When intelligence comes to light
Are you ready for a technology shift?
Small bites, big benefits
A service-oriented knowledge centre for all those who want to know more about the topic of light.
Sustainability is an attitude
Insights - Inspirations - Visions
E-Line Pro
Do you need help?
Make contact
> Luminaires / LED luminaire operation / Thermal management
Luminous flux, luminous efficacy and luminous flux degradation of an LED strongly depend on the temperatures on its inside. Luminous flux and luminous efficacy decrease with increasing temperatures. Luminous flux degradation increases, and with it the useful service life of the luminaire in which the LED is operated decreases. For this reason, the heat generated in the LED’s operation must be dissipated. The constructional measures required to achieve this are referred to as the luminaire's thermal management.
Cooling of the luminaire, meaning the release of warmth from the luminaire into its environment is often achieved via a cooling element or via the surface of the luminaire body. Just as important, however, is the transport of heat inside the luminaire. Form, manufacture and material of all components used play a part in this. Only ideal thermal connections along the entire path from the LED to the luminaire surface ensure that the occurrence of trapped heat at the LED is avoided effectively. The surface temperature of the luminaire body, regardless of the luminaire’s inside, will always regulate in practically the same way in the thermal equilibrium (see example "thermal management in a downlight" below).
To rate the effectiveness of a luminaire’s thermal management, extensive measurements on the inside of the luminaire are required to allow conclusions regarding the temperature ti at the pn junction of the LED. LED module manufacturers label their products with a tc/tp point, where the temperature can be measured easily with a sensor. The value measured here allows for direct conclusions regarding the junction temperature and can be used by the luminaire manufacturer to determine luminaire characteristics (see also chapter "Service life of LED luminaires").
In terms of heat release to the environment, the temperature of the surrounding air as well as the opportunity for air circulation (convection) are crucial in the end. Therefore, the installation notes as well as the ambient temperature tq (see chapter "Operating conditions") specified by the manufacturer must be considered.
Luminaire operation Example: Thermal management in a downlight
Thermal management Example: Therma management in a downlight Rated power input Control gears for LED luminaires Inrush current Dimming by pulse-width-modulation (PWM) or operational current regulation
Circuit breaker, electromagnetic response Residual-current device (RCD, Trip switch) Inrush current limiting Mains switch
Introduction Visual needs Need for orientation Non visual needs
Guidelines Overview Work places Visual task area Surrounding area Illuminance Luminance distribution Limitation of glare Lighting direction, modelling Aspects of colour Flicker and stroboscopic effects Daylight
Maintenance Factor Light and safety at work Light and non-visual effects Light and economy Light and environment Lighting design Lighting measurement Emergency lighting
Lighting of traffic zones and geneal areas in buildings Lighting of industrial activities and crafts Lighting of offices and VDU workstations Lighting of design and CAD offices Lighting of sports facilities Lighting of health care facilities Lighting of geriatric care facilities and nursing homes Lighting of public areas Lighting of salesrooms Lighting of educational facilities Lighting of traffic areas Lighting of car parks Ligthing of further indoor spaces
Luminaires The enhanced concept of quality Photometric classification Photometric properties Photo biology safety Mounting and electrical connection Luminaire labelling Luminaire operation LED luminaire operation Operation of FL luminaires Electrical safety Fire protection Electromagnetic safety Mechanical safety Chemical and miscellaneous impact Acoustic properties Ventilation properties
Firehazardous locations Room with bathtubs and showers Swimming baths Exterior installations Agricultural and gardening plant locations Food industry Clean rooms Requirements on mediacal rooms Emergency light installations
Luminaire selection chart
Light management application and function Presence detection Daylight-dependent regulation Interfaces Building management, KNX and other bus systems
Light sources types Characteristics of light sources
ABC, DF, G, ILM, NO, P, QRSUV, W
Subject index
StandardsGuidelines and instructionsEuropean directives and regulationsFurther publications
Lighting societies
Standardisation institutes
Select a different country or region to view content for your location.
Select how or where you would like to share this page.
Headquarters
Postbox 1960D-59753 Arnsberg
TRILUX ONE is your personal e-business platform. It bundles all important information and supports you in all processes related to your new lighting.
An error has occurred.