Led Thecnology Benefits
¿Which are the differences between LED bulbs and the traditional incandescent or fluorescent-low consumption (FLC)?
LED lighting is:
- More economical
- More efficient
- More durable
- More versatile
- Recyclable
Incandescent bulbs generate light as electricity traverses a metallic filament, which heats and emits light. 90% of the energy consumed is turned into heat.
Fluorescent - low consumption (FLC) bulbs generate light as electricity passes through a tube that contains certain gasses. The subsequent reaction creates ultraviolet light, which reacting with the phosphorous in the tube turns into visible light. 80% of the energy consumed by FLCs is turned into heat.
LED bulbs use diods to emit light in a very efficient way. The flow of electrons passing through a semiconductor material lights the LED. A small amount of heat is produced on the internal side of the LED.
How much more economical is using LED lighting?
Initially the cost of the LEd bulb is higher than a FLC bulb (approximately ten times more). The benefits are obtained in two ways:
- Much higher durability (five times more)
- Much lower consumption (less than half)
In the following table, costs and generated savings from LED lighting are explained:
|
|
LED |
FLC |
INCANDESCENT |
|
Estimated life |
50.000 hours |
10.000 hours |
1.200 hours |
|
Power (equivalent to 60w) |
6 |
14 |
60 |
|
Electricity consumption in 50 years. |
300 KWh |
700 KWh |
3.000 Kwh |
|
Approximate cost for 50.000 hours |
95$ |
160$ |
652$ |
Are there other advantages in LED lighting?
There are other parameters in which LED bulbs have an advantage:
|
|
LED |
FLC |
INCANDESCENT |
|
Instant On |
Yes |
Slight delay |
Yes |
|
Damages when turning on/off |
No effect |
Shortens life |
Some effects |
|
Mechanical resistance |
Resistant |
Fragile |
Fragile |
|
Emitted heat |
Low (3 btu/hour) |
Medium (30 btu/hour) |
High (85 btu/hour) |
|
Sensitivity to ambient temperature |
No |
Yes |
Medium |
|
Sensitivity to ambient moisture |
No |
Yes |
Medium |
|
Pollutants |
None |
Mercury |
None |
|
Substitutions per 50.000 hours |
1 |
5 |
40 |
Which is the real lighting power of LED bulbs?
Lighting power in Lumen emitted by LED bulbs compared with other technologies:
|
|
LED |
FLC |
INCANDESCENT |
|
Lumen |
Watt |
Watt |
Watt |
|
450 |
4 - 5 |
8 - 12 |
40 |
|
300 - 900 |
6 - 8 |
13 - 18 |
60 |
|
1100 - 1300 |
9 - 13 |
18 - 22 |
75 - 100 |
|
1600 - 1800 |
16 - 20 |
23 - 30 |
100 |
|
2600 - 2800 |
25 - 28 |
30 - 55 |
150 |
¿Which is the color temperture of LED bulbs?
LED bulbs offer different color temperatures, which are suitable for different uses. From the warmer ones (2,700K) to the colder ones (6,500 K)
¿For which uses is LED lighting recommended?
- At home (lamps, bath, kitchen, decorative)
- At the office (general and decorative)
- In commercial areas (general and decorative)
- In urban lighting (street lamps)
¿Which are the other advantages of LED lighting?
On top of all other advantages mentioned, the small size of LEDs makes possible to light in ways that were previously impossible. With LEDs, decoration projects can now include very innovative ligting designs in any environment.
