The Incandescent Lamp is on Its Way Out – LEDs are Ready
The second stage of the EU incandescent light bulb ban is coming into effect – LED lamps are already replacing standard lamps in many areas. On 1 September 2010 the second stage of the phase-out went into effect: since last year it has no longer been allowed to market matt or 100W light bulbs, now the same applies to 75W versions. But there is no need to regret the passing of the incandescent light bulb: LED lamps are able to replace inefficient light bulbs 1:1 in many areas, saving up to 90 percent energy. Light emitting diode technology from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors makes it possible: the small LEDs stand out through their long lifetime, robustness, energy efficiency, flexibility and environmental friendliness.
In addition to being used in mobile phone displays, computers and car headlights, the compact diodes are now also becoming firmly established in general lighting. Their energy efficiency is their most impressive asset: where an incandescent lamp converts only three to five percent of applied energy into light, the figure for LEDs is already over 30 percent. An significant difference. For colored light the almost intangible 0.5 percent for incandescent light bulbs is compared with the impressive 40 percent of colored LEDs. The reason for this is obvious: LEDs are able to directly produce light in different colors. Other lamps require filters, such as colored glass, which has a massive effect on the lamp’s degree of efficiency. But the efficiency of the LED has by no means reached its ultimate stage of refinement. LED technology is still young and developments in chip technology, in casings and integrated optics will continue to provide more usable light.
Retrofits, lamps that can be simply screwed into the luminaire without alterations, enable easy replacement of light bulbs at home or in the office. With its Parathom range, OSRAM also offers an alternative to 60W in addition to the 40W version: the first LED lamp in the shape of a light bulb that is able to wholly replace the old 60W power guzzlers.
High-performance LEDs from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors in LED lamps ensure that users and consumers can benefit from energy savings for a long time. With a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours, the diodes are longlasting and also LED lamps are far ahead of other conventional technologies such as fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps. In addition, LEDs are also environmentally friendly, as they contain neither mercury nor other hazardous substances. A lifecycle analysis, including all aspects such as raw materials, production, transport and disposal of LED lamps, has also shown that these obtain the ecological balance levels of compact fluorescent lamps and are far superior to incandescent light bulbs.
In addition to being used in mobile phone displays, computers and car headlights, the compact diodes are now also becoming firmly established in general lighting. Their energy efficiency is their most impressive asset: where an incandescent lamp converts only three to five percent of applied energy into light, the figure for LEDs is already over 30 percent. An significant difference. For colored light the almost intangible 0.5 percent for incandescent light bulbs is compared with the impressive 40 percent of colored LEDs. The reason for this is obvious: LEDs are able to directly produce light in different colors. Other lamps require filters, such as colored glass, which has a massive effect on the lamp’s degree of efficiency. But the efficiency of the LED has by no means reached its ultimate stage of refinement. LED technology is still young and developments in chip technology, in casings and integrated optics will continue to provide more usable light.
Retrofits, lamps that can be simply screwed into the luminaire without alterations, enable easy replacement of light bulbs at home or in the office. With its Parathom range, OSRAM also offers an alternative to 60W in addition to the 40W version: the first LED lamp in the shape of a light bulb that is able to wholly replace the old 60W power guzzlers.
High-performance LEDs from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors in LED lamps ensure that users and consumers can benefit from energy savings for a long time. With a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours, the diodes are longlasting and also LED lamps are far ahead of other conventional technologies such as fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps. In addition, LEDs are also environmentally friendly, as they contain neither mercury nor other hazardous substances. A lifecycle analysis, including all aspects such as raw materials, production, transport and disposal of LED lamps, has also shown that these obtain the ecological balance levels of compact fluorescent lamps and are far superior to incandescent light bulbs.
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