OLEDs are an organic (carbon-based) material which emits light when electricity is applied. OLEDs represent a truly ground shattering shift in functionality and design compared with traditional light sources used in rail car interiors including LED main lighting systems.
The advantages of OLEDs vs all other rail interior light sources are as follows:
- Extremely thin and flexible
- Housings can be made thinner thereby decreasing overall vehicle weight
- Closest possible light source to natural light
- > 90 CRI
- Efficiencies greater than CFLs (~ 80 lumens per watt) but lower than LED fixtures at this point of development
- Efficiencies expected to rise by 2-3 times by 2016
Greater design expression. Flexibility permits unique curved surface applications dramatically different from the traditional main lighting fixtures little changed in over 50 years.
OLED materials have been around since the early 1960’s but are just now becoming commercially viable for uses such as high-end designer lighting fixtures and television screens. TDG is currently evaluating OLED viability for withstanding the shock, vibration, transient surges, cold and hot extreme operation associated with harsh rail conditions.
Although OLEDs represent a costlier alternative to current light sources, TDG is excited by the unique inherent design and quality of light advantages offered by OLEDs and will be pursuing their further development.
Please visit our booth 1325 to see samples of this exciting technology.
