The LED Promise Land : A Connexion Market Perspective
LED lamps will eventually be what we use to replace incandescent bulbs - Compact fluorescent lamps are a temporary but still viable alternative to energy-efficient lighting. Think of CFLs as the bridge that connects our older, less efficient lamp technology to the LED promise land. Increasingly more lamp manufacturers are devoting larger shares of their R&D resources towards developing the LED promise land and less so within that CFL bridge. The lighting industry is clearly banking on LEDs as the final replacements for incandescents.
The reason LEDs have not yet displaced CFLs from the market are twofold: the first generation LED bulbs had a narrow and focused light beam, and the cost of LED technology is still too high. With this said, both CFL and LED technology are viable options today when looking for a replacement for incandescent lamps.
We can't stress enough that this lamp technology market is no different than any other emerging market. There are numerous profiteers in the market spewing forth their too-good-to-be-true claims and misinformation for the sake of the quick sale before the dust settles and the facts surface. The old axiom, 'if it sounds too good to be true it probably is', certainly applies here. The U.S. market is flooded with cheap LED products manufactured overseas with inferior components that produce low light levels, that can't possibly live up to their exaggerated energy saving and long life claims. Unfortunately, these cheap imports are being sold on well known web sites and through big box retailers.
Also worth noting are the many so-called 'manufacturers' who are in fact resellers and simply repackaging the same inferior products offered through the import channel. And to further add to this confusion, are the more reputable manufacturers that offer a lesser grade LED lamp expressly for the consumer market and a higher grade for the commercial market. As you probably guessed, the commercial grade products come at a higher price point and perform significantly better - but are easily confused with the lower priced consumer grade products. If you're making your decision solely on price, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. The keys here are Lumens and Lumens per Watt Efficacy. This is where the Lighting Facts label comes into play. The Department of Energy (DOE) is an advocate for quality and has established the Lighting Facts program to ensure that the LED products you find on the market meet your expectations for performance. These products include LEDs for everyday lighting purposes, such as table lamps and outdoor light fixtures. They do not include flashlights, nightlights, or holiday lighting.
Participating manufacturers voluntarily pledge to report their products' performance results. Those results appear on the Lighting Facts label, which those manufacturers must include on product packaging or in the product literature. Retailers and other industry buyers can then make informed purchasing decisions for their lighting inventory.
2011年4月28日 星期四
2011年4月27日 星期三
The Advantages or LED MR16 Spot Lights
The Advantages or LED MR16 Spot Lights
LED MR16 lamps are popular replacements halogens bulbs both in residential and commercial use. The reason for their popularity is that the original, halogen MR16 lights were commonly used in households, and LEDs can instantly replace most of them. Also, LEDs have much better qualities and numerous advantages, compared to their halogen version.
MR16 stands for multifaceted reflector with the diameter of 16 of eighths of an inch, or two inches in other words. Alternatively, the same light bulb exists with different diameters: MR11 and MR8 spotlights are smaller sized multifaceted reflectors. The MR16 bulb usually operates at low voltage, and has GU5.3 fitting type. These bulbs most commonly operate at 12V, and if the products are not polarity sensitive, the light can be fitted both ways, operating on AC and DC as well. MR16 bulbs operating at mains have GU10 fittings, and are rather called GU10 spotlights.
To be able to understand and value the useful features of the LED replacements, we must look at the halogen MR16 lights in short. The halogen MR16 bulb has a reflecting surface: the internal part of the bulb is made of pressed glass or aluminium in cheaper versions. The glass surface is constantly under pressure, which makes it easy to explode. The reflecting surface controls both the direction and the spread of the light, intensifying the light of the bulb. The bulb is available with various beam angles of light from narrow degrees of 10 to 60, however, the most frequently used spotlight is around 45 - 60 degrees. The colour temperature of the halogen MR16 is very warm, yellowish light, and is easily altered with dimming.
The main disadvantages of the halogen MR16 light is that they have a low conversion rate of power, turning most of it to heat instead of light. Therefore, they have a high power consumption along with very much heat emitted, dangerous not only to touch but also to be placed near textiles or wood during operation. Halogen bulbs are sources of fire hazard in any home, and should be fitted and operated with care. The halogen MR16 bulb emits a considerable amount of ultraviolet light dangerous to human health, and is also sensitive to shakes and shock. Both these problems are partially solved with a glass cover that filters most of the ultraviolet light and functions as an explosion shield.
LED MR16 spotlights, on the other hand, do not suffer from the majority of the above disadvantages. Although, LED lights do not have the reflective inner surface, they are called MR spots because they are replacements of the original reflectors. Beam angle, which is similarly varied with LED lights too, is usually controlled within the optics of the diode. Colour temperature is much more varied compared to halogen lights. Cooler white colour temperatures can be closer to natural light, and do not colour the room yellowish. At the same time, coloured versions of MR16 lights are available in LEDs.
LED lights in general have the advantages of cool running, eco-friendly design, long lifespan (usually around 30 000 - 50 000 hours), and high power LEDs can operate even 24/7. LEDs are not sensitive to shakes or shocks, and operate at low temperature too. The most obvious advantage of LEDs is their extremely low consumption of power. Since LEDs convert 90% of power to light, they emit substantially less heat, and mean no or very little fire hazard in homes. LED lights are also available with GU5.3 for low voltage and GU10 for mains fittings.
For LEDs operating at low voltage, the operating power supply has a major significance. Electronic transformers used for halogens are usually not suitable for running LEDs for two reasons. Many transformers require a minimum voltage to start operating, which is not drawn by LEDs using only a fraction of the power compared to halogens. The other reason is actually more important from the point of view of LEDs, since electronic transformers can ruin the LED lights. Halogens do not require stabilized voltage, while LEDs are highly sensitive to changes in voltage or current. If you are replacing your halogen MR16 lights, it is best to purchase LED suitable transformers as well to assure their long lifespan.
LED MR16 lamps are popular replacements halogens bulbs both in residential and commercial use. The reason for their popularity is that the original, halogen MR16 lights were commonly used in households, and LEDs can instantly replace most of them. Also, LEDs have much better qualities and numerous advantages, compared to their halogen version.
