Author Topic: 2 new low-watt lighting ideas  (Read 3679 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

spinningmagnets

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 600
2 new low-watt lighting ideas
« on: April 07, 2009, 06:26:17 PM »
I've seen this story a couple places recently, if you cut a hole in the ceiling of a shed, and insert a 2-liter clear-plastic bottle, filling it with water (and 2 caps of bleach to keep away science experiments) brings in sunlight much like the "solatube".


It was promoted in Central America, and to turn off the lights, you set a black plastic bucket over the "light". Of course, you would seal around the bottle against rain...


http://www.wisebread.com/how-to-turn-a-2-liter-bottle-of-water-into-a-50-watt-lightbulb


This didn't use LED lights, but I've heard that one of the drawbacks of LED's is that their light is very directional. This mod uses a downward facing tube lamp, that is set over one of those glass cylindrical globes that protect outdoor bulbs. By filling it with mineral oil (colored or clear) the downward-shining light is diffused


http://www.popsci.com/bubblelight

« Last Edit: April 07, 2009, 06:26:17 PM by (unknown) »

ghurd

  • Super Hero Member Plus
  • *******
  • Posts: 8059
Re: 2 new low-watt lighting ideas
« Reply #1 on: April 07, 2009, 01:13:04 PM »
The light directionality from an LED is determined my its internal reflector.

The viewing angle is a measurement of how wide the light beam is.  Sometimes called 'viewing angle' or '2θhalf'.

It is better to use a wider angle LED than try to spread out the light with something else.

G-
« Last Edit: April 07, 2009, 01:13:04 PM by ghurd »
www.ghurd.info<<<-----Information on my Controller

dnix71

  • SuperHero Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 2513
Re: 2 new low-watt lighting ideas
« Reply #2 on: April 07, 2009, 03:39:04 PM »
The use of mineral oil with a high powered LED might work well. Heat kills LEDs. An oil bath would conduct away heat without conducting electricity.


The soda bottle skylight idea seems a little warped, but if you live where proper skylight material is expensive or unavailable, then it looks like it might work. He doesn't say how he prevents roof leaks, or keeps the bottle from melting or exploding in summer heat.


Costco uses skylights in their buildings to save on lighting. They have a light sensor that automatically adjusts the electric light to maintain an even amount of light inside.


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sundaybuzz/2004160941_sundaybuzz03.html

« Last Edit: April 07, 2009, 03:39:04 PM by dnix71 »

zap

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1107
  • There's an app for that
Re: 2 new low-watt lighting ideas
« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2009, 03:46:28 PM »
"He doesn't say how he prevents roof leaks, or keeps the bottle from melting or exploding in summer heat."


Or freezing.

« Last Edit: April 07, 2009, 03:46:28 PM by zap »

wdyasq

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1324
Re: 2 new low-watt lighting ideas
« Reply #4 on: April 07, 2009, 05:02:38 PM »
"Central America" .... unless one is in a very high altitude area .... they should be safe.


Ron

« Last Edit: April 07, 2009, 05:02:38 PM by wdyasq »
"I like the Honey, but kill the bees"

wooferhound

  • SuperHero Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 2288
  • Country: us
  • Huntsville Alabama U.S.A.
    • Woofer Hound Sound & Lighting Rentals
Re: 2 new low-watt lighting ideas
« Reply #5 on: April 07, 2009, 07:56:01 PM »
All of my LED projects require wideangle LED's but they are eather harder to find or more expensive. So I just use a sharp set of wirecutters and cut off the round lens on the front of the LED, Presto ,instant 120 degree angle LED.

« Last Edit: April 07, 2009, 07:56:01 PM by wooferhound »

ibedonc

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 113
Re: 2 new low-watt lighting ideas
« Reply #6 on: April 08, 2009, 09:27:46 AM »
you should try one of these


http://cgi.ebay.com/12V-10W-600Lumen-White-Led-Energy-Saving-Lamp-NEW_W0QQitemZ170309776922QQcmdZVie
wItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item170309776922&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|
66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50


very bright

« Last Edit: April 08, 2009, 09:27:46 AM by ibedonc »

ibedonc

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 113
Re: 2 new low-watt lighting ideas
« Reply #7 on: April 08, 2009, 09:34:22 AM »
also it is 160 degree
« Last Edit: April 08, 2009, 09:34:22 AM by ibedonc »