Although the Saginaw Museum’s historical architecture gives the facility a distinct daytime presence, the museum was not illuminated at night. With no exterior illumination, the museum was missing an ideal opportunity to showcase the facility and dramatically accentuate its architectural features.
With more visitors, increasing night programs, and a mission to keep the museum attractive and appealing, the staff set out to find a way to highlight the museum’s architecture and make the facility a focal point of Saginaw’s nighttime skyline.
A local organization devoted to illuminating Saginaw’s architectural treasures stepped in to help. Saginaw Sees the Lights has illuminated 13 historically significant buildings in the community and identified the Saginaw Museum as the latest in need of a distinct nighttime presence.
With the support of Saginaw Sees the Lights, the museum contacted a local electrical contractor for help. “When I was called to work on the project, they had been working for more than a year to find the right solution,” says Ken David, CEO of Ken David Electric.
The museum’s primary goal was to find an energy efficient solution that would help keep energy costs down and require minimal maintenance. Said Santa, “We were concerned about constantly replacing light bulbs. The inside is loaded with bulbs that we have to replace every few weeks. Due to safety concerns, time, and difficulty, we did not want the same issue outside.”
The museum also wanted luminaires that would accentuate the architecture, without drawing attention to the luminaires. “Good architectural lighting should call attention to the building and not to the fixture itself,” says Santa. “Our goal was not to update or modernize the look of the castle. We wanted to create awareness of the castle’s classic aesthetic. In order to accomplish this, we needed sleek fixtures.”
The museum reviewed multiple options (with a focus on LEDs) before deciding on D-Series LED Flood luminaires from Lithonia Lighting. The next step was to test lighting samples on the building to see how they performed in actuality. Says Santa. “The samples matched our needs perfectly, and as soon as we saw them light up, we were ready to install them.”
The museum installed 19 of the D-Series LED floodlights around the building’s exterior, and once these were in place, there was a grand opening ceremony to watch as the historic building was illuminated for the first time.
“When the switch flipped and all the lights went on, we were shocked,” Santa recalls. “The castle looked completely different at night. We were thrilled beyond belief. The lighting significantly enhanced the historic architecture and made it possible to view the building 24 hours a day.”
Using 41 watts per fixture, the building’s outdoor lighting uses less than 780 watts. This means the museum is illuminating its exterior for approximately $450 annually, or less than one dollar per night.
“Back when I started in the trade, a project like this would have used much larger fixtures and the wattage would be at least double,” says David. “With these luminaires, it is going to be up to 20 years before the museum has to replace the lights. The energy savings are incredible. I am 100% sold on LED.”
While LED would help keep energy usage to a minimum, the compact size of the floodlights used also helped the museum focus on the castle’s architecture and not on the floodlights.
For additional savings, the luminaries are equipped with photocells for dusk to dawn lighting. They can also be controlled with a timer, which allows the luminaires to be turned off during pre-selected times.
“We are thrilled with the energy consumption—or lack thereof. There is virtually no maintenance time and the cost is minimal,” says Santa. “Additionally, the fixtures are perfect because they are barely noticeable, and the real true spotlight is on the architectural features of the building.”
2013年5月30日 星期四
2013年5月27日 星期一
Inside the neon sign boneyard
This Memorial Day holiday weekend, the hulking metal come-ons are once again glinting and shimmering at night.
The Neon Museum, where Sin City's most iconic signs go to retire, has begun aiming more than 100 multicoloured spotlights on its outdoor collection of 150 signs. It's also extending hours for nighttime tours, and a handful of signs have been fully restored with new bulbs.
Since October, visitors have been able to meander past the Silver Slipper, Aladdin's lamp, the Stardust marquee and dozens of other signs saved from the wrecking ball. But the museum closed at 5.30pm, meaning that tourists had to squint through the desert sun to glimpse the old guardians of this nighttime city.
For the first time on Saturday, visitors were able to behold the fully restored signs in all their luminescent glory.
The dozens of other markers were bathed in custom-designed spotlights, like true Vegas showgirls.
"The skyline of Las Vegas is a nighttime skyline," said executive director Danielle Kelly, moments before the first afterhours tour came through.
"We stand among the architecture of this city. The notable architecture of this city is its signage. And their illumination is when they came alive," Kelly said.
In a town known for detonating buildings that are beyond their prime, Las Vegas' Neon Museum stands apart in its zeal for salvaging the blinking, glowing memories of the past.
Kelly says time has transformed the signs from commercial emissaries into objects of art.
The hour-long guided tours bend through the artfully cluttered 1.5-acre lot. The excursion offers an alternative to the mega-mall homogeny along the desert metropolis' revamped main drag.
Worn by the beating sun and twisted by desert winds, most of the marquees have lost their flash, some of their bulbs and much of their paint. They tilt toward each other like tombstones in an ancient cemetery. But taken together, they tell a story about the town's glitziest days.
There's the nouveau graveyard's oldest sign: a green and white 1930s relic that marked a restaurant where Hoover Dam construction workers bought fried chicken and bootleg whiskey.
One of the signs with working bulbs - a vintage arrow pointing lovebirds to "Marriage Information"' - alludes to the town's role as the nation's elopement, and divorce, capital.
And the giant marquee that once sat astride the Stardust casino - featuring a space-age, deep-red font and cascade of stylized diamonds- recalls Nevada's embrace of its role as a test site for nuclear weapons.
While only four of the kitschy relics are illuminated, the spotlights play up each sign's attributes and create a feel of pulsating energy.
On Saturday, the flashing red lights and blue and purple shadows - along with the errant stray cat - gave the attraction the surreal, slightly creepy feel of a shuttered theme park.
The museum plans to turn on a few more signs, but facilities director Sam Reza said full wattage would be too dazzling.
"The purpose of the museum is never to have all of the signs fully illumined. We wanted to keep them in the state that they were taken down. To have all of these signs fully lighted up would be overwhelming," she said.
Funding is also a factor; it can cost $100,000 to bring back a single sign.
Art lovers founded the museum in 1996 in a sandy lot outside downtown Las Vegas a few miles north of the Strip as a way to rescue old signs when buildings were demolished or remodelled.
In 2012, curators had the bright idea to open it to the public and began working on a plan to light up the night once again.
Casino bosses began abandoning curlicues of neon in the desert several decades ago, beginning with Steve Wynn's remodel of the Golden Nugget.
The Neon Museum, where Sin City's most iconic signs go to retire, has begun aiming more than 100 multicoloured spotlights on its outdoor collection of 150 signs. It's also extending hours for nighttime tours, and a handful of signs have been fully restored with new bulbs.
