Success Stories
Some of the LRC’s lighting ideas have been successfully commercialized and have inspired lighting-related companies to manufacture and market products based on LRC research. Many of these products provide substantial societal benefit. Some examples include scattered photon extraction (SPE®), the load-shedding ballast, and mesopic lighting practices.
Scattered photon extraction (SPE®)Improves energy efficiency of LEDs 40-60%The LRC developed scattered photon extraction to extract backscattered light from the phosphor layer in white LEDs to increase overall light output. More recently, the LRC demonstrated that SPE optics also increase the spatial color uniformity of RGB LED systems with high overall optical efficiency. Learn more: |
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Load-shedding ballastHelps to avoid blackouts and the need to build new power plants and power linesThe LRC developed a prototype for a device called a “load-shedding ballast,” which can quickly and reliably shed electric load within a building’s fluorescent lighting system. In 2007, this system was demonstrated at the ConEdison headquarters in Rye, New York. OSRAM SYLVANIA is now marketing such a device based on the LRC design. Learn more: |
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Mesopic street lightingImproves visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians while reducing energy useThe LRC has been working with utilities and industry to develop a new type of street lighting system that provides better lighting in areas with low-light conditions such as typical residential roadways. These low but not quite dark (mesopic) lighting conditions are often problematic to people, especially drivers. Demonstrations of street lighting included sites in Austin, Texas; Northampton, Massachusetts; and Groton, Connecticut. As a result of LRC research, some street lighting and automotive headlamp manufacturers have created advanced lighting products. Learn more: |
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