Lumir's LED lamp is powered by a tea candle, not batteries
Fifteen lumens of light are available through four small LEDs, which while it might not sound like much (a single candle casts roughly 12 to 13 lumens), it is certainly enough to read. What makes Lumir better than a candle is you can choose how that light is directed: “Spot” focuses the light on a specific area, while “Mood” gives a more even and omnidirectional candle-like glow.
Lumir works through a known physical attribute of electricity called the “Seebeck Effect.” The process occurs when two different electrical conductors are at different temperatures. Some voltage is produced, and this is used to power the LED. Since Lumir’s light comes from only four 2-watt LEDs, only a small amount of voltage is required.
CEO and founder Jay Park has a Kickstarter which looks to raise money for further development and manufacturing. With less than two days to go, the company has raised $120,000, more than double its $50,000 goal.
Lumir expects to begin shipping the first lights to backers beginning in July, which can still be obtained for $69 in either the “Mood” or “Spot” light pattern, and in a variety of colors including Matte White, Black, Metal Red, Metal Navy, Pastel Pink, and Pastel Blue. Some of the colors are Kickstarter exclusives.