Cree Claims Prototype Exceeds DOE L Prize Requirements

Cree, Inc. has unveiled a concept LED replacement lamp from its lighting research and development team that delivers more than 1,300 lumens at 152 lumens per watt (LPW) using Cree TrueWhite technology, exceeding the performance goals set by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the 21st Century Lamp, the third category in its L Prize competition.

Not to be confused with the category that Philips recently won for a 60W replacement, the 21st Century Lamp competition is the third category in the L Prize competition. The preliminary
specifications for the 21st Century Lamp include >1200 lumens, >150 lumens per watt, >90 CRI and a correlated color temperature of 2800-3000K.

“Not long ago, fixture efficacy of 100+ lumens per watt was impossible, but Cree is shipping fixtures at 110 LPW today,” say sNeal Hunter, Cree co-founder. “We calculate that if fully deployed, LED lighting at 150 LPW could bring a 16.5% reduction in the nation’s electric energy consumption, returning it to 1987 levels. By pushing the limits of what is possible in LED lighting, Cree continues to design products that help reduce global demands for energy.”

Third-party testing by independent lab OnSpeX confirmed that Cree’s lamp delivered more than 1,330 lumens and draws 8.7 watts. The lamp uses Cree TrueWhite Technology to deliver a high-quality, energy-efficient light with a CRI of 91 at a warm white color of 2800K. This project benefits from technology developed under DOE-funded contracts, which are part of Cree’s ongoing collaboration with DOE to advance the successful adoption of energy-saving solid-state lighting.

Craig DiLouie

See Full Bio