Get the Green Light
Chris Rodinis
December 3rd, 2012
http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/12/fipel-wonder-light-where-are-the-numbers/
“Go green” comes in many forms. One way to evaluate “green” is in efficiency. More efficient means less power consumption which means less carbon emissions!
Ideally, the product, if it does not last forever, will at least last longer. Longer product life means lower replacement costs which also statistically helps the environment.
One of the latest innovations in home and office lighting is a redo of the famous fluorescent tube. Famous for for stress on eyeballs, famous for shattering when knocked or dropped and famous for flickering when getting old. The famous fluorescent is getting an upgrade in all these areas.
This new one does not shatter! This is a big step for obvious reasons. Handling like eggshells is no longer required. Not only do they not stress your eyesight, they have been evaluated as “easy on the eyes.”
No More Mercury
This new type of light does not use phosphorus or mercury vapor. It does, however, use a technology known as FIPEL. FIPEL stands for “field-induced polymer electroluminescent.” The light emitted is a much softer whiter light than the yellow tinted fluorescent light to which we are accustomed.
According to the lead scientist at Wake Forest University, David Carroll, the most common criticism of fluorescent is the stress on the eyeballs. The other common complaint is the annoying hum generated by the florescent which can be detected from surrounding desks. This bulb, besides using less energy and lasting longer, also solves the other issues of eye pain and annoying noise.
According to the Journal of Organic Electronics the new bulb is twice as efficient as a compact fluorescent and equal to LED. And this new bulb does not shatter which everybody including OSHA loves. Nor would it pollute your house if it breaks. And if it does break there will be not be thousands of razor sharp shattered shards on your floor!
Shattering No More
In an ideal world, electric lighting emits light that is useful and pleasing. A nice spectral content is what this bulb provides without the risk of creating a toxic waste dump every time one accidently gets shattered.
This new green light or ”FIPEL” is constructed of multiple layers of a unique white-emitting polymer mixed with nanomaterials that light up when electrified. Besides that, the FIPEL has been described as very close in appearance to actual sunlight! Very brilliant indeed!
Turns out this is the first FIPEL on the market and it is slated to be sold into offices as well as upscale homes because the light of natural white is so appealing.
Office and home use are not the only market for FIPEL. According to researchers the FIPEL will have wide ranging commercial use including outdoor nighttime signage, public venues and public transportation.
For more information on recycling electronics: www.EwasteWiz.com