SSL Technology Application R&D

Lead Performer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory – Richland, WA
FY16 DOE Funding: $6,750,000
Project Term: Current – September 30, 2018
Funding Type: Direct Lab Funding

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

The overall objective of the PNNL work is to drive SSL-based lighting systems to approximately 77% higher levels of luminaire efficacy, relative to 2015 levels, by 2030 and to advance luminaire-integrated lighting controls to decrease lighting energy use per unit area of SSL systems coverage by 30%, also by 2030. PNNL seeks to drive development of highly efficacious lighting products that provide equal or better lighting quality relative to incumbent technologies. PNNL’s SSL Technology Application R&D projects target lighting energy savings in four complementary ways: 

1. By directly challenging manufacturers to develop high-performing products and systems, and rewarding/recognizing those who are successful
2. By generating critical SSL product, system, and lighting application performance data through laboratory and field research, and supporting the development of metrics for advanced lighting systems
3. By maintaining and expanding the LED Lighting Facts database, tracking and analyzing SSL performance data, and identifying technology gaps and R&D priorities
4. By disseminating data and results of all technical analyses and investigations to the SSL industry and research communities to speed product and system improvement

The success of this approach hinges on the ability of the program to induce continual improvement by the SSL industry to approach the full energy-saving potential of SSL.

PROJECT IMPACT

PNNL technical information and analysis are widely shared via the DOE SSL program website, impacting technology and product improvements across the industry:

• CALiPER testing and analysis identifies trends and applicability, investigating specific product types and scenarios in a laboratory or mockup setting.
• GATEWAY evaluations provide valuable field experience and detailed evaluation of LED products installed in real-world applications.
• LED Lighting Facts^® promotes accuracy in reporting LED product performance via a searchable online database.
• The Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium shares best practices, tools, and resources.
• Connected Lighting Systems analysis identifies technology development needs.
• Standards development support includes technical assistance and analysis for a wide range of standards-setting organizations and industry consortia working on critical issues such as LED flicker, glare, color rendering, and interoperability.
• The Next Generation Luminaires™ competition encourages technical innovation and recognizes excellence in the design of energy-efficient LED luminaires.
• The L Prize^® competition sets reach targets for industry.

CONTACTS

DOE Technology Manager: James Brodrick
Lead Performer: Marc Ledbetter, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory