Issue link: https://te.mouser.com/i/1475713
20 Connected LED Lighting Solutions FIGURE 1: LED Lighting Array. (Image Credit: TE Connectivity) Lumileds has developed multiple LUXEON LEDs that are optimized for street lighting. They vary in output, efficacy, optical characteristics, and form factor allowing lighting engineers to select exactly the right LED solution for the design of the streetlight. The LEDs can be arranged in arrays so that particular surface areas can be targeted for more or less light. And, because the LEDs are directional, there are both additional efficiency gains – all the light goes where it's needed – and light pollution can be reduced or eliminated more easily than with conventional sources. Today, a typical LUXEON 5050 can deliver over 600 lumens of light with efficacy of over 170 lumens per Watt. Additionally, LXUEON LEDS boast high operating junction temperature and lifetimes easily exceeding 50,000 hours or more. The reliability of LUXEON LEDs simply adds to the value of making the switch and reducing streetlight maintenance costs and the inconvenience to residents and motorists. The LEDs can be driven at a broad range of currents and couple extremely well with sensors, LED drivers and control systems so that light levels can be adjusted as appropriate for conditions or time of day. Light Quality and Directionality LED lighting's potential to reduce pollution isn't just confined to carbon emissions. It can also reduce "light pollution," or the amount of ambient light being dispersed in a public area. The stars in the sky are clearer at night in the desert or out in the woods not just because there's less air pollution (i.e., smog), but also less light pollution. Sodium vapor and metal halide lamps work by spreading light in every direction. The light of the bulb is reflected off a shield or mirror behind the bulb to spread the light as widely as possible, although the quality and color of the light both ebb considerably as it diffuses away from the light source. The intensity of the light towards the center of the illuminated area can also create hot spots, temporarily obscuring the vision of passing motorists. Their lack of directionality can poorly illuminate important spaces, like roads or walking paths, while unintentionally flooding incidental areas with light, such as the night sky. LED lighting arrays provide more directionality, allowing them to illuminate defined spaces while leaving the surrounding area relatively unaffected. LED light's directionality and quality also helps eliminate dark spots on roads or sidewalks in between streetlights, making them safer for drivers and pedestrians. Each LED in an array can be redirected to disperse the light more uniformly and cover a larger area. A useful exercise is to imagine a Broadway play. If a single spotlight is directed at the stage, the entire set and cast are bathed in the LED light's directionality and quality also helps eliminate dark spots on roads or sidewalks in between streetlights, making them safer for drivers and pedestrians. " "