Economist article on LEDs

[T-Rex]

Most of this won't be shocking news, but it might be good for those who have yet to be initiated into the world of light.

Economist LED article

EDIT: The best white LEDs on the market emit 25 lm/W, which is almost twice as efficient as an equivalent tungsten-filament light bulb, but barely a third as good as a fluorescent tube. To become competitive, the devices need to reach 80 lm/W. To rule the world, 150 lm/W is probably required.

I need to get a life, posting at 2:45 am.

 

[Icebreak]

T-Rex -

That was informative. I'll have to check out "The Economist" more often. Among other things, this explains the difficulty in designing whites and seems to explain angry blue and d.u. greenies.

Thanks

 

[Jonathan]

The statement about efficiency is a bit flawed. The best white LEDs on the market are in the 25 lm/W range (and can go higher when underdriven), and the best tungsten-filament lamps of the same size as these LEDs are not very efficient, but once you get into the 10W range for xenon/halogen gas fill tungsten-filament lamps can get into the 25 lm/W range.

-Jon

 

[lemlux]

Jonathan:

I had the same reaction to the article as you did. I further note that you are cautiously 10% conservative in your statement about 10W Xenon/Halogens.

The most efficient Xenon/Halogen W/A bulbs in the 10W range are rated between 27 and 28 Lm/W at design voltage. More variety is available at the 25 Lm/W you mention.

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Nice article and politically neutral. The Economist has a reputation for being a socialist/communist platform.

When things are going good, you can generally count on politicians to step in and muck it up. Hmmm... LED Tax anyone??