Sep 14 2009
Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that it has developed a new thermal management material that improves energy efficiency of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are increasingly being used in applications such as street lamps, automotive lighting, flat panel TV displays and computer monitors.
The new product, called Honeywell LTM6300-SP, is a thermal interface material that highly effectively transfers heat generated by LED lamps. As LEDs become smaller, faster and more powerful, more heat is being generated in a confined space, which can threaten to damage the LEDs' performance. If LEDs overheat, they become dim, their color is muted and their lifespans are shortened.
Because LEDs are semiconductor devices, they require more precise heat management than traditional light sources. Honeywell's thermal management materials are designed to meet this specific challenge, helping to effectively transfer heat in semiconductor applications.
"Honeywell is committed to energy efficiency technology, and this newly developed thermal management material, which enhances the performance of energy efficient LEDs, is another example of our commitment," said Brian Daniels, Chief Technology Officer for Honeywell Electronic Materials. "LTM6300-SP is the first in a series of HEM phase change materials being developed for the growing LED segment."
LTM6300-SP was designed for LED backlights for flat panel displays, but the packaging technology can be also implemented in LEDs used in a wide range of industries, from automobiles to computers. Honeywell LTM6300-SP is a high-thermal-performance phase change material that is superior to silicone-based products, which typically pump out and degrade at high temperatures.
The lighting industry has evolved from incandescent bulbs toward more energy-efficient options such as fluorescent bulbs and LEDs. Demand for LEDs is growing because they have several benefits over traditional light sources, such as lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, and smaller size. They also produce more light per watt than incandescent bulbs, are more durable and faster, and are mercury-free. When used instead of traditional light sources, LEDs also reduce pollution and carbon footprint because they demand less power, which translates into energy savings that result in lower carbon dioxide and mercury emissions.
The phase change material is based on Honeywell's packaging expertise in thermal management. Honeywell LTM6300-SP is designed to be used mainly as a screen printable paste and complements Honeywell's other thermal interface products.