Historical Commercial Applications for LED Technology
LED Technology has come a long way since its inception. The initial basic usage for this type of technology was in traffic signals and other areas where incandescent lighting proved to be very inefficient and costly.
Nowadays LED technology has become cheaper to manufacture and much more efficient. Many segments of the lighting industry have started using this technology in areas previously reserved for fluorescent and incandescent lighting.
In the Very Beginnings
In many industries, LED lighting technology has replaced other more conventional types of lighting.
• Neon Lights of Broadway and Vegas
Neon lighting has long since dominated many of the bright lights of New York City’s famous Broadway and The Las Vegas Strip of hotels and casinos.
When LEDs entered the market they offered so much more than the traditional neon lights. The commercial application of LED lights in this type of architectural lighting can result in a sizeable savings in energy costs – up to seventy-five percent over neon lights.
They also provide better visibility and cost less to maintain, as well as lasting up to five times longer than conventional neon lights. LED signs can last up to ten years before any necessary replacement.
• Supermarket Refrigeration Displays
In supermarkets, the majority of refrigerated display units were lit with fluorescent lighting. Unfortunately, fluorescent bulbs generate heat that cannot be easily disposed of inside the casing. This inefficient system, where the refrigeration unit has to compete with outside temperatures as well as the heat from the fluorescent lights, is very costly.
The refrigeration unit system can easily dissipate and transfer the heat generated by LED lights outside of the unit. This creates a much-reduced need for refrigeration energy levels.
In tests the new LED technology blew fluorescent lighting out of the water in regards to cost and energy-conservation. The numbers were staggering. Major supermarket chains reported a projected savings of almost two thirds over current refrigeration lighting display costs.
• Camera, Lights, Action – Entertainment
Another unique use for LED lighting is in the video and entertainment industry. Many outdoor video screens now use LED lights instead of other lighting sources. LEDs are brighter and much more efficient in this type of venture.
Viewers can see images and watch real-time videos on these massive LED screens – from a greater distance and with more clarity than other conventional screens
• Shopping Displays
LED lighting has also found a home in shop retail display lighting. Due to the variety of colours and sizes, shop owners can use it in many more creative ways in their shop display units.
LED lights do not radiate much heat. This advantage creates more avenues for use in shop display decorations.
Moving Forward with LED Technology
LED technology is poised to replace a much greater section of the lighting industry. Currently applications have stretched to accent lighting, recessed lighting and many more uses in the home.
With technology reducing the production and manufacturing costs and the multiple applications for this product, the future for LED lights can only get brighter.