James Brodrick

Next-Generation Lighting Initiative at the U.S. Department of Energy: Catalyzing Science Into the Marketplace

Solid-state lighting (SSL) is a pivotal emerging technology that promises to fundamentally alter and improve lighting systems-and buildings-of the future, significantly lowering energy use and costs and enhancing the quality of our building environments. No other lighting technology offers our nation so much potential to conserve electricity, at a time when our nation needs bold solutions to achieve greater energy independence. Major research and market introduction challenges must be addressed before the full promise of SSL is realized. This paper discusses the role of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a catalyst in accelerating SSL technology advances, as it works in partnership with industry, research and academic organizations, and market transformation partners. Through a series of ongoing, interactive workshops, DOE and its partners have developed an extensive plan designed to ensure that DOE funds the appropriate research and development (R&D) topics and commercialization support strategies to help our nations best and brightest lighting experts move SSL from the laboratory into the marketplace

Accelerating the development of next-generation solid-state lighting sources

Solid-state lighting (SSL) is a pivotal emerging technology that promises to fundamentally alter and improve lighting systems of the future. Successful development and commercialization of SSL technology will require coordinated efforts that leverage the strengths and capabilities of industry, research and academic organizations, national laboratories, and government. This paper discusses the U.S. Department of Energys role as a catalyst in accelerating SSL technology advances. Through DOEs SSL R&D program, the collaborative efforts of our nations best and brightest lighting experts are moving this promising technology from the laboratory to the marketplace.

Lighting energy consumption trends and R&D opportunities

Electric lighting of buildings in the United States consumes over 20% of the nations primary electricity and is second only in magnitude to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. This installed lighting base is generally inefficient and is characterized by relatively low performance especially when compared to other building systems. While substantial opportunities for improving overall lighting system efficiency exist, the pathway to achievement of this goal is less clear. Lighting research and development conducted by the US Department of Energys (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energys (EERE), Building Technologies Program (BT) addresses this national issue and aggressively pursues a number of broad research areas that promise to yield significant increases in overall lighting system efficiency. Implementation of a successful program in lighting energy conservation depends upon a detailed assessment of energy consumption trends by lighting technology. The results of several years of research are presented that describe electricity consumption by market sector, application and lamp type. Following this lighting market assessment, an overview of the DOEs ongoing lighting research and development (LR&D) program portfolio linked to the market assessments is provided. Individual program contributions toward achieving ambitious lighting energy conservation goals are described. The BTS portfolio includes research in three broad areas: (1) light source and electronics, (2) fixtures, controls and distribution systems, and (3) human factors. An overview of each technical objective is provided, as well as a timeline for achieving specific energy conservation goals.