Light emitting diodes or LED lights are an energy efficient lighting solution. Unlike the conventional lights which use filaments, the LED lights are solid state bulbs. The light is emitted when a semiconductor diode is charged. The charge from the diode makes the electrons combine with the hole thereby releasing energy in the form of light. The diodes are very small in size and are integrated with other optical components to obtain the light and reflection that is required for illumination.
LED lights have become very popular because of the various advantages it offers. They emit light immediately upon switching on unlike the halogen or krypton gas bulbs. LED lights consume less power and the savings in power can be up to 20% compared to conventional lights. This feature is beneficial for lighting up commercial spaces where large numbers of lights are required. Usage of LED lights in such cases will result in huge power savings. The heat emission from LED lights is almost nil. This makes it the right choice for lighting up areas where heat emission is not desirable like children's play area.
Compared to a conventional light, the LED light lasts about four times longer. When the longer life is combined with the savings in power, the usage of LED lights proves to be very beneficial for the user. Also, there is no hassle of frequent replacements since the life of LED lights are not affected with heat emitted by them. The life of a conventional light comes down drastically because of the heat emitted by the bulb itself. LED lights are also more robust than their conventional counterparts. Because of their solid state nature, the LED lights can sustain external shocks without damage.
They are used for a wide range of purposes. In commercial spaces, the LED lights are used for advertising. Because of their bright lighting, the LED lights are capable of catching the eye attention quickly. At homes, they are used to light driveways, porches and rooms. They are used widely for decorative purposes such as lighting Christmas trees and providing illumination for parties. LED lights are also catching up with replacing the conventional lights for automobiles. They are being extensively used as indicators and tail lights in cars and other vehicles. They can also be seen being used in traffic signals.
LED lights are environment friendly lights. Global warming is a serious concern today and with the low heat emission technology, LED lights contributes towards keeping the atmosphere cool. Since they use lesser power, extensive usage of LED lights can go a long way in conserving the depleting natural energy resources. They also do not contain toxic mercury unlike fluorescent lights. Another efficient feature of LED lights is that they can emit light of desired color without using a light filter. This features enables in wasting no energy whatsoever in the conversion.
LED lights come with an initial high investment cost. However, with the longer life and the power savings that they offer, this initial cost does not work out to be a disadvantage. A simple math will tell you that the ownership cost of LED lights is much less that an incandescent light or a fluorescent light. They work with 12V or 24 V power which means they can run on battery power as well. An efficient way to complement the environment friendly features of the LED lights is to run it on solar power.
Owing to the many advantages that LED lights possess, they are increasingly being used in various applications. They are also used in many temporary applications such as light art and glow sticks because of the relative cheapness that low output LED lights offer.
2. Reshma Anand has been writing for several years and has written on various topics. She is an engineering post graduate from world's premier technology school and also holds an MBA from one of the top B Schools. She was working with one of the largest business conglomerates before she gave it up to take up her passion for writing.