MR16 stands for multifaceted reflector with the diameter of 16 of eighths of an inch, or two inches in other words. Alternatively, the same light bulb exists with different diameters: MR11 and MR8 spotlights are smaller sized multifaceted reflectors. The MR16 bulb usually operates at low voltage, and has GU5.3 fitting type. These bulbs most commonly operate at 12V, and if the products are not polarity sensitive, the light can be fitted both ways, operating on AC and DC as well. MR16 bulbs operating at mains have GU10 fittings, and are rather called GU10 spotlights.
To be able to understand and value the useful features of the LED replacements, we must look at the halogen MR16 lights in short. The halogen MR16 bulb has a reflecting surface: the internal part of the bulb is made of pressed glass or aluminium in cheaper versions. The glass surface is constantly under pressure, which makes it easy to explode. The reflecting surface controls both the direction and the spread of the light, intensifying the light of the bulb. The bulb is available with various beam angles of light from narrow degrees of 10 to 60, however, the most frequently used spotlight is around 45 - 60 degrees. The colour temperature of the halogen MR16 is very warm, yellowish light, and is easily altered with dimming.
The main disadvantages of the halogen MR16 light is that they have a low conversion rate of power, turning most of it to heat instead of light. Therefore, they have a high power consumption along with very much heat emitted, dangerous not only to touch but also to be placed near textiles or wood during operation. Halogen bulbs are sources of fire hazard in any home, and should be fitted and operated with care. The halogen MR16 bulb emits a considerable amount of ultraviolet light dangerous to human health, and is also sensitive to shakes and shock. Both these problems are partially solved with a glass cover that filters most of the ultraviolet light and functions as an explosion shield.
LED MR16 spotlights, on the other hand, do not suffer from the majority of the above disadvantages. Although, LED lights do not have the reflective inner surface, they are called MR spots because they are replacements of the original reflectors. Beam angle, which is similarly varied with LED lights too, is usually controlled within the optics of the diode. Colour temperature is much more varied compared to halogen lights. Cooler white colour temperatures can be closer to natural light, and do not colour the room yellowish. At the same time, coloured versions of MR16 lights are available in LEDs.
LED lights in general have the advantages of cool running, eco-friendly design, long lifespan (usually around 30 000 - 50 000 hours), and high power LEDs can operate even 24/7. LEDs are not sensitive to shakes or shocks, and operate at low temperature too. The most obvious advantage of LEDs is their extremely low consumption of power. Since LEDs convert 90% of power to light, they emit substantially less heat, and mean no or very little fire hazard in homes. LED lights are also available with GU5.3 for low voltage and GU10 for mains fittings.
For LEDs operating at low voltage, the operating power supply has a major significance. Electronic transformers used for halogens are usually not suitable for running LEDs for two reasons. Many transformers require a minimum voltage to start operating, which is not drawn by LEDs using only a fraction of the power compared to halogens. The other reason is actually more important from the point of view of LEDs, since electronic transformers can ruin the LED lights. Halogens do not require stabilized voltage, while LEDs are highly sensitive to changes in voltage or current. If you are replacing your halogen MR16 lights, it is best to purchase LED suitable transformers as well to assure their long lifespan.
2011年4月26日 星期二
LED light bulbs
LED light bulbs
Bulb is a lighting device usually used inside home, in automobiles, in street lights, in decorations etc. There is a long list of applications of LED light bulbs. LED Bulbs are of different kinds. They can be incandescent bulbs or can be LED light bulbs or there may be of any other kind as well. As the technology advances, there are many replacements for the old types of incandescent bulbs as LED Light bulbs have taken their place. The range of the incandescent LED light bulb was from 5 up to 60 Watts. They are being replaced by LED bulbs that give the same results. They range from 0.3 to 5 Watts.
Most LED bulbs give constant light and are not dimmed. They also maintain a directional throw of the light. As the demand of the LED light bulbs are ever increasing so their price is also increasing as compared with the prices of fluorescent bulbs. They are easily available in the market in different types and shapes. Also these bulbs are more power efficient than the traditional florescent bulbs. They offer an excellent life time of 30,000 or more hours. You can expect that a LED bulb will last for 25 to 30 years under normal use which is far better than a traditional fluorescent or incandescent bulb. These LED bulbs maintain their output intensity very well throughout their life time. 10% or fewer drops in the operation is mentioned in the specifications after usage of 6000 hours. Whereas in the worst case the drop just increased to 15%.
There are various types of LED light bulbs that are available in market. Some of which are G16, GU10, MR11, MR16, PAR16, PAR20, PAR28, PAR30, PAR38, PAR56 etc. now let us discuss some of these types.G16 light bulbs are one of their kind that are used track lighting, in amusement parks and in hotels where we want to save energy and to reduce the cost of light bulbs. They are also called as G16 globes. They are very efficient as they work for 50,000 hours. GU10 type LED bulb saves power and give out usable light. There output power is approximately equal to a 25 watt light bulb but it consumes 8 times less power. They can be used as entertainment lighting; architectural lighting, for decoration, inside operation theatre as medical lighting or some kind of portable lightings.MR11 light bulbs are a true replacement for low voltage halogen LED light bulbs and are really very cost effective. They produce a high quality light in a variety of different colors for just 1 watt of energy usage. This is all because of the fact that they vibration and shock resistant and there is no filament to break.
A lot companies are offering types of LED light bulbs that are used for general purpose lighting. The C. crane company launched a product called "Geobulb" which was replaced by Geobulb 3 that was more brighten and long lasting as well. In Netherlands Lemnis naming company manufactured a dimmable LED bulb which they named as Pharox. There is another company Eternleds Inc. which offers a new technology bulb HydraLux-4. It uses cooling of the LED light bulb chips.
The best part of these types of LED light bulbs is that they are mercury free. Due to recent research and technology advancement these types of bulbs are now available in a variety of color just like other incandescent LED light bulbs. Due to energy saving and less maintenance cost, they are very attractive. With additional development in the technology and their growing popularity it is believed that the cost of these LED Light bulbs will eventually decrease.
