Jun 29 2006
The Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) at the University of Surrey has won a £465k Carbon Trust contract to produce prototype solid state lighting devices using nano-composite materials invented at the ATI. These new ultra low energy lighting devices will be fabricated using carbon nanotube-organic composites which will significantly reduce energy running costs, thus reducing carbon dioxide emissions at power generating stations.
Surrey’s Ultra Low Energy High Brightness Light (ULEHB) aims to provide modular components that can be used in large area displays and general domestic lighting using minimal power, whilst having a long operating life. The ULEHB light may also offer a cost efficient and clean replacement solution for mercury based fluorescent lamps and many other low efficiency
'heat producing' light sources. Potential uses such as variable mood lighting over a whole wall or ceiling opens up a range of exciting applications.
ULEHB is also expected to have wide uses in signage, displays, street lighting, commercial lighting, public buildings, offices and image projectors. The patented technology can also be used for low cost solar cell production and has the versatility to be tuned to produce eye pleasing coloured light.
Professor Ravi Silva, Director of the ATI and project leader said "This isn’t the everlasting light bulb, but it is a highly energy efficient invention which will completely change the way we use lighting. ULEHB lighting will produce the same quality light as the best 100 watt light bulb, but using only a fraction of the energy and last many times longer".