Since October, visitors have been able to meander past the Silver Slipper, Aladdin's lamp, the Stardust marquee and dozens of other signs saved from the wrecking ball. But the museum closed at 5.30pm, meaning that tourists had to squint through the desert sun to glimpse the old guardians of this nighttime city.
For the first time on Saturday, visitors were able to behold the fully restored signs in all their luminescent glory.
The dozens of other markers were bathed in custom-designed spotlights, like true Vegas showgirls.
"The skyline of Las Vegas is a nighttime skyline," said executive director Danielle Kelly, moments before the first afterhours tour came through.
"We stand among the architecture of this city. The notable architecture of this city is its signage. And their illumination is when they came alive," Kelly said.
In a town known for detonating buildings that are beyond their prime, Las Vegas' Neon Museum stands apart in its zeal for salvaging the blinking, glowing memories of the past.
Kelly says time has transformed the signs from commercial emissaries into objects of art.
The hour-long guided tours bend through the artfully cluttered 1.5-acre lot. The excursion offers an alternative to the mega-mall homogeny along the desert metropolis' revamped main drag.
Worn by the beating sun and twisted by desert winds, most of the marquees have lost their flash, some of their bulbs and much of their paint. They tilt toward each other like tombstones in an ancient cemetery. But taken together, they tell a story about the town's glitziest days.
There's the nouveau graveyard's oldest sign: a green and white 1930s relic that marked a restaurant where Hoover Dam construction workers bought fried chicken and bootleg whiskey.
One of the signs with working bulbs - a vintage arrow pointing lovebirds to "Marriage Information"' - alludes to the town's role as the nation's elopement, and divorce, capital.
And the giant marquee that once sat astride the Stardust casino - featuring a space-age, deep-red font and cascade of stylized diamonds- recalls Nevada's embrace of its role as a test site for nuclear weapons.
While only four of the kitschy relics are illuminated, the spotlights play up each sign's attributes and create a feel of pulsating energy.
On Saturday, the flashing red lights and blue and purple shadows - along with the errant stray cat - gave the attraction the surreal, slightly creepy feel of a shuttered theme park.
The museum plans to turn on a few more signs, but facilities director Sam Reza said full wattage would be too dazzling.
"The purpose of the museum is never to have all of the signs fully illumined. We wanted to keep them in the state that they were taken down. To have all of these signs fully lighted up would be overwhelming," she said.
Funding is also a factor; it can cost $100,000 to bring back a single sign.
Art lovers founded the museum in 1996 in a sandy lot outside downtown Las Vegas a few miles north of the Strip as a way to rescue old signs when buildings were demolished or remodelled.
In 2012, curators had the bright idea to open it to the public and began working on a plan to light up the night once again.
Casino bosses began abandoning curlicues of neon in the desert several decades ago, beginning with Steve Wynn's remodel of the Golden Nugget.
2013年5月23日 星期四
Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs, FL Interior Deluxe recently launched a brand new
luxury lighting collection from the authentic Italian light brand,
Artemide. The elegant and exclusive Artemide lighting collection
features some of the most gorgeous light fixtures in the world. Designed
with Swarovski crystals, reflective aluminum, halogen bulbs, and
eco-friendly LED lights, this collection combines the best of aesthetics
and functionality. These concept lights are part of the ‘human light’
collection that strives to create an atmosphere of serene balance.
The pendant lights, for instance, are a beautiful melange of adjustable elipses and perfect finishes. Customers are also set to enjoy the exceptional customer support services of the company. Interior-Deluxe also offers free shipping internationally. All these features combine to give customers the most impressive lights with the most reliant client support.
The Mercury Mini Pendant is perfect for small, private spaces and glows with a single, soft halogen bulb. Designed by Ross Lovegrove, this light glows with the Die-Cast Aluminum finish and luster echoing lamp parts. The mini pendant light can also be alternatively used with LED lights. The light framework is made of aluminum and parts of it are molded with thermoplastic. It reaches a height of 79 inches. Another equally distinct light is the Copernico pendant light.
It is an intriguing fixture featuring a set of nine concentric pendants made of aluminum and it lights up through its 384 white hued LED lights. The ellipses are adjustable and are pivoted on two different axes. As a result, this pendant creates a diverse range of light display. This Artemide pendant has been designed by Carlotta de Bevilacqua and is symbolic of everything luxuriously Italian.
The Net Circle Suspension LED light from Artemide resembles a combination of a light circuit with light wreaths surrounding it. This Italian design of Artemide Net pendant looks resplendent in 17 LEDs on a pendant that is given a white aluminum finish. The pendant light reaches a height of 200 cm. It is needless to mention that these lights from Artemide have been enthusiastically praised by customers.
Jane from Los Angels purchased a Mercury Pendant from Interior Deluxe and couldn’t stop praising it. She expressed her views, “ My pendant light came in excellent condition and I’m delighted at the way it has completely changed the appearance of my room. Will definitely recommend.” Ben, an interior designer from Boston had similar views. “I ordered a couple of Copernico lamps for one of my clients. They appreciate the fine design and the prompt delivery. It’s one lamp I’m looking forward to buying more of.”
Interior Deluxe is one of the industry stalwarts when it comes to lavish, elite, and genuine European lighting. They keep bringing newer and better brands into the market with the help of their online store. With decades of experience and expertise, they offer flawless lights supported by an equally fabulous customer support. Company electricians are always available online in case any customer requires installation advice. The company also enjoys the AAA rank with the Best Business Bureau.
The pendant lights, for instance, are a beautiful melange of adjustable elipses and perfect finishes. Customers are also set to enjoy the exceptional customer support services of the company. Interior-Deluxe also offers free shipping internationally. All these features combine to give customers the most impressive lights with the most reliant client support.
The Mercury Mini Pendant is perfect for small, private spaces and glows with a single, soft halogen bulb. Designed by Ross Lovegrove, this light glows with the Die-Cast Aluminum finish and luster echoing lamp parts. The mini pendant light can also be alternatively used with LED lights. The light framework is made of aluminum and parts of it are molded with thermoplastic. It reaches a height of 79 inches. Another equally distinct light is the Copernico pendant light.
It is an intriguing fixture featuring a set of nine concentric pendants made of aluminum and it lights up through its 384 white hued LED lights. The ellipses are adjustable and are pivoted on two different axes. As a result, this pendant creates a diverse range of light display. This Artemide pendant has been designed by Carlotta de Bevilacqua and is symbolic of everything luxuriously Italian.
