Construction is underway and by late summer, nearly three thousand solar panels will be a part of Hammonton.
The
project will power the Wastewater Treatment Plant while pulling down
electric bills and lessening the town's carbon footprint.
The
former site of the old Wastewater Treatment Plant is soon to become its
source of energy. Town officials expect solar panels to be installed by
summer's end and hope to see a major impact on the town's electric
bill.
"Our
plant probably costs somewhere in the neighborhood of two to 300
thousand dollars in electric and this should save about 30 to 40
thousand a year now and after year fifteen probably ninety percent of
that bill," said Hammonton Mayor Steve DiDonato.
The
Mayor says the panels are a 30 million dollar project from Hudson
Energy but officials say a fifteen-year lease and purchase power
agreement results in no money from the town of Hammonton going into the
project.
"We
sign a fifteen year agreement to purchase power from them, it's a
called a purchase power agreement or PPA for short," said councilman and
former chair of the Green Committee Dan Bachalis.
"That
power comes to us a reduced rate then what we would ordinarily get from
an electric company." Workers say 2,904 solar panels will be installed
in the project.
"It
will be a massive benefit to the town and Wastewater Treatment Company.
I know bills have been going up but this is one way bills will be going
down once this comes online," said Bachalis.We carry modern lights and solarmodule by world renowned designers and manufacturers.
Around
Hammonton residents are excited to see the town going green while
saving some money. "I think it's a great idea. It will save a lot of
energy. Go green,Our elevatorsafetyss are cost effective and energy efficient." said resident Mark Torres.
There are some private solar panels around town but this project will be the town's first experience with solar energy.
"It
saves on our carbon footprint for the town of Hammonton and it takes
electric off the grid which is good for all of us," said Mayor DiDonato.
Hammonton
officials say they have also been cutting back on electric costs
through the use of energy efficient light bulbs. Councilman Bachalis
hopes this project will help encourage bringing more solar panels to
town.
Wright
said consumers can save 20 per cent in energy expenses by simply
turning off appliances and committing to other green initiatives, such
as using new LED light bulbs.
"We had become the throwaway society,the energyturbines
adopting SCF supercritical generator technology," Wright said."Then we
became the recycling society. Now we're becoming the more efficient
society. We're using energy smarter."
Fellow
Windsor-Essex County Environment Committee co-chair Alan Halberstadt, a
Windsor city councillor, said most people don't realize that simply
keeping their TV, computer or coffee maker plugged in drains power and
money.
"A
lot of people might turn off their lights when they're not in
use,international supplies a full range of cylinder heated long lasting pendantlamps. but not appliances," Halberstadt said."But if it's plugged in, you're using power."
If
It's Not In Use, Turn Off the Juice is an energy-conservation,
public-awareness campaign supported by WECEC, Essex Powerlines, Blue
Wilderness Management Group, St. Clair College, WindsorEssex Economic
Development Corporation and Enwin Utilities.
Waseem
Habash, St. Clair's associate vice-president of academic operations,
said the school already offers three programs centred around energy
conservation,Our large selection which includes goodlampshade, led strips. and that the campus continues to add more and more courses on the topic.
For
instance, students in the power engineering technology lab convert
excess steam into condensed air, which has a number of industrial
applications.
2013年4月27日 星期六
2013年4月2日 星期二
Difference Engine: Lux aeterna
AFTER a street-light opposite his home went out, your correspondent started noticing others on his hillside that had likewise gone dark. Twice, he reported the fact. Each time, he got a polite thank you from a city official, but no explanation nor promise of action.We are the premier online retailer of unique, hard to find and incredibly stylish formingmachine, Titanium rings. Then, several months later, an elevator truck arrived and replaced all the low-pressure sodium lamps in the street with solid-state light-emitting diode (LED) lamps.Welcome to Find the right laser Engraver or roofhook,Careel Tech supply highest quality products and best service. They have turned the front of his house from night into day. In the long run, they will also save the city money, though not as much as is commonly supposed.
Sodium-discharge lamps are efficient,Currently the smallest lawnlight offered by EPS is the 10kW Redriven Wind Turbine. because they produce virtually all their light at a wavelength near the peak sensitivity of the human eye. That translates into a rating of 200 lumens per watt of electrical power consumed. The white LEDs used for street lighting have a typical luminous efficacy of 100-125 lumens per watt. The compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), or “twisties”, used in the home produce around 60 lumens per watt. The traditional incandescent bulbs that CFLs were designed to replace emit a miserly 14 or so.
In terms of energy savings, then, LED street-lights are contenders, but definitely not champs. However, they have other advantages. One is longevity. They simply do not burn out, but gradually lose brightness over the years.
The usual measure of an LED lamp's economic life is its L70—the time taken for the brightness to fall to 70% of its original value.View a wide range of sports sunglasses suitable for powerturbines, Municipalities and commercial users reckon they ought to get ten years or more from LED lamps before this happens and they have to replace them. Low-pressure sodium lamps, by contrast, last typically only three or four before they start getting thirsty. Add to this the fact that the cost of changing an LED street-lamp is around $60, compared with over $200 for a sodium lamp, and the lack of maintenance costs alone can make the switch worthwhile.
There are also performance benefits, though. Unlike sodium lamps, LEDs turn on immediately, rather than taking minutes to warm up. They are also better at displaying colours. And recent research has shown that white light provides better visual perception than yellowish-orange sodium light. This is because of the way different photoreceptor cells in the retina perform their different tasks.
In daylight, vision is handled largely by cone-shaped cells packed around the centre of the retina. Apart from processing colour, these cone cells help the eye perceive detail and rapid changes in surroundings. In the dark, by contrast, perception is handled almost exclusively by the more sensitive rod-like cells towards the retina's periphery.
For people driving at night, however, artificial lighting means conditions are usually neither pitch-dark nor light enough to see in a daylight-like way. Moreover, the driver's movement with respect to the lights means the illumination his eyes perceive is constantly fluctuating. In such circumstances, both rods and cones are required, but the demands on them are constantly changing.A crystallight with candle accents can also be updated easily. When it is briefly lighter, the eye is more sensitive to greenish-yellow light. When darker, it responds best to light that is greenish-blue.
Sodium-discharge lamps are efficient,Currently the smallest lawnlight offered by EPS is the 10kW Redriven Wind Turbine. because they produce virtually all their light at a wavelength near the peak sensitivity of the human eye. That translates into a rating of 200 lumens per watt of electrical power consumed. The white LEDs used for street lighting have a typical luminous efficacy of 100-125 lumens per watt. The compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), or “twisties”, used in the home produce around 60 lumens per watt. The traditional incandescent bulbs that CFLs were designed to replace emit a miserly 14 or so.
In terms of energy savings, then, LED street-lights are contenders, but definitely not champs. However, they have other advantages. One is longevity. They simply do not burn out, but gradually lose brightness over the years.
The usual measure of an LED lamp's economic life is its L70—the time taken for the brightness to fall to 70% of its original value.View a wide range of sports sunglasses suitable for powerturbines, Municipalities and commercial users reckon they ought to get ten years or more from LED lamps before this happens and they have to replace them. Low-pressure sodium lamps, by contrast, last typically only three or four before they start getting thirsty. Add to this the fact that the cost of changing an LED street-lamp is around $60, compared with over $200 for a sodium lamp, and the lack of maintenance costs alone can make the switch worthwhile.
There are also performance benefits, though. Unlike sodium lamps, LEDs turn on immediately, rather than taking minutes to warm up. They are also better at displaying colours. And recent research has shown that white light provides better visual perception than yellowish-orange sodium light. This is because of the way different photoreceptor cells in the retina perform their different tasks.
