New high-power LED is a true alternative to high-pressure sodium lamps

NICHIA has released its 219F series of high-power LEDs, uniquely positioned as a real alternative to High-Pressure Sodium lamps (HPS). Global efforts to phase out the use of HPS continue to be met with resistance to adopting white LED replacements. With the introduction of the 219F, the company claims to be the first LED manufacturer to offer an alternative. The 219F removes mercury but improves efficiency and lifetime, with a low (1800K) correlated colour temperature output that works with HPS to maintain the element of ‘nostalgic landscape’ lighting, making it a true alternative.

The company's newest technology delivers plenty of benefits in addition to the color matching with HPS. The CRI of the LED is higher than HPS, increasing it from less than five, by its own measurement, to over 70, which improves the natural colours of a city vs the monotone rendering with HPS. The ability to generate a true colour landscape offers comfortable and bright lighting while keeping a nostalgic and elegant atmosphere. This is also helpful to security applications as it distinguishes the colour of clothes, cars and buildings under the street lighting. Also, LEDs provide for instantaneous on/off and output modulation or dimming controls. Enabling 'smart lighting' will lead to energy savings. For example, in areas of low pedestrian traffic, controls, LEDs, and sensors can provide for intermediate light levels with instant-on or full brightness when motion is identified. This is a significant advantage that LED lighting can provide. Lower glare, with a subsequently decreased impact on people, flora and fauna, lower blue-light emissions, diminished light pollution, are also merit driven by 219F/1800K/CRI 70. The devices can deliver up to 60,000 hours of operation, over twice the average of HPS (24,000 hours).

“People like the visual effect provided by HPS, creating what we call the ‘nostalgic landscape’. Existing LED technology finds it hard to replicate this. The measured CCT of HPS is 1800K, which only NICHIA has successfully recreated after various colour matching tests,” said Yuji Itsuki, general manager of Marketing, NICHIA. “That means the 219F is the only LED available today that can accurately match the CCT of HPS. This ability to blend LED and HPS without creating harsh variations is what really makes it the first in the industry to provide a true alternative.”