Sciencegasm!

[Alluvial]

Originally Posted by Tiki

SO FREAKING COOL

Isn't it though?? I was just spellbound watching that demo.

[regular.joe]

I heart quantum mechanics.

http://www.physorg.com/news11087.html

Quantum physics always makes me laugh because even the physicists in charge are always kind of baffled.

[toranokaze]

QM is close to magic it just kind of works but not sure how.

My idea was to artificially simulate the receptors the same way to force a conformational change.

[BigV]

This just in:

Seattle intends to replace all 40,000 of its sodium vapor streetlights with LED streetlights.

Capitol Hill likes them, mostly.

City Light (local utility) press release from Mayor's office.

SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels announced today that Seattle will use federal stimulus funds to begin replacing all 40,000 residential streetlights in Seattle with energy- and cost-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) technology. Seattle is the first Washington city to finalize its stimulus plan for the new Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, paving the way for $6.1 million in funding for a variety of energy conservation programs.

...

"We have tested LED streetlights in our neighborhoods and they work. With these federal funds, we can now bring energy-saving lighting to more Seattle neighborhoods and I predict many other cities will follow our lead," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Energy and Technology Committee.

The full transition to replace streetlights with LED lights will take four to six years. LED lights use much less energy than the existing high-pressure sodium streetlights. Unlike ordinary incandescent bulbs, they don't have filaments that will burn out, and they don't get especially hot, which means a much higher percentage of the electrical power goes directly to providing light.

[glatt]

Since most LEDs on the market are highly directional, I wonder how this will impact light pollution. Presumably, they will only point the LEDs at the ground.

[BigV]

glatt, if you click on the first link, you will be taken to a neighborhood blog where they're discussing areas where these lights have already been installed. There are numerous comments there about the color, intensity, and coverage too. Yes, the leds themselves can be highly directional, but the reflector and lens/diffuser makes a huge impact on the spread of the available light. It is worth noting that in this trial area, they are evaluating lights from six different manufacturers.

[classicman]

Very interesting. This is a very positive step. Can the put some type of diffusers on them to spread the usable light emission?


Then again, which manufacturer donated the most money to their campaigns?

[xoxoxoBruce]

Most places pay a per light fee rather than meter the actual usage. I wonder how much the fee will change?

[BigV]

Who's paying xoB? For example, who's getting the bill for the light outside my house? I was under the impression it was the CITY, since they're illuminating the STREET.

But, what do I know?

[classicman]

If its the CITY, then you are paying with your taxes - right? And there should be a reduction in your taxes if a savings is realized. Hold your breath.

[ZenGum]

... reduction in taxes ... savings realized ...

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by BigV

Who's paying xoB? For example, who's getting the bill for the light outside my house? I was under the impression it was the CITY, since they're illuminating the STREET.

But, what do I know?

It is the city. The point is there is no meter to measure the amount of juice they use and charge accordingly. The city pays a flat yearly fee for each light, and it's substantial. If they are switching to lower consumption lights, they should renegotiate the charge per light with the utility company. duh.

[classicman]

and realize savings and reduce taxes???

[BigV]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

It is the city. The point is there is no meter to measure the amount of juice they use and charge accordingly. The city pays a flat yearly fee for each light, and it's substantial. If they are switching to lower consumption lights, they should renegotiate the charge per light with the utility company. duh.

Ah. I believe I have discovered the source of my confusion. Allow me to illuminate the local situation.

The City of Seattle is responsible for municipal functions such as streets and streetlights. But, with regard to delivery and paying for the power for such lights, the city has to do business with Seattle City Light, our local public power utility.

Created by the citizens of Seattle in 1902, Seattle City Light has served our customers with electricity and related services for more than a century. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today Seattle City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the 21st century and beyond.

...

Public power is one of the oldest forms of electric utility ownership in the U.S. It is a gift inherited from past generations. Thanks to the Seattle voters who approved a bond issue to develop a hydroelectric facility on the Cedar River in 1902 — beginning of public power in Seattle, and the nation's first municipally owned hydro project. Thanks also to J.D. Ross, "Father of City Light" who supported public power. At Seattle City Light, we pride ourselves on serving our customers with public power.


What Is Public Power?

Like community schools, parks, and hospitals, public power systems are local institutions working together to meet local needs. Without earning a profit, public power systems operate to provide an essential public service at a reasonable cost. We are governed by elected Seattle officials, guided by public involvement, and supported by customer revenues, not taxes. In fact, the utility pays substantial taxes to state and local governments.

I know somebody's measuring it, but I think that any savings accrued would be enjoyed by the users and the providers, since we're one and the same. Just as if I purchased a new more economical vehicle, once I'd paid the capital costs, I would enjoy lower operating costs, since I am the one paying to power it and use it.

Perhaps my electrical rate would rise, but I doubt I'd see a change in my taxes that could be traced to these changes.

Regardless, this is a Sciencegasm for me. I have several years experience with led light sources and I'm a big fan. I know that the technology is more efficient and more durable. I have switched from incandescent lamps to led lamps in many applications, mostly portable, and I can't be happier. Fewer battery changes, and far fewer (in fact,*zero*) bulb changes in all the devices I've used.

I admit I have not made any household incandescent/fluorescent to led switchovers yet, but that has been mostly for cost reasons. But just as I have made the change from incandescent to fluorescent in the house as the cost per bulb has fallen, I expect to make another change when the led bulbs become reasonable.