Since its adoption in the late 19th century, Edison’s incandescent light bulb has seen remarkably little change and development. In comparison to other technologies, its growth has been almost non-existent. In fact, today’s bulbs operate under the very same principle that Edison’s did: incandescence. Incandescence is the basic principle that heated objects, like the tungsten filament of a light bulb, radiate light. While it is often the simplest solution that is the most successful, it is not always likely to be the most efficient. Traditional incandescent bulbs waste nearly all the energy they consume as heat, leaving very little to be used in the production of light making them one of the least efficient technologies we use every day. Despite this, incandescent bulbs dominate residential lighting with a large role in commercial lighting as well. Americans have always prided themselves on being leaders of technologic advancements and are responsible for some very impressive technology. The semiconductor industry for example, has grown over a million times more efficient in just the past fifty years [CITE]. This reputation makes it surprising that an American technology so radical at the time of its development and so widely adopted in our society has remained so static in time. This paper’s focus is the attributes of this technology that have resulted in such stagnant growth and to investigate other technologies, specifically compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs), which could finally bring this market into the 21st century. Additionally, it looks at policies implemented by the government whose intention is to speed up the adoption of this technology and what the growth of this industry might look lik...
The government should phase out incandescent lighting due to the advantages of the new alternatives. At this time, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are the central focus of this change and will be used as the example. First, CFLs on the market have better lighting quality than in previous years compared to incandescent bulbs. While quality is not the primary focus of the change, it signals a higher development and readiness for application to the greater public. Popular Mechanics, back in May 2007, designed a study comparing an incandescent light to seven different CFLs. In a double blind study, they had people rate the lights effect on objects colors, faces and reading material. The author concluded their results to be a "real shocker" because "when it came to the overall quality of the light . . . they produce[d] better light." (CITE http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/how_to/ 4215199.html?page=9) Within their study, the biggest factor that the judges were impressed by was the improved color temperatures compared to the incandescent bulb. The CFL color temperature qualities have improved drastically compared to the first generation of CFLs. The government's energy star website provides pictures and standards for those interested in determining the proper CFL for certain applications. According to the site a normal incandescent bulb emits 2700-3000K and most of the Energy Star qualified replacement lights have been designed to emit the same ranges more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs. The quality of this new alternative has been recognized by the government and their mandate will pass on these developments to the greater public.
Humphry Davy, an Enlish scientist, first created the electric light in 1800; he connected wires and a piece of carbon to an electric battery he created, and in return, the carbon produced light. This is called an electric arc. At this point in history, electric lights were only used by society’s elite. A few decades later in 1860, the English physicist Sir Joseph Wilson Swan found that a carbon paper filament worked well, but burned up quickly. He later demonstrated his new electric lamps in Newcastle, England in 1878. In 1877, the American Charles Francis Brush lit up a public square in Cleveland, Ohio with some carbon arcs that he manufactured.
They were also seen as prevarications. The light bulb, one of Edison’s most noteworthy inventions, is unquestionably a standout amongst the most valuable and remarkable creations ever made. Today, light has lit up our world and has become a necessity in our modern era. The light bulb has guaranteed industrial facilities to run all through the night, giving employees the opportunity to work more hours and therefore, produce more goods for a population of consumers. It has additionally enabled working individuals to achieve more income by extending the lengths of their shifts and having the capability to accomplish more in one day than they could years prior. Lighting choices have been expanded and transformed excessively. Individuals are now able to pick distinctive sorts of lights, including compact fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, and LED bulbs. This enormous change was ignited on January 27, 1880, the day Thomas Alva Edison received the famous patent symbolizing his light bulb. This revolutionizing discovery came after numerous breakdowns, disappointments, failures and uncertainties. It was Edison’s determination and brilliant mind that eventually resulted in his ability to reach his goals and achieve success. Thomas Alva Edison discovered a need, found a patentable solution, and marketed that solution to the world. The absence of Edison’s ability to problem solve and stay focused
Pogue, David. "New Reasons To Change Light Bulbs." The New York Times 21 Mar. 2013, New York ed.: B1. Print.
For new or retrofit construction, every choice can lead to energy savings; energy that is derived primarily from fossil fuels. The typical household LED replacement for a 60w light lasts about 50,000 hours. Pretending that an incandescent could also last that long, it would consume about 3,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy whereas the LE...
The demonstration of the Incandescent light bulb was held in downtown New York City, New York at financier J.P Morgan’s office. The incandescent light bulb had instantly spread throughout the majority of the American homes and offices. The first incandescent light bulb used a carbon base inside a glass bulb until it became hot to produce a glow, (CITE). Many of the first designs were burning up quickly due to a poor vacuum design. Gas companies once dominated the industry were having a difficult time promoting the arc lamp due to the new invention of the Incandescent light bulb, (CITE). By the year 1892, the distribution of electric power replaced the gas setup, which had formally set up throughout the cities and the majority of the
Thomas Edison was the first one to make the light bulb. Thomas is very important and there are
According to Jason, “costs would fall if people adopt new energy-efficient technologies without a price hike in energy” (Shogren, 2004). A study done by Jaffe and his colleagues concluded that 20-25% of existing carbon emissions can be eliminated if people switched to fluorescent light bulbs, improved thermal insulation, more efficient heating and cooling systems (Jaffe, Newell, & Stavins, 2003). It all comes down to the consumers. Some of the energy efficient technologies are readily available but are still expensive. The driving force to efficient-energy technology depends on the changes of relative price. People will not want spend money on newer appliances especially if the prices are high, and if their current one still functions.
A quote from the article “light bulb” . ¨The incandescent light bulb was of course, a remarkable success, and Edison spent the next few years adapting it for large-scale use. He found it necessary, for example, to invent the generating, switching, and transmitting devices needed to supply electricity to a large number of lightbulbs at the same time. Within three years he had solved many of these problems and was operating the world's first power station on Pearl Street in New York City. When the plant began operation on September 4, 1882, it supplied power to four hundred incandescent light bulbs owned by eighty-five customers.” This paved the way for the upcoming electrical engineering inventions and it really helped out many americans by giving them light for their houses and other outlets. I would say this is a milestone because electricity was never once introduced before and it was one of the most memorable things that happened in the U.S. If the light bulb was never invented we would be nowhere close to where we are