The evolution of lighting technology has resulted in significant improvements in energy
efficiency, longevity, and reduced heat generation. Lighting technology has evolved significantly
over the years, transitioning from traditional incandescent lamps (IL) to compact fluorescent
lamps (CFLs) and then to modern light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This evolution has been caused
by the need for energy efficiency, longevity, and environmental considerations.
a) Incandescent Lamps (IL)
Incandescent lamps were the first widely used electrical lighting technology, developed in the
late 19th century. These lamps generated light by heating a tungsten filament to high
temperatures.
Incandescent bulbs typically range from 25W to 100W, their luminous efficacy is 10-17 lumens
per watt (lm/W). They are highly inefficient, converting about 90% of their energy into heat
rather than light which leads to energy losses.
Advantages
Simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
Provides warm, natural light.
Disadvantages
They have Very low energy efficiency.
They have a short lifespan
Their high heat production increases cooling costs.
b) Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
After incandescent lamps, Compact fluorescent lamps emerged as an energy-efficient alternative.
They use a gas-filled tube and a small amount of mercury vapor, which emits ultraviolet light
when electrified. This light is converted into visible light by a phosphor coating.
CFLs use less watts (9W to 40W) to produce the same brightness as an incandescent lamp but
with significantly less heat than the incandescent bulbs and their luminous efficacy is 50-70
lm/W.
Advantages of Compact fluorescent lamps
Compact fluorescent lamps produce less heat than incandescent bulbs.
Longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs.
Available in different colour temperatures.
Disadvantages of Compact fluorescent lamps
Compact fluorescent lamps are associated with environmental hazards since they contain
mercury
They take alot of time to warm up to full brightness.
They are more expensive than incandescent bulbs.
c) Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
LEDs are the most advanced lighting technology today. They work by passing an electric current
through a semiconductor material, which emits light efficiently.
LEDs consume less watts for the same brightness as incandescent and CFLs. Their luminous
efficacy is 80-150 lm/W, making them the most efficient lighting option with the least heat
generation.
Advantages of LEDs
LEDs are extremely energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs.
LEDs a long lifespan as compared to the incandescent and compact fluorescent lamps.
They are also available in various coluor temperatures.
LEDs posses no hazardous materials (such as mercury) compared to compact fluorescent
lamps.
they turn on full brightness with no warm-up time.
Disadvantages of LEDs
Some cheaper LEDs may have lower quality and reduced lifespan.