LED Light Bulbs
Bulb is a lighting device usually used inside home, in automobiles, in street lights, in decorations etc. There is a long list of applications of LED light bulbs. LED Bulbs are of different kinds. They can be incandescent bulbs or can be LED light bulbs or there may be of any other kind as well. As the technology advances, there are many replacements for the old types of incandescent bulbs as LED Light bulbs have taken their place. The range of the incandescent LED light bulb was from 5 up to 60 Watts. They are being replaced by LED bulbs that give the same results. They range from 0.3 to 5 Watts.
Most LED bulbs give constant light and are not dimmed. They also maintain a directional throw of the light. As the demand of the LED light bulbs are ever increasing so their price is also increasing as compared with the prices of fluorescent bulbs. They are easily available in the market in different types and shapes. Also these bulbs are more power efficient than the traditional florescent bulbs. They offer an excellent life time of 30,000 or more hours. You can expect that a LED bulb will last for 25 to 30 years under normal use which is far better than a traditional fluorescent or incandescent bulb. These LED bulbs maintain their output intensity very well throughout their life time. 10% or fewer drops in the operation is mentioned in the specifications after usage of 6000 hours. Whereas in the worst case the drop just increased to 15%.
There are various types of LED light bulbs that are available in market. Some of which are G16, GU10, MR11, MR16, PAR16, PAR20, PAR28, PAR30, PAR38, PAR56 etc. now let us discuss some of these types.G16 light bulbs are one of their kind that are used track lighting, in amusement parks and in hotels where we want to save energy and to reduce the cost of light bulbs. They are also called as G16 globes. They are very efficient as they work for 50,000 hours. GU10 type LED bulb saves power and give out usable light. There output power is approximately equal to a 25 watt light bulb but it consumes 8 times less power. They can be used as entertainment lighting; architectural lighting, for decoration, inside operation theatre as medical lighting or some kind of portable lightings.MR11 light bulbs are a true replacement for low voltage halogen LED light bulbs and are really very cost effective. They produce a high quality light in a variety of different colors for just 1 watt of energy usage. This is all because of the fact that they vibration and shock resistant and there is no filament to break.
A lot companies are offering types of LED light bulbs that are used for general purpose lighting. The C. crane company launched a product called "Geobulb" which was replaced by Geobulb 3 that was more brighten and long lasting as well. In Netherlands Lemnis naming company manufactured a dimmable LED bulb which they named as Pharox. There is another company Eternleds Inc. which offers a new technology bulb HydraLux-4. It uses cooling of the LED light bulb chips.
The best part of these types of LED light bulbs is that they are mercury free. Due to recent research and technology advancement these types of bulbs are now available in a variety of color just like other incandescent LED light bulbs. Due to energy saving and less maintenance cost, they are very attractive. With additional development in the technology and their growing popularity it is believed that the cost of these LED Light bulbs will eventually decrease.
LED Light Bulbs
2011年4月20日 星期三
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Lighting: Pielenhofen installs Osram LEDs, Nova Scotia expands SSL program
Communities across North America have been making the biggest headlines for LED street-light retrofits, but even small communities around the globe are making the switch as evidenced by an outdoor lighting project in Pielenhofen, Germany. Herkules Elektronik GmbH retrofit kits that use Osram’s Golden Dragon Oval Plus LEDs are lighting a new home community and a larger conversion is planned. Nova Scotia, meanwhile, has performed significant solid-state-lighting (SSL) retrofits and plans to convert every light in the country in five years.
Pielenhofen SSL-lit neighborhood
Pielenhofen first tested LED street lights in February 2010 with two luminaires installed in the heart of the community. The community has now kicked off a transition to LEDs with the installation of nine SSL fixtures in a neighborhood called Rohrdorf. Moreover the community is using adaptive controls to maximize energy consumption.
Local mayor Reinhold Fersti noted the superior ability of the luminaires to control beam pattern as one reason for the conversion. Fersti said, “What convinced us was the modern technology, as it not only produces more pleasant, warm light: the light diodes only project their light into the desired direction.”
The Herkules luminaire retrofit was developed as a replacement for mercury-vapor lamps and the 50W koffer-type housing that is widely used in the city of Kassel, Germany. Indeed Herkules refers to the design as a Kassel-type retrofit, and the 26W kit includes the light engine and driver electronics that replace the lamps in existing housings.
The design relies on the Golden Dragon Oval Plus LEDs to form the beam pattern. The LEDs feature an integrated oval lens that can spread the beam in a somewhat rectangular pattern along a roadway, with minimal light trespass. For more information on the LEDs and beam patterns see, “SSL luminaires must deliver reliable beam patterns in outdoor applications."
About the beam qualities of the components and the Kassel retrofit, Osram said, “This effect is reinforced by the integrated lens of the Golden Dragon Plus: this makes it possible to generate a brighter and more even illumination of a defined area, despite low intake of power – it also achieves an optimum illumination of the street, conforming with the relevant norms, avoiding scattered light and staying below the limit regarding dazzle.”
Adaptive controls and dimming
Based on the LED retrofit, Pielenhofen would realize what’s essentially 50% energy savings based on the lower-power kits, but the savings will actually be greater because the community is using dimmable SSL technology. The dimming functionality was proven out in the Kassel retrofit last year where late at night the power consumption is further reduced to 14W per fixture.
Pielenhofen plans to upgrade to LED street lighting across the entire community in stages. Indeed European Union (EU) regulations will give such communities little choice going forward. Beginning in April 2012, the sodium vapor lights presently used by Pielenhofen will be taken off the market. The retrofit kits will provide a way to replace failed lamps.
The EU is also mandating the removal of mercury vapor lights beginning in April 2015. Communities across the continent will be faced with replacement or retrofit scenarios.
Communities across North America have been making the biggest headlines for LED street-light retrofits, but even small communities around the globe are making the switch as evidenced by an outdoor lighting project in Pielenhofen, Germany. Herkules Elektronik GmbH retrofit kits that use Osram’s Golden Dragon Oval Plus LEDs are lighting a new home community and a larger conversion is planned. Nova Scotia, meanwhile, has performed significant solid-state-lighting (SSL) retrofits and plans to convert every light in the country in five years.
Pielenhofen SSL-lit neighborhood
Pielenhofen first tested LED street lights in February 2010 with two luminaires installed in the heart of the community. The community has now kicked off a transition to LEDs with the installation of nine SSL fixtures in a neighborhood called Rohrdorf. Moreover the community is using adaptive controls to maximize energy consumption.
