The extensive data sheets of Mean Well LED drivers can easily unsettle inexperienced users. Which possibilities are available, LED modules to be wired with drivers we've already treated. In this article we will show which criteria are especially important when we configure LED system.
Constant Voltage, Constant Current, Constant Power
The functional principle of an LED driver is based on one of three parameters: voltage, current or power. Therefore, the Mean Well portfolio also differentiates between Constant voltage LED power supplies (CV), Constant current LED Drivers (CC) and Constant power (CP) variants.
Mean Well Driver Series ELG, HLG, XLG and LCM
The Mean Well ELG and HLG series offer mainly CV and CC models, while the XLG series consists of CP and CV power supplies. The Mean Well LCM series is a special type of power supply for low constant current applications. With this type, the constant current can be adjusted in steps.
There are numerous other series of Mean Well, which are mostly designed for very special applications. Therefore, in this overview we will concentrate on these four LED driver series, which are used particularly frequently in the horticulture sector
Mean Well ELG-240 data sheet
As an example we look at the Data sheet of the ELG-240 on.
This model exemplifies the variants with constant voltage and constant current (CV+CC).
The ELG series are high-quality LED power supplies with up to 240 W. The manufacturer promises more than 50.000 hours lifetime under normal conditions and offers a 5 years warranty.
Model variant - manufacturer part number
To differentiate between different variants, Mean Well divides the part number into series, specified output power, voltage and a suffix for the available control and dimming options.
Dimmable mean well drivers
We are primarily interested in the normal, dimmable variants A, B and AB. Thanks to the 3-in-1 dimming function, various dimmers and control units can be connected to the corresponding connections of the B and AB variants. E.g. a resistance dimmer (potentiometer) or also the analogue outputs of CresControl.
With the A-version the current can only be adjusted from 50-100% by operating the potentiometer built into the housing with a screwdriver.
CV and CC - mixed mode
As with the HLG series, the standard version of the ELG driver also has a CV and CC "mixed mode". This means that the driver can be controlled via
- a variable output voltage and
- a variable output current
decrees. As soon as one of the two set values (by the forward voltage or the resulting forward current of the connected LEDs) is reached, the driver starts to hold it.
With its relatively high current and low voltage, the standard version with CV + CC is mainly suitable for LED modules connected in parallel. Only LED modules of the same type may be connected in parallel.
Practical benefit:
- CVThe 24V model of the ELG-240 can supply up to 10A, for example. The drivers can therefore be used as power supply for DC-DC LED drivers.
- CCThe same power supply unit can also supply a constant current between 5 and 10 A in the range of 12-24V (Constant Current Region). The output voltage corresponds to the forward voltage of the connected LEDs.
When connecting LEDs the driver will therefore apply the voltage that drops across the LEDs at the set current as long as it is within the constant current range of 12-24 V.
In addition, the voltage can also be adjusted in the range of 22.4-25.6 V, about DC-DC LED drivers ...to take care of.
Conclusion ELG-240-24
The ELG-240-24 can only output 240W in an LED system under ideal conditions. The prerequisite for this is that at the connected LEDs at 10A exactly 24V fall. Every Volt less results in 10 Watt less maximum power of the LED system.
Mean Well HLG-480H-C data sheet
Here are excerpts from the Data sheet of the HLG-480H-C.
This model is an example of the HLG series. It is also a representative for the constant current (CC) versions of the ELG and HLG LED drivers.
The HLG series is the spearhead of the LED driver range. There are versions with up to 600 Watt, the pure CC-version is available with up to 480 Watt. The manufacturer promises more than 62.000 hours lifetime under normal conditions and offers a 7 years warranty.
The manufacturer's part number for the HLG-C drivers contains the power, the specified output current and again the suffix for the dimming or control function.
Constant current LED driver with high output voltage
The Mean Well constant current power supplies for LEDs can drive constant current in a relatively wide output voltage range. This is ideal for wiring numerous LED modules in series. Series connection is generally recommended for LEDs, especially when combining different module types it is mandatory.
