LED operating life: durable light quality

The longer a light source is in use, the greater the economic and ecological advantage is. The semiconductor's minimal decrease in luminous flux over the operation period causes the LED to be able to remain in maintenance-free use, in many areas of application, longer than other light sources. The technical potential is still not exhausted by any means. For this reason, the LED represents the future of lighting.

Factors having an influence on reliability and operating life of the individual LED

The operating life of LEDs can easily exceed 50,000 hours. Compared to other light sources, LEDs very rarely fail. Only the luminous flux is slightly reduced over the operating period. In practice, LEDs are virtually service-free during their entire period of use, depending on the particular application. The influential factors on the individual LED, described below, can also affect the entire LED module.

The influential factors in detail
 
Temperature

When light is produced, heat occurs, which has an effect both on the life cycle and on the LED's luminous flux. This applies to both the individual LED and to an entire LED module. That is why it is essential to divert the heat by the best possible installation method or by suitable heat sinks. The basic principle is as follows: The cooler it is, the longer the LED's life cycle and the more efficient and brighter it is.
 
To be continued...