Initial Plans for my Multichip Build

[rillaboratories]

Let there be Light! I've been thoroughly enjoying reading about LED and read through countless threads but still need help on building my LED. My Plan is for a 4x100w multichip building.

Some concerns I have are:
1. For the heatsink, will the fan be on at all times, or will they only run when they reach a separate temperature
2. I have ample amount of ceiling space, and won't mind getting a larger passive heatsink, will it still be risky to use to cool these higher watt leds?
3. The system will consist of a dimmable driver, a potentiometer, and a switching power supply. I will most likely run it at 85-90% but if its not sufficient, can it be run at a higher wattage around 130-150?
4. I will most likely make each light independent. If I go with the fan, is it possible to make each independent housing, is it possible to connect the fan to the same power source as the light so I will have only one plug coming out of the pendent.
5. Last question of the day, how can I get that professional look of a fixture and not a diy project. will it be possible to replicate some of the designs below.

 

[perkint]

1. You're building it so it depends how you design it. If you put a temp probe on and control the fans using PWM and an arduino they can be off when cool and speed up as things get warmer.
2. You be fine with a bigger heat sink, but of any given profile, multiple heat sinks work better (ie cut a large heat sink in half and it works better!)
3. Generally if someone sells an LED as a 100W LED then that is its maximum (safe) power but it does depend on the actual LED specs.
4. Yes.
5. Build it into an old T5 housing or get custom cut acrylic to make a smart case for it.



Tim

 

[Nirvan]

I agree with perkint about the point 1. A PWM fan controlled by Arduino is the best solution.

 

[rillaboratories]

Perfect! Thanks for the input. I am unfamiliar with Arduino, and will do more reading. I was trying to keep the system simple yet overbuilt just in case of a consistent full spectrum multichip is more available, I will like to be able to just switch out the chip with little modifications.

I have decided to go with the active heatsink as the heatsink does come with a PWM fan. I will like to make each pendent plug and play with every part of the component in the housing. How will I wire the Fan to the same powersource. Here is an outline of what I'm trying to accomplish. The heatsink is the only things I will be using from this picture I will have to research the right drivers and powersource and make a custom housing after I figure out all the wiring.

 

[perkint]

Your fans and arduino will almost certainly need a different voltage to your LEDs so the easiest solution is a separate 12V supply with enough juice to run all the fans and the arduino and just wire them all in parallel to the 12V supply.

Arduino nanos are so cheap, you could put one in each light unit to prevent having another control box and running extra wires round...

Tim