USA: A study on the life-cycle assessment (LCA) of LED lamps by OSRAM shows the latest generation of lamps achieves a very high score for environmental friendliness.
This study involved a close look at their entire life-cycle –- how much energy and raw materials the lamp consumes in terms of production, use and disposal and the environmental impact involved in the process. The result was that today’s LED lamps achieve the LCA values of compact fluorescent lights and are far superior to conventional incandescent lamps.
In order to evaluate lamps and how they actually deal with energy and resources, it is not enough just to consider energy consumption while they are in use. The aim of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors’ LCA is therefore to analyse the environmental impact of an LED lamp over its entire life and to compare it with a compact fluorescent lamp and an incandescent lamp.
The relevant material and energy supplies were determined in detail for all the LED lamp’s components and production processes. Apart from a detailed analysis of each individual production stage, for LED chips and lamp housings, for example, these also include all necessary transports such as the transport of an LED lamp from its production site in China to its place of installation in Europe.
Apart from direct input of raw materials, the energy input, materials and emissions associated with the retrieval of resources are recorded. The results allow for conclusions not only on resource consumption and primary energy input but also acidification, eutrophication, the greenhouse effect, ozone depletion and toxicity.
The bottom line is that LEDs are efficient
In the first LCA, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors show that LED lamps are a genuine alternative to incandescent lamps, even when considering the cumulative energy input and environmental factors.
Often these fundamentally different lamps were compared based on their wattage. Conventional lamps with filaments are way behind diode lamps. A 40 Watt incandescent lamp, for example, can either be replaced by an 8W compact fluorescent light or, for some applications, by an 8W LED lamp, which means an energy saving of 80 percent.
In order to guarantee the comparability of results in the LCA, a lifetime of 25,000 hours was chosen as reference. The latest LED lamp generation (Parathom Classic A55 with Golden Dragon Plus LED) achieves precisely this rating. Therefore, 25 incandescent lamps (OSRAM Classic A 40W) with a lifetime of 1,000 hours and 2.5 fluorescent lamps (Dulux Superstar Classic A 8W) lasting 10,000 hours have to be used for a comparison.
Over 98 percent of the energy used to produce light
The study was done in collaboration with experts at Siemens Corporate Technology, Centre for Eco Innovations and shows that similar to compact fluorescent lamps with LED-based lamps over 98% of the energy used is consumed to generate light.
Less than two percent is allocated to production. This has dismissed any concern that manufacturing of LED particularly might be very energy-intensive. In contrast to the primary energy consumption of incandescent lamps of around 3,300kWh, LED lamps use less than 700kWh. The bottom line is that LED lamps are therefore definitely more efficient than conventional incandescent lamps.
Apart from this, the ratings that indicate the lamps’ effects on the environment are consistently better than those for incandescent lamps. As the efficiency of LED continues to increase, LED lamps will be capable of achieving even better LCA results in future.
Three independent experts are currently verifying the findings of the internal study. A summary of the study will be available in October at www.osram-os.com/life-cycle-assessment.
Showing posts with label OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. Show all posts
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Many patents in LED industry to expire in 2010!
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Research Report of Global and Chinese Light-Emitting Diode Industry, 2009" report to its offering.
Light-emitting diode is one of the semiconductor diodes, which can turn electrical energy into luminous energy and emit visible light in various colors, such as yellow, green, blue, etc, as well as invisible light, such as infrared and ultraviolet light.
Compared with small incandescent bulb and the neon lamp, light-emitting diodes are specially characterized with low operating voltage and electric current, high reliability and long performance.
The entry barriers of the light-emitting diode industry from the upstream to the downstream are cut down gradually. The upstream industry includes mono-crystalline chip and the epitaxial wafer while the middle stream industry is mainly engaged in chip processing and the downstream industry handles packaging, testing and application.
The upstream and middle stream industries, most competitive and risky fields on world market, have higher technical contents and require more investments. In the industrial chain of light-emitting diode, epitaxial wafer and chip account for about 70 percent of profits and the packaging accounts for 10 to 20 percent of profits, with 10-20 percent held by application field.
Under international energy crisis and the gradual improvement of the environmental protection requirements, the semiconductor light-emitting diode lighting, long performance, energy saving, safe, green and environmental protection, abundant colors and microminiaturization, has been recognized as the only one manner of energy saving and environmental protection in the world.
