CARIBBEAN ENERGY INFORMATION SYSTEM (CEIS) MAY 2013 ISSUE
Demonstrating the power of the fourth-generation LED lights. (Image source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net As the thrust intensifies to rid the world of its dependency on fossil fuels, alternative energy and energy conservation are on the minds of everyone. Governments in the Caribbean are exploring renewable energy as a means of reducing their countries high fuel import bill and consumers are exploring ways to reduce their high energy bill. Consumers are increasingly becoming cognizant of the importance that energy efficiency and conservation will have on their pockets and are utilizing energy efficient resources and conservation techniques as a way of reducing costs. One way consumers have recognized the need for energy saving is by replacing incandescent lighting with fluorescent lighting. Despite the fact that fluorescent bulbs contain toxic mercury which can have adverse effects on your health, the compact fluorescent lighting or CFL was embraced for both its affordability and its high energy efficiency. However, gaining popularity with the masses despite its high cost is the LED or Light Emitting Diodes. To access CEIS website CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM UPDATE
This technology is said to be of higher efficiency as the method used to produce light looses far less energy to heat than the other lighting technologies. In this issue of the CEIS Petroleum Update, we seek do a comparative analysis of the LED Bulbs and the Compact Fluorescent Bulbs in terms of usage, efficiency, possible savings and health concerns relating to these lighting technologies. What are LEDs A Light Emitting Diode (LED for short) is a semiconductor electrical component with two terminals that emits light when a voltage continued on page 2/ CONTACT US
Caribbean Energy Information System Scientific Research Council Hope Gardens, Kingston 6, Jamaica 1-876-927-1779 (Telephone) 1-876-977-1840 (Fax) ceis@src-jamaica.org www.ceis-caribenergy.org
is a monthly Bulletin which highlights petroleum issues affecting or relevant to the Caribbean, international developments that may affect the region’s way of life and movements in oil prices and retail prices for fuel regionally.
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Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2013
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) vs. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)….……..continued from page 1 first commercial LED. Oleg Vladimirovich Losey while working as a radio technician noticed that diodes used in radio receivers emitted light when a current is passed though them. He published details of his discovery in the Russian Journal of the first ever LED. He later published more papers in the British and German journals detailing the function of the LED. (electrical current) is applied to it and that is typically used in electronic devices. When a diode is connected to an electrical current, the electrons are triggered and photons are released which gives off light. History of the LED Consumers nowadays may believe that LEDs are newly designed lighting technology, however many may be surprised that the LED technology dates back to 100 years ago. The first noted observation of the emission of light from a semiconductor was by Oleg Vladimirovich Losey in the 1900’s. However, LEDs were not popular at the time until later development by American experimenters Biard and Pittman who marketed the
How are LED lighting products different from the fluorescent? When compared to a fluorescent bulb the LED uses less energy as they release light in one direction while fluorescent bulbs emit both heat and energy in all directions. LEDs belong to a family known as Solid State lighting (SSL). This technology emits light from a piece of sold matter known as a semiconductor instead of from a gas as in a CFL. The tiny light sources are illuminated when electrons pass through the semiconductor. The solid matter known as the semiconductor comprise of components that are negatively and positively charged. The layer that is positive have opening for which electrons pass through while the negative layer allow for electrons to float freely.
When an electrical current is applied to the semiconductor, this activates the flow of electrons from the negative layer to the positive. As the electrons flow to the positive openings, they release light. On the other hand, the fluorescent bulb comprises of a glass tube filled with mercury vapour with coiled filaments at either ends through which electric current flows to produce light. When a fluorescent bulb is switched on, electrons collide with mercury atoms to produce ultraviolet light. The UV light is then converted to visible light by the phosphor power inside the bulb. Fluorescent bulbs stay cool as the process produces less heat and the heat is dispersed. However, LEDs are much cooler to touch than fluorescents as heat is released back into a heat sink. When compared to the fluorescent bulb the LED uses less energy for the same amount of energy required. An LED bulb will last approximately 50,000 hours, five times longer than a CFL. The LED bulb also uses only 2-17 watts of electricity which is 1/3 of the CFL. A 28 watt LED bulb has the same light output (lumen) as a 30-35 watt CFL.