Local mayor Reinhold Fersti noted the superior ability of the luminaires to control beam pattern as one reason for the conversion. Fersti said, “What convinced us was the modern technology, as it not only produces more pleasant, warm light: the light diodes only project their light into the desired direction.”
The Herkules luminaire retrofit was developed as a replacement for mercury-vapor lamps and the 50W koffer-type housing that is widely used in the city of Kassel, Germany. Indeed Herkules refers to the design as a Kassel-type retrofit, and the 26W kit includes the light engine and driver electronics that replace the lamps in existing housings.
The design relies on the Golden Dragon Oval Plus LEDs to form the beam pattern. The LEDs feature an integrated oval lens that can spread the beam in a somewhat rectangular pattern along a roadway, with minimal light trespass. For more information on the LEDs and beam patterns see, “SSL luminaires must deliver reliable beam patterns in outdoor applications."
About the beam qualities of the components and the Kassel retrofit, Osram said, “This effect is reinforced by the integrated lens of the Golden Dragon Plus: this makes it possible to generate a brighter and more even illumination of a defined area, despite low intake of power – it also achieves an optimum illumination of the street, conforming with the relevant norms, avoiding scattered light and staying below the limit regarding dazzle.”
Adaptive controls and dimming
Based on the LED retrofit, Pielenhofen would realize what’s essentially 50% energy savings based on the lower-power kits, but the savings will actually be greater because the community is using dimmable SSL technology. The dimming functionality was proven out in the Kassel retrofit last year where late at night the power consumption is further reduced to 14W per fixture.
Pielenhofen plans to upgrade to LED street lighting across the entire community in stages. Indeed European Union (EU) regulations will give such communities little choice going forward. Beginning in April 2012, the sodium vapor lights presently used by Pielenhofen will be taken off the market. The retrofit kits will provide a way to replace failed lamps.
The EU is also mandating the removal of mercury vapor lights beginning in April 2015. Communities across the continent will be faced with replacement or retrofit scenarios.
2011年4月18日 星期一
Go Green This Earth Day
Considered the birth of the modern environmental movement, the first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 and had 20 million American participants. More than 40 years later, over one billion people now participate in Earth Day on April 22 each year, making it one of the largest civic observances in the world. Enviro-Log, Inc. an eco-friendly consumer products and recycling company which has diverted over 140 million pounds of waxed cardboard from landfills to create its earth-friendly firelogs, offers the following tips for anyone looking to get involved in Earth Day.
“One of the easiest ways you can get involved in Earth Day is to make a conscious effort to reduce, reuse and recycle,” said Ross McRoy, president of Enviro-Log. “The great thing about Earth Day is that anyone can get involved. It can start with small steps such as reducing the amount of water and electricity you use on a daily basis to making significant financial investments in converting your home to solar and wind power. Regardless of your level of commitment, the more people that get involved, the greater the environmental impact will be.”
McRoy offers the following tips to get involved in Earth Day and everyday thereafter:
-Instead of driving, consider walking, biking or taking public transportation. If it is necessary to drive, consider carpooling with friends or colleagues.
-Shop local and make less frequent trips to led downlight the store. Less trips to the store means less emissions from your vehicle.
-Turn off your lights and electronics when you leave a room. Open the blinds during the day and take advantage of the sunlight. Turn off and unplug power strips and surge protectors when not in use, especially overnight.
-Reduce your water usage. Install low-flow shower led downlight heads, faucets and toilets in your home. Also consider shortening your shower. Every minute you cut from your shower equals roughly five gallons of water.
-Switch from disposable to reusable. Instead of buying bottled water, invest in a reusable water bottle. Bring your own reusable bag when shopping.
-Put your trash in the recycle bin. Contact your local waste management provider about getting involved in their recycling program.
-Purchase products that use recyclable materials. This led downlight will help divert unused materials from going into landfills.
-Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient ones, such as compact fluorescent or LEDs.
“One of the easiest ways you can get involved in Earth Day is to make a conscious effort to reduce, reuse and recycle,” said Ross McRoy, president of Enviro-Log. “The great thing about Earth Day is that anyone can get involved. It can start with small steps such as reducing the amount of water and electricity you use on a daily basis to making significant financial investments in converting your home to solar and wind power. Regardless of your level of commitment, the more people that get involved, the greater the environmental impact will be.”
McRoy offers the following tips to get involved in Earth Day and everyday thereafter:
-Instead of driving, consider walking, biking or taking public transportation. If it is necessary to drive, consider carpooling with friends or colleagues.
-Shop local and make less frequent trips to led downlight the store. Less trips to the store means less emissions from your vehicle.
-Turn off your lights and electronics when you leave a room. Open the blinds during the day and take advantage of the sunlight. Turn off and unplug power strips and surge protectors when not in use, especially overnight.
-Reduce your water usage. Install low-flow shower led downlight heads, faucets and toilets in your home. Also consider shortening your shower. Every minute you cut from your shower equals roughly five gallons of water.
-Switch from disposable to reusable. Instead of buying bottled water, invest in a reusable water bottle. Bring your own reusable bag when shopping.
-Put your trash in the recycle bin. Contact your local waste management provider about getting involved in their recycling program.
-Purchase products that use recyclable materials. This led downlight will help divert unused materials from going into landfills.
-Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient ones, such as compact fluorescent or LEDs.
For Earth Day, there are plenty of ways to participate
Earth Day comes around this year on Friday, April 22. But don’t look for any one big event to celebrate. Instead, there are lengthy lists of cleanups and hikes throughout the month.
One special event, “Party for the Planet,” takes place Sunday at Roger Williams Park Zoo. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. environmental groups from around the state will tell their stories and offer educational opportunities.
The Southside Community Land Trust celebrated Saturday by delivering 340 cubic yards of compost purchased from the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and its partner, Agresource, to 37 community gardens and urban farms. More than 750 families are expected to use the compost for their food gardens in Providence.
The Pawtucket Neighborhood Alliance has scheduled an all-day cleanup next Saturday in the vicinity of the Galego Court Community Center.
The state Department of Environmental Management distributed $37,500 in recent weeks to 59 groups and communities to finance cleanups and beautification projects. Each grant ranged from $275 to $750. The money was provided by Patriot Disposal Co. Inc./J.R. Vinagro Corp.
