Household lighting bills are set to be reduced by up to 75% after scientists claim to have developed a new way of making LEDs.
Researchers at Cambridge University claim to have found a new way of producing Gallium Nitride (GaN), a man-made semi-conductor used in the manufacture of LEDs that emits a brilliant white light. Until now high production costs have made GaN too expensive for use in LEDs for homes and offices.
The researchers claim that if the new LEDs were used in every home and office the proportion of total UK energy used for lighting could be reduced from 20% to 5%.
On average a GaN LED can burn for 100 000 hours so the lamps will only need to be replaced once every 60 years.
In addition to their low energy use the new LEDs are claimed to be better for the environment than most low-energy bulbs because they do not contain mercury. The lamps also turn on and off instantly and are dimmable.
Project scientist professor Colin Humphreys said the development 鈥渃ould well be the Holy Grail in terms of providing our lighting needs of the future鈥�.
Researchers are also investigating how GaN lights could help people with Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Ultraviolet rays made from GaN lighting could also aid water purification.
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黑洞社区 Sustainable Design
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