STEM applications and examples

The energy-efficient light-bulb moment

A classic economic comparison between upfront purchase cost and ongoing operational savings

Energy efficiency is not just an issue for businesses; most individuals or households have also considered questions like:

  • Should I leave my old-fashioned light bulbs in operation or replace them with energy-saving devices such as LED lights; and, if so, when?
  • When an old light bulb fails, do I buy an expensive energy-saving light bulb or replace it with another conventional light bulb? (I have some spare bulbs, so they cost me nothing more for now.)
  • Should I replace my conventional light bulbs proactively even before they fail?

The near-universal context makes this a very accessible application for STEM, with the additional twist that the operational lifetime of a light-bulb tends to be estimated in hours compared to years or even decades for always-on networking assets.

Figure 1: Live snapshot from the model

The case for replacing the conventional bulb depends as much on its own usage as on the relative costs of the LED light and energy, and the evolution of the associated cost trends. It obviously makes more sense to replace a bulb which operates for several hours each day compared to one which is turned on for only a few minutes.

The associated newsletter article illustrates how an ordinary, every day question can be answered with a simple model. Implied Logic can work with you to develop a clear methodology for the most complex business problems and has the technology to push such models to the web with just a few clicks. Please access the full model and download a detailed description of the methodology to review offline and share with interested colleagues.

Online model

A more comprehensive web interface exposes a broad selection of inputs and outputs across multiple tabs. A detailed description of the methodology is available to review offline and share with interested colleagues.

Access now

About the author

Frank Haupt has been actively using STEM for over ten years in various international projects, focusing particularly on service costing. Frank has an intimate knowledge of network architecture, design and technology, combined with hands-on experience of installation, configuration, and training in operational environments.

Contact the author

© Implied Logic Limited