Light Output (Lumen)
LEDs
CFLs
Lumens
Watts
Watts
450
4-5
8-12
300-900
6-8
13-18
1100-1300
9-13
18-22
1600-1800
16-20
23-30
2600-2800
25-28
30-35
Source: eartheasy.com
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Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2013 | Call: 1-876-927-1779
Why Choose LED Bulbs. LEDs are gaining popularity because of its main benefit of being more energy efficient than the conventional fluorescent bulbs. Other benefits derived from using the LED bulbs are: 1. Improved Durability – They are built with components that are not susceptible to shocks making them less likely to break. 2. Long Life Span – Ten year (10 years) - LEDs do not contain a filament that burns out, therefore they last longer. 3. Ecologically Friendly – no presence of mercury 4. Safety – It is much cool to the touch during installation or maintenance. 5. Compact size – making it easier to handle. 6. Efficiency – 20% energy use reduction; power factor is normally close to one (1). LEDs come in many different shapes and sizes, but when choosing a LED bulb keep the following in mind:
gases, and dust, and also hundreds of tiny shards of glass. The tubes don't stack safely in supply closets and take up valuable space. As the normal tubes age, they flicker and let off a dimmer light, creating headaches and drabness in offices. Power Factor of ballast is normally 0.5 and therefore not very efficient.
LEDs versus CFLs: Energy and Cost Savings A CFL bulb has a lifespan of approximately 10,000 hours. If for example the bulb is left on for eight hours per day, it will last just 3 years. During its lifespan, it will use 140 kilowatt hours of electricity. For example, at US$40 cents per kilowatt hour, the lifetime electricity cost of a CFL would be US$56.
To match the 50,000 hours lifespan of a LED bulb, five CFLs would be required which would generate 700 kwh of electricity costing $280 (using the same 0.40 cents per hr). The LED bulb saves 400 kilowatt hours of electricity compared to the CFL which represents a cost savings of $160 over CFL bulbs. The 400 kilowatt hours of electricity saved by using LEDs instead of CFLs would be equivalent to 0.24 barrels of oil. Consider the following scenarios for both LEDs and CFLs Tubes (see Table 1 below): continued on page 6/
Table 1: Showing Comparative Usage Generation of LEDs and CFLs
Compact Fluorescent Tubes
Light Emitting Diode Tubes
Power = 36watts.
Power = 15 watts.
Power for 1 day = 432.00 watt hours. Power for 1 year = 152 kWh.
Power for 1 day = 180 watt hours.
Ballast Power = 18watts.
Total Power for 1 year = 65.52 kWh.
No ballast required.
Power for 1 day = 216 watt hours.
Cons of Fluorescent Tubes:
Power for 1 year = 76kWh.
Total power for 1 year = 228.03kWh.
The old fluorescent are so fragile, and when broken, emit chemicals/
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bulb will last 50,000 hours, five times longer than a CFL bulb. If the bulb is left on for eight hours per day, it will last for 17 years. During its lifespan, an LED bulb will use 300 kilowatt hours of electricity. At US$40 cents per kilowatt hour, the lifetime electricity cost of an LED bulb would be US$120.