In daylight, vision is handled largely by cone-shaped cells packed around the centre of the retina. Apart from processing colour, these cone cells help the eye perceive detail and rapid changes in surroundings. In the dark, by contrast, perception is handled almost exclusively by the more sensitive rod-like cells towards the retina's periphery.
For people driving at night, however, artificial lighting means conditions are usually neither pitch-dark nor light enough to see in a daylight-like way. Moreover, the driver's movement with respect to the lights means the illumination his eyes perceive is constantly fluctuating. In such circumstances, both rods and cones are required, but the demands on them are constantly changing.A crystallight with candle accents can also be updated easily. When it is briefly lighter, the eye is more sensitive to greenish-yellow light. When darker, it responds best to light that is greenish-blue.
2013年2月28日 星期四
Light-Emitting Diodes Emerge as Aquarium
The popular online aquarium supply store revealed data today
affirming light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have replaced fluorescent and
metal halide bulbs as the light technology preferred by the majority of
aquarium owners.
“We are witnessing a renaissance in aquarium light innovation and adoption,” said Ben Ros. “LEDs went from objects of interest to the new standard in aquarium lighting in less than three years. To meet the swell in demand, we have added a ton of new LED fixtures, pendants, bulbs and strips to our store.”
Aquarium hobbyists have been using LED lights for evening, or lunar,We are committed to washerextractorer an eco friendly industry. lighting for years. Using LEDs as a primary light source is a relatively new phenomenon. It wasn’t until 2011 that LEDs began to emerge as a suitable alternative to popular aquarium lighting solutions like metal halide and fluorescent technologies. Advanced aquarium keepers rely on aquarium lighting not only to illuminate their fish tanks so they can see their wet pets, but also to grow and care for a variety of aquatic plants, alga,Currently the smallest goodledlightop offered by EPS is the 10kW Redriven Wind Turbine. colorful corals and interesting invertebrates.
So what’s all the fuss about?
“The greatest benefit of LEDs is the infinite control that can be achieved in lighting our aquariums,” said Tim Marks, President of EcoTech Marine, makers of the popular Radion XR30w LED light series. “This allows us to create truly unique, customized and beautiful ecosystems in our homes and businesses.A research team headed up by the University of Houston is on track to develop a superconducting wire for curvingmachineppk.”
EcoTech Marine's most recent release, the Radion XR30w Pro,One of the harshest ledstriplightww installations in the world. is a light fixture outfitted with 42 energy-efficient LEDs in six controllable colors. It communicates wirelessly with other Radion lights and the company’s line of pumps through a cloud-based web app accessible on any device with an internet connection.
Ros said the cost of LED aquarium lights has dropped substantially in the past year. He credits early adopters for sharing their successes with the community in online message boards, aquarium publications and respected industry figureheads releasing favorable test results, increased competition within the industry and the evolution of the technology itself. Plus,The solar street light and solarledbulbsxc adopt LED light source. Ros adds, savvy shoppers simply recognize the many benefits that LEDs offer.
“Since we started making aquarium LEDs seven years ago, we have seen an incredible increase in demand. This has been driven by consumers seeing the energy savings through tank temperature reduction, less energy consumption, individualized color options and the cost savings in replacing bulbs,” said Chris Clough, President of C2 Development, makers of the Aqua Illumination product line.
Ros claims LED lights, on average, use 50% less energy than alternative solutions yet produce the same photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) values required to care for delicate coral reef inhabitants popular among saltwater aquarium owners. The radiant heat produced by LED lights is also negligible to non-existent in many cases.
With less heat being transferred into your aquarium, the less likely you are to need cooling equipment, like fans or a chiller, to bring down the temperature of your tank. Arguably the greatest benefit of LEDs is that they do not have to be replaced every 6-18 months, like metal halide and fluorescent light bulbs, which contain mercury that can make its way into groundwater if not properly disposed of or recycled. Aquarium LED diodes last 5-7 years under normal use, sometimes longer depending on the quality of the LED and how frequently it is used.
“We are witnessing a renaissance in aquarium light innovation and adoption,” said Ben Ros. “LEDs went from objects of interest to the new standard in aquarium lighting in less than three years. To meet the swell in demand, we have added a ton of new LED fixtures, pendants, bulbs and strips to our store.”
Aquarium hobbyists have been using LED lights for evening, or lunar,We are committed to washerextractorer an eco friendly industry. lighting for years. Using LEDs as a primary light source is a relatively new phenomenon. It wasn’t until 2011 that LEDs began to emerge as a suitable alternative to popular aquarium lighting solutions like metal halide and fluorescent technologies. Advanced aquarium keepers rely on aquarium lighting not only to illuminate their fish tanks so they can see their wet pets, but also to grow and care for a variety of aquatic plants, alga,Currently the smallest goodledlightop offered by EPS is the 10kW Redriven Wind Turbine. colorful corals and interesting invertebrates.
So what’s all the fuss about?
“The greatest benefit of LEDs is the infinite control that can be achieved in lighting our aquariums,” said Tim Marks, President of EcoTech Marine, makers of the popular Radion XR30w LED light series. “This allows us to create truly unique, customized and beautiful ecosystems in our homes and businesses.A research team headed up by the University of Houston is on track to develop a superconducting wire for curvingmachineppk.”
EcoTech Marine's most recent release, the Radion XR30w Pro,One of the harshest ledstriplightww installations in the world. is a light fixture outfitted with 42 energy-efficient LEDs in six controllable colors. It communicates wirelessly with other Radion lights and the company’s line of pumps through a cloud-based web app accessible on any device with an internet connection.
Ros said the cost of LED aquarium lights has dropped substantially in the past year. He credits early adopters for sharing their successes with the community in online message boards, aquarium publications and respected industry figureheads releasing favorable test results, increased competition within the industry and the evolution of the technology itself. Plus,The solar street light and solarledbulbsxc adopt LED light source. Ros adds, savvy shoppers simply recognize the many benefits that LEDs offer.
“Since we started making aquarium LEDs seven years ago, we have seen an incredible increase in demand. This has been driven by consumers seeing the energy savings through tank temperature reduction, less energy consumption, individualized color options and the cost savings in replacing bulbs,” said Chris Clough, President of C2 Development, makers of the Aqua Illumination product line.
Ros claims LED lights, on average, use 50% less energy than alternative solutions yet produce the same photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) values required to care for delicate coral reef inhabitants popular among saltwater aquarium owners. The radiant heat produced by LED lights is also negligible to non-existent in many cases.
With less heat being transferred into your aquarium, the less likely you are to need cooling equipment, like fans or a chiller, to bring down the temperature of your tank. Arguably the greatest benefit of LEDs is that they do not have to be replaced every 6-18 months, like metal halide and fluorescent light bulbs, which contain mercury that can make its way into groundwater if not properly disposed of or recycled. Aquarium LED diodes last 5-7 years under normal use, sometimes longer depending on the quality of the LED and how frequently it is used.
2013年1月28日 星期一
Our worst carbon sin could be air travel
So if you take five long flights a year, they may well account for three-quarters of the emissions you create, depending on where and how you live. “For many people in New York City, who don’t drive much and live in apartments,Total costs for installing a commercial-scale laserengravingmachine will vary significantly depending on the number of turbines ordered. this is probably going to be by far the largest part of their carbon footprint," says Anja Kollmuss, a Zurich-based environmental consultant. (It should be noted that it is for people like Al Gore or Richard Branson, too, who crisscross the world, often by private jet, proclaiming warnings against environmental damage.This page provides information about ledstreetlights and how to report a fault.)
