LED street lighting: lighting of the future

Energy-saving technologies are developing rapidly, for example, to replace an incandescent lamp in the last century came more economical fluorescent bulb. Its main competitor was soon LED lamp street. Light with such lamps gives the maximum energy savings and, respectively, means. About the features of this type of lighting in the streets, species diversity and selection criteria LED-lamps, this article will tell.

The history of the development of LED Street Lighting Fixtures

Street lights appeared in the XVI century. In affluent neighborhoods of London set lights with candles. Two centuries later, to replace the spark came kerosene lamps. This type lamps was considerably cheaper, and emits brighter light. Street lighting is becoming a mass, it is organized in all major cities. In the XIX century we invented the gas lights that were different, on the one hand, the enormous efficiency, and on the other, - a potentially explosive atmosphere. In some cities, this kind of street lighting lasted until the middle of the last century.

Illumination on a global scale began with the arrival of the twentieth century, when electricity was invented. Incandescent long passed its leading position as long as they did not come to replace the discharge and fluorescent lamps. They are now actively used throughout the progressive world. Gradually, they begin to crowd out more efficient and eco-friendly LED-lamps. LEDs invented nearly two decades ago, and their popularity is growing rapidly. Most developed countries have already switched to street lighting LED lights.

Lamps of this type guarantee a good light level and provide a decent cost savings. LED street lamps are popular among owners of private houses and summer cottages. They are used as a backlight reservoirs, trees, fences and flower beds. In recent years, such devices are widely used on highways, streets and roads, in the yards of apartment buildings, to highlight the commercial and administrative buildings, in parks and other recreational areas.

It's important to know!English lamp diodes indicate LED, which means "light-emitting diode". Caught abbreviation in Russian language. Thus, LED and LED - the words are synonyms.

The advantages of LED street lighting

The effect of light emission from the solid state opened at the beginning of the last century in England, but for a long time, the development is not perfected and was too expensive. Only at the beginning of the XXI century we have simplified technology and fixtures of this type launched into mass production. They are significantly different from its predecessors, with a number of specific advantages, among which are the following:

1. Significant efficiency - is the main advantage of this type of devices, making them popular. They consume ten times less electricity than incandescent bulbs, and half - compared to fluorescent lamps.
2. Long service life. Subject to the use of LED lamps for street strictly at night during their period of operation can last up to 25 years.
3. Endurance, assuming resistance to cyclic loading. Devices with LED-lamps can withstand countless test mode on / off - without prejudice to the operation of the lamp.
4. A wide range of operating temperatures. LED lamps outdoor lighting may be operated at temperatures ranging from -50 to 50 ° C. For use in harsh environments is better to buy special-purpose devices.
5. Resistance to mechanical stress. Such lamps even in the fall is not broken down and continue to work.
6. In this type of lamps is offline inertness. The device starts to operate at full capacity immediately after turning on the network.
7. LED-lamps operate silently.
8. Materials for the production of LEDs are environmentally friendly, so do not require special conditions for the disposal of defective lamps.
9. LED devices do not carry the threat of fire and do not create a risk of explosion.

Disadvantages of LED lamps for street lighting

The list of shortcomings is much less than the list of virtues, but they still exist, the main ones are as follows:

1. The price of LED lamps for street lighting is quite high compared to the cost of other types of lamps. It pays for such equipment in the first years of operation, but the initial investment is very noticeable.
2. LEDs, which have a large capacity (50 watts and above) are amenable to thermal degradation, and a successful application of their need to take care of the connection quality heatsink. Saving is inappropriate, if the lamp is designed to operate in hot climates.
3. Sensitivity LED street lamps to changes in voltage. The only discontinuity in the network that exceeds the limit values ​​for a particular device is capable of disabling it. Help to avoid the problem use of power supply or mains voltage stabilizers.
4. Metal fixtures amenable diffusion electrodes. As a result, the metal particles may enter the field of action of the semiconductor, which eventually lead to device failure.

Useful advice!High quality LED lamps directly affects the cost of the devices. The high-quality materials were used in the production, the higher the price of the device, the longer the life of the instrument, even in the harshest conditions.

The principle of operation of LED street lamps

LEDs have a relatively high level the coefficient of performance (COP). This characteristic distinguishes this type of lamps of gas discharge lamps in which light is emitted by electric discharge gas. If the comparison result in the figures, it emerges the following picture: light-diode power of 10 watts on the characteristics of an incandescent lamp is 40 or 60 watts. Such feature is due to the transition between different types of conductivity semiconductor and emergence of recombination photons with electrons.