The semiconductor lights, adopting light-emitting diode as the new lighting source, only run up one tenth of the electricity compared with the ordinary white light lamps and the performance can be postponed ten folds at the same brightness.
In 2007, the total amount of the global LED market exceeded $6 billion, up by 13.7 percent over the previous year. During 2006 to 2012, the annual compound growth rate of the global LED market will reach 10 percent, most of which will mainly be contributed by the ultra high and high brightness LEDs.
The global LED industry is mainly concentrated in Japan, Taiwan, Europe, America, South Korea, China, etc. Japan, the largest producer of the light-emitting diode industry in the world, holds 50 percent of the market share.
Nichia Corp. is the world's largest provider of the high-brightness light-emitting diodes. Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd is the world's fourth largest and Japanese is the second largest manufacturer of the light-emitting diodes.
Osram Opto, located in the Europe and America, is the world's second largest and European is the largest manufacturer of the high-brightness light-emitting diodes. Taiwan, the global production base of the consumption electronic products, is mainly engaged in the production of the visible light-emitting diodes.
Taiwan is also the world's largest downstream packaging and middle stream chip production base.
With more than 30-year development, Chinese light-emitting diode industry has formed the basically complete industrial chains, covering the LED inside, epitaxial wafer, chip package and application.
At present, China has over 600 LED enterprises specializing in the downstream packaging and application. But the development of the epitaxial wafer and chip is comparatively backward. There are only about 10 enterprises engaged in the production of the epitaxial wafer for LED, as well as few chip manufacturers. So, the yield capacity enjoys a high degree of concentration.
With gradual enhancement of the luminous efficiency and application technologies, the application of the light-emitting diodes has been transferred from the initial indicator lights to screens, such as the landscape lighting, backlight, automobile lights, traffic lights, lighting areas, etc.
The application of the light-emitting diodes is now in diverse development. It is predicted that the average compound growth rate of sales of the display light-emitting diodes will be above 15 percent in 2006 to 2010 and the annual average compound growth rate of sales of the landscape lighting will reach over 35 percent, with the annual average compound growth rate of sales of the backlight light-emitting diodes at more than 30 percent.
In 2010, many patents in the light-emitting diode industry will expire. Chinese enterprises are expected to break through the shackles of the intellectual property rights from European, American and Japanese giants. They should make good use of huge market bases and abundant labor resources in order to occupy a place in the global light-emitting diode market.
Light-emitting diode is one of the semiconductor diodes, which can turn electrical energy into luminous energy and emit visible light in various colors, such as yellow, green, blue, etc, as well as invisible light, such as infrared and ultraviolet light.
Compared with small incandescent bulb and the neon lamp, light-emitting diodes are specially characterized with low operating voltage and electric current, high reliability and long performance.
The entry barriers of the light-emitting diode industry from the upstream to the downstream are cut down gradually. The upstream industry includes mono-crystalline chip and the epitaxial wafer while the middle stream industry is mainly engaged in chip processing and the downstream industry handles packaging, testing and application.
The upstream and middle stream industries, most competitive and risky fields on world market, have higher technical contents and require more investments. In the industrial chain of light-emitting diode, epitaxial wafer and chip account for about 70 percent of profits and the packaging accounts for 10 to 20 percent of profits, with 10-20 percent held by application field.
Under international energy crisis and the gradual improvement of the environmental protection requirements, the semiconductor light-emitting diode lighting, long performance, energy saving, safe, green and environmental protection, abundant colors and microminiaturization, has been recognized as the only one manner of energy saving and environmental protection in the world.
The semiconductor lights, adopting light-emitting diode as the new lighting source, only run up one tenth of the electricity compared with the ordinary white light lamps and the performance can be postponed ten folds at the same brightness.
In 2007, the total amount of the global LED market exceeded $6 billion, up by 13.7 percent over the previous year. During 2006 to 2012, the annual compound growth rate of the global LED market will reach 10 percent, most of which will mainly be contributed by the ultra high and high brightness LEDs.
The global LED industry is mainly concentrated in Japan, Taiwan, Europe, America, South Korea, China, etc. Japan, the largest producer of the light-emitting diode industry in the world, holds 50 percent of the market share.
