[AT] LED flashlights

[Henry Miller]

On Friday 23 December 2005 09:33 pm, George Willer wrote:
> > Hank,
> >   They already exist. LEDs are MUCH more efficient than incandescent
> > lighting. They are also already in use in RVs and autos for lighting,
> > including headlights in some vehicles. They do not have to be
> > directional either. It is very easy to make the lens into a flood beam.
> > Just toss a couple LEDs inside a housing with a reflector and you have a
> > nice flood beam.
>
> I don't really have any direct knowledge of the efficiency, but a little
> thought suggests that all the energy consumed has to be accounted for
> somehow.  Since LEDs make very little heat, noise, or motion, I would
> expect them to be efficient at making light.  Maybe with a little luck they
> will eventually replace those !#$%^& blue headlights that increase safety
> by blinding oncoming drivers!

Sure, because you are looking at a flashlight bulb, which doesn't draw much 
power.   It also doesn't produce much light.   A LED in a size bright enough 
for your household lighting will draw a lot of power.   If you don't believe 
me try it: buy enough flashlights so you can replace your normal room 
lighting with flashlights and get the same brightness.     

In cars the alternator produces plenty of power.   LEDs are great there 
because vibration doesn't bother them.   RVs are the same, they need a 12 
volt light source, but efficiency isn't a big deal.

Try this site for a source.     Run by people who have to conserve power 
because they live beyond the utilities so they make their own.  
http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_lighting.html

LEDs are great in their place.   In a flashlight they are much better than a 
regular bulb.   They are not the answer to the world energy problems.