The Net Circle Suspension LED light from Artemide resembles a combination of a light circuit with light wreaths surrounding it. This Italian design of Artemide Net pendant looks resplendent in 17 LEDs on a pendant that is given a white aluminum finish. The pendant light reaches a height of 200 cm. It is needless to mention that these lights from Artemide have been enthusiastically praised by customers.
Jane from Los Angels purchased a Mercury Pendant from Interior Deluxe and couldn’t stop praising it. She expressed her views, “ My pendant light came in excellent condition and I’m delighted at the way it has completely changed the appearance of my room. Will definitely recommend.” Ben, an interior designer from Boston had similar views. “I ordered a couple of Copernico lamps for one of my clients. They appreciate the fine design and the prompt delivery. It’s one lamp I’m looking forward to buying more of.”
Interior Deluxe is one of the industry stalwarts when it comes to lavish, elite, and genuine European lighting. They keep bringing newer and better brands into the market with the help of their online store. With decades of experience and expertise, they offer flawless lights supported by an equally fabulous customer support. Company electricians are always available online in case any customer requires installation advice. The company also enjoys the AAA rank with the Best Business Bureau.
2013年5月21日 星期二
Interior Deluxe Brings Luxurious Artemide Italian Human Lights
Interior Deluxe recently launched a brand new luxury lighting
collection from the authentic Italian light brand, Artemide. The elegant
and exclusive Artemide lighting collection features some of the most
gorgeous light fixtures in the world. Designed with Swarovski crystals,
reflective aluminum, halogen bulbs, and eco-friendly LED lights, this
collection combines the best of aesthetics and functionality.
These concept lights are part of the ‘human light’ collection that strives to create an atmosphere of serene balance. The pendant lights, for instance, are a beautiful mélange of adjustable elipses and perfect finishes. Customers are also set to enjoy the exceptional customer support services of the company. Interior-Deluxe also offers free shipping internationally. All these features combine to give customers the most impressive lights with the most reliant client support.
The Mercury Mini Pendant is perfect for small, private spaces and glows with a single, soft halogen bulb. Designed by Ross Lovegrove, this light glows with the Die-Cast Aluminum finish and luster echoing lamp parts. The mini pendant light can also be alternatively used with LED lights. The light framework is made of aluminum and parts of it are molded with thermoplastic. It reaches a height of 79 inches. Another equally distinct light is the Copernico pendant light.
It is an intriguing fixture featuring a set of nine concentric pendants made of aluminum and it lights up through its 384 white hued LED lights. The ellipses are adjustable and are pivoted on two different axes. As a result, this pendant creates a diverse range of light display. This Artemide pendant has been designed by Carlotta de Bevilacqua and is symbolic of everything luxuriously Italian.
The Net Circle Suspension LED light from Artemide resembles a combination of a light circuit with light wreaths surrounding it. This Italian design of Artemide Net pendant looks resplendent in 17 LEDs on a pendant that is given a white aluminum finish. The pendant light reaches a height of 200 cm. It is needless to mention that these lights from Artemide have been enthusiastically praised by customers.
Jane from Los Angels purchased a Mercury Pendant from Interior Deluxe and couldn’t stop praising it. She expressed her views, “ My pendant light came in excellent condition and I’m delighted at the way it has completely changed the appearance of my room. Will definitely recommend.” Ben, an interior designer from Boston had similar views. “I ordered a couple of Copernico lamps for one of my clients. They appreciate the fine design and the prompt delivery. It’s one lamp I’m looking forward to buying more of.”
Interior Deluxe is one of the industry stalwarts when it comes to lavish, elite, and genuine European lighting. They keep bringing newer and better brands into the market with the help of their online store. With decades of experience and expertise, they offer flawless lights supported by an equally fabulous customer support. Company electricians are always available online in case any customer requires installation advice. The company also enjoys the AAA rank with the Best Business Bureau.
These concept lights are part of the ‘human light’ collection that strives to create an atmosphere of serene balance. The pendant lights, for instance, are a beautiful mélange of adjustable elipses and perfect finishes. Customers are also set to enjoy the exceptional customer support services of the company. Interior-Deluxe also offers free shipping internationally. All these features combine to give customers the most impressive lights with the most reliant client support.
The Mercury Mini Pendant is perfect for small, private spaces and glows with a single, soft halogen bulb. Designed by Ross Lovegrove, this light glows with the Die-Cast Aluminum finish and luster echoing lamp parts. The mini pendant light can also be alternatively used with LED lights. The light framework is made of aluminum and parts of it are molded with thermoplastic. It reaches a height of 79 inches. Another equally distinct light is the Copernico pendant light.
It is an intriguing fixture featuring a set of nine concentric pendants made of aluminum and it lights up through its 384 white hued LED lights. The ellipses are adjustable and are pivoted on two different axes. As a result, this pendant creates a diverse range of light display. This Artemide pendant has been designed by Carlotta de Bevilacqua and is symbolic of everything luxuriously Italian.
The Net Circle Suspension LED light from Artemide resembles a combination of a light circuit with light wreaths surrounding it. This Italian design of Artemide Net pendant looks resplendent in 17 LEDs on a pendant that is given a white aluminum finish. The pendant light reaches a height of 200 cm. It is needless to mention that these lights from Artemide have been enthusiastically praised by customers.
Jane from Los Angels purchased a Mercury Pendant from Interior Deluxe and couldn’t stop praising it. She expressed her views, “ My pendant light came in excellent condition and I’m delighted at the way it has completely changed the appearance of my room. Will definitely recommend.” Ben, an interior designer from Boston had similar views. “I ordered a couple of Copernico lamps for one of my clients. They appreciate the fine design and the prompt delivery. It’s one lamp I’m looking forward to buying more of.”
Interior Deluxe is one of the industry stalwarts when it comes to lavish, elite, and genuine European lighting. They keep bringing newer and better brands into the market with the help of their online store. With decades of experience and expertise, they offer flawless lights supported by an equally fabulous customer support. Company electricians are always available online in case any customer requires installation advice. The company also enjoys the AAA rank with the Best Business Bureau.
Increase profits by watching energy use
Small-business owners are always on the lookout for ways to improve
the efficiency of their processes and tasks. But you could pace your
store, your shop floor, or your home office for hours and never spot
some of the most inefficient aspects of your business, even though they
are usually in plain sight.
These cost culprits are your lights, equipment, computers — anything that uses electricity. And if you don’t pay attention to how you use these items, the resulting waste may well be compromising your profitability and, potentially, your competitiveness. And don’t assume that convenience makes up for the added cost; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that small businesses can save as much money per square foot by cutting energy waste as large organizations.
