Monthly Archives: August 2011

Meanwell’s New Power Supplies for LED Lighting

Here we are again, giving you another dose of LED lighting news. This week, Meanwell, a power solution provider, has enhanced the power of their LED power supply products to 90 W with the introduction of the LPF-90(D) series. This series is ideal for various LED applications, such as outdoor/indoor LED lighting, commercial lighting, wash-wall lighting, LED stage and theatre lighting, and LED decorative lighting.

The LPF-90 series is equipped with built-in active power factor correction and a host of useful functions. With additional, three-in-one dimming features, the LPF-90D series trumps the competition by having a 1 to 10 V d.c. PWM signal or variable resistance to provide amazing brightness reduction and significant energy savings.

Additional features of the power supply series include an important IP67 protection. The supplies are covered in a durable plastic case with 94V-0 fire prevention level. Even the supply’s internal shock absorption is high: they can last through 5 G vibrations. With up to a 91% efficiency rate, the new power supplies can also withstand -40°C and +70°C temperatures, making it safe for all types of weather.

Moreover, the products are contained in double isolated, cable-style input/output connections, which makes it highly safe for regular use. The LPF-90D features extra wires to provide the perfect dimming controls.

Questions or comments about this product? Share them below! We are glad to hear from you!

New Hyper-Efficient Bulb May Be Too Costly

Cree has recently released their new hyper-efficient bulb in the stores and while, we’re super excited about a new LED light out in the market, it may be too expensive for consumers to buy.

But, wait, let’s talk about why it could be worth the extra dollars. The Cree bulb only uses one-tenth of the electricity a 75-watt incandescent bulb absorbs. Additionally, the bulb produces 152 lumens per watt versus incandescents, which only produce 14.6 lumens per watt (‘lumen’ is a measurement of the visible light emitted by a bulb). In total, the Cree bulb produces a whopping 1,300 lumens, certainly exceeding the innovation goals  of the U.S. Department’s L Prize Competition.

With these great statistics, the Cree bulb can actually reduce energy usage in the United States by 16.5 percent, as the company claims. However, this claim may be difficult to prove considering the bulbs are a bit too costly for the consumer market. On average, LED lighting costs $18 per kilolumen produced, while incandescent bulbs were around $2.20 per kilolumen. LEDs are expected to lower in price, but this may not happen until a few years later, when demand for LEDs will increase since the Energy Act of 2007 will eliminate incandescent light bulbs from the market.

So, for LED manufacturers, there will surely be a bright light at the end of the tunnel.

Excited about Cree’s hyper-efficient bulb? Share your thoughts below.