Intelligent Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Intelligent compact flourescent bulbs are CFs with
solid-state microprocessors in the base that gives them additional capabilities
and let them overcome some perceived shortcomings of standard compact
fluorescent bulbs..
For example, Siemens Osram makes a CF with a built-in
ambient light sensor (actually, two sensors). It switches on at dusk and off at
dawn.
Another intelligent Osram bulb is infinitely dimmable,
from 7% to 100% brilliance. Appropriate dimmers are required.
If you need some dimmability but don't have dimmers, they
have a bulb with two stages of brightness...switch off and then quickly back on
to change from high to low.
Fluorescent bulbs are well known to fail more quickly when
switched often, but Osram makes a bulb specifically designed to counteract this
probme. It also comes on at full brilliance.
Solar power systems, and operation in motor vehicles,
often provide 12 volts DC. There are compact fluorescent bulbs designed to work
on this voltage.
Osram's final intelligent compact fluorescent bulb
combines 12 VDC operatino with 2-stage dimmability.
Also under development is a compact fluorescent bulb that
can be switched off and on using a "universal" TV remote control. This bulb also
includes an Auto Shutdown Timer, to switch it off after a period of time in
order to avoid wasting energy.