Also next Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., a group called Lights Out, Green In will exchange up to 5 free compact-fluorescent light bulbs for old incandescent bulbs at the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market. The exchanges will continue while the supply of 1,500 bulbs lasts.
One special event, “Party for the Planet,” takes place Sunday at Roger Williams Park Zoo. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. environmental groups from around the state will tell their stories and offer educational opportunities.
The Southside Community Land Trust celebrated Saturday by delivering 340 cubic yards of compost purchased from the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and its partner, Agresource, to 37 community gardens and urban farms. More than 750 families are expected to use the compost for their food gardens in Providence.
The Pawtucket Neighborhood Alliance has scheduled an all-day cleanup next Saturday in the vicinity of the Galego Court Community Center.
The state Department of Environmental Management distributed $37,500 in recent weeks to 59 groups and communities to finance cleanups and beautification projects. Each grant ranged from $275 to $750. The money was provided by Patriot Disposal Co. Inc./J.R. Vinagro Corp.
Also next Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., a group called Lights Out, Green In will exchange up to 5 free compact-fluorescent light bulbs for old incandescent bulbs at the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market. The exchanges will continue while the supply of 1,500 bulbs lasts.
2011年4月14日 星期四
Hand wound led to charges in Minneapolis stabbings
A man accused of stabbing three people led downlight at a Minneapolis light-rail station Friday night apparently cut himself while flashing his blade, authorities say, helping lead to his arrest.
Metro Transit police caught up with Alexander A. Lanier, 19, of Minneapolis, after he sought treatment for a palm wound consistent with a hand sliding off a knife's handle and down the blade, police said.
One of his alleged victims suffered led downlight 13 stab wounds, according to second-degree assault charges filed against Lanier on Tuesday in Hennepin County District Court.
According to the charges, the stabbings occurred about 10:30 p.m. Friday after the victims got off the train at Lake Street and encountered Lanier and another male "throwing what were perceived to be gang signs."
A fight broke out, and the victims were stabbed. Each of them later identified Lanier as the attacker.
Lanier was being held at the led downlight Hennepin County jail Tuesday night in lieu of $300,000 bail.
Metro Transit police caught up with Alexander A. Lanier, 19, of Minneapolis, after he sought treatment for a palm wound consistent with a hand sliding off a knife's handle and down the blade, police said.
One of his alleged victims suffered led downlight 13 stab wounds, according to second-degree assault charges filed against Lanier on Tuesday in Hennepin County District Court.
According to the charges, the stabbings occurred about 10:30 p.m. Friday after the victims got off the train at Lake Street and encountered Lanier and another male "throwing what were perceived to be gang signs."
A fight broke out, and the victims were stabbed. Each of them later identified Lanier as the attacker.
Lanier was being held at the led downlight Hennepin County jail Tuesday night in lieu of $300,000 bail.
Scene Modes and Creative Features
Scene Modes and Creative Features
In addition to two well-performing Auto modes--a regular auto mode, and a scene-based auto mode that chooses the applicable scene preset depending on the environment--the Nikon Coolpix S9100 offers 14 scene modes. Among them are old standbys such as Portrait, Sports, Beach, Snow, and Sunset, as well as more unusual selections that include Dusk/Dawn, Food, and Museum modes.
Easy PanoramaHigh-contrast monochromeHigh keyLow keyThe camera also provides an Easy Panorama mode, which is similar to the Sweep Panorama setting found on Sony's cameras: You press the shutter button and pan across a scene, and the camera then stitches together a panoramic image. The S9100, however, goes a few steps further than Sony's cameras, giving you the option to create either 180-degree or 360-degree panoramas via the menus. In general, the mode works well, just as long as you pan the camera slowly; quick pans led to blurry images in my test shots.
You can reach all the aforementioned modes by selecting 'Scene' on the camera's mode dial and making your choice via on-screen menus, but the S9100 also provides quick access to a few modes--Backlighting, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape modes, as well as the camera's continuous shooting mode--directly on the mode dial. The camera captures at a rate of 9.5 shots per second at full resolution, but you're limited to 5 shots per burst. It fires the shutter so quickly that getting the hang of it is a bit tricky, and it works best when a fast-moving subject is already in motion.
A few more creative modes are lurking in the camera's 'Effects' selection, available by way of the mode dial: a 'Selective color' option that lets you isolate a single color in a black-and-white photo, a 'High-contrast monochrome' effect that makes images look a bit like newsprint, and 'High key' and 'Low key' effects for boosting and muting colors, respectively.
Some of the best features of this camera include its post-shot editing tools, which let you apply filters and quick fixes to copies of your photos while retaining the source image. Highlights include the aforementioned D-Lighting and Quick Retouch functions, which almost always improve the look and detail of images, and Fisheye and Miniature Effect filters, which let you mimic the look of different lenses. Alas, all those extra goodies are available only in still-image mode; you can't apply any of the effects to videos.
In addition to two well-performing Auto modes--a regular auto mode, and a scene-based auto mode that chooses the applicable scene preset depending on the environment--the Nikon Coolpix S9100 offers 14 scene modes. Among them are old standbys such as Portrait, Sports, Beach, Snow, and Sunset, as well as more unusual selections that include Dusk/Dawn, Food, and Museum modes.
Easy PanoramaHigh-contrast monochromeHigh keyLow keyThe camera also provides an Easy Panorama mode, which is similar to the Sweep Panorama setting found on Sony's cameras: You press the shutter button and pan across a scene, and the camera then stitches together a panoramic image. The S9100, however, goes a few steps further than Sony's cameras, giving you the option to create either 180-degree or 360-degree panoramas via the menus. In general, the mode works well, just as long as you pan the camera slowly; quick pans led to blurry images in my test shots.
You can reach all the aforementioned modes by selecting 'Scene' on the camera's mode dial and making your choice via on-screen menus, but the S9100 also provides quick access to a few modes--Backlighting, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape modes, as well as the camera's continuous shooting mode--directly on the mode dial. The camera captures at a rate of 9.5 shots per second at full resolution, but you're limited to 5 shots per burst. It fires the shutter so quickly that getting the hang of it is a bit tricky, and it works best when a fast-moving subject is already in motion.