Nichia Corp. is the world's largest provider of the high-brightness light-emitting diodes. Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd is the world's fourth largest and Japanese is the second largest manufacturer of the light-emitting diodes.
Osram Opto, located in the Europe and America, is the world's second largest and European is the largest manufacturer of the high-brightness light-emitting diodes. Taiwan, the global production base of the consumption electronic products, is mainly engaged in the production of the visible light-emitting diodes.
Taiwan is also the world's largest downstream packaging and middle stream chip production base.
With more than 30-year development, Chinese light-emitting diode industry has formed the basically complete industrial chains, covering the LED inside, epitaxial wafer, chip package and application.
At present, China has over 600 LED enterprises specializing in the downstream packaging and application. But the development of the epitaxial wafer and chip is comparatively backward. There are only about 10 enterprises engaged in the production of the epitaxial wafer for LED, as well as few chip manufacturers. So, the yield capacity enjoys a high degree of concentration.
With gradual enhancement of the luminous efficiency and application technologies, the application of the light-emitting diodes has been transferred from the initial indicator lights to screens, such as the landscape lighting, backlight, automobile lights, traffic lights, lighting areas, etc.
The application of the light-emitting diodes is now in diverse development. It is predicted that the average compound growth rate of sales of the display light-emitting diodes will be above 15 percent in 2006 to 2010 and the annual average compound growth rate of sales of the landscape lighting will reach over 35 percent, with the annual average compound growth rate of sales of the backlight light-emitting diodes at more than 30 percent.
In 2010, many patents in the light-emitting diode industry will expire. Chinese enterprises are expected to break through the shackles of the intellectual property rights from European, American and Japanese giants. They should make good use of huge market bases and abundant labor resources in order to occupy a place in the global light-emitting diode market.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Brilliant mini laser bars for fiber-coupled laser diodes
SUNNYVALE, USA: The new generation of mini laser bars from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors offers exceptional brilliance in the wavelength range from 910 to 1020 nm.
Their output and beam parameters have been closely matched so that the enormously powerful light beam, which leaves the small laser aperture at a defined angle, can be perfectly coupled into a small fiber core diameter with a restricted acceptance angle. The new mini laser bars have been optimized for fiber injection and offer impressive brilliance. Sampling will start immediately; series production will start in early 2010.
The brilliance of a laser is a measure of the output power per unit area and solid angle, defining how much light from a mini laser bar can be efficiently injected into a glass fiber. The high brilliance of this new laser bar has been achieved by the new VLOC epitaxial structure (Very Large Optical Cavity) and new proprietary mirror coating technology.
Dr. Jörg Heerlein, Head of Laser Product Marketing at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, commented: “Our new mini bars have a high optical output and efficiency, which enables us to offer tailor-made solutions for cost-effective fiber-coupled laser diodes.”
Mini laser bars also combine the advantages of single emitters with those of classic 1 cm bars. They are cost-effective, durable and can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of different applications thanks to their small size.
In contrast to the conventional fiber-coupled diode laser systems, the new bar structures allow more cost-effective beam-forming concepts to be used for fiber coupling. The associated reduction in system costs is a major factor in making diode laser systems more attractive for direct material processing – particularly in comparison with alternative laser solutions.
OSRAM’s brilliant mini laser bars are available in various application-specific product families, with fill factors of 10-20 percent and typical efficiencies of up to 65 percent. In addition to pumping fiber lasers, the laser bars are also used for direct micro-material processing, such as marking and micro-welding.
The brilliance of the mini laser bars is exemplified by the SPL BF series, which has a fill factor of 10 percent and provides an output of 8W per emitter at an emitter width of 100µm, with a slow-axis divergence of < 7° (the value applies to 95 percent output).
The maximum output compatible with long life is around 12 W per 100 µm emitter. With five emitters, the beam parameter product is 15 mm x mrad. With the aid of simple optics, the light from several mini laser bars can be coupled into a fiber with a core diameter of 200 µm and a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.22.
In this way, outputs from the fiber in excess of 200 W can be achieved. Depending on customer requirements, numerous further designs and specifications can be produced on the basis of the new technology.
Their output and beam parameters have been closely matched so that the enormously powerful light beam, which leaves the small laser aperture at a defined angle, can be perfectly coupled into a small fiber core diameter with a restricted acceptance angle. The new mini laser bars have been optimized for fiber injection and offer impressive brilliance. Sampling will start immediately; series production will start in early 2010.