Though air travel emissions now account for only about 5 percent of warming, that fraction is projected to rise significantly, since the volume of air travel is increasing much faster than gains in flight fuel efficiency.
Which is why, in 2008, the EU decided to bring aviation into its emissions control plan: “We believe that those of us who can afford to pay for an air ticket can also afford to pay for the pollution from their travel," says Connie Hedegaard, the European commissioner for climate action.This is a list of washingmachine which shows the Top 10 companies and an alphabetical listing. “Many Europeans don’t get why, politically, this should be controversial."
Though many airlines have tried to reduce their carbon footprints through technical innovations — like more efficient aircraft designs and biofuels blends — they have successfully resisted any regulation or taxation of their emissions.
In an unsuccessful lawsuit before the European Court of Justice last year, U.S. airlines argued in part that the EU had no right to tax emissions on trans-Atlantic flights because they went into international airspace.
Airlines for America, a trade group for U.S. carriers, has proposed setting emissions targets for flights from now until 2020 and adding in financial penalties only later. “The problem with the European trading scheme is that it started with a market-based measure — a tax," says Nancy Young, the group’s vice president for environmental affairs. “We would accept a market-based mechanism only as a gap filler, if we don’t meet our targets. And we will be saying that very strongly."
But some in the industry contest that view. “I think airlines typically overstate how difficult this is," said David Hodgkinson, former director of legal services at the International Airline Transport Association, an industry group, who now practices aviation and climate law in his native Perth, Australia. “I don’t get why opposition is so fierce given that this is relatively straightforward and the cost is typically low and passed on to passengers."
He said that Qantas, the Australian airline, is going along with the European scheme, under which airlines must buy so-called carbon allowances if they exceed assigned annual emissions targets, which decrease year by year.
Some analysts estimate that the European program would add about $5 to the price of a typical trans-Atlantic flight. While that may sound minimal, Young maintained that U.S. airlines operate on razor-thin margins. She said, “This may be the difference between loss and profitability."
Others note that ticket prices could ultimately rise much higher as a result of the plan. The price of carbon credits varies like a stock and is now at a record low. Kollmuss, the environmental consultant, said, “If the price went up, not so many people would fly to Europe or California on such a regular basis."
This year, the EU is collecting the emission payments on flights within Europe as per the original schedule. That has made it harder for European carriers to compete in a cutthroat industry,A lot of men are wearing goodledstrip for wedding bands. said Thomas Kropp, a senior vice president at Lufthansa.
Hedegaard, the EU commissioner, said that if the International Civil Aviation Organization fails to come up with a solid, market-based program in September,A research team headed up by the University of Houston is on track to develop a superconducting wire for curvingmachineppk. the EU will begin collecting the emissions fees for all flights in and out of its airports.
One way or another, prices seem bound to increase some, and perhaps that will seem fair to many people who spend more for LED light bulbs and hybrid vehicles, in part because they care about the environment.
At a global level, how the U.S. behaves in this year of airline negotiations “will be a good test" of whether Obama will follow through on his pledge, Hedegaard said, and of “whether the U.S. is now going to engage more strongly in climate in the international arena."
Though air travel emissions now account for only about 5 percent of warming, that fraction is projected to rise significantly, since the volume of air travel is increasing much faster than gains in flight fuel efficiency.
Which is why, in 2008, the EU decided to bring aviation into its emissions control plan: “We believe that those of us who can afford to pay for an air ticket can also afford to pay for the pollution from their travel," says Connie Hedegaard, the European commissioner for climate action.This is a list of washingmachine which shows the Top 10 companies and an alphabetical listing. “Many Europeans don’t get why, politically, this should be controversial."
Though many airlines have tried to reduce their carbon footprints through technical innovations — like more efficient aircraft designs and biofuels blends — they have successfully resisted any regulation or taxation of their emissions.
In an unsuccessful lawsuit before the European Court of Justice last year, U.S. airlines argued in part that the EU had no right to tax emissions on trans-Atlantic flights because they went into international airspace.
Airlines for America, a trade group for U.S. carriers, has proposed setting emissions targets for flights from now until 2020 and adding in financial penalties only later. “The problem with the European trading scheme is that it started with a market-based measure — a tax," says Nancy Young, the group’s vice president for environmental affairs. “We would accept a market-based mechanism only as a gap filler, if we don’t meet our targets. And we will be saying that very strongly."
But some in the industry contest that view. “I think airlines typically overstate how difficult this is," said David Hodgkinson, former director of legal services at the International Airline Transport Association, an industry group, who now practices aviation and climate law in his native Perth, Australia. “I don’t get why opposition is so fierce given that this is relatively straightforward and the cost is typically low and passed on to passengers."
He said that Qantas, the Australian airline, is going along with the European scheme, under which airlines must buy so-called carbon allowances if they exceed assigned annual emissions targets, which decrease year by year.
Some analysts estimate that the European program would add about $5 to the price of a typical trans-Atlantic flight. While that may sound minimal, Young maintained that U.S. airlines operate on razor-thin margins. She said, “This may be the difference between loss and profitability."
Others note that ticket prices could ultimately rise much higher as a result of the plan. The price of carbon credits varies like a stock and is now at a record low. Kollmuss, the environmental consultant, said, “If the price went up, not so many people would fly to Europe or California on such a regular basis."
This year, the EU is collecting the emission payments on flights within Europe as per the original schedule. That has made it harder for European carriers to compete in a cutthroat industry,A lot of men are wearing goodledstrip for wedding bands. said Thomas Kropp, a senior vice president at Lufthansa.
Hedegaard, the EU commissioner, said that if the International Civil Aviation Organization fails to come up with a solid, market-based program in September,A research team headed up by the University of Houston is on track to develop a superconducting wire for curvingmachineppk. the EU will begin collecting the emissions fees for all flights in and out of its airports.
One way or another, prices seem bound to increase some, and perhaps that will seem fair to many people who spend more for LED light bulbs and hybrid vehicles, in part because they care about the environment.
At a global level, how the U.S. behaves in this year of airline negotiations “will be a good test" of whether Obama will follow through on his pledge, Hedegaard said, and of “whether the U.S. is now going to engage more strongly in climate in the international arena."
2012年9月27日 星期四
World's Top Electronics Fair to Spotlight Consumer Products
Electronics Fair highlights include the new Bags and Cases zone. Together with the expanded Mobile Devices and Accessories zone, the two zones will feature 115 exhibitors showcasing tablet PCs, smartphones and related accessories.
The Hall of Fame will present consumer electronics with stylish design and outstanding functions. Among the 400 brands taking part are Alcatel, Motorola, Philips, Pierre Cardin, VTech and Westinghouse. The Invention Zone will return with the latest innovations from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Many of the products there will make their debut at the fair and have yet to be launched in the market.
The Hong Kong Electronic Industry Summit, 13 October, will focus on the latest applications for smart devices, while the 14 October Buyer Forum will spotlight Poland's market potential. A series of seminars will showcase market opportunities, e-retailing strategies, smart TV display technology and its market developments and regulatory updates on electronics and electrical products.
The presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Electronics Industry Association Award for Outstanding Innovation & Technology Products will take place on 13 October, with the winning products presentation on 15 October.
Pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Japan, Korea and Thailand will take part in electronicAsia. Jointly organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd, the show will launch the new Key Components for Smart Devices zone featuring a range of products, including connectors, touch panels, LED backlight and metal cases for smartphones and tablets.
The HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will host 2,175 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions, a new exhibitor record. The Czech Republic will participate for the first time.
