NEEP to co-host solid state lighting workshop in Boston July 16 & 17
In May 2007, NEEP was awarded a significant project by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to disseminate technical information on the rapidly evolving solid state lighting (SSL) technology. Although the formal public rollout of NEEP’s involvement with the Technical Information Network for Solid State Lighting (TINSSL) is several weeks away, NEEP is pleased to co-host with DOE a workshop entitled, “Voices for SSL Efficiency: Opportunities to Partner and Participate.” It will be held on July 16 and 17 at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel in Boston, Mass. This workshop will largely replicate a similar event held in April 2007, at which more than 100 attendees gathered in Pasadena, CA to discuss how federal, state, and private-sector organizations can work together to shape markets for high-performance SSL products. The Boston workshop is intended for organizations that were unable to attend the Pasadena workshop.
The DOE/NEEP SSL workshop will provide a forum for efficiency organizations, utilities, designers, manufacturers, and others to share insights, ideas, and updates on the rapidly evolving SSL market. Agenda highlights include:
- Emerging SSL markets for general illumination – timing and niches;
- Lessons learned from market introduction of compact fluorescent lighting;
- DOE’s commercialization support plan, including ENERGY STAR®, testing, standards, demonstrations, competitions, and opportunities to participate;
- SSL product rollout scenarios - priorities and potential roles for government, industry, efficiency organizations, utilities, and others;
- SSL essentials - technology, applications, advantages, disadvantages; and
- A tour of the Osram Sylvania LIGHTPOINT training and display facility.
Registration is limited and can be completed online at Voices for SSL Efficiency: Opportunities to Partner and Participate.
Why Solid State Lighting?
NEEP has been aggressively tracking the development of SSL for several months because of the tremendous energy saving potential the technology represents. As DOE says on its SSL homepage, “No other lighting technology offers the Department and our nation so much potential to save energy and enhance the quality of our building environments.” Especially in the commercial sector, where lighting represents the bulk of electrical consumption and where most lighting is operating at the time of system peak, big energy savings equates with big demand savings. NEEP joins efficiency program administrators throughout the Northeast in recognizing peak demand savings as a primary objective of its activities.
SSL technology is commonly known as LEDs or light emitting diodes. LEDs use semiconductors to convert electricity to light. They do not contain filaments or bulbs. LEDs have the potential to provide better lighting quality output than incandescent, at a fraction of the energy use. Commercial LEDs already provide 40 lumens per watt compared to 14-20 lumens per watt in an incandescent, with lumens per watt rising constantly as research and development continue. The lack of filaments or bulbs makes LED more durable, and their long life saves money on replacement and maintenance costs. Their small size makes them flexible for creative use in various lighting applications.
Why TINSSL?
It is extremely important to the DOE, NEEP and the efficiency community as a whole that the emergence of SSL to market is well handled to maximize the benefits the technology promises. According to Jim Brodrick, DOE’s SSL Program Manager, TINSSL was created to increase awareness of SSL technology, performance, and appropriate applications” (Pasadena SSL Overview, p.12).
As NEEP assembles a final work plan for its participation in TINSSL, relevant working groups and committees are already being introduced to the topic. For example, at the June 11, 2007 meeting of NEEP’s High Efficiency Commercial Lighting Initiative Working Group, the following planned SSL activities were shared:
- Monitor and mine DOE SSL Web site
- Develop identity for Network
- Integrate SSL into working groups, committees
- SSL updates and Web site prominent at all relevant meetings
- Periodic SSL Update newsletter
- Report back to DOE information needed by market
Other NEEP groups will participate heavily in the SSL effort including: ENERGY STAR Products Initiative, High Performance Schools Exchange, Northeast Building Energy Codes Project, Policy Outreach, and Communications.
Two of the critical objectives of NEEP’s TINSSL work will be to ensure that appropriate stakeholders are equipped to identify which applications are market ready and which are still in need of development. As is often the case with innovative technologies in the efficiency market, there is perhaps as much misinformation on SSL technology as there is good information. For example, as part of its SSL Commercial Product Testing Program DOE found, in one case, the following result: “(A) downlight claimed 40 lm/W; however measured luminaire efficacy was 13 lm/W and 193 lumens; less than 1/2 the efficacy of typical CFL downlight, and ~1/3 the lumens, (Pasadena Commercialization Program, p. 12). However, this not to say that downlights, or other applications such as under cabinet, outdoor area, task, and surface mounted lighting are not market ready-- in fact these are the primary examples of products that are.
Next Steps for NEEP
As NEEP continues to plan for the July SSL workshop in Boston, the overall work and communications plans are being finalized and an Internet strategy for TINSSL is being developed. A formal rollout of the project can be expected by September. In the meantime, NEEP believes there is little question that SSL is going to be a significant factor in the future of energy efficiency, and has the promise to bring tremendous competitive advantages to programs, customers and society as a whole. NEEP’s presence in and commitment to the development of SSL and the SSL marketplace is strong.
For more information on SSL or NEEP’s role with TINSSL please contact Ed Schmidt, Director of Regional Initiatives.
