Low energy lightbulbs, what are the physical design constraints?

Question

Strange question this one but I am working with an interior design company that want to explore using low energy lighting in their projects but want to be more imaginative than just the standard coiled bulbs. What are the design constraints on this type of bulb if they are made to order? Has anyone seen any really interesting lighting solutions that are are also energy efficient?

Does anyone have a design contact inside the lighting industry? I look forward to your answers.

Answer 1

if you don't mind going to the higher end of the price spectrum you will find nothing more energy efficient than LED lighting. if my memory serves me they are around 85% efficient this means that 15% or less of the electricity used is converted to heat. in other words they use approx one tenth the electricity of a standard incandecent bulb and will last 5 to 10 years under normal use. also lighting control can be very innovative, so check it out. i am a custom builder who only does multi million dollar homes, this technology is fairly new for residential use so is still expensive, but it will replace the ordinary lightbulb eventually. in fact you can buy LED bulbs that will screw into any incandecent fixture right now. if you do the math you will find that it is not unreasonable to spend $18 on an accent bulb or up to $70 on a main light source.

Answer 2

I use compact fluorescents in fixtures that are not enclosed which may the standard coiled bulbs your are referring to. With those you don't want to put them in an enclosed fixture. There are other options. check out Real Goods : http://www.gaiam.com/retail/2/Lighting
You'll find bulbs,lamps,and lighting fixtures. And how about bringing in natural light, you can't get more low energy than that. There are solartubes lights that bring in natural light
http://www.texassolatube.com/

Answer 3

Osram Phillips
http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/LightingForHome/Products/BulbType/CompactFluorescent/

Answer 4

i use the bulbs , they are curled , i don't know what they are called but you can get them at Home Depot or Wal*Mart. just ask someone there and they will know what you are talking about. they also last for a long time, i have had mine for over a year now and they don't blow easy either.

Answer 5

round and pointy at the top