According to Migro, drivers run inefficient when theyre driving non-native numbers, im not sure how hard it is on the driver to have a dimmer but i still think the trade-off is worth it, especially if you have a high end fixture with 301b/h/evo diodes that you want to last as long as possible. Personally i do the exact thing you suggest in this video, i buy overpowered lights and dim them down, but mainly for heat control, i find the fixtures pump out way less heat this way.
Driver design has improved some. It still depends on the type of driver i.e. Higher Voltage drivers may not run well dimmed, older drivers have differing curves of efficiency depending on drive current. The fact remains as you said that lower drive current will make chips and fixtures last longer overall. The thermal management due to increased handling of heat from lower power is a great benefit if you need to reduce heat. I have found myself running heaters and humidifiers to optimize LED at certain stages. More control overall but that heat from HPS was actually good at cycling the HVAC and fans and keeping warmer leaf temps. Thanks for your feedback!
According to Migro, drivers run inefficient when theyre driving non-native numbers, im not sure how hard it is on the driver to have a dimmer but i still think the trade-off is worth it, especially if you have a high end fixture with 301b/h/evo diodes that you want to last as long as possible.
Personally i do the exact thing you suggest in this video, i buy overpowered lights and dim them down, but mainly for heat control, i find the fixtures pump out way less heat this way.
Driver design has improved some. It still depends on the type of driver i.e. Higher Voltage drivers may not run well dimmed, older drivers have differing curves of efficiency depending on drive current. The fact remains as you said that lower drive current will make chips and fixtures last longer overall. The thermal management due to increased handling of heat from lower power is a great benefit if you need to reduce heat. I have found myself running heaters and humidifiers to optimize LED at certain stages. More control overall but that heat from HPS was actually good at cycling the HVAC and fans and keeping warmer leaf temps. Thanks for your feedback!