The new Advertising Lighting zone will spotlight exhibitors specialising in lighting for advertising, offering such products as LED display panels, light boxes and neon signs. Also debuting will be the Batteries/Transformers/Drivers section. The Hall of Aurora, dedicated to brand lighting products, will return with more than 430 brands from 27 countries and regions. They include Bridgelux, Neo-Neon, Philips, Seoul Semiconductor and Viri Bright.
LED, energy-saving and other environmentally friendly products from more than 800 exhibitors will be showcased in the LED & Green Lighting zone. Other theme zones include Commercial Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Household Lighting, and Lighting Accessories, Parts & Components. Seminars will focus on the global LED lighting market, the application of innovative LED technology, standards and certification for LED lighting products and lighting design and technology.
Other events include the Hong Kong Solid State Lighting Industry Conference, the inaugural Hong Kong International Lighting Products Award presentation ceremony and the winning products' presentation. Winning pieces in four categories Light Source, Architectural/Commercial Lighting, Decorative Indoor Lighting and Outdoor Lighting will be on display in Hall 1A Concourse throughout the fair.
The Hall of Fame will present consumer electronics with stylish design and outstanding functions. Among the 400 brands taking part are Alcatel, Motorola, Philips, Pierre Cardin, VTech and Westinghouse. The Invention Zone will return with the latest innovations from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Many of the products there will make their debut at the fair and have yet to be launched in the market.
The Hong Kong Electronic Industry Summit, 13 October, will focus on the latest applications for smart devices, while the 14 October Buyer Forum will spotlight Poland's market potential. A series of seminars will showcase market opportunities, e-retailing strategies, smart TV display technology and its market developments and regulatory updates on electronics and electrical products.
The presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Electronics Industry Association Award for Outstanding Innovation & Technology Products will take place on 13 October, with the winning products presentation on 15 October.
Pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Japan, Korea and Thailand will take part in electronicAsia. Jointly organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd, the show will launch the new Key Components for Smart Devices zone featuring a range of products, including connectors, touch panels, LED backlight and metal cases for smartphones and tablets.
The HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will host 2,175 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions, a new exhibitor record. The Czech Republic will participate for the first time.
The new Advertising Lighting zone will spotlight exhibitors specialising in lighting for advertising, offering such products as LED display panels, light boxes and neon signs. Also debuting will be the Batteries/Transformers/Drivers section. The Hall of Aurora, dedicated to brand lighting products, will return with more than 430 brands from 27 countries and regions. They include Bridgelux, Neo-Neon, Philips, Seoul Semiconductor and Viri Bright.
LED, energy-saving and other environmentally friendly products from more than 800 exhibitors will be showcased in the LED & Green Lighting zone. Other theme zones include Commercial Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Household Lighting, and Lighting Accessories, Parts & Components. Seminars will focus on the global LED lighting market, the application of innovative LED technology, standards and certification for LED lighting products and lighting design and technology.
Other events include the Hong Kong Solid State Lighting Industry Conference, the inaugural Hong Kong International Lighting Products Award presentation ceremony and the winning products' presentation. Winning pieces in four categories Light Source, Architectural/Commercial Lighting, Decorative Indoor Lighting and Outdoor Lighting will be on display in Hall 1A Concourse throughout the fair.
2012年3月21日 星期三
Fluorescent bulbs: Lighting up a greener future in UAE
Light bulbs that are not energy efficient will be banned across the country from mid-2013 as the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (Esma) expands its range of efficiency standards to cover more electrical equipment and appliances.
The move will also affect washing machines and refrigerators.
The new standards will require all light bulbs sold and used in the country to be eco-friendly as per the rating system, which will be announced early next year.
Only the likes of compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED bulbs will fall into the approved category, under the ratings system currently being devised.
"We are covering different electrical equipment and appliances gradually on a priority basis and early next year we will announce the new set of appliances covered under the ratings system," said Mohammad Saleh Badri, acting director-general of Esma, speaking exclusively to Gulf News.
The authority is currently in discussions with different stake holders — including distributors, manufacturers as well as retailers of light bulbs — to study the impact of the ban and making sure all ends are covered before any such move is made.
"We want to make sure nobody is adversely affected, most importantly the consumers. We don't want to put an additional burden on the consumers because of the ban on normal bulbs, so we are studying the impact of the ban and, if possible, we will [proceed with the ban] if the government can subsidise eco-friendly bulbs to bring the prices down," Badri elaborated.
The fluorescent energy-efficient bulbs are four to five times costlier than the normal incandescent bulbs. However, fluorescent energy-efficient bulbs consume up to five times less power and in the long run save a lot of money.
Fluorescent bulbs also last up to ten times longer, which in effect means they are much more cost-effective in the long run.
Once the difference is ascertained and the regulations are drafted, which are likely to be ready with Cabinet ratification by the end of this year, incandescent bulbs will be effectively banned.
"The regulations would effectively ban incandescent and halogen bulbs as they consume a lot of energy and would not make the cut. We urge all consumers to stop buying these bulbs and replace them with energy efficient white bulbs, which will save a lot of power as well as money," Badri said as he highlighted the benefits behind the move.
Interestingly, the first phase of implementation will require all government departments to replace their lighting systems with the more-efficient alternatives.
"We are coordinating with different government departments to implement [the plan] at the government level first. We are in talks with the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai (RTA), the Department of Transport Abu Dhabi and several municipalities to see whether they can replace street lamps with energy-efficient bulbs. If this happens it will be a great achievement," Badri said.
The move will also affect washing machines and refrigerators.
The new standards will require all light bulbs sold and used in the country to be eco-friendly as per the rating system, which will be announced early next year.
Only the likes of compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED bulbs will fall into the approved category, under the ratings system currently being devised.
"We are covering different electrical equipment and appliances gradually on a priority basis and early next year we will announce the new set of appliances covered under the ratings system," said Mohammad Saleh Badri, acting director-general of Esma, speaking exclusively to Gulf News.
The authority is currently in discussions with different stake holders — including distributors, manufacturers as well as retailers of light bulbs — to study the impact of the ban and making sure all ends are covered before any such move is made.
"We want to make sure nobody is adversely affected, most importantly the consumers. We don't want to put an additional burden on the consumers because of the ban on normal bulbs, so we are studying the impact of the ban and, if possible, we will [proceed with the ban] if the government can subsidise eco-friendly bulbs to bring the prices down," Badri elaborated.
The fluorescent energy-efficient bulbs are four to five times costlier than the normal incandescent bulbs. However, fluorescent energy-efficient bulbs consume up to five times less power and in the long run save a lot of money.
Fluorescent bulbs also last up to ten times longer, which in effect means they are much more cost-effective in the long run.
Once the difference is ascertained and the regulations are drafted, which are likely to be ready with Cabinet ratification by the end of this year, incandescent bulbs will be effectively banned.
"The regulations would effectively ban incandescent and halogen bulbs as they consume a lot of energy and would not make the cut. We urge all consumers to stop buying these bulbs and replace them with energy efficient white bulbs, which will save a lot of power as well as money," Badri said as he highlighted the benefits behind the move.
Interestingly, the first phase of implementation will require all government departments to replace their lighting systems with the more-efficient alternatives.
"We are coordinating with different government departments to implement [the plan] at the government level first. We are in talks with the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai (RTA), the Department of Transport Abu Dhabi and several municipalities to see whether they can replace street lamps with energy-efficient bulbs. If this happens it will be a great achievement," Badri said.
2012年3月11日 星期日
Local inventor lights up in Walmart race
Brad Krabill's invention wasn't born of necessity as much as frustration.
