(1995 Discovery Award)
Under Phase I, Fusion Systems investigated variations of the lamp system parameters with the primary goal of achieving a 150 percent increase in efficiency (from 68 to 95 lumens per watt) while maintaining good bulb color and brightness. Another goal of the research was to improve lamp starting down to -40oC. Both of these factors were considered critical for realizing commercial success.
During Phase II, Fusion Systems Corporation focused on improving bulb efficacy and starting, using the energy-saving ideas developed during Phase I. At the conclusion of Phase II, Fusion Systems had improved various component efficiencies resulting in a mercury-free lamp with a system efficiency of greater than 100 lumens per watt that is capable of driving distributed lighting systems.
Fusion Systems’ lamp offers a number of potential environmental and other benefits including: (1) removal of toxic mercury from light sources, which reduces environmental exposure to toxins in the event of bulb failure; (2) low infrared output, which minimizes heat in the light beam and allows a wider choice of materials for use in optics; (3) very low ultra violet (UV) output, which minimizes
- degradation of materials exposed to the light and eliminates the need for UV filters; (4) increased efficiency and lower operating costs; (5) a full-color spectrum that improves visual performance; and (6) color stability and reproducibility for long-term color consistency.
Environmental Significance. It is estimated that 450 to 500 million fluorescent lamps are discarded in the United States each year, resulting in the disposal of more than 30,000 metric tons of mercury-contaminated waste in landfills. Mercury can leach from the soil to water and then be available to animals and humans. Humans are typically exposed to mercury through the consumption of fish and fish products. Although mercury has not been shown to cause cancer in humans, long-term exposure to organic or inorganic mercury compounds can cause permanent brain and kidney damage or damage to developing fetuses. Mercury is classified as a hazardous waste by EPA. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), wastes exhibiting >0.2 mg/L TCLP of mercury, must be disposed of as a code D009 hazardous waste. There are currently no definitive regulations for disposal of mercury lamps under RCRA; however, proposed rulings are being considered.
The Fusion Systems’ lamp contains no mercury. Therefore, there is no risk of exposure to mercury in the event of bulb failure and no mercury-contaminated waste to be landfilled. An added environmental benefit of Fusion Systems’ sulfur lamp is that it has the potential to reduce the total energy requirements associated with heating, cooling, and illuminating commercial and industrial buildings
