U.S. Navy installs LED lighting into its sub fleet
The U.S. Navy has announced an overhaul of its sub fleet's internal lighting system called the Solid State Lighting project, as a result of the TechSolutions program. This division takes submissions from sailors and marines to suggest ways to incorporate new technologies onto their vessels. LED lighting was a common theme amongst submariners, who have long resented the noisy hum of their fluorescents as well as the work required to maintain them, according to SmartPlanet.com.
"As an example, the fluorescent version of the Berth light found in every sailor's sleeping area runs at over 10 watts and is a legendary maintenance headache due to starter and lamp failures," Roger Buelow, principal investigator for the Navy project, told the news source.
Along with the noise of the standard lighting options found on the sub fleet, workers contend that the lights coupled with a lack of ventilation would make many areas extremely warm. Incorporating LED lighting is one way for the Navy to make their subs more comfortable and cut down on maintenance costs.
According to LEDPress.com, the United States purchases about 2 billion residential light bulbs a year or about 5.5 million bulbs per day.
