Energy-Efficient Lamp by Lucesco
by Mairi Beautyman, Berlin, Germany on 10.26.06
This lamp is retro—yet still energy efficient. Designed by Sven Adolph for Lucesco Lighting, the spun aluminum Sven illuminates with 40 energy-efficient warm white LEDs, and employs only 22 watts of power. That’s about one-third of the power used by the average lamp. Ah but what about the heat, you say. The LEDs are arranged in a circle, a design trick that prevents it from becoming a furnace. Another perk? A nifty little red light stays on even when the light is off—ending all that stumbling in the dark. Other mod colors include white and black. In 2007, the Palo Alto, CA-based firm plans to launch four additional styles: Floor-standing, ceiling, and two lanterns. ::Lucesco
Photo courtesy of Metropolis Magazine/Evelyn Dilworth.
A red LED which stays on all the time? It has a standby light? That doesn't sound very ecofriendly to me.
A single red LED will use much less energy than, say one of those Indiglo night lights. I'll be the first in line to buy an LED torchiere as soon as one is affordable, but I'm sure this one will cost a thousand dollars. LEDs are, by default, very directional in nature, so they would be perfect for a torchiere.
22 Watts doesn't seem that good for an LED lamp. Many CFLs are 14W and LEDs are supposed to be significantly better.
Also I thought that LEDs weren't supposed to generate any heat. Why the concerns about heat?
And I think we should eliminate phantom loads whenever possible. Even if it is small, many small loads still add up. Do we really need night lights?