On the other hand, the biggest benefit of LED lighting is its lifespan. A LED
The estimated desired brightness watts, lumens, equivalent wattage, lumens per watt and bulb life Choose between warm and cool light Standard base or pin base Choose between standard and dimmable bulbs Choose high quality bulbs by checking for certification such as a Energy Star
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Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2013
PETROLEUM NEWS & HAPPENINGS U.S. Company And CDEEE Announces Investment From U.S. $ 800.0MM In Plant A Natural Gas| [...]...Read more Guyana signs offshore oil exploration agreement with Spain’s Repsole [...]...Read more China to invest US$4bn in Venezuela oil production [...]...Read more St Lucia opposition leader seeks clarification from governor general over oil licence [...]...Read more Lucea Shines In Spain! [...]...Read more Chevron signs US$1.5bn deal with YPF for Vaca Muerta [...]...Read more
Cuba exploration effort at end – Zarubezhneft – [...]...read more
Electricity For The People [...]...Read more Billion-dollar power plant proposed for Bahamas [...]… Read more NESC Head- Get Involved In The Energy Sector [...]… Read more
PetroCaribe Has Provided Significant Benefits To Guyana...]..Read more
BL&P: Excess Power Costly [...]...Read more
T&T to become EITI-compliant this year [...]...Read more
Oil Falls To Near US$95 As Dollar Strengthens [...]… Read more
Oil falls on concerns for China demand[...]...Read more
Brazil’s 11th round attracts record outlay [...]...Read more
Puma Energy To Introduce Gas-Ethanol Blend At Puerto Rico Stations [...]...Read more LETTER OF THE DAY – Cheapest Energy The Ultimate Goal[...]...Read more
What If We Never Run Out Of Oil? New Technology And A Little-Known Energy Source Suggest That Fossil Fuels May Not Be Finite. This Would Be A Miracle—And A Nightmare [...]...Read more
JPS INVESTING US$5M IN IT TO IMPROVE SERVICE [...]...Read more
Trinidad airline fuel subsidy ‘subversive’, says new legal opinion [...]...Read more
Guyana Is On The Right Track – With Its Natural Resources Sectory [...]...Read more
Epic debate: Amory Lovins vs. Charles C. Mann on the future of oil [...]...Read more
KELLY SPEAKS HER MIND … URGES SPEEDY DECISION ON NEW POWER SUPPLIER [...]...Read more
This Toyota electric charging station generates its own power [...]...Read more
‘Leave ‘Em Out’ – Members Of Energy Council Object To Proposal From Hong Kong Firm [...]...Read more
This drone flies for 48 hours straight [...]...Read more
Venezuela Said to Allow Oil Joint Ventures to Manage Funding [...]...Read more Oil Tops $95 A Barrel [...]...Read more
JPS SEEKS HELP TO CUT ELECTRICITY THEFT [...]...Read more Electric car battery wants to support a 250 mile range [...]...Read more continued on page 7/
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Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2013 | Call: 1-876-927-1779
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REGULAR UNLEADED GASOLINE AVERAGE PRICES AT THE PUMP MAY 2013 Retail prices for Regular Unleaded Gasoline in the fourteen Caribbean countries reviewed at the end of May 2013 showed marginal increases in prices for Barbados, St.Lucia and St.Vincent and the Grenadines with Barbados experiencing the highest increase of 3.96 % from April to May 2013. Prices in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago remained stable while minimal decreases in prices from April to May were seen in eight countries; Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Monsterrat and St.Kitts and Nevis in the range of US$0.01 to US 0.13/litre. Regular Unleaded Gasoline Average Retail Price (US$/Litre) 2013 COUNTRIES
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
5 Mths AVG
ANTIGUA/ BARBUDA BAHAMAS [91 OCT] BARBADOS BELIZE [87 OCT] B.V.I [87 OCT] DOMINICA GRENADA (95 OCT) GUYANA JAMAICA 87 Octane[E10] MONTSERRAT ST. KITTS/ NEVIS ST. LUCIA ST. VINCENT/ GRENADINES TRINIDAD/ TOBAGO [92 OCT]
1.23 1.37 1.58 1.33 1.21 1.18 1.29 1.06 1.25 1.38 1.35 1.26 1.22 0.42
1.23 1.41 1.58 1.33 1.21 1.20 1.29 1.09 1.28 1.47 1.33 1.26 1.22 0.42
1.23 1.52 1.58 1.54 1.30 1.28 1.35 1.15 1.26 1.23 1.35 1.28 1.15 0.42
1.23 1.50 1.58 1.54 1.25 1.28 1.35 1.16 1.23 1.30 1.22 1.30 1.15 0.42
1.23 1.43 1.65 1.53 1.23 1.28 1.33 1.15 1.11 1.29 1.17 1.32 1.16 0.42
1.23 1.45 1.60 1.46 1.24 1.24 1.32 1.12 1.23 1.33 1.28 1.28 1.18 0.42
NOTE: *US Gallon = 3.785 L *Imperial Gallon = 4.546 L *As at November 1, 2009 MTBE was phased out from all gasoline blends in Jamaica and replaced with 10% Ethanol.
