2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
Housing's bright idea
Installation of LED lighting in Wolf Village apartment could lead to more widespread use
Tyler Dukes
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Science & Tech
To the directors and vice chancellors of University Facilities and Housing, it seemed almost too good to be true.
A new type of lighting developed by a local company has the potential to drastically reduce power consumption by about 85 percent. It can theoretically last up to 20 years or more before burning out. It could reduce the number of fixtures in any given area while providing the same amount of light or more. And it even has a warmer glow than traditional fluorescent bulbs.
But Barry Olson, associate director of University Housing facilities, was initially skeptical of LED, or light-emitting diode, lighting.
For one, it's expensive. Olson said each of the light fixtures costs about $110.
So in mid-November, Olson said Housing decided to see what the LEDs could do. Over three days, University electricians spent about 16 hours retrofitting and replacing five lights purchased from Morrisville-based LLF Inc. in the main living areas of a Wolf Village apartment.
The results, Olson said, were amazing.
"I was a skeptic," Olson said. "The moment we did the install, I was believer."
He said the installation reduced the power consumption in the hallways and kitchens from 230 watts of fluorescent bulbs to 60 watts of LEDs.
"What we've seen is that we've increased the lighting dramatically," Olson said. "The beam of light it casts is just remarkable."
It's so bright, in fact, that Olson said residents of the room requested that Housing install dimmer switches to adjust the light level.
He said the color is also more warm and inviting, closer to incandescent bulbs.
"It's been amazing to see how quickly you can change an environment with lighting," Olson said.
According to Gary Trott, vice president of market development for LLF Inc., the color of the company's products is a mark of the evolution of LEDs themselves.
"It's not just off-the-shelf stuff," Trott said. "The color is much better than fluorescent."
A new type of lighting developed by a local company has the potential to drastically reduce power consumption by about 85 percent. It can theoretically last up to 20 years or more before burning out. It could reduce the number of fixtures in any given area while providing the same amount of light or more. And it even has a warmer glow than traditional fluorescent bulbs.
But Barry Olson, associate director of University Housing facilities, was initially skeptical of LED, or light-emitting diode, lighting.
For one, it's expensive. Olson said each of the light fixtures costs about $110.
So in mid-November, Olson said Housing decided to see what the LEDs could do. Over three days, University electricians spent about 16 hours retrofitting and replacing five lights purchased from Morrisville-based LLF Inc. in the main living areas of a Wolf Village apartment.
The results, Olson said, were amazing.
"I was a skeptic," Olson said. "The moment we did the install, I was believer."
He said the installation reduced the power consumption in the hallways and kitchens from 230 watts of fluorescent bulbs to 60 watts of LEDs.
"What we've seen is that we've increased the lighting dramatically," Olson said. "The beam of light it casts is just remarkable."
It's so bright, in fact, that Olson said residents of the room requested that Housing install dimmer switches to adjust the light level.
He said the color is also more warm and inviting, closer to incandescent bulbs.
"It's been amazing to see how quickly you can change an environment with lighting," Olson said.
According to Gary Trott, vice president of market development for LLF Inc., the color of the company's products is a mark of the evolution of LEDs themselves.
"It's not just off-the-shelf stuff," Trott said. "The color is much better than fluorescent."
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Kevin
posted 1/29/08 @ 4:31 PM EST
Who makes these models they are writing about. I would like to see them if they are in the market and buy them one day. I have seen many LED's, but not a full spectrum setup yet. (Continued…)
freddyxk
Kevin
posted 1/29/08 @ 4:33 PM EST
Who makes these models they are writing about. I would like to see them if they are in the market and buy them one day. I have seen many LED's, but not a full spectrum setup yet. (Continued…)
freddyxk
Kevin
posted 1/29/08 @ 4:35 PM EST
Who makes these models they are writing about. I would like to see them if they are in the market and buy them one day. I have seen many LED's, but not a full spectrum setup yet. (Continued…)
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