Return of incandescent light bulbs as MIT makes them more efficient than LEDs

Telegraph ^ | January 11, 2016 | Sarah Knapton,

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Ever since the EU restricted sales of traditional incandescent light bulbs, homeowners have complained about the shortcomings of their energy-efficient replacements.

The clinical white beam of LEDs and frustrating time-delay of 'green' lighting has left many hankering after the instant, bright warm glow of traditional filament bulbs.

But now scientists in the US believe they have come up with a solution which could see a reprieve for incandescent bulbs.

Researchers at MIT have shown that by surrounding the filament with a special crystal structure in the glass they can bounce back the energy which is usually lost in heat, while still allowing the light through.

They refer to the technique as 'recycling light' because the energy which would usually escape into the air is redirected back to the filament where it can create new light.

"It recycles the energy that would otherwise be wasted," said Professor Marin Soljacic.

[Gaffer]

My PAR replacement LED was very pricey too, but it comes up full output like an incandescent. I love it and it doesn’t get near as hot as a PAR in a recessed spot fixture.

I’m not sure about the LEDs but the ‘current’ limiter in the CFL is the ballast or negative resistance device whose function is to limit current to the tube while still maintaining the voltage needed to “light up” gas.

[AbolishCSEU]

But then the electric rates just keep rising the more we conserve. Remember obozo said electric rates will necessarily skyrocket and they have.

[teeman8r]

Lighten up francis

[Caipirabob]

Lol...yes, we did, too. I don’t think we’ve made a dent in the stash in 7 years.

[PeteB570]

That was Algore - during the Clinton years.

[outofsalt]

Should have put a sweater on it.

[NonValueAdded]

ROFL, that is priceless!

[USS Alaska]

The clinical white beam of LEDs and frustrating time-delay of 'green' lighting has left many hankering after the instant, bright warm glow of traditional filament bulbs.

My wife has stockpiled 100s of incandescent light bulbs of all wattages, mostly 100 watt, but many of lesser wattage. We use several of the LED style bulbs, but only in places where the amount of light is a non-issue.

[Political Junkie Too]

I was going to ask a similar question.

Incandescent bulbs make the phosphorescent coating on my watch glow, but LED lights do not.

-PJ

[eartick]

Not to jump your post, but what we use in our well house for this is a heater that is used to heat up reptile tanks. We also use them in our chick brooders.

They screw into a regular light socket and come anywhere from 75 watt to (IIRC) 150 watt and heat really well (no pun intended).

[Chickensoup]

I buy incandescent over the internet. called contractor bulbs

[eartick]

Is there an LED light that gives natural spectrum light?

You can purchase LED grow lights in the different spectrums from sprouting, growth and flowering.

Not sure if this is the question you are asking

[Chickensoup]

best story lol

I use Inca descents to keep chix warm and laying all winter, they don’t need much but one 40 watt bulb works

[Chickensoup]

You are so right

A controlled population is easy to manipulate.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Good tip. I still have some for lamps, but they’re not going to last forever. When staying at a hotel it’s just awful trying to see.

[wally_bert]

I can only imagine what it must be like not to suffer migraines.

[BobL]

Of course the logical response by government is to outlaw any light bulb that derives is light by heating a wire.

[BobL]

“In certain circumstances, CFLs do last many, many times the life of an incandescent. But, homeowners rarely use their lights in a way to take advantage of this. Lighting left on 24/7 will see CFLs last and last, while incandescents will burn out every 4 to 6 weeks.”

I have a CFL in my garage that basically acts as a night light, smallest one I could find (7 or 9 Watts, but still plenty of light to move around). I don’t even have a switch for it. I think my original bulb is now closing in on 10 years. I LOVE IT!

But that’s the only CFL in my house, the other 200 or so bulbs are incandescent. Many/most of my bulbs are on dimmers, which are much better with incandescents.

[kenmcg]

Let’s not forget:

Last of incandescent light bulbs are banned
January 01, 2014|By Shan Li
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Different types of light bulbs, including incandescent, fluorescent, halogen and LED.
Different types of light bulbs, including incandescent, fluorescent,… (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles…)
The final phase of a ban on incandescent light bulbs goes into effect Wednesday, leaving consumers with pricier energy-efficient options that are expected to save people money over time.

Beginning Jan. 1, the production of 40- and 60-watt incandescent light bulbs is banned as part of efficiency standards signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2007.

[Tucker39]

These new bulbs will not be available until complete exclusive manufacturing rights can be finnagled for China, and until all the congress creeps and senators properly paid off, as was done with CF bulbs. The Chinese deal with CFs hasn’t lasted very long. They’re going to feel ripped off.