Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton today announced that it has received a $2.4 million research grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to explore the development of energy efficient lighting products. Eaton's research, slated for completion in 2015, will aim to improve the manufacturing speed of light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures by three times over the typical rate, reduce LED light engine costs by five times and reduce assembly costs by approximately 50 percent.
"This partnership with industry to produce affordable, efficient lighting will save consumers money and create American jobs," said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz in a news release issued by the DOE. "It's another example of how energy efficiency is a win-win proposition for our economy."
In comparison to conventional lighting, LED lighting is six to seven times more efficient and can last up to 25 times longer. The Eaton project is part of the DOE's broader effort to facilitate research in the LED lighting sector to reduce the cost and improve long-lasting quality and performance to make LEDs the preferred choice in energy-efficient lighting.
"LED is currently more costly than traditional lighting," said Mark Eubanks, president, Eaton's Cooper Lighting Division. "Eaton is focused on innovation that will simplify the design and manufacturing process to maintain high quality and lower costs for consumers."
The grant was awarded to Eaton as part of larger $10 million DOE initiative. Work on the project will be conducted at Eaton's Research and Technology Center in Menomonee Falls, Wis. and by Eaton's Cooper Lighting R&D Center in Peachtree City, Ga.
Eaton's electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services. Eaton is positioned through its global solutions to answer today's most critical electrical power management challenges.