Simply put, the electrical energy is converted to light energy. When this process is a low-cost, because it is based on the latest advances and discoveries in physics. Thus, to replace energy-intensive short-lived incandescent lamps and gas-discharge unreliable fixtures came more reliable, super powerful, compact, and most importantly, economical devices lighting.

In addition, lamps manufacturing technology for street lighting can change the color and warmth of the light bulb. Such specifications justify the high popularity of LEDs in the clarification of private homes and for outdoor lighting city streets and roads.

As regards the construction of street lighting luminaires with LEDs, it differs significantly from the lamps for indoor lighting device. Due to the different structures of electrical appliances have a different fastening principle. Street lights are designed for high occupancy and vertical illumination. LED-lamp itself - it is a set of LEDs, which are mounted in an aluminum housing with special protection.

LED street lamp: classification and species diversity

Devices that are used to illuminate the street, characterized by a wide field of application and, accordingly, have their own classification system. Fixtures are grouped according to the standard similarity, they are distributed on the different types and models, depending on the specific characteristics. Classify svetoustroystva diode on such basic characteristics:

1. The share of light stream hemisphere lamp at the bottom. For this type of lamps are direct, scattered or reflected light. Separated into specific types depending on the percentage of the light flow directed downwards.
2. According to the level established to protect against external influences such as dust and wind. In this category, they can be open, with the shell, dust protection and fully dustproof.
3. According to the degree of protection against water devices are divided into unsecured, with protection from rain and splashes and absolutely waterproof LED street lamps.
4. According to the method of installation and fixing the genus are distinguished, cantilever, ceiling, wall, floor and recessed lighting, street fixtures.
5. Along functional lines lighting is divided into industrial devices, devices for the lighting of roads, courtyards and private territories, scenes, stadiums, illumination of buildings and decorative objects, as well as for use in high humidity.
6. Power indicator. For example, the LED street lamp 50W suitable for lighting a small gardening area. Optimal and most widely considered to LED street lamps of 100 watts of power.
7. According to the method of registration is divided into spotlights, flashlights, decorative lamps.

Useful advice!It is the last three criteria such as functionality, performance and design, are the basis of the specific classification of devices and select them for the lighting conditions in private.

Index of protection and marking of outdoor lamps

To determine the level of protection of special fixtures international system Ingress Protection (IP) has been developed by external factors. This figure includes only two numbers where the first indicates the degree of protection against the penetration of dust, and the second is an index of protection from moisture. The degree of protection as other types of criteria defined by a special international marking table. Marking is applied to all products of mass production, without the goods do not pass the market. The index is a specific set of letters and numbers, where each character has its own meaning.

The first letter indicates the type of lamp mounted in the lamp (incandescent, fluorescent, mercury, or LED). The second symbol indicates the kind of device settings, for example, cantilever, supporting, floor recessed ceiling luminaire or outside the LED wall. The third letter specifies the purpose of the device (for example, for street lighting and industrial facilities).

This is followed by a figure indicating the serial number, and the next - on the number of lamps in the luminaire. Sixth value - this is the maximum capacity of the device. Modification of the product determines the three-digit number located seventh in the overall mark. Code of letters and numbers at the end of the marking indicates the climate conditions in which the permissible use of the product.

LED devices for outdoor use are of various kinds and are used for decorative illumination or general lighting. Also, the marking may indicate additional features, such as the fact that this device - this LED street light with a motion sensor.

LED street lights: the scope and design features

The main distinguishing feature of the lamp - is the ability of uniform dispersion of light flow. Devices come in different shapes and sizes, but the main difference in the list of models is their capacity, which determines the place of the luminaire arrangement.

In light of highways and highway use lights for power of 400 watts. To establish roads of minor importance to this indicator lamps of 150 to 250 watts. On the sidewalks, pedestrian areas, as well as in parks, squares, courtyards of apartment buildings, on sidewalks is permissible to use lamps up to 150W. For road lighting are the most suitable reflector LED lights for street lighting that can change the direction of light stream.

To properly organize the lighting, using this type of lighting fixtures, you need to learn a set of rules. Self-install such devices can only be on a small plot. Therefore, all the work, since the choice of the power lamps, it is recommended to professionals. They will design street lighting, to calculate the total brightness of luminaires, lighting control system will determine the technology. Specialists themselves, according to the project, will pick up lights and carry out their installation.

Useful advice!It is not recommended to independently repair LED lamps, especially since most of the products with diodes producers set a long-term guarantee.

The device diode street lighting lanterns similar to the structure of the LED flashlight. The design includes a housing with a reflective element, the diodes block heat sink. The space between the parts is filled with a special thermal grease. outdoor lighting fixtures are provided with strong shades. For the voltage control is set in the middle of the transformer.

