Performance of LED Lights in Cold Weather
The performance of LED lighting is affected by heat. It can be said that LEDs have a wide suitable temperature range between -30 °C and 60 °C and the optimum temperature for LED lighting is 25 °C. High ambient temperature will reduce the effectiveness of LED lighting performance and result in lower power conversion from electricity to light. If high ambient temperature weakens the performance of LEDs, let's take a look at what happens at low temperatures;
There are two main issues regarding the performance of LED lighting in cold weather. It is the capacity for smooth starting and stable operation. Rain and snow are possible in cold weather, but ice and frost may also occur. To understand whether LED lights perform well in cold weather, we need to know how LEDs work and the relationship between temperature and LED light performance.
How does LED work?
LED (Light Emitting Diode) is a semiconductor device that emits light by current flow. A die is the active area of the LED. A plastic or ceramic body covers one or more of the molds. When the LED is forward facing, the electrons can recombine inside the electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. This effect is called electroluminescence. The core of the LED is a sheet consisting of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor, with a transition layer called PN junction between them. Minority carriers injected with majority carriers in the PN junction of some semiconductor materials will release excess energy in the form of light. Therefore, LED can directly convert electrical energy into light energy. The color of the light is related to the energy required for the emitted electrons. The more energy released, the shorter the wavelength of the emitted light.
Electroluminescence; It is an optical and electrical phenomenon and is the state of emitting light in response to an electric current or a very strong electric field passing through the material.
How Does Cold Weather Affect the Performance of LEDs?
The capacity to start lighting in cold weather is important for some areas. LED is a semiconductor, so free electrons in a negatively charged component are transferred to holes in positively charged components with the help of electrical energy. Light is emitted when forward activity occurs. LEDs are heated by the current flowing through them. Since the LEDs respond in the electronic driver instead of warming up, the LEDs can be activated in cold weather. In addition, electronic drives can be used from -30 °C. That's why LED lights can perform well in cold weather.
Unlike traditional lighting methods, LED lights generate less heat. The port temperature and ambient temperature are therefore lower than conventional lights. Supports lower junction and ambient temperature current conduction. For this reason, the driver is not affected much and the lumen output is in a good state. As a result, we can say that cold weather conditions will not affect the performance of LED lights.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It should be known that the lighting performance in cold weather can be affected by the materials, sealing and electrical equipment of the LED luminaires as well as the LEDs.
