U.S. Energy Department Contributes $15 Million for Early-Stage Solid-State Lighting Research

May 17, 2018

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to US$15 million to conduct early-stage, innovative research to drive further breakthroughs in solid-state lighting (SSL) technology. This funding will accelerate the development of high-quality LED and OLED products with the potential to reduce lighting energy costs for homes and businesses.

This funding announcement will further the Administration’s goal to drive U.S. technology leadership in solid-state lighting by supporting innovative research in four areas.

1: Core technology research for LEDs, OLEDs, and cross-cutting lighting research

These projects will promote innovative advancements in the underlying science for SSL technology, demonstrating scientific principles, technical application, and application benefits related to physiological impacts of light and light utilization efficiency.

2: Proof-of-concept and prototype development for LEDs and OLEDs

These projects will pursue early-stage research to contribute to the development of SSL prototypes as well as advanced proof-of-concept SSL materials, devices and luminaires. Research will focus on high-efficacy LED prototypes, advanced LED lighting, LED power electronics, OLED light engines, OLED prototype lighting platforms, and OLED panel light extraction and utilization.

3: Advanced fabrication R&D

These projects will focus on the underlying chemical and physical aspects of SSL fabrication, exploring LED advanced fabrication approaches, OLED substrate and encapsulation fabrication, and OLED panel fabrication.

4: Innovative lighting in a limited mock field application

These projects will assess innovative lighting system solutions in a limited mock field application setting. The technical resources and data sets developed will ultimately help researchers refine or refocus early-stage research and development of SSL-based devices, luminaires, and systems.

In total, the department will fund 10-15 cost-shared projects from industry, academia, and national laboratories. For more information, application requirements, and instructions for applying to this funding opportunity, visit the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange website: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/default.aspx – FoaIdb9afac73-0500-4ec6-9a22-ae5adeaa1652

Photo: solid state lighting at Philips’ U.S. headquarters, courtesy of planning and design firm Sasaki Associates Inc.

Related Articles

Changing Scene

Design

  • Artika: How Much Energy Do LEDs Really Save? A Before/After Bill Breakdown 

    Artika: How Much Energy Do LEDs Really Save? A Before/After Bill Breakdown 

    There’s no better moment to talk about one of the simplest, highest impact swaps a homeowner can make: switching every bulb and fixture in your home to LED. This guide breaks down LED savings using real numbers for Canadian households, gives you a clear before-and-after comparison, and links directly to the energy-efficient LED fixtures from Artika that… Read More…

  • Cooper Lighting: What Legendary Athletes Taught Us About Sports Lighting

    Cooper Lighting: What Legendary Athletes Taught Us About Sports Lighting

    Reggie Jackson. Jim McMahon. Arthur Moats. Andrea Seppi. A Hall of Fame outfielder, a Super Bowl champion, a professional linebacker, and a professional tennis player —different sports, different careers, one consistent message: lighting matters more than most people realize. Cooper Lighting Solutions recently sat down with them to talk about what they have experienced firsthand. What emerged was a clear picture of what’s at… Read More…

New Products

  • Eureka: Mill Acoustic Suspended Ceiling Luminaires

    Eureka: Mill Acoustic Suspended Ceiling Luminaires

    Absorb noise in common and public areas with Mill Acoustic Luminaires, for an original soft aesthetic and atmosphere enhancing functionality. With multiple sizes, colors and mounting options, optional uplight as well as an unlit version, Mill will help with volume control while adding a stunning design element to the decor. Read More…

  • SATCO|NUVO: LED Washdown Round High Bays – IP69K | Field Selectable

    SATCO|NUVO: LED Washdown Round High Bays – IP69K | Field Selectable

    SATCO|NUVO’s IP69K Rated LED UFO High Bays are engineered for demanding industrial and hygienic environments where fixtures must withstand high-pressure, high-temperature wash-down procedures. NSF approved and built for food processing, agricultural, and other sanitation-sensitive applications, these fixtures combine rugged durability with field-selectable performance. Wattage selectability (200W/150W/100W) and CCT selectability (4000K/5000K) allow light levels and color… Read More…