ARLINGTON, Va. – One Sailor’s request to replace humming fluorescent bulbs with a quiet alternative inspired the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to create the Solid State Lighting (SSL) project, currently being evaluated aboard several ships and submarines across the U.S. Navy.
A product of ONR’s TechSolutions program, SSL is one of several rapid-response technologies created using recommendations and suggestions from Navy and Marine Corps personnel. (Watch TechSolutions products in action via YouTube.)
The SSL project introduced the energy-saving, nonhazardous LED fixtures on USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) in late January. In July, installation is also scheduled on USS New Mexico (SSN 779). These submarines will serve as pilot platforms to enable the Navy to measure savings achieved from SSL.
The new lighting fixtures are also being installed for testing on three surface ships: USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Chafee (DDG 90).
Although the SSL is in its early stages, the LED fixtures may one day replace existing hazardous fluorescent lights aboard submarines and surface ships. LEDs can reduce fuel use and maintenance requirements fleetwide and increase fleet readiness.
“LED lights are an immediate way to improve efficiency across the fleet,” said Roger Buelow, chief technology officer at Energy Focus Inc. and principal investigator for the SSL project.
“Essentially, [SSL] lowers our workload and the amount of onboard spares that we are going to have to take on major deployments,” said Chief Petty Officer Scott Brand, an electrician’s mate on the New Hampshire. “That will significantly decrease the amount of space we have to consume with light bulbs.”
LEDs contain no hazardous materials, unlike fluorescents, which must be stored on board until warfighters can perform expensive and intensive disposal procedures.
“The submarine community is pushing to adopt LEDs because fluorescents contain mercury,” said Edward Markey, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Philadelphia Electrical Powergroup and TechSolutions technical point of contact on the SSL project. “Hazardous materials require special disposal procedures, costing the Navy time, money and space.”
TechSolutions worked with Energy Focus to produce patented LED fixtures that are direct replacements for fluorescents. The replacements produce the same light output, but use half the power.
“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,” Buelow said. “Because of TechSolutions, the fleet now has a qualified LED version that runs at five watts, delivers the same light output and will last for a decade without maintenance.”
While Energy Focus fixtures have had a good track record on Navy ships, TechSolutions’ products were the first to be fully qualified by the service. Those components met the most stringent electromagnetic interference standards, requiring innovative manufacturing methods. “Making any electrical appliance tough enough to pass Navy shock and vibration tests is a challenge,” Buelow said.
The request to replace noisy fluorescent bunk lights with LEDs was submitted by a sonar technician at Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, Va. After realizing the potential, TechSolutions and NAVSEA decided to expand this effort beyond bunk lights to include all the T5 8W fluorescent fixtures in the forward habitability portion of the submarine.
TechSolutions works on ways to improve mission effectiveness through the application of technology. For more information about TechSolutions and to submit a request, Sailors and Marines can visit the Techsolutions website or e-mail ideas to [email protected].
About the Office of Naval Research
The Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR) provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps’ technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.
as a former ICC(SS) and submarine officer, I can appreciate the effort to replace the fluorescent bulbs with LEDs. The time and effort to replace bulbs, ballasts, and starters, not to mention the expense and disposal issues related to the bulbs, will be greatly enhanced.
Why not include shipboard running lights, anchor lights, fire-control panel lighting, breaker panel lights, etc.? LED lighting is used effectively on aircraft clearance and landing lights where long range visual requirements exist. They are compact and lightweight.