Cob heatsink

Types of COB Heatsink

A COB heatsink is a device used to dissipate heat from LED chips. It provides a critical function for LED lighting systems by ensuring that the temperature of the LED chip is kept at a minimum. This ensures that the lighting operates efficiently and has a longer lifespan. The COB (Chip-on-Board) technology integrates multiple LED chips into a single module, and the heatsink plays an important role in thermal management.

COB heatsinks come in different forms, including passive, active, and integrated heatsinks.

• Passive Heatsink

  A passive heatsink is a device that transfers LED light's heat to the surrounding air without using fans. It uses natural convection to cool the LED chip. Passive heatsinks are often used in smaller LED lighting applications because they are simple and don't need any extra power sources.

• Active Heatsink

  Active heatsink is a device that removes heat from the LED chip through forced convection. It uses a fan to blow air over the heatsink, which cools the LED chip more effectively than passive heatsinks. Active heatsinks are often used in high-power LED lighting applications where a lot of cooling is needed.

• Integrated Heatsink

  An integrated heatsink combines a COB LED chip with a heatsink in a single unit. This heatsink is designed for specific lighting applications, so it cools the LED chip very effectively. However, integrated heatsinks are less flexible than other heatsink types because they are made for particular uses.

• Aluminum Extrusion Heatsink

  This is a common type of heatsink used for COB LEDs. It is made of aluminum and is light and cheap. The design of aluminum heatsinks allows them to dissipate heat well. They have fins that increase the surface area and allow heat to transfer to the air easily.

• Graphene Heatsink

  This heatsink is made from graphene, a very thin material with high thermal conductivity. The graphene heatsink is light and transfers heat better than aluminum heatsinks. It can be used in small LED lighting applications where aluminum would be too heavy or where there is limited space.

• Heat Pipe Heatsink

  COB LED heatsinks with heat pipes circulate working fluids inside sealed tubes to transfer heat from the LED to cooler areas. These tubes have fluids that move the heat from one part to another. When the fluid gets hot, it changes to a gas, and then it moves to a cooler area where it condenses back to liquid, transferring the heat.

• Cold Plate Heatsink

  A cold plate heatsink has a thick metal base that can attach directly to the LED chip. The thick metal base spreads the heat over a large area. Then, the heat is transferred to the air or a liquid cooling system.

Function and features of COB heatsink

Heatsinks are essential in LED lighting. They ensure the lighting systems work efficiently and in a longer period. Some of the critical features of a COB heatsink include.

• High Thermal Conductivity

  Thermal conductivity is the ability of a material to transmit heat. A good LED heatsink should have high thermal conductivity. This allows heat to spread quickly from the LED chip to the environment. Metal with good thermal conductivity, such as copper and aluminum, are usually used in heatsinks.

• Large Surface Area

  A large surface area increases the amount of heat that can be dissipated into the environment. The surface area of the heatsink is extended by adding fins and other features. This allows air to circulate and cool the heatsink effectively.

• Lightweight

  The best COB heatsink for LED lighting systems should be light. This makes it easier to integrate into the lighting design. For this reason, aluminum is preferred over copper, even though copper has high thermal conductivity.

• Compact Design

  Sometimes, space is limited in certain lighting applications. For example, in recessed lighting or in small fixtures. A compact heatsink is needed in such cases. This can be achieved by using materials with high thermal conductivity or by optimizing the heatsink design.

• Durability

  Durability is an important feature of a heatsink. The material used in the construction of the heatsink should be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions. These may include high temperatures, humidity, and corrosion. This ensures that the heatsink provides continuous service for a long period. The most common materials used to manufacture heatsinks are aluminum and copper. They can withstand different environmental conditions.

• Easy to Manufacture and Customize

  The manufacturing process of the heatsink should be simple and inexpensive. This reduces the overall cost of production. The design of the heatsink should also be customizable to meet different customer requirements or adapt to new technologies.

Scenarios of COB Heatsink

COB LED heatsinks are used in various industries and applications. The following are some common uses:

• Lighting Fixtures

  COB LED technology is often used in lighting fixtures such as spotlights, downlights, and floodlights. Heatsinks help maintain the optimal operating temperature for LEDs in these lighting applications, ensuring high efficiency and sufficient brightness and extending the lifespan of the lights.

