. “We believe that the cost savings and benefits of LED lighting are real and achievable today.”

“Today’s announcement represents a milestone toward large-scale adoption of clean, energy-efficient technologies,” commented Kateri Callahan, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Alliance to Save Energy (ASE).

“Raleigh’s progressive commitment to becoming the first ‘LED City’ will no doubt serve as a model for other cities seeking to improve energy consumption and reduce negative impacts on the environment. We commend Cree and the City of Raleigh for helping support our mission of achieving a healthier economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security.”

“The City of Raleigh is willing to set the pace, and we invite other municipalities to join us in developing energy-efficient civic centers,” said Chuck Swoboda, Cree CEO and chairman. “This leading-edge effort establishes an important driver for LED adoption within the United States.”

About the City of Raleigh, N.C.
The City of Raleigh is the municipal government for North Carolina’s capital city. Raleigh’s  reputation for the high quality of living has grown the population to more than 350,000. The City is proud to provide the leadership, direction and daily services that have contributed to Raleigh being among America’s most livable cities.

About Lighting Science Group Corporation
Lighting Science Group Corporation (www.lsgc.com) designs and sells highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting solutions based on its proprietary Optimized Digital Lighting® (ODL®) technology. The Company's patented and patent-pending designs and manufacturing processes enable affordable, efficient and long-lasting LED-based lighting systems to be quickly deployed in existing lighting applications and produce immediate cost savings and environmental benefits. Products include low bay fixtures for parking garages and industrial facilities, MR-16, R30, R25, G11, G25, candelabra and flame tip bulbs, which can be purchased at store.lsgc.com.

About Cree, Inc.
Cree is a market-leading innovator and manufacturer of semiconductors and devices in solid-state lighting, power and communications products for energy performance and efficiency. Key to Cree’s market advantage is its 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.

Cree licenses its  technology into multiple applications, including  alternatives in brighter and more-tunable light for general illumination, backlighting for more-vivid displays, optimized power management for high-current, switch-mode power supplies and variable-speed motors, and more-effective wireless infrastructure for data and voice communications. Cree customers range from lighting-fixture makers to defense-related federal agencies.

Cree’s product families include blue and green LED chips, lighting LEDs, LED backlighting solutions, power-switching devices and radio-frequency/wireless devices. For additional product specifications please refer to www.cree.com.

LED City Initiative Yields Benefits Beyond Energy Efficiency

When Raleigh, N.C., the first LED City, and Cree, Inc. turned on new  LEDs in the municipal parking garage, people’s opinion of the quality of the lighting improved threefold.

Survey Shows Public Feels Safer in City Spaces Lit by LEDs

Raleigh exchanged the previous garage fixtures and their dull orange light for LED fixtures with bright white light, and people felt safer. The number of respondents who perceived the garage as “very safe” increased by 76 percent after the LED fixtures were installed, according to a survey by Mindwave Research of Austin, Texas.

Cree produces LEDs that provide a new source of energy-efficient light that can serve as the foundation for cost-effective lighting solutions. Lighting Science Group Corporation of Dallas, Texas, supplied the LED fixtures installed in the Raleigh garage.

“LED technology provides a clear benefit to municipal infrastructure, as well as to the citizens it serves,” said Charles Meeker, mayor of Raleigh. “This survey shows that LEDs can do more than improve light quality. In addition to the proven environmental and energy efficiency benefits the city has already documented, the survey shows that LEDs’ bright white light can help improve public feelings of safety in city spaces.”

The survey results showed that the parking garage generated a more positive reaction from most of the respondents after the addition of LED fixtures:

• Both men and women felt significantly safer post-installation: 74 percent rated the garage as feeling “very safe,” while only 2 percent did not feel safe. These figures contrast with the pre-installation numbers: Only 42 percent felt “very safe” with the original lighting, and 13 percent did not feel safe.
• The percentage of respondents who gave the garage an overall rating of “excellent” increased by 100 percent. The number of people who rated it as “poor” decreased from 8 to 1 percent.
• The lighting quality of the garage was “excellent” according to 86 percent of the respondents, a 258-percent increase from pre-installation respondents. The number of people who rated it as “poor” decreased from 18 to 2 percent.
• The cleanliness of the parking garage was perceived as “excellent” by 76 percent of the respondents, while only 58 percent rated it this way before the LEDs were installed, showing a 31-percent increase.

Raleigh agrees to become the nation’s first LED City.

