Solid-state lighting is the lighting of the Third Millennium.
The technology eclipses conventional lighting, permits independent
power production and dramatically lowers energy requirements.
The particular characteristics of white light emitting
diodes(WLEDs): ultralow power consumption, durability, reliability
and extended lifetime make the an appropriate source for lighting
in both the overdeveloped and developing world.
LUTW's mandate is to supply not-for-profit organizations
and humanitarian initiatives with lighting system components
at subsidized prices. Through volume purchasing and preferential
pricing arrangements with suppliers LUTW can source components
at prices below wholesale.
LUTW’s lamping system is simple, rugged,
and is fully independent and runs off renewable energy sources.
LUTW’s systems represent a highly appropriate, "Small
is Beautiful" technology with lifecycle benefits that far
exceed conventional lighting sources. The high efficiency, ultra
low energy demand of solid state lighting combined with its inherent
durability and near permanence represents an incredible opportunity
for Technology Leapfrogging. The lamps are widely used to supply
off-grid year round lighting with a brightness equivalent to
a 7W incandescent bulb (20 to 40 lumens), but requiring a fraction
of the power.
Full life economics of the entire lighting system
must be taken into account when comparing Solid State Lighting
(SSL) to Incandescent / Fluorescent lighting – development of power infrastructure,
costs for energy transfer, maintenance, operations, safety and
environmental impact.
Bright WLED lamps have an estimated lifespan of
over 50,000 hours. The LUTW lamp system is designed to provide
light without the need for an external electricity source and
is powered by a solar photovoltaic panel. The lamp system is
sold in several formats: (i) as a complete system we call Light-in-the-Box,
(ii) as components for volume users who may not need everything
and (iii) as individual lights.
Since the systems’ initial development, the technology
itself has evolved significantly, and its functionality, durability,
and cost are continually being improved. The hardware for an
entire system (consisting of two lamps, a solar panel and a rechargeable
battery) is averaging seven years. This is a fraction of the
amount a household in any developing country might otherwise
spend on kerosene.
LUTW Lighting System Core Components
A complete LUTW lighting system is made up of three core components
and installation hardware.
- Two Modular 1Watt Luxeon WLED lamps Currently
we use 1.5. Watt Lamps
- 12 Volt 7 Ah Sealed Lead Acid
Battery –
Rechargeable maintenance free battery
- 5 Watt Kyocera Solar Panel
(Installation Hardware- Switches and wiring are not normally
included.)
To save money LUTW regularly ships all of the above lighting
system components directly from the manufacturer to the project
site. Onsite assembly of the lighting systems is required and
should be done by qualified electrical engineers or technicians.
Example of various Installations
Centralized Solar Systems - All the solar
panels would go together and be installed at a central location
e.g. a school house. 40 Watts - Solar PV. If the homes are
far apart then each home would have its own small battery which
would take to the central charging unit every day or two (max.)
to be topped up.
Distributed Solar Systems - A large village
is divided up into approximately equal sectors and each sector
has its own Centralized Solar system.
Individual Solar - Each home has its own small
solar panel of approximately 5 Watts and its own small battery.
Personal Torch Lighting - Provide
torches in the most cost efficient manner to those with the largest
need, e.g. elderly persons.
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