Now that he's fixed the problem, he's hoping others with the same issues will be so thankful they'll vote for his invention, with the chance for it to be placed on a Walmart shelf.
Krabill and his wife, Brenda, are owners of American Allied Pest Control. When not killing bugs, Krabill can be found in his garage tinkering and perfecting his latest invention.
He thinks he has a winner on his hands with The Blazer, a portable light that uses cool-burning light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs and a small 12-volt battery.
Krabill entered The Blazer in a competition sponsored by Walmart. Winners will be selected by the number of votes cast, and Krabill is asking for support for his invention. Top prize is $12,000 and a spot on a shelf at Walmart.
"It would be awesome," Krabill said of the possibility of winning.
Even if he doesn't win the top prize, Krabill could earn money for placing second, or third in the competition. And if none of that happens, he at least will gain exposure.
Voting started Wednesday and lasts a month. From those votes, 10 finalists will be selected, and voting on them will continue two more weeks. Then the top three will be in a runoff.
He said he feels certain others will have the same frustrations he did when camping, fishing or hunting: Typical battery-powered lights didn't last long enough, and lantern lights burned too hot.
And he found that when doing outdoor activities or even jobs around the house, he had to rely on too many different types of lights.
"I just got tired of having to deal with all those lights," he said.
So Krabill headed to his workshop in the garage and started tinkering. He chose a small 12-volt rechargeable battery similar to those used to power some medical devices, including scooters. He contacted Pelican, a California company that manufactures custom cases.
When he got the various parts he needed, he put them all together to form the 6 pound Blazer.
"It's smaller than most purses," Krabill said.
The Blazer features two LED lights, which together last more than 12 hours on a charge and are not hot to the touch, on 12-inch flexible arms. The device has a long strap so that it can be hung on a tree limb or hook.
Krabill said that if The Blazer catches on, he could turn out several hundred a day in his garage. If it really catches on, he foresees an assembly process that would move out of the garage and employ several people.
"If we get one large order, then everything changes," Krabill said.
Krabill is in the process of getting a patent for The Blazer.
The Walmart competition is divided into various categories, and the one in which The Blazer is included has 4,000 entries.
Now that he's fixed the problem, he's hoping others with the same issues will be so thankful they'll vote for his invention, with the chance for it to be placed on a Walmart shelf.
Krabill and his wife, Brenda, are owners of American Allied Pest Control. When not killing bugs, Krabill can be found in his garage tinkering and perfecting his latest invention.
He thinks he has a winner on his hands with The Blazer, a portable light that uses cool-burning light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs and a small 12-volt battery.
Krabill entered The Blazer in a competition sponsored by Walmart. Winners will be selected by the number of votes cast, and Krabill is asking for support for his invention. Top prize is $12,000 and a spot on a shelf at Walmart.
"It would be awesome," Krabill said of the possibility of winning.
Even if he doesn't win the top prize, Krabill could earn money for placing second, or third in the competition. And if none of that happens, he at least will gain exposure.
Voting started Wednesday and lasts a month. From those votes, 10 finalists will be selected, and voting on them will continue two more weeks. Then the top three will be in a runoff.
He said he feels certain others will have the same frustrations he did when camping, fishing or hunting: Typical battery-powered lights didn't last long enough, and lantern lights burned too hot.
And he found that when doing outdoor activities or even jobs around the house, he had to rely on too many different types of lights.
"I just got tired of having to deal with all those lights," he said.
So Krabill headed to his workshop in the garage and started tinkering. He chose a small 12-volt rechargeable battery similar to those used to power some medical devices, including scooters. He contacted Pelican, a California company that manufactures custom cases.
When he got the various parts he needed, he put them all together to form the 6 pound Blazer.
"It's smaller than most purses," Krabill said.
The Blazer features two LED lights, which together last more than 12 hours on a charge and are not hot to the touch, on 12-inch flexible arms. The device has a long strap so that it can be hung on a tree limb or hook.
Krabill said that if The Blazer catches on, he could turn out several hundred a day in his garage. If it really catches on, he foresees an assembly process that would move out of the garage and employ several people.
"If we get one large order, then everything changes," Krabill said.
Krabill is in the process of getting a patent for The Blazer.
The Walmart competition is divided into various categories, and the one in which The Blazer is included has 4,000 entries.
2012年2月23日 星期四
LED light firm feels it's been shunned by city
A top executive of Canadian based company Pristine LED claims the firm has been shut out to date from doing business with the city after opening in Windsor with much fanfare less than a year ago and hopes of providing up to 300 jobs.
Meetings were held with a pair of city managers, but after three sessions with promising talks to provide LED lighting to the city, the company has not heard back or had phone calls returned over the last six months, said the company's Bruce Melmer.
Instead, Chinese company BYD has convinced Enwin Utilities to allow pilot tests of 30 LED street lights in Windsor. They are located on Jefferson Boulevard and Sunset Avenue.
A company executive said Wednesday BYD wanted to test how its LED street lights hold up through winter in a northern climate as they are primarily in use in California.
He also said the green firm is close to a decision whether to build an electric bus manufacturing plant in Windsor that could create up to 500 jobs.
Given early indications Pristine was in line to see its products used by the city, Melmer is crying foul. But city officials are saying he shouldn't read anything into it.
Pristine manufactures high efficiency LED lighting for the commercial, industrial and residential markets. The firm vows the LED technology it uses offers 75 per cent less electricity than other lighting products, while producing a more natural light.
"What we do is high-end technology and brought it to market," Melmer said. "We were wooed to come here by the development commission. We picked up the phone and were telling (the city) we are the new LED company in town and hoped they would do business with us.
"They never bought any product and the door was shut on us."
Last April Pristine opened a 22,300-square-foot head office and manufacturing facility at 3215 Jefferson Blvd.
The company has so far been able to get by on smaller jobs such as county arenas, an ambulance building, a Tim Hortons and Boston Pizza locales, but Melmer remains disappointed no business is being done with the city.
"They will not answer the phone or return our messages," he said.
Pristine to date only has about 25 employees on staff.
Meanwhile, city officials said the city has no looming lighting retrofit work - and when it does become available, Pristine is free to participate in the RFP or tender process.
The city retrofitted lighting at several of its facilities such as arenas, community centres and libraries within the last couple of years, but has little scheduled in the budget for 2012, said John Miceli, manager of facilities for the City of Windsor.
"We are just winding up some of those retrofits and in the verification stage on energy consumption," he said. "To just complete that measure and jump into another interest as to lighting may not be in the best interests of taxpayers.
"They shouldn't feel shunned," he said. "We have not yet gone through (their) technology."
Meetings were held with a pair of city managers, but after three sessions with promising talks to provide LED lighting to the city, the company has not heard back or had phone calls returned over the last six months, said the company's Bruce Melmer.
Instead, Chinese company BYD has convinced Enwin Utilities to allow pilot tests of 30 LED street lights in Windsor. They are located on Jefferson Boulevard and Sunset Avenue.
A company executive said Wednesday BYD wanted to test how its LED street lights hold up through winter in a northern climate as they are primarily in use in California.
He also said the green firm is close to a decision whether to build an electric bus manufacturing plant in Windsor that could create up to 500 jobs.
Given early indications Pristine was in line to see its products used by the city, Melmer is crying foul. But city officials are saying he shouldn't read anything into it.
Pristine manufactures high efficiency LED lighting for the commercial, industrial and residential markets. The firm vows the LED technology it uses offers 75 per cent less electricity than other lighting products, while producing a more natural light.