The LED City initiative focuses on installing LED lighting, based on Cree’s energy-efficient LEDs, throughout the city to save energy and money and boost the quality of life for its residents by using the best lighting technology commercially available. As a result, the city has improved the energy savings and lighting of its municipal city parking facility, the first of a series of projects aimed at delivering the environmental and economic benefits of LED lighting throughout Raleigh’s “living laboratory.”

Research Note:
The two surveys of 200 people each were conducted on behalf of Cree, Inc. by Mindwave Research, Inc. The pre-installation survey was conducted November 11-13, 2006, and the post-installation survey was conducted February 5-8, 2007. 

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.

Cree drives its increased performance technology into multiple applications, including exciting alternatives in brighter and more-tunable light for general illumination, backlighting for more-vivid displays, optimized power management for high-current, switch-mode power supplies and variable-speed motors, and more-effective wireless infrastructure for data and voice communications. Cree customers range from innovative lighting-fixture makers to defense-related federal agencies.

Cree’s product families include blue and green LED chips, lighting LEDs, LED backlighting solutions, power-switching devices and radio-frequency/wireless devices. For additional product specifications please refer to www.cree.com.

The Tianjin Economic Development Area (TEDA) in China has joined the LED City™ program. The LED City program is an international initiative to promote and deploy energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lighting. TEDA is the first city area in China to join a rapidly growing consortium of cities in evaluating and deploying LED lighting technology across their municipal infrastructures.

Student Led LED Project!

TEDA partnered with Tianjin Polytechnic University in a large, student-produced LED street lighting project. Twenty graduate students directed by Professor Pingjuan Niu, Ph.D., designed, produced and installed approximately 1,500 LED streetlights. These  LED fixtures  illuminate 15 kilometers along the university’s streets.

“LED lighting not only reduces significantly the amount of energy we use for illumination, it also does not contain toxic materials such as mercury or lead. In addition to the energy and cost benefits, TEDA and the Tianjin Polytechnic University support the development and manufacturing of high-quality LED fixtures in our region for even greater economic benefit,” noted Ai Yaming, TEDA vice chairman.

“LED technology is the most important new development for energy and cost savings in the lighting industry. Our university, its students and TEDA are developing expertise in making the best quality LED lighting with the intent to help accelerate the adoption of LED lighting in China and to increase the economic opportunity for our region,”  said Niu, professor of the solid-state lighting R&D center at Tianjin Polytechnic University.

“The LED street lighting project at Tianjin Polytechnic University is impressive in scale and in the level of quality achieved by Dr. Niu and her students. We encourage other Chinese cities and universities to join with these innovators to help us work to significantly reduce the amount of energy used for lighting throughout the world and to accelerate the adoption of this new technology through innovative design and manufacturing here in China,” noted Chris James, Cree vice president of marketing.

About LED City
The LED City is an expanding community of government and industry parties working to evaluate deploy and promote LED lighting technology across the full range of municipal infrastructure to:

* Save energy
* Protect the environment
* Reduce maintenance costs
* Provide better light quality for improved visibility and safety

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 22 percent of electricity used in the U.S. powers lighting. In a world with soaring energy prices based on the availability and control of fossil fuels, and with growing concern about sustainability of the environment, a revolution in lighting is long overdue.

About Tianjin and Tianjin Economic Development Area
Tianjin is China’s third largest city, an independent municipality with a population of 9.5 million that is a major commercial and industrial center as well as the biggest port in north China. About 137 kilometers (85 miles) southeast of Beijing, Tianjin is situated at the confluence of five tributaries of the Haihe River, 50 km from the Gulf of Bohai.

Tianjin is best known for its streetscapes of colonial-era buildings, a residue of its status as a Treaty Port after 1858. Now a center of multinational businesses concentrated in the new satellite city known as TEDA (Tianjin Economic Development Area), Tianjin has an extensive modern infrastructure, and is known for the high quality of its industrial products.

About Tianjin Polytechnic University
Tianjin Polytechnic University was founded in 1912, providing an education program for bachelor, master’s, doctorate and post-doctorate degrees. The campus occupies 600,000 square meters with 310,000 square meters of floor space in Tianjin City. The Tianjin Polytechnic University is also the location for the Ministry of Education labs, which are the home to the national post-doctoral research station. The University has 14 faculties with a total enrollment of over 15,000 students in the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs. Tianjin Polytechnic University is involved in international educational programs with 50 universities located in Japan, Germany, Canada, the US and 20 other countries.

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.