Fortunately, there are many simple ways to make your small business more energy-efficient. And even if you lease space or have equipment or processes that require ample amounts of electricity, improving efficiency in other areas will have a positive effect on your power bill — an important consideration in an era of volatile energy costs.
Here are some tips to help get the most out of your energy dollar:
Turn off lights, computers and other equipment when not in use. This includes computers, which, contrary to popular belief, do not lose less energy when in screen-saver mode. The better strategy is automatic switching to sleep mode or simply turning monitors off.
Track down “phantom” loads — computers, laptop AC adapters, printers and other appliances that continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. Unplug them when not in use, or have them plugged in to a power strip with an on/off strip.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lamps, wherever appropriate. CFLs cost about 75 percent less to operate and last about 10 times longer.
Eliminate unnecessary lighting and, if possible, make use of “free” daylight during the day by rearranging your workspace. “Solar screens,” shades and blinds will help regulate glare and control solar heating, easing the burden on your heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system.
Invest in annual “tune-ups” of your HVAC system. Along with enjoying greater efficiency, you may also avoid major repairs, which typically happen on the hottest or coldest days of the year.
Use rechargeable batteries for products such as cordless phones; they are more cost effective than throwaway batteries. But be sure to unplug the chargers when they are not in use, or the batteries are charged.
These cost culprits are your lights, equipment, computers — anything that uses electricity. And if you don’t pay attention to how you use these items, the resulting waste may well be compromising your profitability and, potentially, your competitiveness. And don’t assume that convenience makes up for the added cost; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that small businesses can save as much money per square foot by cutting energy waste as large organizations.
Fortunately, there are many simple ways to make your small business more energy-efficient. And even if you lease space or have equipment or processes that require ample amounts of electricity, improving efficiency in other areas will have a positive effect on your power bill — an important consideration in an era of volatile energy costs.
Here are some tips to help get the most out of your energy dollar:
Turn off lights, computers and other equipment when not in use. This includes computers, which, contrary to popular belief, do not lose less energy when in screen-saver mode. The better strategy is automatic switching to sleep mode or simply turning monitors off.
Track down “phantom” loads — computers, laptop AC adapters, printers and other appliances that continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. Unplug them when not in use, or have them plugged in to a power strip with an on/off strip.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lamps, wherever appropriate. CFLs cost about 75 percent less to operate and last about 10 times longer.
Eliminate unnecessary lighting and, if possible, make use of “free” daylight during the day by rearranging your workspace. “Solar screens,” shades and blinds will help regulate glare and control solar heating, easing the burden on your heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system.
Invest in annual “tune-ups” of your HVAC system. Along with enjoying greater efficiency, you may also avoid major repairs, which typically happen on the hottest or coldest days of the year.
Use rechargeable batteries for products such as cordless phones; they are more cost effective than throwaway batteries. But be sure to unplug the chargers when they are not in use, or the batteries are charged.
2013年5月19日 星期日
Philips Partners with Apple on Smart LED Bulb
This week, Philips introduced an intelligent LED light bulb that could transform the lighting and electronics industry.
The geofencing feature enables users to program Hue to change colors, as well as, turn on or off when the user arrives. As stated on the Philips website, Hue users “don’t ever worry if [they’ve] switched [their] lights off or not. Just walk out the front door and they’ll switch themselves off”.
There’s also an alarm function. The Hue can act as a light-based alarm, gradually turning itself on when it’s time for a person – or his kids – to wake up. The innovation means users now have the option not to be jarred by the blaring of sound-based, traditional alarms. With the timer feature, the Hue solar lighting can turn the lights off, flash, or change color after a set amount of time.
Philips opened up the API to allow developers to write their own apps for the colorful, smart bulb. The company also partnered with Apple to gain distribution among early adopters.
What are some future applications for smart LED lighting? The possibilities seem endless. A child who has gotten in trouble in school may find the house’s lights turn red when daddy is coming home. A user’s front porch may turn blue when a Facebook friend is about to arrive. Or the kitchen may turn yellow when the chicken in the oven is cooked to perfection. The smart LED bulb can also turn red during a romantic dinner on Valentine’s. Or turn green when it’s paycheck day at work.
The Hue can also be programmed for safety and security purposes. When someone is moving around the house at 2 a.m., the Hue can provide bright lighting inside a home to fend off burglars or to help ensure that elderly residents don’t hurt themselves.
The LED light bulb starter kit is available at Apple stores for $200 or $60 per Hue bulb. That’s a pretty steep price to pay for someone wanting to install a dozen of these, say, during Christmas or Valentine’s. Philips is banking on Hue to become the next cool “must have” product for techies.
The company should reap high profit margins at $60 per bulb. The price of LED light bulbs is projected to drop by half by the year 2020, according to BulbAmerica. “The overall costs of the central LED package will fall by more than 70 percent to $2.14 in the next decade” because of a shift in technological innovation towards areas such as thermal management, drivers, and optics.
Philips wants to transform what has previously been a commoditized product into an innovative technology that commands a premium because of its branding. For years, General Electric has reaped the benefits of advanced lighting through eco-friendly bulbs that, while more expensive, lasts longer than traditional bulbs. But executives at Philips believe there is a market beyond just environmentally-friendly, longer-lasting bulbs.
The geofencing feature enables users to program Hue to change colors, as well as, turn on or off when the user arrives. As stated on the Philips website, Hue users “don’t ever worry if [they’ve] switched [their] lights off or not. Just walk out the front door and they’ll switch themselves off”.
There’s also an alarm function. The Hue can act as a light-based alarm, gradually turning itself on when it’s time for a person – or his kids – to wake up. The innovation means users now have the option not to be jarred by the blaring of sound-based, traditional alarms. With the timer feature, the Hue solar lighting can turn the lights off, flash, or change color after a set amount of time.
Philips opened up the API to allow developers to write their own apps for the colorful, smart bulb. The company also partnered with Apple to gain distribution among early adopters.
What are some future applications for smart LED lighting? The possibilities seem endless. A child who has gotten in trouble in school may find the house’s lights turn red when daddy is coming home. A user’s front porch may turn blue when a Facebook friend is about to arrive. Or the kitchen may turn yellow when the chicken in the oven is cooked to perfection. The smart LED bulb can also turn red during a romantic dinner on Valentine’s. Or turn green when it’s paycheck day at work.
The Hue can also be programmed for safety and security purposes. When someone is moving around the house at 2 a.m., the Hue can provide bright lighting inside a home to fend off burglars or to help ensure that elderly residents don’t hurt themselves.
