LED Luminaires: How to extend their life..
- BITHIKA INNOVATES PVT LTD
- Jun 6
- 5 min read
LED is a highly energy-efficient lighting technology, and has the potential to fundamentally change the future of lighting globally. The light-emitting diode (LED) is today's most energy-efficient and rapidly developing lighting technology. Quality LED light bulbs last longer, are more durable, and offer comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting.
In this blog we will delve in to how to extend the useful lives of our LED luminaires, rather than discussing about their advantages and disadvantages.
LED’s- The technical aspect
To understand what can enhance the life of the luminaires, we have to first understand the technology behind them.
LED’s are highly versatile electronics with an average voltage consumption of 3-9V, but the real catch is not the voltage consumption, it is the current consumption that defines the driver characteristics. LEDs are typically current controlled devices and come in different current ratings, sizes and wattages.
Being current controlled their luminous intensity is directly controlled by the current generated from the drivers. Some drivers also feature protection mechanisms from surge currents, overheating etc. While current directly defines heat generation, the LEDs therefore tend to generate heat. Heat is also the greatest enemy of electronic circuits and components. Ever wondered why precision electronics devices such as servers, routers, computers are preferably kept in air conditioned environment?
A luminaire is made up of quite some numbers of LEDs in different configurations, but one thing is common- Heat. Together, there will always be a lot of heat generated when the luminaire is in operation. Manufacturers therefore put the LEDs on aluminium plates known as MCPCB (Metal Core Printed Circuit Board) for heat dissipation. The thickness and surface area of the MCPCB determines the heat dissipation efficiency. However practical tests show that the MCPCBs alone cannot handle the enormous heat. There are additional amounts of aluminium that are inserted in the housing itself for better heat dissipation. Also latest driver ICs are better optimised to sense and handle heat related current run over. To simply put it, it starts an unending cycle of extra current pulling due to heat. More the current brighter the LEDs glow and more heat is generated which further derives more current from the driver until the threshold current rating of the LEDs (like 100mA or more) is reached beyond which the LEDs burn out or components in the driver are fried leading to damaged luminaire. The advanced technology ICs are current limited and are designed to sense extra current demand from the MCPCB, only to reduce the current which further reduces the brightness of the LED unnoticeably. This cools down the LEDs thereby reducing the current demand. This surge and match cycle continues through out the operational life of the luminaire. Until this part, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to implement the designs so as to ensure the quality and warranty of the product.
The Consumer Side
The consumers responsibility does not end with only purchasing and using the product. Every piece of electronics needs careful selection and maintenance for enhanced life and performance. The choice of product should not only depend upon the price tag alone but also on the intended use. Market competition generally put an upper cap on the pricing, but it also involves quality compromise. Whilst that cannot be controlled by the end customer still there are a few things that the consumer can do:
The Selection
1. The first criteria of selection should be the intended use, apart from design, aesthetics or pricing. Every luminaire is produced with a larger purpose or intended use in mind. E.g. LED bulbs are generally not made for outdoor uses or sealed environments, owing to comparatively smaller heat dissipation mechanisms and IP (Ingress protection) ratings which could significantly degrade their life and performance.
2. Quality matters. Good manufacturers generally comply with identical standards. However the ones who do not use standard practices and present luminaires at very low costs cannot be expected to perform or live longer. Premium quality at non premium pricing is a myth and mere duplication.
3. Luminaire quality depends on all the factors- brightness, sturdiness of the housing (Weight, shape etc) and finish. So careful selection through observation and comparison could bring out a better bargain.
4. Brand patronising habits can be detrimental. Any brand may be better in a particular or some variety(s), but for others there may be better manufacturers also. Exploring the options is the key to a better selection.
The maintenance:
1. The primary maintenance criteria is heat management. Every LED luminaire heats up and need cooling intermittently. Whilst the heat dissipation part is already handled by the manufacturer, it is the responsibility of the consumer to allow the luminaire to cool off by switching it off after use. 8-10 hours of continuos usage is typically normal for the LED luminaires and does not cause much harm except ageing. In locations where 24X7 illumination is an absolute necessity, provisions for standby illumination should be made so that alternate ones glow in periods letting the other cool off to maintain the purpose.
2. Dust and Moisture ingress is another factor which can damage the luminaire. Moisture accumulated on the MCPCB or driver components can short them leading to fatal damage to the luminaire. In accordance, regions with high moisture levels or outdoors, should use luminaires specifically made for the purpose with higher IP ratings (IP-65/66). However they come at a cost. Also carefully reading the instructions on the packaging can help maintenance activities.
3. LEDs and other electronic components tend to age and their luminance degrades over time and use. This point however cannot be addressed either by the manufacturer or the consumer. In such cases it is always better to replace them entirely or refurbish (for high end and costly luminaires only) them from reputed agencies. The housing of the high end luminaires (high bay lights, flood lights, street lights etc) generally degrade much slower than the electronics. By refurbishing the electronics the luminaires can get a fresh leash of full performance life and that too at a much lower cost. Low cost repairs by local vendors having inadequate machinery and spare resources might not be able to bring back the original performance or your expected longevity.
To sum up for and enhanced life and optimum experience:
1. Careful selection of luminaire base on use case and not pricing only
2. Using the luminaires according to their usage instructions as given by the manufacturer.
3. Avoiding heat and moisture as far as possible.
4. Switching off the luminaires when not in use to allow them to cool off.
5. Practising the philosophy of repair, refurbish and reuse to cut costs and maximise resource usage.
In this context we hereby introduce AlpsGlo LED lights which have optimised performance management integrating the above factors. The product manufacturers Bithika Innovates Pvt Ltd also support repair, refurbish and reuse philosophy and provide such services at optimal costs in accordance to industry standards.
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