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Thermal Management

Does heat effect LED performance?

LEDs consume far less energy than any other lighting solution, making them an economically and environmentally sound option. There are several key aspects for lighting product design engineers to consider when optimizing their lighting systems, from LED heat dissipation to methods of active cooling. 

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Although LEDs are on average six times more efficient than traditional light fixtures, there is still a considerable amount of heat converted from the electrical energy applied to the device. Unlike filament light bulbs, where heat waste is radiated, the heat generated by LEDs is conducted. This heat must then be moved away from the device to preserve its LED performance. 

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As a general principle, when LEDs heat up, their efficiency drops. There are two primary reasons why maintaining a low temperature is critical to LED Performance.

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1. The first reason is that the light output of the LED degrades significantly with higher temperatures.

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2. The second reason is that the light output falls gradually over time. This gradual decrease is accelerated by higher temperatures.

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Any LED fixture must be designed to keep LEDs cool by reducing heat resistance from the LED to the ambient air. Sketch Lighting consider and optimize all three modes of heat dissipation — conduction, convection, and thermal radiation, in all bespoke designs.
 

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