LED lighting: technologies, advantages and applications

What is LED?

LED technology is a modern lighting technology based on the use of Light Emitting Diodes. Due to their high energy efficiency, long service life and sustainability, LED luminaires have become a popular solution for both household and industrial use.

LED technology is gradually replacing sodium and metal halide sources. New projects use exclusively LED luminaires: they have better colour rendering, longer service life, higher luminous efficiency, which means reduced energy consumption and greater comfort.

What is LED lighting?

LED lighting is a type of artificial lighting that uses LEDs as a light source. LED light bulbs are a modern, energy-efficient and long-lasting alternative to traditional incandescent or fluorescent lamps. LEDs are used everywhere: from home lighting to street, office, architectural, automotive and decorative lighting. For example, even the crime rate can depend on how LEDs work on the streets.

Main technological features

• Low energy consumption: on average 80% less than incandescent lamps. 
• Durability: service life of up to 100,000 hours. 
• Minimal heat generation. 
• Instant start without flickering. 
• Color temperature has a very wide range. 
• Integration into smart systems. 

Advantages of LED lighting

New technologies and eco-friendly lighting create a completely different quality of life and more comfortable working conditions because they are characterized by:

• Flexibility of lighting scenarios: Different modes on the same equipment (festive/workday, evening/night lighting) and the ability to precisely adjust brightness and color. 
• Energy efficiency: Light output is adjusted depending on the presence of people or ambient light. 
• Reducing light pollution and saving energy. 
• Compatibility with smart lighting and automation systems. 

Types of LED lighting

There are many classifications of LED lighting, both in terms of form and purpose.

Household LED lighting

• Light bulbs with E27, E14, GU10, etc. sockets are intended for replacing traditional light bulbs. 
• Panels and luminaires are intended for ceilings, walls, kitchens, bathrooms. 
• Table lamps, floor lamps, mirror lighting. 

Industrial and office lighting

• Linear luminaires are intended for industrial and warehouse premises. 
• LED panels are ideal for offices, schools, hospitals. 
• High-power luminaires are intended for workshops, hangars, logistics centres. 

Street lighting

• LED cantilever luminaires are intended for roads, sidewalks, parks. 
• Pylons with smart control are a part of Smart City. 
• Architectural lighting is intended for facades, monuments, bridges. 

Commercial and decorative lighting 

• LED strips and neons (LED Strip, Neon Flex) are intended for advertising, shop windows, cafes. 
• LED spots are intended for accent lighting in sales areas. 
• Illumination of shelves, showcases, bars 

Automotive lighting

• Headlights, markers, daytime running lights, interior lighting. 
• Improved visibility, durability and energy efficiency. 

Purpose-specialized lighting 

• LED for greenhouses, farms, etc. is made with an optimal spectrum for plant and animal growth. 
• Medical lighting is made with high color accuracy. 
• LED for aquariums, terrariums, studios, etc. 

Where is LED lighting used? 

• Residential lighting (houses, apartments). 
• Offices and commercial spaces. 
• Street and road lighting. 
• Industrial and warehouse spaces. 
• Architectural and decorative lighting. 
• Agro-industrial complex (LEDs for greenhouses). 

What to look for when choosing LED?

First of all, you need to be aware of lighting trends, modern requirements and consider all individual factors and needs.

Main challenges and ways to solve them

The crucial challenges include outdated lighting equipment, the lack of a unified lighting strategy, and poor control of quality. This can be solved through developing the master plans, regulations and design codes, as well as increasing the professionalism in project implementation. Even simply replacing old lamps with new types of LED luminaires significantly improves the quality of the lighting environment.

How has the lighting design changed?

When it comes to street lighting, cities are increasingly implementing integrated concepts: a single solution for functional, architectural and landscape lighting. There is a growing interest in the moderate use of light to reduce energy consumption and preserve the environment which is a part of green building.

What do communities need? 