A few more creative modes are lurking in the camera's 'Effects' selection, available by way of the mode dial: a 'Selective color' option that lets you isolate a single color in a black-and-white photo, a 'High-contrast monochrome' effect that makes images look a bit like newsprint, and 'High key' and 'Low key' effects for boosting and muting colors, respectively.
Some of the best features of this camera include its post-shot editing tools, which let you apply filters and quick fixes to copies of your photos while retaining the source image. Highlights include the aforementioned D-Lighting and Quick Retouch functions, which almost always improve the look and detail of images, and Fisheye and Miniature Effect filters, which let you mimic the look of different lenses. Alas, all those extra goodies are available only in still-image mode; you can't apply any of the effects to videos.
2011年4月11日 星期一
City considers hosting festivals, adding platforms to new Traffic Bridge
Reusing the contentious accent lights on the new Traffic Bridge could cost more than their original half-million-dollar price tag.
The no-win question of what to do with the bridge's programmable LED lights — reuse them, scrap them or buy new flood-style lights — will go before a city committee next week alongside a package of ideas for the $30-million steel-truss replacement bridge.
The planning and operations committee Tuesday will decide whether to add power to the bridge so the new bridge could be used to stage concerts, festivals and charity events; to include viewing bays to the attached walkways; and to spend more than $1 million to take down, store and reuse the 103-year-old heritage structure.
Councillors on the committee must decide what to do with the bridge's $462,000 string of LED accent lights that were put up in 2007. The lights have become a lightning rod for some people's dissatisfaction with city spending priorities.
Retaining the lights, in part or in full, will cost an estimated $375,000 to $500,000, depending on the number of lights that can be salvaged, the report says.
The estimates aren't detailed and would require council approval, said Chris Hallam, the city's manager of construction and design.
The more lights that can be reused, the lower the price, but there are basic labour costs for pulling the lights down from the condemned structure and putting them back up again, Hallam said.
Buying new architectural lighting — likely more subtle floodlights — would cost $400,000 to $550,000.
The flood light concept would be similar to what's been done with the Langevin Bridge in Calgary, which crosses the Bow River to the city's downtown, and the Peace Bridge, a 1927 steel arch bridge across the Niagara River, the report says. The 100-year-old Langevin Bridge was rigged with 5,600 LED lights in 2009 for $370,000 and has received positive reviews. Lighting the Peace Bridge with LED flood lights cost $1.2 million in 2008.
The no-win question of what to do with the bridge's programmable LED lights — reuse them, scrap them or buy new flood-style lights — will go before a city committee next week alongside a package of ideas for the $30-million steel-truss replacement bridge.
The planning and operations committee Tuesday will decide whether to add power to the bridge so the new bridge could be used to stage concerts, festivals and charity events; to include viewing bays to the attached walkways; and to spend more than $1 million to take down, store and reuse the 103-year-old heritage structure.
Councillors on the committee must decide what to do with the bridge's $462,000 string of LED accent lights that were put up in 2007. The lights have become a lightning rod for some people's dissatisfaction with city spending priorities.
Retaining the lights, in part or in full, will cost an estimated $375,000 to $500,000, depending on the number of lights that can be salvaged, the report says.
The estimates aren't detailed and would require council approval, said Chris Hallam, the city's manager of construction and design.
The more lights that can be reused, the lower the price, but there are basic labour costs for pulling the lights down from the condemned structure and putting them back up again, Hallam said.
Buying new architectural lighting — likely more subtle floodlights — would cost $400,000 to $550,000.
The flood light concept would be similar to what's been done with the Langevin Bridge in Calgary, which crosses the Bow River to the city's downtown, and the Peace Bridge, a 1927 steel arch bridge across the Niagara River, the report says. The 100-year-old Langevin Bridge was rigged with 5,600 LED lights in 2009 for $370,000 and has received positive reviews. Lighting the Peace Bridge with LED flood lights cost $1.2 million in 2008.
GenLED LIGHTING Launches Energy Efficient LED Ceiling Recessed Fixtures at Global Shop 2011
GenLED LIGHTING Launches Energy Efficient LED Ceiling Recessed Fixtures at Global Shop 2011
GenLED LIGHTING , a global leader in LED (light emitting diode) technology, launches its new line of LED recessed ceiling fixtures at Global Shop, Las Vegas (Booth 3257). The highly efficient and aesthetically pleasing recessed ceiling fixture line is designed with retail environments in mind.
"In retail environments quality and quantity of light are important factors in attracting customers and making sales. The new GenLED LIGHTING line of energy efficient LED recessed ceiling fixtures give store designers, visual merchandisers and retailers the opportunity to install sustainable lighting options without sacrificing light color or quality," said Tom Heelan, Vice President of Sales, "Our new fixture line offers unrivaled performance in an aesthetically pleasing package."
The new GenLED LIGHTING retrofit fixture line includes the following offerings:
MR16-TRIMLESS -- A decorative dimmable spot light fixture that fits well into a variety of architectural designs, the MR16-TRIMLESS offers a neat appearance with adjustable lamp aiming features. Available in one, two and three lamp configurations, the fixture operates in rugged environments from -10 degree C to +40 degrees C. The fixture is designed to accept GenLED's energy efficient LED MR-16 lamps delivering 90% energy saving when compared to the 35 watt MR 16 halogen it replaces. Ideal in high end retail, museum, hospitality, restaurant, and office applications.
DLR 4 - A decorative dimmable LED downlight fixture with an anodized aluminum reflector, the DLR 4 offers visual comfort and glare free illumination. Equipped with a 9 watt LED PAR 20 light source with three LEDs, its rated life is 50,000 hours. The 9 watt LED replaces a 50 watt PAR 20 halogen delivering an 80% energy savings. Available in warm (3000K) and cool (5500K) color temperatures, the fixture is an ideal addition to the retail environment. Suited for shops and stores, hospitality, restaurants, offices, lobbies, corridors and damp environments with a glass protector.