The LED light bulb starter kit is available at Apple stores for $200 or $60 per Hue bulb. That’s a pretty steep price to pay for someone wanting to install a dozen of these, say, during Christmas or Valentine’s. Philips is banking on Hue to become the next cool “must have” product for techies.
The company should reap high profit margins at $60 per bulb. The price of LED light bulbs is projected to drop by half by the year 2020, according to BulbAmerica. “The overall costs of the central LED package will fall by more than 70 percent to $2.14 in the next decade” because of a shift in technological innovation towards areas such as thermal management, drivers, and optics.
Philips wants to transform what has previously been a commoditized product into an innovative technology that commands a premium because of its branding. For years, General Electric has reaped the benefits of advanced lighting through eco-friendly bulbs that, while more expensive, lasts longer than traditional bulbs. But executives at Philips believe there is a market beyond just environmentally-friendly, longer-lasting bulbs.
2013年5月16日 星期四
Vendors Exchange Rolls Out Cleanlife LED Tubes
Vendors Exchange International Inc. has expanded its line of solid
state replacements for the fluorescent lamps commonly found in vending
machines and reach in display coolers. The CleanLife tubes, engineered
for replacement into popular T8 and T12 fixtures, incorporate linear
strips of high brightness light emitting diodes enclosed in frosted or
striped tubular shells.
Designed for simple installation in place of existing fluorescent tubes, the CleanLife LED strips feature rotating endcaps that can be aligned with the sockets in the lamp fixture while the shell is rotated for optimum illumination of the machine's product display. An "LED starter" is included as a direct plug in replacement for the existing fluorescent lamp starter.
According to Vendors Exchange, replacing fluorescent with LED illumination offers substantial cost savings over the life of the lamps, as well as improved lighting of the product display and LEDs do not contain mercury as fluorescent lamps do, so they need no special hazardous waste disposal. Since LEDs can deliver brightness equivalent or superior to a comparable fluorescent lamp with lower energy consumption, they use less electricity and do not radiate as much heat. Moreover, the tubular assemblies are damage resistant and will not shatter if dropped.
The LED strips incorporate the latest high brightness diodes and offer diffuse, even, neutral white illumination with exceptionally accurate color rendering. They start instantly, without warmup or flicker, and maintain full light output at low temperatures. The LED strips do not emit ultraviolet radiation.
A key to the cost efficiency of LED illumination is the durability of the diodes, Vendors Exchange explained. While a fluorescent tube that's continually lit has an average life span of 11 to 13 months, an LED strip used similarly can last from seven to 10 years. "Industry experts estimate the cost to replace fluorescent bulbs at $60 $90 each, given the cost of the bulb, the technician's time and travel expenses," the company said.
CleanLife LEDs are offered in lengths from 12 inches to 15, 18, 24, 26, 28, 30, 36 and 48 inches. They fit most common snack, refrigerated food, hot drink and cold packaged beverage machines.
Also available from Vendors Exchange is the CleanLife EzConnect Universal Light Kit for snack machines, which includes three 23" light bars, one Mean Well power supply, a 10 ft. extension harness, two AP adapter harnesses and one National adapter harness, 15 zip ties and nine anchors for them, one CleanLife window sticker and an alcohol swab, and complete installation instructions.
Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati's marquee sign is now permanently illuminated, following a ceremony on May 3. Installation of the 80 ft. sign marks the use of a new marquee design for Caesars Entertainment Corp.'s Horseshoe brand and Cincinnati is the first Horseshoe location to host the new sign style.
To minimize the impact of environmental light, the marquee sign was designed with new Dynamic LED light bars (patent pending) that illuminate by saturating the sign with vivid color rather than traditional neon signs that project light. The sign draws minimal power through its use of low voltage, low wattage and high brightness LED lamps designed to draw fewer amps than traditional LED digital displays.
The Dynamic LED system is capable of producing 4.4 trillion colors, allowing Horseshoe Cincinnati to change and customize the sign for holidays and special events.
Designed for simple installation in place of existing fluorescent tubes, the CleanLife LED strips feature rotating endcaps that can be aligned with the sockets in the lamp fixture while the shell is rotated for optimum illumination of the machine's product display. An "LED starter" is included as a direct plug in replacement for the existing fluorescent lamp starter.
According to Vendors Exchange, replacing fluorescent with LED illumination offers substantial cost savings over the life of the lamps, as well as improved lighting of the product display and LEDs do not contain mercury as fluorescent lamps do, so they need no special hazardous waste disposal. Since LEDs can deliver brightness equivalent or superior to a comparable fluorescent lamp with lower energy consumption, they use less electricity and do not radiate as much heat. Moreover, the tubular assemblies are damage resistant and will not shatter if dropped.
The LED strips incorporate the latest high brightness diodes and offer diffuse, even, neutral white illumination with exceptionally accurate color rendering. They start instantly, without warmup or flicker, and maintain full light output at low temperatures. The LED strips do not emit ultraviolet radiation.
A key to the cost efficiency of LED illumination is the durability of the diodes, Vendors Exchange explained. While a fluorescent tube that's continually lit has an average life span of 11 to 13 months, an LED strip used similarly can last from seven to 10 years. "Industry experts estimate the cost to replace fluorescent bulbs at $60 $90 each, given the cost of the bulb, the technician's time and travel expenses," the company said.
CleanLife LEDs are offered in lengths from 12 inches to 15, 18, 24, 26, 28, 30, 36 and 48 inches. They fit most common snack, refrigerated food, hot drink and cold packaged beverage machines.
Also available from Vendors Exchange is the CleanLife EzConnect Universal Light Kit for snack machines, which includes three 23" light bars, one Mean Well power supply, a 10 ft. extension harness, two AP adapter harnesses and one National adapter harness, 15 zip ties and nine anchors for them, one CleanLife window sticker and an alcohol swab, and complete installation instructions.
Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati's marquee sign is now permanently illuminated, following a ceremony on May 3. Installation of the 80 ft. sign marks the use of a new marquee design for Caesars Entertainment Corp.'s Horseshoe brand and Cincinnati is the first Horseshoe location to host the new sign style.
To minimize the impact of environmental light, the marquee sign was designed with new Dynamic LED light bars (patent pending) that illuminate by saturating the sign with vivid color rather than traditional neon signs that project light. The sign draws minimal power through its use of low voltage, low wattage and high brightness LED lamps designed to draw fewer amps than traditional LED digital displays.
The Dynamic LED system is capable of producing 4.4 trillion colors, allowing Horseshoe Cincinnati to change and customize the sign for holidays and special events.
