LED lighting technology has been around for a very long time. Since they were first introduced toll date, they have continued to play an all-important role in our daily lives both at home and in places of work. This generation has witnessed lighting technology excellence at its zenith, and if the latest innovations are anything to go by, the technology is only going to get better.

1. LED Technology
2. How does LED work?
3. Latest trends influencing LED technology
4. LED Applications in Modern life
5. LED light advantages
6. LED lights disadvantages
7. What are some of the natural benefits of an LED?
8. Future of LED
9. Conclusion

In this article, we will explore LED lighting technology in detail in a bid to provide you with all the information you need to know. Read on to find out more.

LED Technology

LED refers to Light Emitting Diodes, which are devices with a solid-state. The diodes are built to convert electric current directly into single color light. The latest generation of LED lighting adopts a cold light technology through which energy is delivered in a single visible spectrum.

The great thing about LED is that it does not waste energy via the production of heat compared to other lighting technology like incandescent or fluorescent lamps. The ability of LEDs to produce cold lighting enables it to conserve more power, amongst other efficient features.

Some other excellent features of LED technology include:

Low power dependency: LED lamps and bulbs have a very low power dependency. They can work with a portable battery or a small solar pack or panel depending on the lighting capacity. This makes it an excellent power conservation technology.

Control System Integration: The technology of LED is fully integrative. You can integrate as many LED’s into a single central control system for easier control and regulation.

Portable and Lightweight: Many LED lighting devices are either small in size or lightweight or a combination of both. This makes them excellent for camping and long trips.

Resistant to Shock and Vibration: One of the criticisms leveled against Fluorescent lamps and traditional lighting systems is that they are shock and vibration sensors. The slightest vibration is known to affect their functionality. Such arguments cannot be leveled against LEDs because they are built to withstand these shortcomings.

Good color: The great color output of LED is also second to none.

How does LED work?

The diode in LED systems is an integral part of the outlay, which is placed on a reflector cup like a chip. The diode is fastened by a steel frame that is connected to perfectly placed electric wires. When current flows through, light is produced within the crystal chip or diode. As for the width or shape of the emitted light, one or more factors could influence this such as

• The reflector cup’s shape
• Size of the chip
• Epoxy lens shape
• Space between the epoxy lens and the chip

Latest trends influencing LED technology

Innovative improvements and changes are the hallmarks of great inventions, and we see these things play out as far as LED technology is concerned. Today, the drive to improve output is gaining momentum in light of the latest trends associated with LED technology. Here are some cool LED trends we think you should be aware of.

Multicolor LED

Research engineers have recently been able to finally produce blue LED light, which was elusive before now. This discovery is groundbreaking because it opens up new frontiers for full spectrum LED displays. Recently, scientists discovered a way to use a single LED to project three different primary colors. This further discovery improves the capacity of LED more than before. As more discoveries are made, the quality of light output and energy conservation capacity is bound to improve.

Perovskite LED

Manufacturers have long been looking for cheaper means to produce LEDs.  The idea behind this move is influenced by the desire to make LED affordable to the poorest of communities. A key component in this drive is the material called Perovskite. This material has the capacity to turn photons into electricity. But the latest innovations have taken perovskite adoption even further. Now, this mineral can turn electrons into the light too.

In the past, perovskite could only convert electricity into light at a 1% efficiency ratio. Today, that percentage has risen to over 21%, which is remarkable. This innovation, on its own, places this key mineral component on par with organic diodes found in Flat TV screens and smartphones.

Reversed LED Cooling

Another amazing trend worthy of note is the reversed cooling effect of LED taking the industry by storm. Some researchers have discovered that if you run LED backward instead of not interfering with its performance, a short-range cooling effect to the volume of 6W/m2 will be achieved.

Horticulture Light

The use of LED for improved growth performance in green plants is another exciting trend. Today, we see agro experts using this technology to stimulate plant growth for better yields. From all indications, LED appears to deliver better results than high-pressure sodium lights (HPS).

In light of the trends mentioned above and many more not covered in this article, one shouldn’t be surprised as to the effectiveness and efficiency of LED.  LED technology indeed has a very bright future. One positive effect we expect to witness is in the area of cost. New organic LEDs are expected in the not too distant future as manufacturers efficiently churn out new designs at reduced costs. A drop in cost will make the technology affordable to low-income households, which is a positive trend.

