April 7, 2006—Fiberstars, Inc. has been awarded a patent for its new Cloverleaf optical coupler, which raises the efficiency of the Fiberstars’ EFO (Efficient Fiber Optics) lighting system to 50 lumens per watt, according to the maker of fiber optic lighting systems. By comparison, says the company, typical halogen and incandescent down lights deliver 7 to 15 lumens per watt.
The Cloverleaf optical coupler in Fiberstars’ EFO down lighting systems is believed to result in the most energy efficient recessed accent lighting solution available. Typically, says Fiberstars, one 70-watt EFO lamp can reduce energy consumption by more than 80% when compared to incandescent or halogen solutions. The company calculates that, typically, one 70-watt EFO lamp can reduce energy consumption by more than 80% when compared to incandescent or halogen solutions. Fiberstars EFO lamp lowers maintenance costs: One EFO lamp replaces up to eight halogen down lights and EFO light sources can last up to 12,000 hours, vs. 2,000 to 3,000 for incandescent lamps.
Fiberstars EFO can also help customers achieve LEED energy efficiency certifications and meet ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 regulations restricting watts per square foot in commercial buildings without sacrificing light levels, says the company. Approximately 30% of electricity consumed in US buildings, says Fiberstars, is used for lighting with most existing bulbs creating more heat than light. Fiberstars calculates that if its EFO lighting were installed throughout the US, the potential reduction of energy consumption would be 50 billion kilowatt hours, which would lead to 5 million fewer tons of coal burned each year, and result in far less greenhouse gases being created.
For more information, visit the company Web site.