The brilliance of a laser is a measure of the output power per unit area and solid angle, defining how much light from a mini laser bar can be efficiently injected into a glass fiber. The high brilliance of this new laser bar has been achieved by the new VLOC epitaxial structure (Very Large Optical Cavity) and new proprietary mirror coating technology.
Dr. Jörg Heerlein, Head of Laser Product Marketing at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, commented: “Our new mini bars have a high optical output and efficiency, which enables us to offer tailor-made solutions for cost-effective fiber-coupled laser diodes.”
Mini laser bars also combine the advantages of single emitters with those of classic 1 cm bars. They are cost-effective, durable and can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of different applications thanks to their small size.
In contrast to the conventional fiber-coupled diode laser systems, the new bar structures allow more cost-effective beam-forming concepts to be used for fiber coupling. The associated reduction in system costs is a major factor in making diode laser systems more attractive for direct material processing – particularly in comparison with alternative laser solutions.
OSRAM’s brilliant mini laser bars are available in various application-specific product families, with fill factors of 10-20 percent and typical efficiencies of up to 65 percent. In addition to pumping fiber lasers, the laser bars are also used for direct micro-material processing, such as marking and micro-welding.
The brilliance of the mini laser bars is exemplified by the SPL BF series, which has a fill factor of 10 percent and provides an output of 8W per emitter at an emitter width of 100µm, with a slow-axis divergence of < 7° (the value applies to 95 percent output).
The maximum output compatible with long life is around 12 W per 100 µm emitter. With five emitters, the beam parameter product is 15 mm x mrad. With the aid of simple optics, the light from several mini laser bars can be coupled into a fiber with a core diameter of 200 µm and a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.22.
In this way, outputs from the fiber in excess of 200 W can be achieved. Depending on customer requirements, numerous further designs and specifications can be produced on the basis of the new technology.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
OSRAM Opto focuses on energy-saving LED lighting solutions
SUNNYVALE, USA: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is a subsidiary of OSRAM, one of the two leading lighting manufacturers in the world. The semiconductor company’s strategy is summarized by its mission statement: “We shape the future of light –- with advanced solutions for illumination, visualization and sensing.”
As a leader in the initiative to deliver more eco-friendly lighting solutions, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors continually develops and delivers new, highly efficient light sources (LED and OLED) for today and tomorrow. These new technologies will play a significant role in reducing the amount of electricity used for lighting as a proportion of total energy consumption.
LEDs: Light of the future
At present, energy savings based on conventional lighting technologies include compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) with integrated electronics, advanced linear fluorescent lamps, halogen energy-saving lamps (HES) and high-intensity discharge lamps, together with advanced control gear and light management systems.
As the adoption of these more energy efficient light sources becomes more widespread in the coming years, the resulting energy savings will naturally increase.
In terms of technology, economics and politics, the current conditions are ideal for a paradigm shift to LEDs. Light emitting diodes have considerable potential for increases in brightness and efficiency, and can deliver even more potential energy savings than traditional light sources. Development work is ongoing and light emitting diodes are already penetrating the general illumination sector.
LEDs, called “the light of the future” by industry experts, are among the most energy-efficient light sources available today. LEDs can be five times more efficient than incandescent lamps, and are expected to be ten times more efficient in the future. LEDs are point light sources, and their directional light helps reduce light pollution, eliminating scattered, wasted light and delivering light precisely where it’s needed.
With artificial lighting accounting for approximately 19 percent of global electricity consumption (2.4 percent of primary energy consumption worldwide), replacing conventional light sources with efficient light sources such as LEDs could cut global electricity consumption for lighting in half.
Investing in eco-friendly solutions
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is continually investing in research & development and has established a wide-ranging scientific network for the development and production of eco-friendly lighting solutions.
In 2008, OSRAM launched a project at Lake Victoria in Kenya involving rechargeable batteries, solar power and energy-saving lamps. As this concept is developed further, it will be possible to use optical semiconductors to create even more efficient off-grid solutions.
For years, OSRAM has operated certified environmental management systems and complied with the relevant standards at all of its sites worldwide. This applies more and more in many areas of production, the selection of raw materials, purchasing and health & safety.