LED Colors

In the past, there was only one LED color, but today, they are three primary color varieties. These colors can be used at any location, but some users prefer a particular color for a given location over others. The colors are:

• Warm White: This was the initial LED color. The warm white is widely used in homes as a preferable lighting color
• Cool White: This color has a similar display to traditional fluorescent tubes used in offices and shops.
• Daylight: This color is a white light with a blue hue. Daylight color is used to project the real color of the bulb or lamp.

LEDs temperature and heat

Color temperature matters when using LEDs. Based on the recommendations of lighting experts, the ideal temperature of color is 2700-3600 Kelvins for indoor usage. Users should not confuse color temperature with lamp heat since they mean two different things. However, there are new LED products that offer color temperatures as low as 1900 Kelvins.

LED Applications in Modern life

LED technology has improved significantly over the years, and these improvements have led to its adoption in almost every facet of human life. Below, we review some of the common applications that utilize technology.

• Residential LED: We see this technology in use in homes more than anywhere else. There are LED lamps and bulbs on display at home. Beyond that, a large percentage of television sets use LED for image projection.
• Offices and Retail Stores: Offices and business buildings need the right amount of light, especially in indoor spaces. LED is bright and conserves energy, which makes it an economical technology.
• Signage and traffic signs: Most traffic lights and signage become even more significant at night. To catch the attention of pedestrians and motorists, the lighting has to be top-notch.
• Entertainment: Cinemas, concert stages, and rallies held at night utilize LED lighting today. Organizers place a lot of emphasis on quality lighting to ensure audience engagement, interaction, and security.
• Marine: The Marine industry relies heavily on quality lighting for night fishing and marine exploitation. The marine world is relatively very dark at night, but bright LED lights make it possible for explorers and fishing trawlers to function in the dead of night when half of the marine world comes alive.
• Motor vehicles and bicycles: Nighttime commuting will not have been possible without a proper lighting system. Manufacturers find LEDs to be a lot more effective and economical.
• Architecture: High rise buildings need as much indoor lighting as low rise ones. Incorporating this technology into buildings make them more habitable for occupants.
• Healthcare: By integrating LED into medical practices, experts can better perform their duties. Today, we have witnessed cutting edge LED technology such as surgical lighting systems, examination lights, endoscopy, and psychotherapy.
• Data Communication: Even the field of telecommunication and data management is not left out. Communicators on large buildings, factories, and highly populated locations use LED to project signals from a source to a target.
• Biological detection: LED is used to detect medical anomalies such as fractures, or the spread of bacteria in patients.
• Machine Vision: Some centrally controlled machines only respond to light commands without which, control is impossible. We also witness its usage in devices such as transistors, sensor systems, and remote controls.

LED light advantages

When compared to Incandescent bulbs and fluorescents, LED technology offers offices and homes several advantages that supersedes what the other two lighting devices offer.

Energy efficiency: First and foremost, LED is energy efficient, which is why it appears to be the preferable lighting technology for many. Energy conservators point to the low voltage consumption of LED and advice their usage compared to other options that consume more power.

Lifespan: The average LED bulb has a lifetime of roughly about 50,000 hours. That is almost twice the lifetime capacity of fluorescent tubes and incandescent bulbs. LED is known to work for a long time before they need replacements.

Safety: The R&D behind most LED products is top-notch with safety as a core focus. Modern LED products are produced with organic materials that pose no risk to humans or the environment.

Low Cost: The cost of acquiring LED is one of the main reasons why it is widely used in homes, offices, and industrial plants and factories Worldwide. With new innovations such as the use of Perovskite, manufacturers are able to produce LED products at a much cheaper rate. And as you know, the drop in price will be passed on to final consumers who get to purchase their advanced lighting system at an affordable price.

Color: Unlike other close substitutes, users have the luxury of choice. The latest version of LED lighting systems has three different primary color variations, namely the warm white color, cool white, and the Daylight color.

Almost Zero UV Emission: LED produces UV rays, but contrary to what many might think, the rays produced are harmless because they emit very limited and insignificant volumes. These days, mobile phone screens, tv sets, and lighting systems use LEDs.

Dimming capability: LED has dimming capability, which comes in handy in low voltage situations.

Environmentally friendly: LED poses no risks to the environment like it doesn’t to humans. Many LED devices are produced using organic materials. In the advent that a device has outlived its usefulness and is disposed of, it doesn’t negatively impact the environment, which is a plus for environmental conservation.