"What we do is high-end technology and brought it to market," Melmer said. "We were wooed to come here by the development commission. We picked up the phone and were telling (the city) we are the new LED company in town and hoped they would do business with us.
"They never bought any product and the door was shut on us."
Last April Pristine opened a 22,300-square-foot head office and manufacturing facility at 3215 Jefferson Blvd.
The company has so far been able to get by on smaller jobs such as county arenas, an ambulance building, a Tim Hortons and Boston Pizza locales, but Melmer remains disappointed no business is being done with the city.
"They will not answer the phone or return our messages," he said.
Pristine to date only has about 25 employees on staff.
Meanwhile, city officials said the city has no looming lighting retrofit work - and when it does become available, Pristine is free to participate in the RFP or tender process.
The city retrofitted lighting at several of its facilities such as arenas, community centres and libraries within the last couple of years, but has little scheduled in the budget for 2012, said John Miceli, manager of facilities for the City of Windsor.
"We are just winding up some of those retrofits and in the verification stage on energy consumption," he said. "To just complete that measure and jump into another interest as to lighting may not be in the best interests of taxpayers.
"They shouldn't feel shunned," he said. "We have not yet gone through (their) technology."
2012年2月22日 星期三
Green light: City installing energy-efficient streetlights
New energy-efficient streetlights are going up on West Main Street, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Richard Ash, electric operations supervisor for Dothan Utilities, said the street lights were purchased for the city through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, aimed at pursuing energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grant was for $600,000. About $100,000 of that is being used for the streetlights.
The new streetlights are 157-watt LED lights and replace 250-watt high pressure sodium bulbs. Ash said the new lights use less electricity and will last longer than the old sodium bulbs. According to Lighting Orient, an LED light manufacturer, LED lights provide 50 to 60 percent energy savings over traditional sodium bulbs. They may also appear brighter than the old bulbs because they emit white, rather than yellow light.
Dothan Utilities workers are currently installing about 68 lights from the intersection of West Main Street at Ross Clark Circle to Montana Street. Lights have also been installed on Westgate Parkway and Honeysuckle Road. Installation should be complete in about two weeks.
Ash said the city has not started buying LED lights on its own, but likely will once the price of the lights starts coming down.
Richard Ash, electric operations supervisor for Dothan Utilities, said the street lights were purchased for the city through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, aimed at pursuing energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grant was for $600,000. About $100,000 of that is being used for the streetlights.
The new streetlights are 157-watt LED lights and replace 250-watt high pressure sodium bulbs. Ash said the new lights use less electricity and will last longer than the old sodium bulbs. According to Lighting Orient, an LED light manufacturer, LED lights provide 50 to 60 percent energy savings over traditional sodium bulbs. They may also appear brighter than the old bulbs because they emit white, rather than yellow light.
Dothan Utilities workers are currently installing about 68 lights from the intersection of West Main Street at Ross Clark Circle to Montana Street. Lights have also been installed on Westgate Parkway and Honeysuckle Road. Installation should be complete in about two weeks.
Ash said the city has not started buying LED lights on its own, but likely will once the price of the lights starts coming down.
2012年1月5日 星期四
Book Highlights Failings of Enviro Trends
Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center has advanced the cause of environmental protection by writing "Eco-Fads: How the Rise of Trendy Environmentalism is Harming the Environment." He lays out a logical case as to the causes and effects of the modern rush to embrace trendy eco-fads and does a good job of explaining how most of the fads do not deliver the promised environmental benefits (in many cases they actually do harm to the environment).
"Eco-Fads" is divided into two parts. The first deals with explaining what eco-fads are and why they are promoted by many politicians, some businesses and most of the media. The second exposes the rationale, or lack thereof, for embracing the fads and how their proponents convince others to adopt their favored policies.
As pointed out in the book, compact fluorescent light bulbs have become the poster child for eco-fads. The problem — CFLs save energy but can cause harm to the environment because they contain hazardous mercury gas. Myers points out that the hypocrisy of environmentalists is startling when one considers their support of CFLs coupled with their crusade to eliminate mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, no matter what the cost to consumers.
Many environmentalists will find little to like in this book as the author uses rational thought and science to debunk many of their pet assumptions. "Eco-Fads" is a good read for the average consumer who wants to do the right thing for the environment but does not want to be taken advantage of by special interest groups or politicians with self-serving motives.
Lighting. Even though Tom Edison's incandescent light bulb won a nine-month reprieve from Congress last month, you may want to start the conversion anyway. Now-delayed efficiency rules were to require a phase-out of the old bulbs and a phase-in of more efficient bulbs such as compact fluorescent light bulbs or LED lights. Those more-efficient bulbs have a bit more expensive initial cost compared to a less-efficient light. But lower energy usage and a longer life from the new bulbs will make up for the higher purchase price.
Resolve this year to replace your incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs as they burn out, and start to save.
Heating water is the second-largest energy user in a home, so fix any dripping faucets. Otherwise, you're wasting water and the energy needed to heat it. After turning off electricity to the water heater at the service panel, set the water heater thermostats to 120 degrees. You might experiment by gradually reducing your water heater thermostat settings to find out what temperature works for you. Most have two thermostats, so be sure to set them both. Put insulation around your water pipes including the inlet and outlet piping above most water heaters.
Energy Star labeling. Buy appliances and electronics with the Energy Star label, which certifies that refrigerators use 15 percent less energy than their non-Energy Star peers, that dishwashers use 25 percent less, and clothes washers use 50 percent less. The orange Energy Forward sticker on TVs also indicates energy efficiency.
"Eco-Fads" is divided into two parts. The first deals with explaining what eco-fads are and why they are promoted by many politicians, some businesses and most of the media. The second exposes the rationale, or lack thereof, for embracing the fads and how their proponents convince others to adopt their favored policies.
As pointed out in the book, compact fluorescent light bulbs have become the poster child for eco-fads. The problem — CFLs save energy but can cause harm to the environment because they contain hazardous mercury gas. Myers points out that the hypocrisy of environmentalists is startling when one considers their support of CFLs coupled with their crusade to eliminate mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, no matter what the cost to consumers.
Many environmentalists will find little to like in this book as the author uses rational thought and science to debunk many of their pet assumptions. "Eco-Fads" is a good read for the average consumer who wants to do the right thing for the environment but does not want to be taken advantage of by special interest groups or politicians with self-serving motives.
Lighting. Even though Tom Edison's incandescent light bulb won a nine-month reprieve from Congress last month, you may want to start the conversion anyway. Now-delayed efficiency rules were to require a phase-out of the old bulbs and a phase-in of more efficient bulbs such as compact fluorescent light bulbs or LED lights. Those more-efficient bulbs have a bit more expensive initial cost compared to a less-efficient light. But lower energy usage and a longer life from the new bulbs will make up for the higher purchase price.
Resolve this year to replace your incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs as they burn out, and start to save.
Heating water is the second-largest energy user in a home, so fix any dripping faucets. Otherwise, you're wasting water and the energy needed to heat it. After turning off electricity to the water heater at the service panel, set the water heater thermostats to 120 degrees. You might experiment by gradually reducing your water heater thermostat settings to find out what temperature works for you. Most have two thermostats, so be sure to set them both. Put insulation around your water pipes including the inlet and outlet piping above most water heaters.
Energy Star labeling. Buy appliances and electronics with the Energy Star label, which certifies that refrigerators use 15 percent less energy than their non-Energy Star peers, that dishwashers use 25 percent less, and clothes washers use 50 percent less. The orange Energy Forward sticker on TVs also indicates energy efficiency.
