CLO Constant Lumen Output: what it is and how it works

Published : 05/26/2022 10:00:00

The use of LED technology has introduced fundamental changes in the development of lighting applications, both in terms of energy savings and in terms of improved visual comfort. The luminous flux of LED diodes also decreases over time, and this slight degradation is relatively linear over the lifetime of the luminaire. To alleviate this unpleasant situation, CLO (Constant Lumen Output) has been developed, a technology that aims to compensate for light decay over time.

The Constant Lumen Output system works like a self-regulating sequence: by limiting the current in the initial phase and gradually increasing the amperage, programmed in advance, it is possible to maintain a constant and stable luminous flux. The more details we know about the components involved in the LED application (certifications, minimum luminous flux, etc.), the more accurate the final result will be, with positive consequences for both visual comfort and energy efficiency.



CLO - Constant Lumen Output - Il controllo intelligente del flusso luminoso LED



How does the CLO system work for LED lighting?



We have learned how LED luminaires using the CLO system can increase the environmental and economic optimisation and sustainability of lighting projects, but how does the Constant Lumen Output system work?

First of all, the concept of luminous flux decay should be clearly understood. The performance of LED diodes is at its peak when they are first used and tends to lose efficiency over time. If there are no mechanical problems or faults, the decay line is relatively stable and tends to decrease slowly and almost imperceptibly to the human eye. This occurs within an average long life cycle and usually the loss of 30% of the initial luminous flux is reached after about 100,000 hours of use.

The CLO system prevents this decay through intelligent power management. In the early stages of the LED body's service life, over-illumination is reduced, so that the luminaire is not operated at 100% power and the loss of light output is compensated for. This smart management enables significant energy savings to be made in the early stages of use, and these savings continue throughout the service life of the LED component. In subsequent life phases, the amperage is increased progressively, taking into account the technical characteristics of the LED components used and the requirements of the project.



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What are the advantages of using the CLO system?



The advantages of using the CLO system are considerable and are now considered to be an essential standard. Maintaining a constant and efficient light output over time is a fundamental requirement within lighting project configurations and for this reason minimum standards are set below which it is not possible to fall.

The latest generation of LED drivers allows smart control of the luminous flux intensity, achieving objectives such as:

  • Reduced maintenance and programming costs
  • Increased energy efficiency and reduced consumption
  • Less environmental impact and more sustainability
  • Efficient thermal management of LEDs with associated extension of service life
  • Improving visual comfort from a Human Centric Lighting perspective



The correct design of complex LED lighting systems is a complex and constantly evolving activity. Don't miss out on the development of new trends and technologies.



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