Comparative Retail Pump Prices Regular Unleaded Gasoline MAY Avg vs 5 Mths Avg (Jan - May 2013)
1.80
US$/Litre
1.60 1.40 1.20 1.00 0.80 0.60 0.40 0.20 0.00
14 Caribbean Countries
See prices for all products at www.cippet.org C
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Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2013
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) vs. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) Continued from page 3/ If 2000 Fluorescent Tubes are used, in one year the total kilowatt per hour would be 456,060 kWh. In one year this is equivalent to approximately 268 barrels of oil . On the other hand, if 2000 LED tubes are used the amount of power used would be 131,040 kWh which is equivalent to 77 barrels of oil. The difference of 325,020 kWh would be saved when using LEDs tubes over CFLs which is equivalent to approximately 191 barrels of oil. Where cost is concerned, LEDs have proven to save more energy and money per kWh than CFLs. At a rate of US$0.40, per kWh, total power for one year (based on table 1) would be US$91.21 if CFLs are used. Similarly, using LEDs for one year at the same rate is US$26.208. This indicates a saving of approximately 71% (US$65.004). Therefore, even though LED bulbs are more expensive than CFLs, you will benefit significantly by paying less per kWh. Health Concerns According to Oladele Ogunseitan, chair of UC Irvine Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, Light Emitting Diodes contain lead and arsenic that has been linked in hundreds of studies to different cancers, neurological damage, kidney diseases, hypertension, skin
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rashes and other illnesses. The copper also used in LEDs also pose an ecological threat to fish and lakes. He further emphasized that if the LED bulbs break, consumers should ensure safety when handling. Components such as gloves, masks and other protective materials should be used when handling. With regards to the fluorescent bulbs, the tubes contain a toxic material known as mercury which has negative effects on the human health. The symptoms of mercury poisoning typically include sensory impairment (vision, hearing, and speech), a lack of coordination, skin discoloration, tingling, numbness, itching, burning or pain, and desquamation (shedding of skin). Initiatives in the Region: Use of LEDs and CFLs. According to Minister Phillip Paulwell, as part of the national energy conservation and efficiency plan, Jamaica will reintroduce the CubaJamaica Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL). He noted that the initiative, introduced in 2006 as part of a demand reduction plan, had achieved results in terms of saving on energy use. In addition, the Government is implementing a street light energy saving initiative, with the commencement of a pilot project, to be undertaken in three parishes over the next six months. The initiative, being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, and the United Statesbased technology and engineering solutions firm, Green Energy RG
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LLC, is aimed at significantly reducing the cost to the budget to maintain the country's approximately 93,000 street lights, which totals upwards of $2 billion per annum . Also, St. Vincent and the Grenadines utility company VINLEC has partnered with the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP) to install LED street lights with an expectation to save 40-60% electricity. The project began implementation in March 2013 and full implementation is expected to be completed in the year 2014. St Lucia has begun a pilot project aimed at replacing the country’s street lights with Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs. The government said it was part of an effort to reduce its utility bills, which reach around $7 million for street lights alone each year. Under the project, St Lucia has erected 48 LED bulbs. The lights are said to burn around 10 percent less energy than the lights that are normally used . Conclusion The conventional fluorescent bulb has been the first choice for Caribbean Countries as a means of cutting back on energy usage. However, like the days when fluorescent replaced the incandescent light bulbs, LED bulbs are rapidly replacing CFLs in households. When compared to the fluorescent bulb the LED uses less energy for the same amount of energy required.
