How to predict LED life?

Real-world issues: LED lights don't last as long as expected. Although LED lighting is known for its energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, long lifespan, ease of control, and low maintenance, it's ironic that many people still complain about their short life. In reality, the power supply or driver often becomes the weak link, causing the entire LED system to fail prematurely. This not only undermines the promise of "longevity," but also increases maintenance and usage costs significantly. Additionally, inefficient power supplies can reduce the overall energy conversion efficiency of LED systems, making them less effective than expected. Poor current regulation can also affect light quality, diminishing the environmental benefits of LED lighting and even affecting its market acceptance.

So, how can we predict the lifespan of an LED? Everything has a beginning, a development stage, and an end. While LEDs have a much longer lifespan compared to traditional light sources, they are not immune to aging. In the early days, LEDs were mostly used in small devices like flashlights or desk lamps, where the lifespan wasn't a major concern. However, with the increasing use of high-power LEDs in outdoor and indoor lighting—especially in street lamps—the issue of longevity has become more critical. Theoretically, LEDs can last up to 100,000 hours, but in practice, this is often not the case. So what's the real problem?

Assuming the power supply and driver are functioning properly, the lifespan of an LED is primarily determined by its light output degradation. Over time, the brightness gradually decreases until it eventually fades out. The industry typically defines the lifespan of an LED as the point at which the light output drops by 30%. Understanding and predicting this decay is crucial for ensuring the reliability and cost-effectiveness of LED lighting systems.