High-Performance Volumetric LED Troffer With Reduced Material Intensity and Enhanced Aesthetics

In the United States, lighting fixtures, particularly fluorescent troffers, significantly contribute to commercial buildings' energy use. The adoption of energy-saving LED technology is currently hampered by high costs and designs that offer little improvement over traditional fluorescents in terms of functionality and aesthetics. This project addresses these challenges by developing a high-performance, volumetric LED troffer that significantly reduces material usage, enhances aesthetic appeal, and improves energy efficiency. The proposed solution involves the design and demonstration of an innovative LED troffer, named OmniLUME, which utilizes advanced, ultra-thin, and flexible LED panels. These panels allow for a unique, lightweight, and material-efficient design that provides uniform light distribution, reduces glare, and improves visual comfort. Phase I of the project focuses on developing the initial concept and demonstrating the feasibility of the OmniLUME troffer. This includes integrating flexible LED technology into the troffer design and producing a pilot prototype that demonstrates the potential for reduced material intensity and enhanced performance. Phase II aims to optimize the design for mass production, improve the luminaire's efficiency and aesthetics, and prepare for commercialization by expanding the prototype range to include larger and more commonly used commercial troffer sizes. Commercial applications of the OmniLUME troffer extend across the commercial building sector, offering a more energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective lighting solution compared to existing LED and fluorescent fixtures. The successful development and commercialization of the OmniLUME technology could lead to significant energy savings, reduce carbon emissions, and stimulate market demand for advanced LED lighting solutions. Furthermore, the project aligns with DOE objectives by accelerating the adoption of solid-state lighting technologies in commercial buildings, thereby contributing to broader energy efficiency goals and environmental benefits.