• Automotive Lighting

  COB LEDs with heatsinks are widely used for automotive lighting solutions, including taillights, brake lights, headlights, and fog lights. The heatsink dissipates heat generated by the LED chips, ensuring their reliability and improving their performance.

• Consumer Electronics

  Heatsinks for COB LEDs are commonly used in consumer electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The heatsink helps to keep the temperature of the LED lights within the optimal range, thus improving their reliability and efficiency.

• Specialty Lighting

  COB LED heatsinks are also used in specialty lighting applications such as architectural lighting, museum displays, and holographic lighting. The heatsink enables the LEDs to operate at the optimal temperature and provides high-quality light with minimal UV radiation.

• Outdoor Lighting

  COB LEDs and heatsinks are used in outdoor lighting applications, including streetlights, tunnel lights, and parking lot lights. The heatsink prolongs the lifespan of the COB LED and improves its efficiency, ensuring adequate illumination and safety.

• Healthcare

  COB LED heatsinks are used in medical lighting and devices, including surgical lights, examination lights, and phototherapy devices. The heatsink helps to maintain the optimal temperature of the LEDs, providing high-quality light for medical applications.

• Horticultural Lighting

  Heatsinks for COB LEDs are used in horticultural lighting systems to provide adequate illumination for plant growth. The heatsink helps to dissipate heat generated by the LED chips, thus ensuring their reliability and efficiency in greenhouse and indoor farming applications.

How to choose a cob heatsink

Choosing the right COB heatsink requires careful consideration of several factors. The size and shape of the LED chip, the power output, and the application for which it is intended are all important considerations when choosing a chip.

The LED manufacturer often provides a list of recommended heatsinks for specific LED chips. This list can be a valuable resource when choosing a heatsink, as it provides information on the performance and compatibility of different heatsinks. However, it is important to note that the recommended heatsinks may not be the only suitable options. Sometimes, other heatsinks may perform better, depending on the specific application.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a heatsink is thermal performance. The thermal resistance of the heatsink is a measure of its ability to dissipate heat. The lower the thermal resistance, the better the heatsink will be able to dissipate heat from the LED chip. Other factors include airflow, ambient temperature, and the material and design of the heatsink.

The material of the heatsink is also important. Aluminum is a popular choice because it is lightweight and has good thermal conductivity. Copper heatsinks are more effective at dissipating heat but are also heavier and more expensive. The design of the heatsink is important, too. For example, a finned design will provide more surface area for heat dissipation than a flat design.

In some cases, active cooling may be required. This can be achieved using a fan or a water-cooled system. Active cooling is usually only necessary when the LED chip produces a lot of heat and must be cooled to prevent damage.

Finally, it is important to consider the cost of the heatsink. While it is important to choose a heatsink that will perform well, it is also necessary to choose one that is within budget. Sometimes, a less expensive heatsink will perform just as well as a more expensive one, so it is worth shopping around and comparing options before making a purchase.

COB Heatsink Q & A

Q: What does a COB LED mean?

A: Chip On Board LEDs, or COB LEDs, refer to lighting technology in which multiple LED chips are mounted on a single board or substrate. This technology enables lighting products to provide higher brightness levels and greater efficacy.

Q: What does the term LED heatsink mean?

A: An LED heatsink is a component attached to an LED light to disperse heat and keep the light at a safe operating temperature. Without a proper heatsink, LED lights can overheat and become damaged.

Q: Why is a heatsink necessary for COB LEDs?

A: COB LEDs produce a lot of light in a concentrated area. With this concentration of light comes a concentration of heat as well. To ensure the longevity and proper functioning of the LED light, a heatsink is necessary to disperse this heat and keep the light at a safe temperature.

Q: What are the signs that an LED heatsink is not working properly?

A: If an LED cob heatsink is not functioning properly, the LED light may overheat and shut off intermittently. In some cases, the light may also produce a burning smell or flicker. Overheating can also lead to permanent damage or a reduced lifespan of the LED light.

Q: What materials are commonly used to make heatsinks?

A: Heatsinks are made from thermally conductive materials that can disperse heat efficiently. The two main materials used are aluminum and copper. While copper is more thermally conductive than aluminum, the former is lighter and more affordable. The choice of material depends on the specific application and performance requirements.