Lighting The four myths about active vs. passive cooling methods

[pop22]

Good article!

http://www.edn.com/electronics-blog...e-four-myths-about-active-vs--passive-methods

 

[BigSm0]

What's your thoughts on the lights we build? I think passive is much better considering the extra work needed to wire them up. Then the additional driver.

I'm working on a large cob build which will be around 150 watts per cob. Mechatronix has some nifty heatsinks called the cool tube which has an opening in the center to help cool even more than traditional pin fins.

 

[pop22]

I'm beginning to believe active cooling is a better way to go, if we are concerned about carbon footprint, because if we are Aluminum is an energy hog and carbon waste producer of the first degree! Smelted Aluminum uses tremendous amounts of electricity and uses coal and other high density carbon sources. I'm thinking that just the reduction of the amount of aluminum used is worth it. Even with the other components in an active cooler, there is much less pollution and energy waste.

I've been looking at light engines and ordered a couple to test. A light engine is basically an active heatsink. I've seen some that are even driven by the driver output, saving needing a separate power supply.

What's your thoughts on the lights we build? I think passive is much better considering the extra work needed to wire them up. Then the additional driver.

I'm working on a large cob build which will be around 150 watts per cob. Mechatronix has some nifty heatsinks called the cool tube which has an opening in the center to help cool even more than traditional pin fins.