Maximizing Efficiency: Using Luxeon S LEDs for Solar Simulator Design

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing a solar simulator using LUXEON S LXS8-PW30 LEDs to achieve a net intensity of 1 Sun (1000 W/m²). The LED specifications include a luminous flux of 1315 lm and a radiant flux of 4113 mW at 700 mA and 85°C. Participants highlight the challenges of matching the light spectrum of LEDs to that of natural sunlight, emphasizing that filters cannot compensate for missing spectral lines. The conversation also notes the limitations of LED technology in replicating the infrared spectrum present in sunlight.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of LED specifications, particularly LUXEON S LXS8-PW30 characteristics
  • Knowledge of light intensity measurement (1 Sun = 1000 W/m²)
  • Familiarity with color temperature and its impact on LED performance
  • Basic principles of light spectrum and its relevance to solar simulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the spectral output of LUXEON S LEDs and compare it with natural sunlight
  • Explore the use of filters in LED applications and their effectiveness in solar simulation
  • Investigate alternative LED technologies that may better replicate the solar spectrum
  • Study the impact of different phosphors on color temperature and LED light quality
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, researchers, and hobbyists involved in solar simulation design, LED technology, and those seeking to optimize lighting solutions for solar applications.

jefinjo
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I want to make a solar simulator with LEDs. I want to get a net intensity of 1 Sun(1000 W/m^2). My LEDs have the following specifications:

LUXEON S LXS8-PW30

Luminous flux at 700 mA, 85°C* 1315 lm

Radiant flux at 700 mA, 85°C 4113 mW

1931 CIE color points at 700 mA, 85°C (0.4304, 0.4030)

CCT at 700 mA, 85°C 3105 K

Distance to detector: 200 mm
 
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There are important differences between HPLED's light spectrum and solar sea level light spectrum
 
zoki85 said:
There are important differences between HPLED's light spectrum and solar sea level light spectrum
Yes. How can we tackle it? Are filters helpful?
 
I think it is a very challenging task if you want to be accurate, no matter what method and means you use.
 
jefinjo said:
Yes. How can we tackle it? Are filters helpful?
A filter cannot supply the missing spectral lines in the light that comes out of an LED. LED's are designed to provide a 'sort of' match to the light of a black body radiator (tungsten filament or sunlight) using three or more LEDs, each of which will only produce a narrow band of wavelengths.

It would all depend upon what you actually want from this 'simulator' and what the light will be used for.
 
jefinjo said:
I want to get a net intensity of 1 Sun(1000 W/m^2).

Over how much area ?
If we believe this
jefinjo said:
Radiant flux at 700 mA, 85°C 4113 mW
That led puts out 0.4 watts of radiant energy... so one of them will illuminate .0004m^2 to that intensity, about a 2 cm square.

http://www.philipslumileds.com/products/luxeon-s/

Last time i looked into them white LED's used a phosphor to make "white" light from a UV led's emissions, much like a flourescent tube.
Various phosphors make various shades of white...
You might read up on "color temperature"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_temperature
because i notice your LED comes in various color temperatures

Lastly, sunlight is about half infrared and your LED won't contain nearly that much. See its spectrum on the datasheets at Phillips.

Those Luxeons are a grreat product. Beware of the cheap Chinese imitations, the ones i tried were disappointing.