2013年5月15日 星期三
Energy-efficient repairs in Moscow
There are many old and decrepit residential buildings in Moscow in
need of refurbishment. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has
developed three repair concepts for improving the energy efficiency of
both buildings and entire residential districts while also reducing
their environmental impact. Calculations show that it would be possible
to reduce heating demand in buildings by up to 70%. Even minor repairs
can achieve significant energy savings.
Most of the residential buildings in Moscow were built after the Second World War. Many of them are in poor shape and waste a lot of energy. VTT conducted a pilot study in a typical Moscow residential district, with a population of about 14,000.
VTT developed three repair concepts for improving the energy efficiency of both buildings and the district as a whole while also reducing their environmental impact. These concepts address not only energy consumption and water consumption solutions but also the processing of waste generated in the district. The findings of the study may be leveraged in determining the goals for repairs. However, impact assessment for repairs will require in-depth financial analyses to be conducted.
The basic concept developed by VTT for residential apartment buildings in Moscow incorporates affordable and easily implemented minimum repairs. Even the simplest of repairs could reduce the heating energy consumption in these buildings by about 40%. The improved repair concept can result in even better energy efficiency or eco-efficiency. The advanced repair concept is the most progressive of the three concepts presented. Calculations show that it would be possible to reduce heating energy consumption in buildings by up to 70%, and of electricity by about 25%. In practice, this involves for example improving heat insulation, installing heat recovery equipment in ventilation systems and improving water systems.
Because improving energy efficiency in individual buildings would not necessarily reduce the energy consumption of the district as a whole, VTT also developed three concepts for improving eco-efficiency in residential districts. In these concepts, the focus is on analysing energy production options, improving energy, water and waste water networks, improving waste management and solar street light. Significant energy savings may be achieved at the district level using the repair scenarios presented.
These savings may amount to nearly 40% in electricity demand and more than 70% in heating demand. Emissions analyses show that replacing natural gas with biogas in energy production would reduce carbon dioxide emissions but would increase sulphur dioxide and particulate emissions. A better solution would be to produce energy using renewable energy technologies such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar collectors or wind turbines; all of these would reduce overall emissions.
Currently, water consumption in Moscow is 272 litres per resident per day. Implementing a variety of new solutions would theoretically allow this to be brought down as far as to 100 litres, although this is a tough goal to meet. At present, more than 60% of the community waste generated in residential districts ends up at a landfill, while just under a third is incinerated and about 10% recycled. Developing waste management processes would allow the reuse rate to be increased to more than 75%. This would require not only infrastructure development but active waste recycling procedures adopted by the residents.
Most of the residential buildings in Moscow were built after the Second World War. Many of them are in poor shape and waste a lot of energy. VTT conducted a pilot study in a typical Moscow residential district, with a population of about 14,000.
VTT developed three repair concepts for improving the energy efficiency of both buildings and the district as a whole while also reducing their environmental impact. These concepts address not only energy consumption and water consumption solutions but also the processing of waste generated in the district. The findings of the study may be leveraged in determining the goals for repairs. However, impact assessment for repairs will require in-depth financial analyses to be conducted.
The basic concept developed by VTT for residential apartment buildings in Moscow incorporates affordable and easily implemented minimum repairs. Even the simplest of repairs could reduce the heating energy consumption in these buildings by about 40%. The improved repair concept can result in even better energy efficiency or eco-efficiency. The advanced repair concept is the most progressive of the three concepts presented. Calculations show that it would be possible to reduce heating energy consumption in buildings by up to 70%, and of electricity by about 25%. In practice, this involves for example improving heat insulation, installing heat recovery equipment in ventilation systems and improving water systems.
Because improving energy efficiency in individual buildings would not necessarily reduce the energy consumption of the district as a whole, VTT also developed three concepts for improving eco-efficiency in residential districts. In these concepts, the focus is on analysing energy production options, improving energy, water and waste water networks, improving waste management and solar street light. Significant energy savings may be achieved at the district level using the repair scenarios presented.
These savings may amount to nearly 40% in electricity demand and more than 70% in heating demand. Emissions analyses show that replacing natural gas with biogas in energy production would reduce carbon dioxide emissions but would increase sulphur dioxide and particulate emissions. A better solution would be to produce energy using renewable energy technologies such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar collectors or wind turbines; all of these would reduce overall emissions.
Currently, water consumption in Moscow is 272 litres per resident per day. Implementing a variety of new solutions would theoretically allow this to be brought down as far as to 100 litres, although this is a tough goal to meet. At present, more than 60% of the community waste generated in residential districts ends up at a landfill, while just under a third is incinerated and about 10% recycled. Developing waste management processes would allow the reuse rate to be increased to more than 75%. This would require not only infrastructure development but active waste recycling procedures adopted by the residents.
Connectors up performance for LED bulbs and fixtures
The DF57H Series wire-to-board connector is capable of delivering 2.5
amps of current in a small 1.2 mm pitch, 1.4 mm mated height
connector. A swing lock produces a clear tactile click to ensure the
mating process has been completed. It features high contact lance
strength and a low profile for connecting LED drivers to lighting
fixtures.
The DF59 Series multi-functional connector can be configured to either work as a wire-to-board or board-to-board connector system. The 2.0 mm pitch connector has one common socket can mate to three different header styles. It is designed for linear SSL applications.
The DF61 Series connector features 2.2 mm pitch with a low-mated height of 2.38 mm. It has high current capacity of 5 amps and a high voltage rating of 350 V AC/DC targeting LED light bulbs and LED tube fixtures. The swing-lock connector header is molded as one solid piece to help prevent solder wicking.
The DF62 Series slim wire-to-wire connector is designed with small or confined spaces in mind. Features include a multi-row pin layout, smooth outside contour, no exposed metal on the outside of the housing, this series targets LED applications. The two-point crimp contact design delivers a reliable connection that is resistant to shock and vibration. Contact company for pricing and delivery.
Adaptive forward lighting (i.e., glare-free camera-controlled headlamps that react instantly) will help drivers even more in the future thanks to additional intelligent functions. The key to this complex functionality is the integration of microelectronics and optoelectronics, one of the principal aspects of the research project sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (FMER) within the "Photonics Research Germany" program. Osram Opto Semiconductor is contributing its expertise as the project coordinator and market leader in light-emitting diode (LED) lighting for the automotive sector.
