Maintaining Optimum Light Output with a Thermally Conductive Heat Pipe
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Abstract
This paper describes some of the current research in the area of lamp wall temperature control for the purpose of enhancing light output under elevated temperatures. More specifically a thermally conductive heat pipe has been employed to maintain optimum lamp wall temperature under varied ambient temperatures. Advantages of a heat pipe over previous methods of enhancing light output include no external power necessary and flexibility in orientation within the fixture. The experiments described include the calibration of a heat pipe against a known thermal load, the application of a heat pipe to a lamp in a test chamber and the placement of a heat pipe within a fixture. Theory and experimental data indicate that optimum lamp operating conditions can be maintained throughout an ambient temperature range which typically reduces light output by 20%.