Important information on connection to the power supply system
Especially important for larger LED systems: how high is the power requirement? Because the electrical installation should be designed for this. This includes the fuses and distribution systems used.
Efficiency
The power dissipation can be calculated by taking the difference in efficiency to 100% and multiplying this value by the operating power of the LEDs.
In the example of the HLG-480H-C, at full load, the following therefore apply (100-95%) * 480 W = 24W power dissipation. The LED driver will then consume 504 watts at the socket at maximum load.
Conclusion HLG-480H-C
The HLG-480H-C is the top representative of the HLG series with pure constant current. We like to use it for highly efficient setups with FLUXengines and FLUXstrips. The 2100 mA version can be used for 10-11 FLUXengines can be used.
Mean Well XLG-240 data sheet
The XLG series is characterized by its constant power principle. Based on this datasheet we explain the new mode.
The innovative thing about the new XLG LED drivers is their mode of operation, which allows operation at constant power (e.g. specified power). The driver dynamically adapts the output voltage and current to the forward voltage of the LEDs, e.g. to always reach the full 240W.
Constant power LED driver with different voltage ranges
With the XLG series, in addition to the performance rating, a
- L for low currents (high voltage)
- M for medium currents
- H for higher currents (lower voltage)
specified.
For some power levels not all of the variants are available.
The last letter of the part number again describes the dimming and control input.
The Mean Well constant current power supplies for LEDs can drive constant current in a relatively wide output voltage range. This is ideal for wiring numerous LED modules in series. Series connection is generally recommended for LEDs, especially when combining different module types it is mandatory.
Recommended performance range for XLG drivers
The LED drivers of the XLG series have a recommended power range, which is shown in the graph as an area:
The right limit of the range indicates the maximum current at the respective forward voltage of the LED modules. This means that the XLG-240 can be driven between 114V and 171V always at the maximum power of 240W.
Operation below 114 V is possible, but the power is then limited by the maximum current of 2100 mA. However, the driver should not be operated below 90 V forward voltage.
Conclusion XLG-240-M
With the constant power operation of the XLG drivers, LED systems can always be fully utilized.
While conventional constant current LED drivers require the highest possible forward voltage of the LED system to achieve the specified power, constant power LED drivers can dynamically adjust the output current within a wide voltage range.
In practice this means:
- No change in performance due to temperature-related voltage fluctuations
- Upgradeability: depending on the utilization of the available maximum voltage, LED modules can be added or removed to optimize the system. With the XLG-240-M, for example, it would be conceivable to start with five FLUXengine modules and even expand to eight modules in series if required.
Mean Well LCM-25 data sheet
The Mean Well LCM-25 is a general purpose solution for small LED setups. Here you can find the data sheet.
The LCM-25 is particularly flexible in use, as it is possible to set a constant current manually. In addition, the well-known dimming possibilities are of course on board.
Constant current adjustable in steps
The constant current is adjustable in six steps: 350, 500, 600, 700, 900 and 1050 mA. This feature is ideal for high power LEDs, which are usually rated at 1000 mA.
In combination with a very low requirement regarding the minimum forward voltage of the LEDs (only 6V!), this driver type is especially suitable for small setups with APEX engines.
LCM driver - set current with dip switches
To set the desired current, remove the blue cover and set the switches marked in the diagram to "ON". From factory the current is set to 700 mA, which is basically an ideal value for APEXengines.
Conclusion LCM-25
With forward voltages below 25V and low currents, the LCM-25 can show its strengths to the full. This driver model is therefore particularly suitable for setups with 1 - 4 APEXengines.
However, the high flexibility also has its price. You have to do without a metal housing and IP protection class. The manufacturer's warranty and efficiency values are lower than for the above-mentioned series with metal housing.
With its good price/performance ratio and its range of functions, the LCM-25 is nevertheless the best (and only) choice for equipping smaller setups with dimmable and controllable spectrum boosters.