2011年12月27日 星期二
City Considers Adding Lights To Southwest Bike Path
The Southwest Bike Path in Madison is a popular trail for recreation and commuters. The question for the city and nearby residents is: What happens when the sun goes down? It's a question with different answers, depending on who is asked.
City officials are proposing LED lights for a portion of the bike trail. The finances for this 4-mile project are included in Mayor Paul Soglin's 2012 capital budget, but it's a proposal not sitting well with some along the trail.
"What I want to know is, tell me what this is going to cost me," said David Friedman, who lives in the area. "Tell me what this is going to cost for upkeep. What are we going to do for lighting it?"
Some along the trail are new lights would destroy the path's evening view.
"The night sky is spectacular," said Nancy Washburn, "We, of course, living in the city, only get to see a little piece of it. But I'd like to preserve what we've got."
"A quality bike path would almost always be lit," said District 10 Alder Brian Solomon. "It just makes sense. It's just like lighting our road corridors."
Solomon hopes to shed positive light on the $250,000 project.
"I've had a large number of people e-mailing me, calling me," said Solomon. "People I've seen on the path saying they would use it a lot more frequently, especially in the seasons we don't have much light out, if it were lit."
Solomon said the LED lights would shine straight down on the path, minimizing spillover to nearby homes. The key is convincing homeowners like Friedman.
"I put 47 trees in to shade my house from everybody. I really don't want more lights in the back," said Friedman.
As Solomon hears more from path patrons, several sunsets remain before a final decision.
"It's not necessarily about the city versus the neighbors," said Solomon. "It's about finding a solution that works for both. And I do think we could do that if we work at it."
Solomon said he's meeting with city staff in January, looking for more ideas and feedback from the community. Ideally, the 20-foot light poles would go up in the summer of 2012. But Solomon said he's willing to hold off until 2013 if there's more to discuss with nearby residents.
City officials are proposing LED lights for a portion of the bike trail. The finances for this 4-mile project are included in Mayor Paul Soglin's 2012 capital budget, but it's a proposal not sitting well with some along the trail.
"What I want to know is, tell me what this is going to cost me," said David Friedman, who lives in the area. "Tell me what this is going to cost for upkeep. What are we going to do for lighting it?"
Some along the trail are new lights would destroy the path's evening view.
"The night sky is spectacular," said Nancy Washburn, "We, of course, living in the city, only get to see a little piece of it. But I'd like to preserve what we've got."
"A quality bike path would almost always be lit," said District 10 Alder Brian Solomon. "It just makes sense. It's just like lighting our road corridors."
Solomon hopes to shed positive light on the $250,000 project.
"I've had a large number of people e-mailing me, calling me," said Solomon. "People I've seen on the path saying they would use it a lot more frequently, especially in the seasons we don't have much light out, if it were lit."
Solomon said the LED lights would shine straight down on the path, minimizing spillover to nearby homes. The key is convincing homeowners like Friedman.
"I put 47 trees in to shade my house from everybody. I really don't want more lights in the back," said Friedman.
As Solomon hears more from path patrons, several sunsets remain before a final decision.
"It's not necessarily about the city versus the neighbors," said Solomon. "It's about finding a solution that works for both. And I do think we could do that if we work at it."
Solomon said he's meeting with city staff in January, looking for more ideas and feedback from the community. Ideally, the 20-foot light poles would go up in the summer of 2012. But Solomon said he's willing to hold off until 2013 if there's more to discuss with nearby residents.
2011年12月25日 星期日
Gardener: How to choose winter-gardening light system
Lots of folks bring their gardens inside over the winter months. All kinds of delicate perennials, tropicals, citrus, and even herbs and salad greens, not to mention countless new seed starts, can wait out the cold indoors if they have the right conditions.
The most important condition is light. By understanding how plants use light, and the many lighting options available today, you can put together a lighting system that's right for the plants you want to grow indoors -- or at least sustain -- until they are able to venture outside again. Things to consider:
Bright sunshine contains the full spectrum of light wavelengths from red through yellow and green to blue and violet. Plants use all of these wavelengths for photosynthesis, but red and blue are two of the most important. The blue spectrum promotes vegetative growth so young plants build robust, full foliage. The red wavelengths promote flowers and fruits.
All plants need light to thrive, but some plants can get by on lower intensities than others. Native tropicals, shade-loving forest plants and houseplants like ivy and philodendron don't need as much light as Mediterranean succulents or desert cactuses. Flowering plants of all kinds, such as orchids and gardenias, generally need brighter light to flower and produce fruit.
No matter how much light they use to grow, plants need a rest now and then, to accomplish their other functions of metabolism. Plants' preferences for light to dark are divided into short-day, long-day and day-neutral.
Short-day plants thrive on less than 12 hours of light in a 24-hour period. Most will also need to have a stretch of even shorter days to signal them to set buds and flower. Azaleas, chrysanthemums, poinsettia and Christmas cactus are short-day plants.
Long-day plants need 14 to 18 hours of light per day. Vegetables and most garden plants are long day, and get pale and stretched when they don't get enough light.
Day-neutral plants like geraniums, coleus and foliage plants are happy with eight to 12 hours of light throughout the year.
Kinds of grow lights. There are many kinds of artificial lights that will support plants indoors, from ordinary bulbs and tubes to super-efficient LED lights. Most are available in multiple color spectrums.
Fluorescent tubes put out three to four times the light of incandescent bulbs for the same energy. Their color frequencies run from reds to blues, so you can mix and match to suit your preferences. Full-spectrum or sunlight fluorescents are great for all plants and for starting plants from seeds. They're often even marketed as grow lights.
The newest technology for grow lights uses Light Emitting Diodes. LEDs are extremely energy efficient; they average 50,000 hours of useful operation, and generate very little heat, making them safe for plants and people. You'll spend a good bit more upfront but you can expect to save 40 percent to 75 percent on your energy costs.
Regardless of which kind of lighting system you use, rotate your plants one or more times each week to balance the amount of light each plant receives. Replace fluorescent tubes when the ends start to blacken to keep adequate light levels for your plants. Keep the plants far enough away from the light to prevent burning yet close enough to maximize the exposure these supplemental sources provide.
The most important condition is light. By understanding how plants use light, and the many lighting options available today, you can put together a lighting system that's right for the plants you want to grow indoors -- or at least sustain -- until they are able to venture outside again. Things to consider:
Bright sunshine contains the full spectrum of light wavelengths from red through yellow and green to blue and violet. Plants use all of these wavelengths for photosynthesis, but red and blue are two of the most important. The blue spectrum promotes vegetative growth so young plants build robust, full foliage. The red wavelengths promote flowers and fruits.
All plants need light to thrive, but some plants can get by on lower intensities than others. Native tropicals, shade-loving forest plants and houseplants like ivy and philodendron don't need as much light as Mediterranean succulents or desert cactuses. Flowering plants of all kinds, such as orchids and gardenias, generally need brighter light to flower and produce fruit.
No matter how much light they use to grow, plants need a rest now and then, to accomplish their other functions of metabolism. Plants' preferences for light to dark are divided into short-day, long-day and day-neutral.
Short-day plants thrive on less than 12 hours of light in a 24-hour period. Most will also need to have a stretch of even shorter days to signal them to set buds and flower. Azaleas, chrysanthemums, poinsettia and Christmas cactus are short-day plants.
Long-day plants need 14 to 18 hours of light per day. Vegetables and most garden plants are long day, and get pale and stretched when they don't get enough light.
Day-neutral plants like geraniums, coleus and foliage plants are happy with eight to 12 hours of light throughout the year.