Smart urban lighting is no longer just a technical necessity, but an important part of the social, architectural and environmental development of cities. In the 21st century, the industry has undergone rapid changes: innovative solutions emerge every year to shape a new face of the urban environment. Smart lighting control systems are being introduced in modern cities: automatic control using motion and light sensors or scenarios (evening, night, holiday mode). 

Smart poles, which combine lighting, video surveillance, Wi-Fi, audio information and sensors for collecting environmental data, have become popular as part of the Smart City concept.

How to choose types of lighting for street or district applications?

Function (pedestrian vs. vehicular), width, availability of sidewalks, bicycle paths, green spaces, architecture, etc. are taken into consideration for when selecting a street lighting solution. Urban planning features, transport zoning, building types, and social infrastructure are considered for a district application.

Real cases of LED lighting implementation 

In 2013, the European Commission issued recommendations on the transition to LED lighting in public and private spaces. Since then, Europe has been steadily moving towards green lighting. The UK, the US, and the UAE are also actively implementing LED systems, and the market is growing, particularly fast in North America.

LED lighting for agricultural facilities 

RadiyLED has implemented and continues to implement most of its projects for the agricultural sector for the poultry farms of the MHP Group in Ukraine:

• “Starinskaya Poultry Farm”, LLC, 
• PJSC “Oril-Leader Poultry Farm”, 
• PJSC “Myronivska Poultry Farm”, 
• “Vinnytsia Poultry Farm” LLC, 
• SE “Poultry Farm Peremoga Nova”. 

Lighting control systems and Agro MS3 luminaires, specially designed for poultry houses for efficient rearing of young birds and broilers, were supplied for these facilities.

Industrial LED lighting

Over 2,500 RadiyLED luminaires manufactured at Radiy's facilities were installed at the Kriukovskyi railway car building plant (Kremenchuk, Ukraine) and the surrounding area.

The project scope included LED lamps of the Optibay, SSV, SES, and USS series. Due to its high reliability and resistance to extreme operating conditions, the equipment demonstrates sustainable efficiency and provides up to 75-80% energy savings.

LED street lighting for communities

RadiyLED has implemented and continues to work on efficient street lighting projects. It helps to increase the safety of residents, reduce energy consumption and improve the overall comfort of the urban environment. Here are some of them:

RadiyLED invites you to join bright future and place an order for modern LED luminaires today. You can find everything you need to create efficient, stylish and safe lighting in our catalogue.

FAQ

What is LED lighting and how does it differ from conventional lighting?

LED is a modern lighting technology based on the use of Light Emitting Diodes.

Does LED lighting actually save energy?

Does LED lighting actually save energy?

Yes, LED lighting does indeed significantly save energy - and this is one of its main advantages.

1. High efficiency
   LEDs convert up to 90% of energy into light, while conventional incandescent bulbs convert only 10% (the rest is lost to heat).
2. Lower consumption for the same brightness
   E.g. 60W incandescent lamp ≈ 8-10W LED lamp.
3. Durability = less replacement = less cost
   LED lamps last much longer and therefore need to be replaced less often, which   also saves resources.

How long do LED luminaires serve?

LED luminaires have an impressive lifespan compared to other light sources.

• The average service life is between 25,000 and 100,000 hours.
• In household conditions (e.g. 5 hours per day), it is 13-27 years without replacement.

Why is LED considered environmentally friendly?

LED luminaires have an impressive lifespan compared to other light sources.Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting is considered environmentally friendly due to:

• Low energy consumption
  Less energy = less electricity production = less harmful emissions into the air (CO₂ and other gases).
• No toxic substances
  LED lamps do not contain mercury or lead, which are dangerous for the environment (unlike fluorescent lamps).
• Durability = less waste
  Due to their long lifespan (up to 50,000 hours), LED lamps are disposed of less frequently, which means less waste.
  
• Recyclable
  Most components of LED lamps are recyclable, which further reduces the environmental impact.