Emerging Outdoor Lighting Technologies By Tom Tate Emerging technologies for out-
door lighting are coming in the form of new controls and networking capa- bilities. More on that shortly, but first, here is a quick recap of the lighting family tree. All electric light sources have a
common ancestor – Tomas Edison’s incandescent bulb. Most of us think of the incandescent bulb as strictly residential in application, but in the beginning, it was all we had to work with. As a result, incandescent bulbs of various sizes were used for outdoor lighting. Unfortunately, incandescent bulbs have a relatively short life, and early versions had a relatively weak output. Still, any light on previously dark streets was an improvement. As interest in energy conservation
began to take hold, new bulbs sur- faced, including high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps and compact florescent (CFL) bulbs. Today, light emitting diode (LED)
light sources shine in the spotlight. Tese light sources have a number of advantages: • LEDs use less energy. Replacing
an HPS light with an LED alterna- tive delivers an immediate 50 percent increase in energy savings. • Te color of light produced
is much more appealing and can be tuned if desired. • Light from an LED source is
easily focused to eliminate light pollu- tion.
• LED sources have longer life
spans. • LED sources are much more
durable since there are no filaments or electrodes to be damaged. As mentioned in the beginning of
this article, the next technological ad- vances in outdoor lighting are coming in the areas of control and network- ing. Control of outdoor lights today is
pretty rudimentary and focused solely on turning them on and off at particu- lar times or in response to motion. LEDs are electronic devices and
lend themselves especially well to con- trol and networking strategies. What might be the capabilities garnered from advanced control and network- ing of outdoor LED lights? • Ever notice that some street-
lights seem to be out for a long time? With a networked system, the light itself can tell system operators it needs changing (if already out) or if it will soon need changing, resulting in im- proved maintenance. When changed before or shortly aſter the light fails, the effectiveness of the system and peoples’ satisfaction is greatly im- proved. • Varying the light output on a
time or event basis can save energy and improve safety and security. Examples include reducing out- put when fewer people are spending time outdoors, increasing output during outdoor events and creating a “light path” for emer- gency responders to and from the site. • Color output can
be tuned for special events or to meet specific needs and requests. Outdoor lighting
is an essential aspect of modern life. Well- lit streets are safer for drivers and pedes- trians, a deterrent to criminal activity and add to the overall im- age of a town, neigh- borhood or home.
Te quest for energy savings,
improved light quality and reduced maintenance costs has driven the evo- lution of outdoor lighting. Is the LED the end of the lighting family tree? Not likely. But for now, the next big thing will be the application of control and networking technologies to gain addi- tional benefits from the highly efficient LED.
When you are in the market for
a new outdoor area light, consider contacting Northfork Electric. Tey can help you choose the best light- ing option for your home, and it may eventually come with an app. Now that’s a bright idea!
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues
for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
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