Led-based fixtures and related methods for thermal management

Abstract

LED-based lighting fixtures suitable for general illumination in surface-mount or suspended installations, in which heat dissipation properties of the fixtures are significantly improved by decreasing thermal resistance between LED junctions and the ambient air. In various examples, improved heat dissipation is accomplished by increasing a surface area of one or more heat-dissipating elements proximate a trajectory of air flow through the fixture. In one aspect, various structural components of the fixtures are particularly configured to create and maintain a 'chimney effect' within the fixture, resulting in a high air-flow rate, natural convection cooling system capable of efficiently dissipating the waste heat from the fixture without active cooling.

Description

Background technique [0001] The advent of digital lighting technology (ie, lighting based on semiconductor light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) provides a viable alternative to traditional fluorescent, HID, and incandescent lamps. Functional advantages and benefits of LEDs include high energy conversion and optical efficiency, robustness, low operating cost, and many other advantages. For example, LEDs are particularly well-suited for applications requiring low-profile or low-profile luminaires. The small size, long operating life, low power consumption and durability of LEDs make them a good choice when space is at a premium. [0002] A "downlight" is a light fixture that is installed in a hollow opening in the ceiling and is commonly referred to as a "recessed light" or "downlight". When installed, it appears to spot light down from the ceiling as a wide floodlight or as a narrow spotlight. Typically, recessed lights have two parts, the bezel and the housin...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the use of active cooling via fans and other mechanical air movement systems has often hindered its use

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