Light emitting diode (LED) based exit signs and traffic signals have fulfilled their promise of an energy-efficient, long-lasting, compact, and low-maintenance light source in real-world commercial and industrial applications by saving millions of kilowatt-hours of electricity and thousands of maintenance hours.
While a number of technological and economic challenges have combined to limit the availability of LED consumer products beyond these existing niches, this trend is changing: a number of sources have projected that LED-based lighting will gradually replace 25% to 30% of incandescent lighting applications by 2025. The intent of this report is to provide an overview of the market for LED-based lighting systems in the U.S. in order to inform the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (the Alliance) future funding and program decisions regarding this technology.
This report coverage is limited only to LED-based lighting products that is, devices that create light in the part of the spectrum that is visible to the human eye. To date, this includes LEDs that emit visible and to a small extent, ultraviolet energy. This study emphasizes so-called high brightness LEDs (HB LEDs), although there is no standard industry definition of the $1.8 billion market for HB LEDs currently. The report surveys the newest, brightest products, which are more assertively termed ultra-high brightness LEDs (UHB LEDs). In any case, this study does not address the older technology, lower brightness LEDs that are used as indicators on equipment, nor does it comprehensively address solid-state lighting, which includes organic light emitting diodes, or OLEDs.
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- Introduction
LED and LED Lighting Technology Overview
LEDs and Efficiency
LED Cost and Performance Trends
Efforts to Advance LED Technologies and Applications
Available LED Products for Near-Term Applications
- Barriers, Opportunities, and Next Steps
Barriers
Opportunities
Next Steps
Summary of Savings Potential
1. INTRODUCTION
2. LEDS: A TECHNOLOGICAL OVERVIEW
- LEDs: Born Out of Materials Science
LEDs are Layered Semiconductors
- Manufacturing the LED Wafer
The LED Package
LED: Colors and White
- The Human Eye and Color
LEDs Produce Colored Light
Using LEDs to Make “White Light”
LEDs and Phosphor Technology
Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)
3. LED LIGHTING: A CHIP IS NOT A LIGHT BULB
- LEDs and LED Lighting Systems Characteristics
4. LED PRODUCTION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
5. LEDs AND EFFICIENCY
- Measuring LED Light Output
LEDs and Conventional Lighting Metrics
Development of LED Metrics
LED Rated Life
6. LED COST AND PERFORMANCE TRENDS
7. EFFORTS TO ADVANCE LED TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
- Sources of LED R&D Funding
LED Incentive Programs
Non-Traffic Signal LED Incentive Programs
8. AVAILABLE LED PRODUCTS FOR NEAR-TERM APPLICATIONS
- LED Markets, Lighting Products, and Distribution Channels
DC-Powered LED Applications: Portable and Off-Grid
AC-Powered Appliances: Non-Architectural, Non-“Lighting” Applications
AC-Powered LED Lighting for the Built Environment, by Sector
Industrial
Commercial
Residential
Industrial Opportunities
- Aviation (& Shipping)
Traffic Signals
LED Commercial Signage
LED Exit Signs
LEDs in Retail Food and Beverage Displays
LED in Retail Lighting
LED Holiday Lights and Other Applications
9. LEDs: BARRIERS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS
- Barriers
Opportunities
Next Steps
- Market-Ready
Near-Term
Developmental
LED Lighting System Metrics
Summary of Savings Potential
Product Summary Matrix
- Exterior Architectural
Flexible Linear Lighting
Individual, small fixtures for steps, walls and pathways
Screw-Base Bulbs
Appendix B
- A LED Lighting Designer’s Perspective
LEDs in The Retail Market Place
Future trends in retail and features of LED lighting
Status of LED Products, from a Lighting Designer’s Perspective
Appendix C
- Summary of LED Barriers and Opportunities
Barriers
- Technological Barriers
Barriers to Comparing LEDs to other sources
Educational Barriers
Opportunities
- Design and Applications Opportunities
Safety Opportunities
Technological, Environmental and Market Opportunities
Appendix D
- Are Local Sign Companies familiar with LED Sign Products?
What LED Products do major lighting distributors have available?
Appendix F
Useful Examples of LED Informational Tools
REFERENCES
- Periodicals Reviewed
Articles Reviewed
List of Relevant Acronyms and Abbreviations
LED Product Manufacturers
LED Exterior Application Providers
Download
PDF Ebook LED Lighting Technologies and Potential for Near-Term Applications