The aim of this joint project as part of the FMER "Integrated Microphotonics" initiative is to develop the technical framework for a new class of energy-efficient LED headlamps with supplementary traffic safety functions. This can provide the basis for adaptive forward lighting systems (AFS) that offer drivers and passengers increased safety. Improved safety will come, for example, from glare-free high-beam and low-beam that adapts to the speed of the vehicle. At high speed the range of the light is automatically increased. In city traffic, however, a wider distribution of the light can improve road safety by illuminating more of the sidewalk and margins. These functions are fully electronic so there is no need for mechanical actuators.
Osram Opto Semiconductors is bringing its expertise to this project as the project coordinator for the automotive sector. The semiconductor specialist has extensive know-how in chip and converter technologies. Osram's Specialty Lighting division will develop new electronic control gear for controlling the LED headlamp system. The Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) is contributing its expertise in interconnection technology and materials and Infineon Technologies is offering its experience in automotive electronics and LED drivers.
The automotive industry supplier and lighting specialist Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. will develop the entire optical system for the LED module and the headlamps and will build the prototypes. Daimler, a major engineering powerhouse in the automotive sector, will carry out the vehicle tests.
The DF59 Series multi-functional connector can be configured to either work as a wire-to-board or board-to-board connector system. The 2.0 mm pitch connector has one common socket can mate to three different header styles. It is designed for linear SSL applications.
The DF61 Series connector features 2.2 mm pitch with a low-mated height of 2.38 mm. It has high current capacity of 5 amps and a high voltage rating of 350 V AC/DC targeting LED light bulbs and LED tube fixtures. The swing-lock connector header is molded as one solid piece to help prevent solder wicking.
The DF62 Series slim wire-to-wire connector is designed with small or confined spaces in mind. Features include a multi-row pin layout, smooth outside contour, no exposed metal on the outside of the housing, this series targets LED applications. The two-point crimp contact design delivers a reliable connection that is resistant to shock and vibration. Contact company for pricing and delivery.
Adaptive forward lighting (i.e., glare-free camera-controlled headlamps that react instantly) will help drivers even more in the future thanks to additional intelligent functions. The key to this complex functionality is the integration of microelectronics and optoelectronics, one of the principal aspects of the research project sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (FMER) within the "Photonics Research Germany" program. Osram Opto Semiconductor is contributing its expertise as the project coordinator and market leader in light-emitting diode (LED) lighting for the automotive sector.
The aim of this joint project as part of the FMER "Integrated Microphotonics" initiative is to develop the technical framework for a new class of energy-efficient LED headlamps with supplementary traffic safety functions. This can provide the basis for adaptive forward lighting systems (AFS) that offer drivers and passengers increased safety. Improved safety will come, for example, from glare-free high-beam and low-beam that adapts to the speed of the vehicle. At high speed the range of the light is automatically increased. In city traffic, however, a wider distribution of the light can improve road safety by illuminating more of the sidewalk and margins. These functions are fully electronic so there is no need for mechanical actuators.
Osram Opto Semiconductors is bringing its expertise to this project as the project coordinator for the automotive sector. The semiconductor specialist has extensive know-how in chip and converter technologies. Osram's Specialty Lighting division will develop new electronic control gear for controlling the LED headlamp system. The Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) is contributing its expertise in interconnection technology and materials and Infineon Technologies is offering its experience in automotive electronics and LED drivers.
The automotive industry supplier and lighting specialist Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. will develop the entire optical system for the LED module and the headlamps and will build the prototypes. Daimler, a major engineering powerhouse in the automotive sector, will carry out the vehicle tests.
2013年5月14日 星期二
Vietnam's ancient town of Hoi An becomes major tourist destination
Over the past few years, the ancient town of Hoi An, located some 650
km south of Hanoi, is now becoming a favorite tourist destination in
Vietnam. Hoi An, which used to be an international trading port in
central Vietnam's Quang Nam province, has exceptionally well- preserved
architectural wonders that include old houses, temples, pagodas, and
other structures that have been built from the 15th to the 19th century.
In 1999, the old town was recognized as a World Heritage site by United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The structures found in Hoi An, which are mostly made of wood using traditional Vietnamese design combined with those from other neighboring countries, have withstood the test of time. The town is also famous for its made-to-order shoes and sandals. "My shop sells a lot of shoes and we can make various models of made-to-measure shoes which our customers, including foreign tourists, love to buy," a shop owner in Hoi An told Xinhua.
The shop owner, a veteran shoemaker for the last 10 years, said that his customers include tourists from Britain, France, Australia, and the United States.
Making shoes is only among various industries in Hoi An, which is now considered a paradise of shoppers because of its high- quality but relatively cheap locally-made products.
According to old-timers here, Chinese and Japanese traders and craft men flocked to Hoi An during the 18th century and some of them settled permanently in the town.
Among the structures in Hoi An that bear Chinese and Japanese influences are the Chinese temples and assembly halls as well as a Japanese covered bridge known as "Japanese Bridge."
The assembly halls are places where Chinese expatriates used to socialize and hold meetings. There are five assembly halls in Hoi An built by different Chinese migrant groups, namely the Fujian Assembly Hall, Qiongfu Assembly Hall, Chaozhou Assembly Hall, Guang Zhao Assembly Hall, and Chinese Assembly Hall.
Generally, the assembly halls in Hoi An have a grand gate, a beautiful garden with ornament plants, a main hall and a large altar room. However, because each Chinese community has its own beliefs, different assembly halls worship different gods and goddesses.
The Japanese Bridge, which was constructed in the 17th century, is the most prominent Japanese-built structure now found in Hoi An. It has been officially selected to be the symbol of Hoi An.
The bridge has an arched shape roof which is skillfully carved with many fine designs. The two entrances to the bridge are guarded by a pair of monkeys on one side and a pair of dogs on the other.
According to legend, there once lived an enormous monster whose head was in India, its tail in Japan and its body in Vietnam. Whenever the monster moved, terrible disaster such as floods and earthquakes happened in the three countries. Thus, apart from being used to transport goods and people, the bridge was also used to exorcize the monster to preserve the peace and safety in the town.
Besides its cultural and historical value, a major attraction in Hoi An that makes it a "shopper's paradise" is its tailors. There are hundreds of tailors in the town who are ready to make any kinds of clothes.
Hoi An is also noted for its hand-crafted lanterns. Lanterns appear on every corner of the ancient town not just in houses.
Once a month, on the full moon, the old town switches off its street lamps and fluorescent lights and is turned into a fairy- tale Mecca with the warm glow of lanterns made of silk, glass and paper, casting a magical splendor that never fails to impress visitors.
The structures found in Hoi An, which are mostly made of wood using traditional Vietnamese design combined with those from other neighboring countries, have withstood the test of time. The town is also famous for its made-to-order shoes and sandals. "My shop sells a lot of shoes and we can make various models of made-to-measure shoes which our customers, including foreign tourists, love to buy," a shop owner in Hoi An told Xinhua.