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Console LED Street Lamp: the practicality and reliability

Cantilever lamps - devices that are widely used to provide high-quality street lighting. Most often, they are placed on the roads, open areas for various purposes, gas stations and adjacent territories. The distinctive feature of such lamps - it is their structure, the lighting unit is attached to a support or other surface with the console.

Currently, the console LED Street Lighting Fixtures rightly considered the most popular in this category. Devices of this type is most suitable for outdoor lighting, while allowing significantly save energy and money. According to experts in the analysis of the most appropriate instruments in the ratio of price and quality, console-type LED street lamps are the leaders.

In addition, manufacturers of such devices are usually equipped with extra dust-proof function, which allows you to use lights on the consoles, not only on the streets with asphalt coating, but also on the peripheral dirt roads away from cities. Lamps have high moisture protection characteristics, which is important when street lighting during precipitation.

LED street lamp console 100 W - is a real innovation in lighting. The instrument is several times more economical than many predecessors. In addition, it easy to use, and the scope is very broad. Such devices installed in stadiums, sports grounds and hotel complexes.

A typical representative of modern console models is the LED street lamp "Cobra". It does not require special service and is perfect for illuminating different objects.

Industrial LED lighting: the characteristics and scope of application

Due to the high degree of illumination, economical power consumption and long lifetime LED lamps are widely used in industry. In particular, they are installed:

• in the center of the courtyard;
• open industrial sites;
• in workshops and on assembly lines;
• on the territory of the mills and factories;
• for lighting public warehouses;
• In the exhibition center;
• at railway stations, airports and ports.

Useful advice!Some experts assure that characteristics such as brightness, efficiency, light stream quality, efficiency and cost, LED street lamps are inferior metal halide lamps. But as for the life, they really surpass all other analogues of this criterion. Therefore, before buying the device you need to weigh everything and calculate carefully.

Industrial group of LED fixtures represents a wide range of models that are able to create effective lighting of large areas, while ensuring uniform coating light stream. various power devices can be installed at different heights. The most popular in this category are considered outdoor LED spotlights 100 watts. The price of products is quite large, which is justified by the high quality and energy efficient. Thus, the diode lamps quickly pay for themselves.

An important advantage of industrial lamps treated as separate illuminating angle adjustment that allows you to solve any problem in creating efficient lighting objects.

Types of lamps depending on the placement of lamps for street lighting

Given the location of the lights are divided into the following types:

• pendant or ceiling;
• wall;
• recessed;
• Devices for installation on poles.

Suspended ceiling or LED street lamps have the form of a sealed casing with a hidden inside the LED. Such devices suspended from a beam placed horizontally at high altitude, using a special rope or chain. In appearance it is a fragile structure, but at the same time it is able to withstand all the loads, which suggests Operation on the street, in particular, the test of frost and heat, high humidity and heavy rains from icing winter.

Wall LED Street Light is a universal device that can be easily mounted on virtually any vertical surface capable of supporting the load in the form of a lantern and fixtures. This device is perfect for use on the local area in a private courtyard. It can be not only the object of illumination, but also an element of decor. These lights are made in all sorts of variations, allowing you to install them in a different styling.

All Wall LED street light waterproof, they have IP 44 protection. Thus, in the middle of the devices do not fall sprays of water that allows you to install them not only under the awning, but also in an open area.

Also among the many types of data devices should be called recessed LED street lamps. Such devices are mounted in the elements of street furniture, the walls of buildings. Their installation clearly requires a professional approach.

LED lamps on batteries for street lighting

In addition to the various features of the classification of fixtures above, it is necessary to note one more - a power source from which the device works. Direct connection to the uninterruptible power supply - the best option, but in the absence of such a possibility solve the problem perfectly batteries and batteries.

Useful advice!When choosing lighting for the street, you need to pay attention to the presence of additional functions in the device, such as a solar battery equipment, light sensor and motion or the remote control.

The main feature of such devices - is a complete energy autonomy. The power supply can serve as conventional batteries, different shapes and sizes, as well as batteries, providing charging after a certain time of use. The battery pack may be built in the luminaire or separate from it. Its location determines how the charging LED lamp.

Speaking of self light emitting devices, mention should be made of a separate category - LED street lights with solar battery. To recharge them does not need access to an electrical outlet, it takes place during sunlight on special panels.

It is self-contained devices are most often used in the design of landscape design, and as an emergency lighting.

Thus, any type of LED street lamp has a specific list of benefits. In this case, the installation complexity for the lack of need for maintenance during operation. Svetoistochnik of this type will not only provide good coverage, but also greatly save the money spent on electricity use other types of lamps.