DLR 5 -- A decorative dimmable LED downlight fixture with an anodized aluminum reflector, the DLR 5 offers visual comfort and glare free illumination. Equipped with an 18 watt light source with six LEDs, its rated life is 50,000 hours. The 18 watt LED replaces a 60 watt PAR 30 halogen delivering 70% energy savings. Available in warm (3000K) and cool (5500K) color temperatures, the fixture is an ideal addition to the retail environment. Suited for shops and stores, hospitality, restaurants, offices, lobbies, corridors and damp environments with a glass protector.
DLR 6 -- A decorative dimmable LED downlight fixture with an anodized aluminum reflector, the DLR 6 offers visual comfort and glare free illumination. Equipped with a 27 watt light source with nine LEDs, its rated life is 50,000 hours. The 27 watt LED replaces a 75 watt PAR 38 halogen delivering 65% energy savings. Available in warm (3000K) and cool (5500K) color temperatures, the fixture is an ideal addition to the retail environment. Suited for shops and stores, hospitality, restaurants, offices, lobbies, corridors and damp environments with a glass protector.
The new line of GenLED fixtures offer excellent illumination with color temperature choice, and are mercury and lead-free and do not emit UV or IR light. Operating samples of the new fixtures will be on display at Booth 3257 at Global Shop.
"GenLED LIGHTING is proud to introduce its next generation of LED lighting products to the attendees at this year's Global Shop. It is an ideal platform to showcase environmentally responsible and sustainable lighting alternatives that make economic sense," said Steven Moya, President and CEO of General LED, GenLED LIGHTING's parent company. "We are very excited about the opportunity to be able to bring state-of-the-art lighting solutions to the retail audience."
GenLED LIGHTING , a global leader in LED (light emitting diode) technology, launches its new line of LED recessed ceiling fixtures at Global Shop, Las Vegas (Booth 3257). The highly efficient and aesthetically pleasing recessed ceiling fixture line is designed with retail environments in mind.
"In retail environments quality and quantity of light are important factors in attracting customers and making sales. The new GenLED LIGHTING line of energy efficient LED recessed ceiling fixtures give store designers, visual merchandisers and retailers the opportunity to install sustainable lighting options without sacrificing light color or quality," said Tom Heelan, Vice President of Sales, "Our new fixture line offers unrivaled performance in an aesthetically pleasing package."
The new GenLED LIGHTING retrofit fixture line includes the following offerings:
MR16-TRIMLESS -- A decorative dimmable spot light fixture that fits well into a variety of architectural designs, the MR16-TRIMLESS offers a neat appearance with adjustable lamp aiming features. Available in one, two and three lamp configurations, the fixture operates in rugged environments from -10 degree C to +40 degrees C. The fixture is designed to accept GenLED's energy efficient LED MR-16 lamps delivering 90% energy saving when compared to the 35 watt MR 16 halogen it replaces. Ideal in high end retail, museum, hospitality, restaurant, and office applications.
DLR 4 - A decorative dimmable LED downlight fixture with an anodized aluminum reflector, the DLR 4 offers visual comfort and glare free illumination. Equipped with a 9 watt LED PAR 20 light source with three LEDs, its rated life is 50,000 hours. The 9 watt LED replaces a 50 watt PAR 20 halogen delivering an 80% energy savings. Available in warm (3000K) and cool (5500K) color temperatures, the fixture is an ideal addition to the retail environment. Suited for shops and stores, hospitality, restaurants, offices, lobbies, corridors and damp environments with a glass protector.
DLR 5 -- A decorative dimmable LED downlight fixture with an anodized aluminum reflector, the DLR 5 offers visual comfort and glare free illumination. Equipped with an 18 watt light source with six LEDs, its rated life is 50,000 hours. The 18 watt LED replaces a 60 watt PAR 30 halogen delivering 70% energy savings. Available in warm (3000K) and cool (5500K) color temperatures, the fixture is an ideal addition to the retail environment. Suited for shops and stores, hospitality, restaurants, offices, lobbies, corridors and damp environments with a glass protector.
DLR 6 -- A decorative dimmable LED downlight fixture with an anodized aluminum reflector, the DLR 6 offers visual comfort and glare free illumination. Equipped with a 27 watt light source with nine LEDs, its rated life is 50,000 hours. The 27 watt LED replaces a 75 watt PAR 38 halogen delivering 65% energy savings. Available in warm (3000K) and cool (5500K) color temperatures, the fixture is an ideal addition to the retail environment. Suited for shops and stores, hospitality, restaurants, offices, lobbies, corridors and damp environments with a glass protector.
The new line of GenLED fixtures offer excellent illumination with color temperature choice, and are mercury and lead-free and do not emit UV or IR light. Operating samples of the new fixtures will be on display at Booth 3257 at Global Shop.
"GenLED LIGHTING is proud to introduce its next generation of LED lighting products to the attendees at this year's Global Shop. It is an ideal platform to showcase environmentally responsible and sustainable lighting alternatives that make economic sense," said Steven Moya, President and CEO of General LED, GenLED LIGHTING's parent company. "We are very excited about the opportunity to be able to bring state-of-the-art lighting solutions to the retail audience."
2011年4月1日 星期五
Philips India gets some bounce off the wicket
The brand behind the ‘Cricket Extra' show during the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup is grateful to the game. It has been associated with cricket in India for the last three years, with events featuring the Indian team, T20 matches, and pre- and post-match events.
It didn't come as a surprise then that the backdrop at Philips' annual media offsite event in Goa last weekend was a giant screen showing the WC quarter final. Cricket is just one of the vehicles where Philips India has been buzzing of late.
Quoting third-party estimates, Vivek Sharma, Head - Marketing and VP -Indian Subcontinent, Philips Electronics India, explains that the company's share of expenditure on mass media in 2011 was 3.2 times that in 2009.
On cricket, he says, “Cricket has helped us a lot. We have been associated with cricket in a consistent and long-term fashion for the last three years. It has really helped our engagement with the male decision-maker target group in multiple categories. It has given us good visibility and RoI. We intend to continue our association with cricket as a key vehicle for marketing.”
Retail Experience
The investment behind Philips' retail presence also increased substantially in 2010. Added to the brand's visibility and experience are 42 Light Lounges, exclusive outlets showcasing home decorative lighting from the group, and 400 shop-in-shops called Light Shoppes. The number of Light Lounges and Light Shoppes is set to double this calendar year.