The company’s environmental management system meets the requirements of ISO 14001:2004 (the international standard for such systems, at all sites), and ensures compliance and continual improvement. This covers not only the technologies for chips and associated products but also the use of energy and resources.
When OSRAM expanded its headquarters in Regensburg, Germany –- site of the world’s most advanced optical chip fabrication plant -– it constructed new facilities and launched an energy program based on making the best use of heat, reusing waste heat and reducing the generation of new heat to the absolute minimum.
The heat generated in the fabrication process is reused (compressed air, process cooling water), and the use of solvents such as acetone has also been reduced. To date, through these initiatives alone, OSRAM has eliminated nearly 5.2 tons of CO2 emission each year.
Looking ahead
LEDs are already being used in an extremely wide range of applications. They are more than just “nice to have” and there is ample evidence that cost efficiency and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. LEDs combine sustainability with cost efficiency.
Double-figure growth is forecast for the LED market in the mid-term. As the technical performance of LEDs increases and their manufacturing costs decrease, LEDs will come to dominate more and more applications for which they offer significant energy savings and reduced overall costs. These applications include consumer electronics, automobiles, public sector/street lighting and solar energy applications.
As a leader in the initiative to deliver more eco-friendly lighting solutions, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors continually develops and delivers new, highly efficient light sources (LED and OLED) for today and tomorrow. These new technologies will play a significant role in reducing the amount of electricity used for lighting as a proportion of total energy consumption.
LEDs: Light of the future
At present, energy savings based on conventional lighting technologies include compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) with integrated electronics, advanced linear fluorescent lamps, halogen energy-saving lamps (HES) and high-intensity discharge lamps, together with advanced control gear and light management systems.
As the adoption of these more energy efficient light sources becomes more widespread in the coming years, the resulting energy savings will naturally increase.
In terms of technology, economics and politics, the current conditions are ideal for a paradigm shift to LEDs. Light emitting diodes have considerable potential for increases in brightness and efficiency, and can deliver even more potential energy savings than traditional light sources. Development work is ongoing and light emitting diodes are already penetrating the general illumination sector.
LEDs, called “the light of the future” by industry experts, are among the most energy-efficient light sources available today. LEDs can be five times more efficient than incandescent lamps, and are expected to be ten times more efficient in the future. LEDs are point light sources, and their directional light helps reduce light pollution, eliminating scattered, wasted light and delivering light precisely where it’s needed.
With artificial lighting accounting for approximately 19 percent of global electricity consumption (2.4 percent of primary energy consumption worldwide), replacing conventional light sources with efficient light sources such as LEDs could cut global electricity consumption for lighting in half.
Investing in eco-friendly solutions
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is continually investing in research & development and has established a wide-ranging scientific network for the development and production of eco-friendly lighting solutions.
In 2008, OSRAM launched a project at Lake Victoria in Kenya involving rechargeable batteries, solar power and energy-saving lamps. As this concept is developed further, it will be possible to use optical semiconductors to create even more efficient off-grid solutions.
For years, OSRAM has operated certified environmental management systems and complied with the relevant standards at all of its sites worldwide. This applies more and more in many areas of production, the selection of raw materials, purchasing and health & safety.
The company’s environmental management system meets the requirements of ISO 14001:2004 (the international standard for such systems, at all sites), and ensures compliance and continual improvement. This covers not only the technologies for chips and associated products but also the use of energy and resources.
When OSRAM expanded its headquarters in Regensburg, Germany –- site of the world’s most advanced optical chip fabrication plant -– it constructed new facilities and launched an energy program based on making the best use of heat, reusing waste heat and reducing the generation of new heat to the absolute minimum.
The heat generated in the fabrication process is reused (compressed air, process cooling water), and the use of solvents such as acetone has also been reduced. To date, through these initiatives alone, OSRAM has eliminated nearly 5.2 tons of CO2 emission each year.
Looking ahead
LEDs are already being used in an extremely wide range of applications. They are more than just “nice to have” and there is ample evidence that cost efficiency and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. LEDs combine sustainability with cost efficiency.
Double-figure growth is forecast for the LED market in the mid-term. As the technical performance of LEDs increases and their manufacturing costs decrease, LEDs will come to dominate more and more applications for which they offer significant energy savings and reduced overall costs. These applications include consumer electronics, automobiles, public sector/street lighting and solar energy applications.
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