Search  
DOE Pulse
  • Number 320  |
  • September 13, 2010

Graphite foam cools LED lights

Graphite foam can reduce operating temperatures of LED lights, thus extending their service life.

Graphite foam can reduce
operating temperatures of
LED lights, thus extending
their service life.

Technology developed at DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory that extends the life of light-emitting diode lamps has been licensed to LED North America. The company intends to use the graphite foam to passively cool components in LED lamps, which are increasingly in demand in applications such as street lights and parking garage lighting.

Cooling LED lamps is critical to increasing their efficiency, considering that each 10-degree decrease in temperature can double the life of the lighting components. Using graphite foam, which has excellent thermal conductivity properties, to more efficiently manage the heat of LEDs could help extend the lamp's lifespan and lower its price, making the lamps more attractive to a broader consumer base.

[Morgan McCorkle, 865.574.7308,
mccorkleml@ornl.gov]