Finnish Group Developing Large-Area LED Lighting Films

April 11, 2017

The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is developing new types of LED light sources based on large, flexible and transparent substrates in collaboration with Finnish companies Flexbright and Lighting Design Collective.

An easy-to-customize LED foil suitable for mass production will enable the introduction of large area lighting and display technologies to a range of applications such as vehicles, greenhouses, shopping centres and architectural lighting.

The three-year European project called Delphi4LED is developing design and simulation tools for LED structures to better meet the needs of the rapidly evolving lighting industry and end users.

Heat management is a key factor dictating the performance and reliability of LED lighting solutions. The operation of LED components is also affected by their electrical and optical characteristics. Combining all of these properties is difficult using the existing design tools.

In the Delphi4LED project new simulation models are being developed to address the above issues in a simplified form. This saves on computing capacity, enabling a more comprehensive design than has previously been possible.

Detailed measurements are performed to develop a standardized electronic datasheet of the LEDs, which is then fed into modelling software. The team says this makes the design process more efficient and reduces the number of design errors, enabling the faster introduction of the products on the market, with higher quality and at a lower cost than before.

A Finnish consortium coordinated by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is now applying the results of the Delphi4LED project to the development of LED luminaires based on transparent large-area foil. These kinds of novel structures enable the implementation of thin, flexible light source for lighting and display applications. For example, a multi-coloured video screen can be integrated between planar or curved glass surfaces.

Tools and standards are being developed on various levels to enable the design and manufacturing of more reliable and cost effective LED-based lighting solutions that can be brought to market. The availability of these standards and tools is expected to also boost the market for integrated smart lighting solutions and give European industry the opportunity to outpace the global competition.

The project is being coordinated by Philips Lighting from the Netherlands. Other partners in the consortium are Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (Netherlands), Havells Sylvania Lighting (Belgium), Magillem Design Services SAS, Ingélux, PISEO, Philips France and Ecce’Lectro (France), Budapest University of Technology & Economics and Mentor Graphics (Hungary), Mentor Graphics (U.K.), and Pi Lighting SARL (Switzerland).

 

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDucation 2024 – Concluded with Record-Breaking Attendance

    The LEDucation Trade Show and Conference, organized by the Designers Lighting Forum New York, wrapped 2024 with record-breaking attendance, welcoming more than 10,000 registrants from all aspects of the lighting industry. LEDucation celebrated its 18th year in New York City March 19–20 at the New York Hilton Midtown, becoming North America’s largest annual lighting industry… Read More…

  • Part 1: How Many Studies Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb?

    March 18, 2024 How studies in vision inform lighting standards at Night By Noah Sabatier Changing a light bulb in our home is perhaps the most simple task in which we can still credit ourselves for performing household maintenance. The amount of thought such an operation receives rarely extends beyond looking for the most efficient… Read More…


Design

  • Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    February 6, 2024 Since 1940, WFCU Credit Union is a prominent and forward-thinking financial institution based in Windsor and Essex County. For over 80 years, WFCU has been dedicated to serving Ontario residents, community, organizations, small businesses, commercial entities, and public institutions. Their new headquarters in Kitchener was created as they continue to grow their… Read More…

  • Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    December 5, 2023 At 170 m (554 ft) long and 50 m (160 ft) high, the Coaticook Canyon Bridge at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is one of the longest suspension footbridges in North America and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Eastern Townships. For several years, the Parc de la… Read More…


New Products

  • Liteline ORBIT 2″ Gimbal Recessed Fixture

    The ORBIT is a 5 watt 2″ gimbal recessed light fixture for retrofit applications, with 360° rotation and 80° tilt. It is a high-performance, easy to install downlight solution that offers good light output, energy-efficiency and streamlined design. Suitable for wet locations and ideal for vaulted ceiling and soffit installations. BodyDurable aluminum body with 360°… Read More…

  • Acclaim Lighting Introduces All-Weather Terra Drum with Multiple Color Options

    Acclaim Lighting introduces the Terra Drum series, rugged, all-weather inground, drive-over ready rated fixtures designed for recessed façade and tree lighting applications.  Available in 15-, 30- and 60-watt versions, Terra Drums have a drive-over rating of up to 6,000 lbs. (2,721kg). They are offered in 2400K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, Dynamic White (2700K-6000K), Quad Spectrum… Read More…