Kinds of grow lights. There are many kinds of artificial lights that will support plants indoors, from ordinary bulbs and tubes to super-efficient LED lights. Most are available in multiple color spectrums.
Fluorescent tubes put out three to four times the light of incandescent bulbs for the same energy. Their color frequencies run from reds to blues, so you can mix and match to suit your preferences. Full-spectrum or sunlight fluorescents are great for all plants and for starting plants from seeds. They're often even marketed as grow lights.
The newest technology for grow lights uses Light Emitting Diodes. LEDs are extremely energy efficient; they average 50,000 hours of useful operation, and generate very little heat, making them safe for plants and people. You'll spend a good bit more upfront but you can expect to save 40 percent to 75 percent on your energy costs.
Regardless of which kind of lighting system you use, rotate your plants one or more times each week to balance the amount of light each plant receives. Replace fluorescent tubes when the ends start to blacken to keep adequate light levels for your plants. Keep the plants far enough away from the light to prevent burning yet close enough to maximize the exposure these supplemental sources provide.
2011年11月22日 星期二
Starry Nights Returning to Shelby Farms
Memphis, Tn - First Tennessee Starry Nights returns to Shelby Farms Park in 2011 with new features designed to create a memorable holiday experience for the whole family.
The event will run from November 25 - December 30, and will feature dozens of enormous holiday displays illuminated with more than a million environmentally friendly LED lights.
This year, visitors can see the show in a whole new light with horse-drawn Starry Carriage Rides and Starry Hayrides. The Parks Woodland Discovery Playground has been transformed into the shows newest exhibit and the home of the magical Mistletoe Village. And for the first time, tickets are available for pre-purchase online!
ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AT THE MISTLETOE VILLAGE
Kids and families can have portraits made with Santa at the Mistletoe Village, sponsored by Boyle Investments. With fire pits for roasting smores, munchies and hot cocoa at the Holiday Cafe, live performances by carolers, choirs and bands, new park merchandise and collectibles for sale and fun features like the Harrahs Gingerbread Corner, the Mistletoe Village has something for everyone.
On Saturdays and Sundays in December from 1pm-5pm, children can decorate gingerbread people at Harrahs Gingerbread Corner in the Mistletoe Market ($8 per child to decorate a gingerbread person, limit one per child per day). He's best known for his 2006 creation of the worlds largest gingerbread house, which was an astounding 67 feet tall (free to attend, $8 per child to decorate, limit one per child per day).
GET A DISCOUNT ON THEME NIGHTS
Tacky Holiday Sweater Night, Biker Night, and Decorate You Car Night are a few of the fun Theme Nights SFPC has added to the event, giving visitors a chance to have some fun and earn a discount on their car tickets at the same time. A full list of theme nights is available on the event website. Discounts apply only to standard $20 car tickets and must be taken at the gate the night of the show (discounts cannot be taken on pre-purchased tickets).
RUN, WALK, BIKE NIGHTS
Monday evenings in December are reserved and designated for non-vehicular use like bicycling, walking, and other features for Run, Walk, Bike nights.
SOUNDS OF STARRY NIGHTS
Starry Nights will once again have a musical soundtrack, featuring local musicians coordinated by Dean Deyo of Memphis Music Foundation. Visitors can tune into a special radio station once they enter the Park to hear holiday music.
EVENT DATES AND HOURS
Starry Nights will open at Shelby Farms Park the day after Thanksgiving, November 25, and will run each evening until December 30, open from 6-9pm Sunday through Thursday and 6-10pm Friday and Saturday. The Mistletoe Village will be open each night during show hours, plus 1pm-5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Carriage Rides and Hayrides are available Sunday-Thursday only.
The event will run from November 25 - December 30, and will feature dozens of enormous holiday displays illuminated with more than a million environmentally friendly LED lights.
This year, visitors can see the show in a whole new light with horse-drawn Starry Carriage Rides and Starry Hayrides. The Parks Woodland Discovery Playground has been transformed into the shows newest exhibit and the home of the magical Mistletoe Village. And for the first time, tickets are available for pre-purchase online!
ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AT THE MISTLETOE VILLAGE
Kids and families can have portraits made with Santa at the Mistletoe Village, sponsored by Boyle Investments. With fire pits for roasting smores, munchies and hot cocoa at the Holiday Cafe, live performances by carolers, choirs and bands, new park merchandise and collectibles for sale and fun features like the Harrahs Gingerbread Corner, the Mistletoe Village has something for everyone.
On Saturdays and Sundays in December from 1pm-5pm, children can decorate gingerbread people at Harrahs Gingerbread Corner in the Mistletoe Market ($8 per child to decorate a gingerbread person, limit one per child per day). He's best known for his 2006 creation of the worlds largest gingerbread house, which was an astounding 67 feet tall (free to attend, $8 per child to decorate, limit one per child per day).
GET A DISCOUNT ON THEME NIGHTS
Tacky Holiday Sweater Night, Biker Night, and Decorate You Car Night are a few of the fun Theme Nights SFPC has added to the event, giving visitors a chance to have some fun and earn a discount on their car tickets at the same time. A full list of theme nights is available on the event website. Discounts apply only to standard $20 car tickets and must be taken at the gate the night of the show (discounts cannot be taken on pre-purchased tickets).
RUN, WALK, BIKE NIGHTS
Monday evenings in December are reserved and designated for non-vehicular use like bicycling, walking, and other features for Run, Walk, Bike nights.
SOUNDS OF STARRY NIGHTS
Starry Nights will once again have a musical soundtrack, featuring local musicians coordinated by Dean Deyo of Memphis Music Foundation. Visitors can tune into a special radio station once they enter the Park to hear holiday music.
EVENT DATES AND HOURS
Starry Nights will open at Shelby Farms Park the day after Thanksgiving, November 25, and will run each evening until December 30, open from 6-9pm Sunday through Thursday and 6-10pm Friday and Saturday. The Mistletoe Village will be open each night during show hours, plus 1pm-5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Carriage Rides and Hayrides are available Sunday-Thursday only.
2011年8月4日 星期四
LED light sales will be boosted by dropping prices
A recent market survey indicated that continuously dropping prices will boost the sales of LED light bulbs. A good example is the success of LED module based lighting in Japan, where the price LED replacement bulb for 40W incandescent light bulbs dropped significantly to $18 a piece in 2011.
According to the survey conducted by LEDinside, the prices of LED light bulbs dropped by 55% to an average price of USD24 during the period from March, 2010 to June, 2011, and there is potential of further price dropping.
In Japan, the retail prices of LED light bulbs were about USD 40 in 2010, and now set a record low of USD 18. As a result, sales of LED light bulb in Japan surpassed that of incandescent light bulbs in June for the first time.
Encouraged by the development of LED market in Japan, major manufacturers from South Korea, America and Europe such as LG, Philips, Osram and GE are also making pricing strategies that will boost the sales of their products. Therefore, LED lighting products will gradually take a major part in the global light bulb market.
According to the survey conducted by LEDinside, the prices of LED light bulbs dropped by 55% to an average price of USD24 during the period from March, 2010 to June, 2011, and there is potential of further price dropping.
In Japan, the retail prices of LED light bulbs were about USD 40 in 2010, and now set a record low of USD 18. As a result, sales of LED light bulb in Japan surpassed that of incandescent light bulbs in June for the first time.
Encouraged by the development of LED market in Japan, major manufacturers from South Korea, America and Europe such as LG, Philips, Osram and GE are also making pricing strategies that will boost the sales of their products. Therefore, LED lighting products will gradually take a major part in the global light bulb market.
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