Company Claims ESLs to be the Future of Light Bulbs (w/ Video)
September 16, 2009 by Lisa Zyga 
Vu1's conceptual design for its R-30 bulb. Credit: Vu1.
(PhysOrg.com) -- While compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are currently the primary alternative to incandescent light bulbs, a company from Seattle predicts that its own novel light bulbs will eventually replace CFLs and LEDs. Vu1 ("view one") Corporation has been working on its electron stimulated luminescence (ESL) bulbs, and has recently released a demo video (below).
ESL technology works by firing electrons at phosphor, which then glows. As Vu1 explains, the technology is similar to that used in cathode ray tubes and TVs. However, the bulbs have several improvements, such as in uniform electron distribution, energy efficiency, phosphor performance and manufacturing costs. "CRT and TV technology is based on delivering an electron 'beam' and then turning pixels on and off very quickly," the company explains on its website. "ESL technology is based on uniformly delivering a 'spray' of electrons that illuminate a large surface very energy efficiently over a long lifetime."
With ESLs, Vu1 hopes to overcome some of the challenges faced by CFLs and LEDs, the two lighting technologies considered to have the most potential in the post-incandescent era. As the company explains, CFLs' biggest problem is that they contain about 5 milligrams of mercury. If not recycled properly - or if they're accidentally broken - CFLs release mercury into the air or groundwater. In addition, some people find the CFLs' cooler colors less pleasing than the warmer tones of incandescent bulbs.
This video is not supported by your browser at this time.
On the other hand, LEDs don't contain hazardous materials like mercury, and can last for up to 50,000 hours. However, their heat dissipation requirements make them more expensive than other bulbs, with a projected retail price of about $40 each.
In contrast, ESLs don't contain hazardous substances and should cost about $20, or the equivalent of a dimmable CFL reflector bulb, according to Vu1. Similar to CFLs, ESLs use 65% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and last for up to 6,000 hours, or about four times the lifespan of incandescents. Other advantages of ESLs include a warm color temperature similar to incandescent light, as well as the ability to be turned on instantly and be fully dimmable.
Vu1 plans to begin manufacturing ESLs by the end of the year, and hopes to market the bulb starting in mid-2010. Initially, the company will launch reflector-shaped bulbs, which are used in recessed lighting. Later they hope to expand into other bulb forms such as standard A bulbs and tubes.
More information: www.vu1.com
via: CNet Crave
© 2009 PhysOrg.com
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Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 4.5 / 5 (6)
They cost twice as much but last 8 times as long as these ESLs. And since LED technology has so many other applications, the price will continue to drop at a faster pace compared to ESLs.
Thanks for the advertisement article, but no thanks.
Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 4.3 / 5 (3)
Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 3.4 / 5 (5)
Why is heat such a problem for LEDs? How can they be so efficient but generate so much "waste heat"?
Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 2 / 5 (2)
LED's seem like the best tech at the moment though, and even at 40$ for a 60W equiv I would still invest in equipping my home with these once I settle down, but I wouldn't invest in them while I am still renting.
The EU mandates the death of incandescent lightbulbs but sadly without a proper recycling infrastructure implemented in member countries, because even though they have longer lifespans, they are considerably more hazardous to dispose of and people WILL be just throwing them in the garbage bin.
It remains to be seen what the future of the LED lightbulbs will be. At 50000hrs MTBF, even at a daily use of 10-12hrs which is likely above average, you'd still get about 10 years of usage, so it'd pose a problem business-wise for the manufacturers, once they satisfy the market the business is pretty much dead for the next few years
Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 4 / 5 (1)
(We have recycling in the US. If you're in Europe, check your Ikea store.)
ESLs apparently give about 40 lumins per watt. CFLs produce about 60.
You're going to have to purchase more electricity if you use ESLs and you're going to have to pay more for the bulbs.
Doesn't make sense to me unless you're someone who breaks a lot of light bulbs.
Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 4 / 5 (2)
Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 3 / 5 (1)
Not quite.
read on market expansion strategies.
for example, just like the cellphone industry, the market is far from saturation despite the fact that an average cellphone should last for 5 years.
a new product has the ability to create its own market.
[sorry. not the proper forum but i guess it's related]
Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 4 / 5 (2)
New construction is another story. I believe LED lighting will become the norm because the fixtures will be designed for LED, but ESLs are ideal for retrofit upgrades and spectrum sensitive applications.
Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 4.3 / 5 (3)
Some critics say that LEDs don't spread their light like a bulb, but again, the multiple emitters can easily be mounted on a bulb-shaped surface.
With the proper electronics, it would be possible to change the color of an LED "bulb" as easily as dimming the light, simply by adjusting the brightness of the various emitters.
Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 4 / 5 (1)
What voltage will be necessary to accelerate the electrons?
Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 4 / 5 (1)
OLED paneling will be the future.
Sep 16, 2009
Rank: 3 / 5 (1)
Spectrum is a problem in single LED lighting such as spot lights and smaller lamps. While it would be nice to replace halogen spotlights with LED they neither have the power or spectrum as of current. There is a niche for ESLs that is not currently being filled.
Sep 17, 2009
Rank: 4 / 5 (1)
Sep 17, 2009
Rank: 3.7 / 5 (3)
Well designed LED systems have good efficiency (>50 lm/W) and excellent color quality (Ra >90) with CCT about 2700-3500K.
Luminous flux is limited depending on the bulb size, that is correct, but will be improved continousely.
The Mercury in CFL lamps is no real problem as long you don't break the bulb. Recyceling is a standard (in most western countries).
GOOD JOB from the marketing department
Sep 17, 2009
Rank: 2.5 / 5 (2)
Sep 17, 2009
Rank: not rated yet
Lots of experts and no emission spectrum...
Does it come with leaded glass or soft x-rays?
Sep 17, 2009
Rank: 4.5 / 5 (2)
Sep 17, 2009
Rank: not rated yet
The blog is at vu1corp.blogspot.com
T. Ron Davis
Chief Marketing Officer
Vu1 Corporation
Sep 18, 2009
Rank: 4 / 5 (2)
And for the ESL, That was my question too...so it doesn't have Hg, but does it have Lead--or x-rays? I didn't see this answered on the marketing video at Vu1.
Sep 20, 2009
Rank: 1 / 5 (1)
It might have a niche in places where the tungsten bulb has been banned, and among the Fox news crowd
(note the fear based appellation "mercury bulbs" or "toxic bulbs").
I love light bulbs. I'll buy at least one of these if they come to market, just out of curiosity, but
it cannot compete, dollar for lumen, with mercury based fluorescence.
Sep 21, 2009
Rank: not rated yet
Sep 21, 2009
Rank: not rated yet