Current State and Future
LED technology has been one of the most significant advancements in lighting over the past decades.
Since its invention by Shūji Nakamura at NICHIA, LEDs have evolved from simple indicator lights to efficient, high-performance white light solutions used today.
This progress has been driven by technological advancements in materials, energy efficiency, and light control capabilities, serving various factors that have driven the evolution and adoption of LED technology, such as:
Health and Wellbeing
The ability of LEDs to mimic natural light and adjust to circadian rhythms improves people's wellbeing and productivity.
Environmental Awareness
LEDs consume less energy and have a longer lifespan, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Design Innovations
The flexibility in LED lighting design allows for more creative and functional integration in different spaces.
Cost Reduction
Lower production costs have made LEDs more accessible for a variety of applications.
Government Regulations
Policies promoting energy efficiency have encouraged the use of LEDs.
Manufacturing Innovations
Advances in manufacturing techniques have improved LED quality and reliability.
Integration with Smart Technologies
LEDs can be integrated with smart lighting systems, offering control and automation.
Specialized Applications
Development of LEDs for specific applications such as horticulture, plant growth, and medical uses.
“In Actilum, we are proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, offering LED products that not only meet but exceed market expectations”
Let’s Learn About LED Types and Their Characteristics
Characteristics:
Lifespan of up to 18,000 hours with noticeable light loss over time.
Applications:
Plastic LEDs, with low thermal dissipation capacity, are suitable for decorative applications and economical LED strips, operating up to 80 degrees Celsius. These LEDs are ideal for low-cost luminaires that do not require prolonged performance.
Example: Asian LED type 2835, 2.8 x 3.5mm
Advantages:
Their low cost makes them accessible for a variety of applications, although their efficiency and durability are limited.
Characteristics:
High power, excellent efficiency, and a lifespan of 50,000 to 100,000 hours. They use ceramics for the best heat dissipation available in LED technology.
Example: Nichia 219 type 3535 LED.
Applications:
Ceramic LEDs, with high thermal dissipation capacity and the ability to operate at temperatures up to 150 degrees, are ideal for applications requiring high durability and performance, such as industrial and high-end commercial lighting, and streetlights, where they face aggressive thermal changes.
Characteristics:
They offer an optimal balance between cost, efficiency, and quality.
Example: Nichia 757 type 3030.
Applications:
Polymer LEDs, with good thermal dissipation and an average lifespan of 36,000 to 50,000 hours, offer very high efficiencies and a color rendering index of almost 99%. The 3030 LED can operate at temperatures up to 120 degrees.
These LEDs are an excellent choice for residential and commercial applications where good efficiency is needed without high cost.
“At Actilum, we manufacture all our products in Barcelona, using ceramic and polymer LEDs. This choice ensures that each item meets our rigorous quality and performance criteria.”
Recent Advances and the Future of LED Technology
In 2019, LED technology reached its peak in terms of energy efficiency.
Since then, leading manufacturers like Nichia, Osram, and Seoul have focused their efforts on improving other qualities of LEDs.
For example, they have developed tunable white LEDs, LEDs with solar-like qualities, and LEDs designed for specific applications such as horticulture (hortiwhite/hortisolis).
This means that these LEDs can replicate the sun’s light spectrum, providing lighting that enhances color perception, wellbeing, and circadian rhythms.
In 2023, new discoveries further increased LED efficiency.
Actilum has been at the forefront of these developments and already has the first models of these next-generation LEDs, which will begin to be marketed from the first quarter of 2025.
“These LEDs promise unprecedented efficiency and open up new possibilities in designing more efficient lighting solutions.”
Other Major Advances in LED Technology for Health and Wellbeing
Circadian Rhythm Improvements with HCL LED Technology
Actilum’s Human Centric Lighting (HCL) LED technology is designed to mimic natural light, helping to regulate people’s circadian rhythms. By adjusting different spectra and light intensity throughout the day, HCL LEDs can improve overall wellbeing, increase productivity, and enhance sleep quality.
These benefits are especially important in hospital, workplace, and educational environments, where proper lighting can positively influence individuals’ performance and health.
“High-quality products, like those offered by Actilum, provide greater efficiency and a longer lifespan. This means they reflect their superior technology in terms of their results.”