The shop owner, a veteran shoemaker for the last 10 years, said that his customers include tourists from Britain, France, Australia, and the United States.
Making shoes is only among various industries in Hoi An, which is now considered a paradise of shoppers because of its high- quality but relatively cheap locally-made products.
According to old-timers here, Chinese and Japanese traders and craft men flocked to Hoi An during the 18th century and some of them settled permanently in the town.
Among the structures in Hoi An that bear Chinese and Japanese influences are the Chinese temples and assembly halls as well as a Japanese covered bridge known as "Japanese Bridge."
The assembly halls are places where Chinese expatriates used to socialize and hold meetings. There are five assembly halls in Hoi An built by different Chinese migrant groups, namely the Fujian Assembly Hall, Qiongfu Assembly Hall, Chaozhou Assembly Hall, Guang Zhao Assembly Hall, and Chinese Assembly Hall.
Generally, the assembly halls in Hoi An have a grand gate, a beautiful garden with ornament plants, a main hall and a large altar room. However, because each Chinese community has its own beliefs, different assembly halls worship different gods and goddesses.
The Japanese Bridge, which was constructed in the 17th century, is the most prominent Japanese-built structure now found in Hoi An. It has been officially selected to be the symbol of Hoi An.
The bridge has an arched shape roof which is skillfully carved with many fine designs. The two entrances to the bridge are guarded by a pair of monkeys on one side and a pair of dogs on the other.
According to legend, there once lived an enormous monster whose head was in India, its tail in Japan and its body in Vietnam. Whenever the monster moved, terrible disaster such as floods and earthquakes happened in the three countries. Thus, apart from being used to transport goods and people, the bridge was also used to exorcize the monster to preserve the peace and safety in the town.
Besides its cultural and historical value, a major attraction in Hoi An that makes it a "shopper's paradise" is its tailors. There are hundreds of tailors in the town who are ready to make any kinds of clothes.
Hoi An is also noted for its hand-crafted lanterns. Lanterns appear on every corner of the ancient town not just in houses.
Once a month, on the full moon, the old town switches off its street lamps and fluorescent lights and is turned into a fairy- tale Mecca with the warm glow of lanterns made of silk, glass and paper, casting a magical splendor that never fails to impress visitors.
2013年5月12日 星期日
GaAs nanowires harvest solar power
How can we harvest the energy of the sun at a better quality and at a cheaper cost?
To find out, Anna Fontcuberta and her team in the STI Laboratory of Semiconductor Materials (LMSC) at EPFL are working on novel solutions to produce the solar cells of tomorrow.
The research of Fontcuberta, a professor in the STI LSMCL, focuses on new ways to engineer semiconducting structures, mainly with the use of nanotechnologies.
Semiconductors, thanks to their physical properties, have increased the functionality of many objects in our daily lives (microwave ovens, cars, DVD player or computers e.g.) and at the same time our quality of life.
The LSMC works on new geometries using nanowires. These are needle-like crystals of a diameter between 20 and 100 nm and several microns long.
The objective is to increase their functionality by understanding their properties and finding new ways to fabricate them. Among the many applications using nanowires is one of a higher interest to Fontcuberta and her team: solar cells.
Because of the world's urgent need to harvest greener energies, nanowire solar cells have a huge societal and industrial potential for the future.
"We are working on nanowire solar cells using GaAs in their core, a high conducting material which absorbs light at the ideal range with respect to the solar spectrum", explains Fontcuberta.
For example, in the 1990's, GaAs solar cells took over from silicon devices in photovoltaic arrays for satellite applications, or power the robots that are exploring the surface of Mars.
In the LMSC, gallium and arsenide atoms are engineered (or "tricked") in a way that they organise themselves to form wires rather than horizontal layer on layer structures (which they tend to do naturally).
This 3 dimensional geometry is a novelty as it enables the trapping of more light than planar structures, such as silicon solar devices, and with less material.
Each vertical nanowire becomes a device that produces current. The combination of the nanowires' small scale (one micron) and revolutionary 3D geometry (a little bit like hair standing up), enables a significant decrease of the solar cell's cost per watt - compared to commonly used solar outdoor light.
Apart from enhancing the light absorbtion, Fontcuberta and her team are working on ways to optimise it. For example, they combine the nanowire's GaAs core with other nanoscale materials in both axial and radial directions. As an example, InAs quantum dots (or "islands") on the nanowire play the role of stimulants for a better absorbtion of the light.
To find out, Anna Fontcuberta and her team in the STI Laboratory of Semiconductor Materials (LMSC) at EPFL are working on novel solutions to produce the solar cells of tomorrow.
The research of Fontcuberta, a professor in the STI LSMCL, focuses on new ways to engineer semiconducting structures, mainly with the use of nanotechnologies.
Semiconductors, thanks to their physical properties, have increased the functionality of many objects in our daily lives (microwave ovens, cars, DVD player or computers e.g.) and at the same time our quality of life.
The LSMC works on new geometries using nanowires. These are needle-like crystals of a diameter between 20 and 100 nm and several microns long.
The objective is to increase their functionality by understanding their properties and finding new ways to fabricate them. Among the many applications using nanowires is one of a higher interest to Fontcuberta and her team: solar cells.
Because of the world's urgent need to harvest greener energies, nanowire solar cells have a huge societal and industrial potential for the future.
"We are working on nanowire solar cells using GaAs in their core, a high conducting material which absorbs light at the ideal range with respect to the solar spectrum", explains Fontcuberta.
For example, in the 1990's, GaAs solar cells took over from silicon devices in photovoltaic arrays for satellite applications, or power the robots that are exploring the surface of Mars.
In the LMSC, gallium and arsenide atoms are engineered (or "tricked") in a way that they organise themselves to form wires rather than horizontal layer on layer structures (which they tend to do naturally).
This 3 dimensional geometry is a novelty as it enables the trapping of more light than planar structures, such as silicon solar devices, and with less material.
Each vertical nanowire becomes a device that produces current. The combination of the nanowires' small scale (one micron) and revolutionary 3D geometry (a little bit like hair standing up), enables a significant decrease of the solar cell's cost per watt - compared to commonly used solar outdoor light.
Apart from enhancing the light absorbtion, Fontcuberta and her team are working on ways to optimise it. For example, they combine the nanowire's GaAs core with other nanoscale materials in both axial and radial directions. As an example, InAs quantum dots (or "islands") on the nanowire play the role of stimulants for a better absorbtion of the light.
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