LED makers are aggressively targeting an increase in LED lighting product shipments, and one product introduced in 2013 - the LED fluorescent tube - is already slated for expansion. According to DisplaySearch, the LED tube penetration rate will reach 6% globally in 2013 and jump to 22.3% in 2016. Fluorescent tube shipments are expected to reach 230 million units in 2013 and are forecast to climb to 791 million in 2016.
"LED lighting offers innovative fixtures and can help reduce energy consumption," said Steven Sher, LED analyst for DisplaySearch. "Especially in areas where electric power comes at a premium, LED fluorescent tubes will likely gain popularity, and LED lighting applications will become more common worldwide."
LED fluorescent tube shipments continue to grow in Japan, the US, and Europe. Being newer to the market, the technology is not the leading choice, but there are several reasons why the market is growing. Firstly, LED fluorescent tubes are considered a green product because the tube manufacturing process does not use mercury. Secondly, LED fluorescent tubes can save 50% on electricity; LED FL tube power efficiency is rated at 0.9 to 0.99, while T8 FL tubes are rated at 0.7, the firm said.
Additionally, the life expectancy of a LED FL tube is greater than that of a T8 FL tube; LED FL tubes are expected to last five years or 30,000 hours. LED fluorescent tubes are also suitable replacements for older fluorescent tubes in offices or basements because these areas are often lit 24 hours a day, and energy efficiency is a prime concern.
DisplaySearch also said that previous difficulties producing larger radiant angles and issues with color quality have been solved. However, challenges remain, particularly high product cost, which has been a primary hurdle in promoting LED FL tubes as replacements for less-expensive traditional fluorescent tubes. LED lighting makers are working to reduce the price gap between these two products. One approach has been to design a power module suitable for most LED lighting products. In 2013, some power module makers used a new design solution for use in MR-16, A-Lamp, and LED FL tube products that lowers costs by 10%.
"Many different types of LED fluorescent tubes have been introduced with varying shapes, power ratings, lengths, color, and illuminating characteristics," Sher said. "Due to a lack of standard replacement specs, customers have had difficulty choosing the right products."