This retail presence stretches across 20 cities, says Nirupam Sahay, Senior Director — Marketing, Philips Lighting. He says, “What we will be doing is getting more width of retail presence in the metros. There is a large, untapped potential and cities being large, there is a need for multiple stores.”
In Mumbai, where Philips has three Light Lounges, it will set up one more this year. In the NCR, there will be five Light Lounges from the current three. More stores will also come up in Bangalore and Chennai. After ramping up its presence across the metros and mini-metros, the brand will consider venturing into the tier-2 towns.
The Light Lounges showcase and sell only home decorative lighting solutions. One wonders if a Philips store selling home decorative lighting could also be used to promote some of its consumer appliances, if not all.
It didn't come as a surprise then that the backdrop at Philips' annual media offsite event in Goa last weekend was a giant screen showing the WC quarter final. Cricket is just one of the vehicles where Philips India has been buzzing of late.
Quoting third-party estimates, Vivek Sharma, Head - Marketing and VP -Indian Subcontinent, Philips Electronics India, explains that the company's share of expenditure on mass media in 2011 was 3.2 times that in 2009.
On cricket, he says, “Cricket has helped us a lot. We have been associated with cricket in a consistent and long-term fashion for the last three years. It has really helped our engagement with the male decision-maker target group in multiple categories. It has given us good visibility and RoI. We intend to continue our association with cricket as a key vehicle for marketing.”
Retail Experience
The investment behind Philips' retail presence also increased substantially in 2010. Added to the brand's visibility and experience are 42 Light Lounges, exclusive outlets showcasing home decorative lighting from the group, and 400 shop-in-shops called Light Shoppes. The number of Light Lounges and Light Shoppes is set to double this calendar year.
This retail presence stretches across 20 cities, says Nirupam Sahay, Senior Director — Marketing, Philips Lighting. He says, “What we will be doing is getting more width of retail presence in the metros. There is a large, untapped potential and cities being large, there is a need for multiple stores.”
In Mumbai, where Philips has three Light Lounges, it will set up one more this year. In the NCR, there will be five Light Lounges from the current three. More stores will also come up in Bangalore and Chennai. After ramping up its presence across the metros and mini-metros, the brand will consider venturing into the tier-2 towns.
The Light Lounges showcase and sell only home decorative lighting solutions. One wonders if a Philips store selling home decorative lighting could also be used to promote some of its consumer appliances, if not all.
GE launches hybrid light bulbs
GE launches hybrid light bulbs
General Electric's new hybrid light bulbs have begun shipping to retailers and are expected to be available nationwide by April 22, Earth Day, the company announced yesterday.
The hybrid halogen-compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs, announced in October 2010, look like a spiral frosted CFL light bulb snugly fit inside a clear glass bulb shaped like a typical incandescent light bulb.
One selling point is that the bulbs don't take time to light up like many CFLs currently available. When switched on, the hybrid bulb's halogen portion lights up within a half-second. Then once the CFL portion has warmed and brightened to full luminescence, the halogen portion turns itself off, according to GE.
GE also claims that each hybrid bulb only contains 1 milligram of mercury. If true, that is significant. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average CFL light bulb contains about 4 milligrams of mercury.
Mercury in light bulbs has been a concern to consumers as the element is widely known to pose a health risk if ingested or inhaled, especially in young children. While the mercury in CFLs poses no danger while contained, there is a risk that people can be exposed to mercury if a CFL bulb, and its tubes containing mercury, are broken. The EPA has guidelines on how broken bulbs should be handled.
The hybrid bulbs are expected to retail between $5.99 and $9.99 depending on the wattage and color. GE says its hybrid bulbs have a life of 8,000 hours, the same as its CFL light bulb products. That's significantly more than the average 60-watt incandescent bulb which typically has a lifespan of about 1,000 hours, according to the EPA (PDF).
The light bulb announcement comes amid a firestorm of criticism for GE and CEO Jeff Immelt after a March 24 New York Times article revealed that despite making $5.1 billion in U.S. profits, GE claimed a $3.2 million tax benefit on its 2010 federal tax returns.
The 2010 tax return was unusual due to losses sustained by GE Capital since the financial crisis, and would be higher in 2011, GE said in a statement. In a speech yesterday at the Economic Club of Washington, Immelt said he welcomed reform for a simplified corporate tax system like in other countries, rather than the current complicated "loophole" system in the U.S.
General Electric's new hybrid light bulbs have begun shipping to retailers and are expected to be available nationwide by April 22, Earth Day, the company announced yesterday.
The hybrid halogen-compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs, announced in October 2010, look like a spiral frosted CFL light bulb snugly fit inside a clear glass bulb shaped like a typical incandescent light bulb.
One selling point is that the bulbs don't take time to light up like many CFLs currently available. When switched on, the hybrid bulb's halogen portion lights up within a half-second. Then once the CFL portion has warmed and brightened to full luminescence, the halogen portion turns itself off, according to GE.
GE also claims that each hybrid bulb only contains 1 milligram of mercury. If true, that is significant. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average CFL light bulb contains about 4 milligrams of mercury.
Mercury in light bulbs has been a concern to consumers as the element is widely known to pose a health risk if ingested or inhaled, especially in young children. While the mercury in CFLs poses no danger while contained, there is a risk that people can be exposed to mercury if a CFL bulb, and its tubes containing mercury, are broken. The EPA has guidelines on how broken bulbs should be handled.
The hybrid bulbs are expected to retail between $5.99 and $9.99 depending on the wattage and color. GE says its hybrid bulbs have a life of 8,000 hours, the same as its CFL light bulb products. That's significantly more than the average 60-watt incandescent bulb which typically has a lifespan of about 1,000 hours, according to the EPA (PDF).
The light bulb announcement comes amid a firestorm of criticism for GE and CEO Jeff Immelt after a March 24 New York Times article revealed that despite making $5.1 billion in U.S. profits, GE claimed a $3.2 million tax benefit on its 2010 federal tax returns.
The 2010 tax return was unusual due to losses sustained by GE Capital since the financial crisis, and would be higher in 2011, GE said in a statement. In a speech yesterday at the Economic Club of Washington, Immelt said he welcomed reform for a simplified corporate tax system like in other countries, rather than the current complicated "loophole" system in the U.S.
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