Energy Conversion Efficiency of EL Wire

In summary, EL wires are known to be efficient and generate little heat as lighting decorations. However, determining their energy conversion efficiency, expressed as the ratio of output radiative power to input electrical power, is necessary in comparing their performance with other lighting systems. The power draw and output intensity of EL wire depend on the drive frequency and voltage, and it can be modeled as a capacitor with a specific capacitance per foot. The properties of EL wire can vary greatly by supplier, which should be considered in the overall goal. Additionally, the efficiency of the inverter design should not be overlooked when calculating battery consumption.
  • #1
Bararontok
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As lighting decorations, EL wires that use an alternating current to make a phosphorous material radiate light are said to be very efficient and generate little heat. But what exactly is the energy conversion efficiency of such a device expressed as the ratio of output radiative power divided by input electrical power in percentage so that its performance can be compared with other lighting systems?
 
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  • #2
I've done some work with EL, but have never needed to do exactly what you're looking for.

Both the power draw and output intensity of a fixed amount of EL wire will depend on the drive frequency and voltage. Typically EL wire can be modeled as a capacitor with xxx capacitance per foot. You should be able to come up with an equation to model this.

I have found that the properties (light intensity, current draw, etc.) of a fixed length of EL wire varies greatly by supplier, so I'm not sure how that will play into your end goal.Edit:
If you're hoping to use this for a battery calculation or something like that, don't forget about the efficiency of the inverter design - that would be huge in terms of power consumption (battery life).
 

What is EL wire and how does it work?

EL wire, short for electroluminescent wire, is a type of wire that emits light when an electric current is passed through it. It is composed of a thin copper wire coated with phosphor and encased in a clear PVC sleeve. When an alternating current is applied, the phosphor glows and produces light.

How is the energy conversion efficiency of EL wire measured?

The energy conversion efficiency of EL wire is typically measured by calculating the ratio of the light output (in lumens) to the electrical power input (in watts). This is known as the luminous efficacy and is usually expressed in lumens per watt (lm/W).

What factors affect the energy conversion efficiency of EL wire?

The energy conversion efficiency of EL wire can be affected by several factors, including the quality and composition of the phosphor coating, the frequency and voltage of the applied current, and the temperature of the wire. Additionally, the length and thickness of the wire can also impact its efficiency.

What is a typical energy conversion efficiency for EL wire?

The energy conversion efficiency of EL wire can vary depending on the factors mentioned above, but on average, it ranges from 20-50 lm/W. However, with advancements in technology and improvements in the manufacturing process, some EL wires can achieve efficiencies of up to 100 lm/W.

How can the energy conversion efficiency of EL wire be improved?

To improve the energy conversion efficiency of EL wire, manufacturers can use higher quality phosphor coatings, control the frequency and voltage of the applied current, and optimize the design and construction of the wire. Additionally, using more efficient power sources and implementing energy-saving measures can also contribute to improving the overall efficiency of EL wire.

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