As the excitement in LEDs (light-emitting diode) escalates and the potential for LED technology continues to expand, creativity can be the tipping point for success. Lighting applications are diverse, spanning the technical and non-technical, and ingenuity helps uncover new and often unexpected opportunities.

In the medical arena, there are vast possibilities for LEDs. Medical equipment incorporates LEDs in myriad ways such as surgical lamps. LEDs are particularly useful in medical applications, because of improved light quality, battery power savings and a longer lifespan.

There are also many lighting prospects in transportation infrastructure, such as bridges, street lamps and signs. In Brazil, Arrow Electronics has several initiatives underway, and recently completed a project that used LEDs to illuminate a 360-meter-long bridge in the city of Guaratingueta, about two hours south of São Paulo. Next phase enhancements to this project are already planned, such as dimming, on-and-off solar controls and wireless communication between light poles.

In addition, Arrow is working with a lighting company that focuses on sports arena lighting, which can include both interior and outdoor applications. Other interior lighting projects include warehouses and gymnasiums. Although these are more straightforward implementations, the key points of longer life, lower energy use and reduced maintenance costs are compelling.

Other opportunities include military applications, automobiles, bus manufacturing, refrigeration, power tools, mining equipment, signs, restaurants, road construction, boating equipment and much more.

Arrow maintains a global presence in the LED arena.  Creating new partnerships and talking with customers at trade shows such as LIGHTFAIR International in New York City, euroLED in Europe and International Lighting Exhibition in Guangzhou, China, are a few of the ways Arrow has been connecting with potential customers in recent months.

“With all the new opportunities LEDs create, now is an exciting time in lighting,” said Jeff Eastman, senior vice president of marketing and asset management for Arrow Electronics.  “Arrow is taking a creative approach, as we engage our customers in discussions about the various ways they may benefit from incorporating LEDs and related lighting components.”