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Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2013 | Call: 1-876-927-1779
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US oil company to restart drilling operations in Belize [...]...Read more
MAY NEWS continued from page 4/
Mexico gas tanker blast leaves several dead [...]...Read more
Oil Price Drifts Lower [...]...Read more JPS AT BREAKFAST [...]...Read more
OIL POSTS GAIN AS MARKET EYES SYRIA AND ISRAEL [...]...Read more
JPS GETS WAIVERS FROM MAJOR LENDERs [...]… Read more
Treaty Belize Energy Limited to proceed with oil drilling despite court ruling [...]...Read more
GB ENERGY-TEXACO CELEBRATES ITS FIRST RETAILERS CONFERENCE [...]...Read more
PETROCARIBE DEAL WILL CONTINUE [...]...Read more
General Electric, CEP To Light Up Sabina [...]...Read more
Kennedy: Bahamas Not Ready For Oil Drilling [...]… Read more
ELECTRICITY THEFT COULD MEAN LIGHTS OUT FOR JPS … [...]...Read more
PetroCaribe Member States Agree to Establish “Economic Zone” [...]...Read more
ELECTRICITY THEFT, DEBT THREATEN COMPANY’S VIABILITY, SAYS TOMBLIN [...]...Read more
PetroCaribe Summit Two Months After Chavez’s Death [...]...Read more
Foreign Minister Nisbett Led Delegation To Petrocaribe Summit [...]...Read more
Read more NEWS FOR MAY 2013
Toyota wants to keep its electric car racing title [...]...Read more BEC Statement on Power Outage at Lynden Pindling Intl Airport (LPIA) [...]...Read more Regional shipping firm enters liquefied natural gas market [...]...Read more
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) vs. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
its long lifespan can be damaged and as such the public should be made aware of the necessary precautions to take if this happens. Also, proper facilities should be in place to accommodate disposal of LED bulbs. Research has shown that LED bulbs contain lead and arsenic that has been linked in hundreds of studies to different cancers, neurological damage, kidney diseases, hypertension, skin rashes and other illnesses. The copper also used in LEDs also pose an ecological threat to fish and lakes. The fluorescent bulb as well can cause serious health problems if broken as the
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A LED bulb will last approximately 50,000 hours, five times longer than a CFL. Although these bulbs cost much more than the CFLs, they are significantly more energy efficient. However, little has been done by Caribbean Governments to sensitize the masses of the possible health implications associated with the use of LEDs. This lighting technology despite
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bulbs contain a toxic substance known as mercury. Therefore, it is important that infrastructure is in place for proper disposal of both LEDs bulbs and CFLs, otherwise this could result in negative health and environmental impacts.
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US$/BBL
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Analysis of the International Crude Oil prices over the three months period March-May 2013 saw prices in May averaging, US $94.66/BBL. When compared to the average prices seen in March and April, this average price was approximately 2.6% and 3.1% higher respectively. The highest weekly price seen in May for the product was US$95.84/ BBL - reflected in week two while the lowest price recorded was US$93.40 seen in week one. An average of the three month’s average prices reflected US$92.92/BBL.
Average Monthly World Crude Oil Prices (2010 - 2012)
US$/BBL
109.61
106.0
110 100
88.14
90 80
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Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS) primary report of historical annual petroleum energy statistics provided for 18 Caribbean Countries. Included are data on total energy production, consumption, and trade; overviews of petroleum, natural gas, electricity, as well as financial and environmental indicators for over twenty years.
60
2010 Jan
Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul
2011
2012
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Period
Yr Avg
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