Every now and then, there comes a new player in town that changes the game forever. This can be said to be true for LEDs. The use of light-emitting diodes, also known as LEDs, has increased over the years. Major retailers are now stocking up on LEDs that can be used in lighting various spaces, including residential areas, office interiors, outdoor etc. Different spaces have different lighting needs. These needs can also be satisfied by precise lighting technologies. There are many lighting technologies currently available in the lighting market.
LEDs are now completely replacing conventional lighting technologies. The reasons for using LEDs may vary. However, one thing that remains true is that LEDs are the future with their unmatched durability, among others. Their list keeps growing, and they now include stadium lights, billboards, streetlights and automotive lighting. There are many different LEDs. However, some are more commonly used by others.
Commonly Used Lighting Technologies Globally
1. Compact Flourescent
This lighting consists of a fluorescent lamp that comes in a compact shape. The mid-section is made of polycarbonate, which controls the lamp’s power circuitry. The base has the Edison screw and is used to mount the lamp on a typical luminescent lamp socket.
This fluorescent lamp has an Argon filled glass tube, and the tube has small amounts of mercury. This light also has filaments located at the tube ends and are typically coated using Boron. Boron is used as it helps with the emission of electrons. The electrons use the filaments to move across the tube. As they move, they will come in contact with the mercury and then the mercury atoms are the ones that will emit the UV light. This UV light moves through a phosphor coating and is converted to light visible to the naked eye. So, the more the collision, the more the light that will be given out. Other features of this fluorescent lamp include: Preheat, ignite, and run operating points. Working voltage range of 50 Vac – 150 Vac and operating frequency of about 50kHz
2. Tubular Fluorescent
The electrical characteristics of tubular fluorescent lamps are similar to those of compact fluorescents’. However, its control circuit has extra protection and performance requirements. Its control circuit needs to protect against the different line and lamp faults.
It has a ballast that is required to handle all transitory voltage spikes. This light also has a PFC circuit and boost-type topology, making it a favourite solution to many. PFC provides sinusoidal current input, which corresponds with input voltage. It also ensures ta the dc voltage bus is regulated and thus is always at a constant level.
3. Halogen
These use the tungsten filament, which comes encased in a quartz envelope. The electrical current heats the filament and can heat up to over 2500 degrees Celcius. As such, atoms are excited by the heat. A halogen’s quartz envelop the filament, and this keeps it from melting. The gas found in the envelope is made up of gas found in the halogen group. When under high temperatures, it will come in contact with the tungsten atoms. This happens as the atoms evaporate then re-deposited on the filament.
4. High-density discharge
These lamps are available in sodium or mercury vapour form and are typically used as outdoor lighting or street lights for stadiums. Their brightness and efficiency are what made them famous. Sodium vapours are even twice as efficient when compared to standard fluorescent bulbs.
5. LED (Light-Emitting Diode)
LEDs have always been attractive sources of light. They do not consume a lot of power and have a very long life. A few years back, LEDs only had a few colour choices and low light levels. Now, LEDs have high brightness and can be found in many colours. This has made it easy for them to be used in general-purpose applications. For example, mood lighting, display, traffic lights and emergency lighting.
Why LEDs are Preferred
1. Lifespan:
LED luminaires last up to 5 times longer than other lightings. They also lumen efficacy slowly, thus delivering better performance. This, in turn, means lower material and maintenance costs and less waste taken to the landfills.
2. Efficiency
Their brilliant performance is excellent and has minor power requirements. Using them will see you save up on energy up to 35%.
3. Costs
While some LEDs may be more costly than other lighting solutions, they are more economical in the long run. Thanks to their energy-saving ability and reduced costs, LEDs will give you a much better ROI.
4. Colour
LEDs now have colour rendition, which is particularly useful when used in sports venues hosting high-definition TV broadcasts.
5. Plug-and-Play
Compared to other lighting solutions, LEDs will give you full brightness the minute they get switched on. You won’t have to wait for it t warm up to enjoy maximum brightness. Moreover, LED’s light output doesn’t depreciate fast over time.
6. Focus
There are some lighting technologies that deliver light Omni-directionally, and this results in wastage and scattered light. LEDs are focused, and all the light they emit is directed in the area that needs illuminating.
7. Light pollution
LEDs minimize pollution caused by light. They can do so thanks to their directional lighting abilities. The fact that LEDs require little energy means that they won’t cause greenhouse gas releases.
8. Durability
LEDs are a real solid deal, in the literal sense. They have also been called solid-state lighting because LEDs use semiconductors. These lights are also more resistant to extreme weather conditions, impact and vibrations.
9. Creativity
LEDs can be dimmed with ease. On top of an excellent colour rendition, they can be used in conjunction with high-end control technologies. Each light can also be controlled individually.
Conclusion
Lighting technologies have experienced efforts and challenges, all in an effort of meeting man’s demands. This has, in turn, seen the introduction of many different and fantastic lighting technologies applied in various settings. LEDs currently rule the lighting industry, and this trend is bound to increase with advancements in technology and innovation.
