Chinese manufacturer, EXC Technology, claims to have surpassed the 250 lumens per watt (lm/W) efficiency barrier—a significant milestone in the pursuit of more energy-efficient outdoor lighting. The company, based in Shenzhen, unveiled its MYS4C/MLS6C module, reporting a luminous efficacy of 250.5 lm/W.
EXC attributes this high efficiency to a combination of advanced optical design, high-quality LED chips, and precision manufacturing processes. These factors collectively aim to maximize light output while minimizing energy consumption. The module is constructed with a high-pressure die-cast aluminum alloy, which is likely chosen for its thermal management properties, and is rated IP66 for water and dust resistance. The product has a color temperature of 5700K, and a nominal rated life of 50,000 hours.
Despite the impressive headline figure, there is some ambiguity regarding the conditions under which the 250.5 lm/W metric was measured. It remains unclear whether this figure refers to the performance of the LED chips alone or the light engine, which would include the effects of lenses, optics, and drivers. Such details are critical, as laboratory measurements of “cold” LEDs—when the module is not yet warmed up—can yield higher efficacy than real-world, in-luminaire conditions, where heat and system losses typically reduce performance. Historically, achieving 250 lm/W has been possible in ideal laboratory settings, but real-world efficacy tends to be lower due to these factors.
The theoretical maximum efficacy for white light LEDs is estimated to be between 250 and 350 lm/W, depending on the spectral composition. This places EXC’s reported achievement near the lower end of the theoretical limit, highlighting the significance of the claim but also the need for independent verification and clarity on testing methodology.
Another Chinese company, Sansi, recently announced a new generation of sustainable streetlights with a rated efficacy exceeding 200 lm/W and a lifespan of 100,000 hours. Sansi is noted for its ceramic-on-chip LED modules, which reportedly maintain 85% of their luminous flux over their operational life. The company claims to have perfected this technology by eliminating traditional printed-circuit-board layers, thereby reducing thermal resistance and achieving 30% faster heat dissipation. Sansi’s lifetime claims have been certified by China’s National Lighting Quality Inspection Center, lending some credibility to their assertions.
These advancements signal continued progression in LED street lighting technology, with implications for energy savings, carbon reduction, and municipal operating costs. If such high efficacy levels are validated in real-world applications, cities could achieve significant reductions in electricity consumption and maintenance requirements. However, transparency in reporting performance metrics and third-party validation are necessary to ensure that laboratory results translate into practical benefits.
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Image: exclighting.com
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