Design flexibility: There is no single way to design an LED piece of hardware. Manufacturers adopt different design features, so, therefore, consumers are not limited by option. In the case of LED Tv sets, for instance, there are flat LED and curved LED television sets. As for lighting devices that use LED, consumers have access to countless design features. Having options broadens the choices available to users.

Durability: The durability of LED is A Plus if you ask me. LED can withstand varying weather elements, which makes them ideal devices for regions with volatile temperatures. Whether hot or cold, it works just fine and lasts long. The need for frequent changes is not something you will have to worry about should you switch to LED.

Low Voltage Power: Last but not least is voltage power. LEDs can work even with low power voltages. It’s dimming capacity also enable it to project light when the current is low.

LED lights disadvantages

There are quite a few disadvantages you should take note of should you decide to switch to LED lighting. These are some of them.

Blue Hazard: The blue light hazard is one of the most talked-about disadvantages of LED. LED produces blue light that is not visible to the human eye, and this blue light has certain negative effects. Researchers and health experts have associated this blue light phenomenon to the risk of eye strain and headaches.

To reduce the possibilities of users experiencing these medical challenges, manufacturers are constantly searching for ways to reduce blue light emissions.

Voltage sensitivity: Although, LED works under low voltage situations, it is still sensitive to it.  Occurrences of constant blinking ate not uncommon to LED lights. In most cases, the blinking lights are not visible to the human eye, but they may lead to headaches, especially among children.

Poor quality may impact vision: Poor light quality nay impact vision. Even if the quality of the light is God, staring at a LED light for long may cause dry eyes. This is why prolonged staring should be discouraged among old and young folks. But if this can’t be avoided, then looking away from time to time is advisable.

What are some of the natural benefits of an LED?

We have touched on how LED technology has improved the way we live and work. How about the positive effects of LED on the human body?

LED balances our Circadian Rhythm

For years, researchers have studied the effect of light on the human circadian rhythm, and their conclusions have been positive all the way through. For those who do not know what this concept means, the Circadian Rhythm is the biological clock in living things. This clock regulates biological processes and behavior 24 hours a day. From results obtained, researchers found out that when humans, animals, and other day-active living things are exposed to light after waking up, it reflects favorably on their emotions and psychology.

Exposure to light advances awareness. On the other hand, exposure to light before going to bed makes sleeping difficult as it delays it. Quality light during the day helps people to sleep better at night.

It decreases the occurrence of headaches

The jury is still out regarding the causes of headaches, as many experts proffer varying answers. However, one thing many have come to agree with is that low-intensity green light can reduce migraines by as much as 20%.

Increased learning performance

Children exposed to quality light perform better academically compared to children without access to the light of the same quality for two main reasons. Firstly, reading under poor lighting is a high turn off for kids that as it is for adults. And as we know, poor light affects human vision because it forces the lens to strain itself to capture images. Secondly, light quality has an effect on the human brain. If exposed to proper light intensity, the brain will be able to process data efficiently.

Increased productivity

Nowhere does this hold true than in factories where workers perform tasks at night. Proper lighting systems like LED allows work to continue uninterrupted no matter the time of day.

Decrease stress levels and Anxiety

Remaining in a dark or poorly lighted room for hours does the human mind no good. Working under poor lighting conditions forces the brain to work twice as hard to process information. LED produces a very bright light that makes it easier for people to function, especially indoors.

Future of LED

LED has come a long way since it was first invented and introduced to society. Today, there are three primary color combinations, just as there are multiple design features. If past and current innovations are anything to go by, we expect that LED will continue to play a prominent role in private and work life in years to come.

The possibilities that LED offers are endless, and we are witnessing an over-reliance on LED as a preferable lighting option for many. Due to their economical value, we expect homeowners and businesses to continue to rely on technology. As for the potential hazards of using the technology, which is already minimal as it stands, industry experts expect manufacturers to continue to refine their designs so as to completely eliminate these hazards altogether.

Industries, where LED lighting will continue to play prominent roles, include Manufacturing, Health, Education, Hospitality, Security, Telecom and domestic gadgets, etc.

Conclusion

Switching to LED as a lighting option is a smart choice. Are you a homeowner or a business owner? We are sure that you desire an affordable and reliable lighting option that delivers safe and high-intensity lighting that will not consume a huge chunk of your budget. LED has a long lifespan and can serve your need better than most lighting options out there.