In May, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published an update to its annual Solid-State Lighting (SSL) R Multi-Year Program Plan (MYPP), previously released in March. The MYPP report describes the DOE’s numerous initiatives meant to further their mission to accelerate SSL technology adoption. The report also touches on annual SSL R funding opportunities, provides a status update and trend highlight for both LEDs and OLEDs, and provides an overview of the DOE’s current SSL R project portfolio. A pdf of the report can be downloaded at ssl.energy.gov/techroadmaps.html.
As an extension to the MYPP report, the DOE has also released a manufacturing R&D road map report. It can be downloaded from the DOE’s website at 1.usa.gov/npKCjk.
- As part of its Lighting Facts program, the DOE has published Lighting Facts Product Snapshot. An overview of LED replacement lamps, the report provides verified performance data for close to 1,000 market-available LED replacement lamps that have been registered with the Lighting Facts labeling initiative. Because of the rapid advance of solid-state lighting technology, the Product Snapshot is updated twice a year. The guide is available to download at lightingfacts.com.
- The DOE has published the second edition of the LED Luminaire Lifetime: Recommendations for Testing and Reporting. The document was prepared by a working group formed by the DOE and the Next Generation Lighting Industry Alliance to provide consistent information on the topic of LED luminaire lifetime. A pdf of the guide is available at bit.ly/oyuc68.
- The DOE has completed Round 12 of product testing through its CALiPER (Commercially Available LED Product Evaluation and Reporting) program. This latest round of CALiPER focused on the following areas: SSL downlights, SSL tracklights, benchmark 100W incandescent A-lamps and 70W to 100W halogen equivalents, SSL replacements for linear fluorescent lamps in high-performance troffers, and SSL and benchmark covelights. A summary report can be downloaded at ssl.energy.gov/reports.html.
In its ongoing efforts to promote the accelerated adoption of SSL technologies, the DOE has announced two funding opportunities for Round 8 of its Core Technology and Product Development program. Core technology projects should focus on applied research. Product development projects should focus on using information gathered from basic or applied research initiatives. Applications are due Nov. 3, and complete details are available at eere-exchange.energy.gov.
Round 7 results were announced in June, and the DOE awarded $14.8 million to eight projects. Four of these projects will focus on core technology research to further the technical knowledge base for SSL general illumination. Two projects will concentrate on improving the commercial viability of SSL materials, devices, or systems. The final two projects will examine ways to achieve cost reductions while enhancing product quality by utilizing improvements in manufacturing equipment, processes, or monitoring techniques. For details about these projects go to ssl.energy.gov.
Doe Solid-State Lighting Updates
Through its various market development, product testing, and research program initiatives, the U.S. Department of Energy's solid-state lighting program continues to champion LED technology and integration.
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