With the major trends of smart technology and energy conservation, the commercial lighting market is evolving rapidly, particularly in dimming control, where many innovative ideas are emerging. Denny Hu, Vice President of MEAN WELL (Guangzhou), pointed out that while the core function of lighting remains to illuminate, the demand for how to illuminate and how to manage lighting systems has gradually surfaced. In particular, smart control has become the primary trend in commercial lighting technology today. At the 2024 Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), MEAN WELL will showcase its comprehensive solutions in the lighting sector.
Photo: The new compact indoor LED power supplies from MEAN WELL - XLN and XLC series feature dual insulation and Class II/2 design, suitable for indoor lighting or commercial lighting equipment.
Credit: Mean Well
Hu stated that MEAN WELL's highlight at this event will be the new generation of LED drivers in the XLN/XLC series, which fully reflects the company's precise understanding of market needs. The XLN series features a cable-output design with fully potted, waterproof construction, meeting the IP67 waterproof standard. The XLC series, on the other hand, adopts a terminal-output design with tool-free terminals, allowing operators to insert bare wires directly into the terminal slots without the need for tools like screwdrivers, greatly simplifying the installation process.
The XLN and XLC series suit indoor and commercial lighting applications, meeting high luminous efficiency and safety standards. Their compact design suits them well-suited for digital lighting and smart lighting control applications. They support a full voltage input range of 100–305V AC and come with comprehensive safety certifications. In terms of standards, the XLN/XLC series supports various wired and wireless dimming control standards, including 3-in-1 (0–10V/PWM/resistance), DALI-2, KNX, and Matter, facilitating seamless integration with smart control solutions. The minimum dimming brightness level can reach 0.1%, ensuring high-quality, comfortable dimming effects. The newly added NFC setting lets users quickly adjust output current levels via a mobile app, enhancing product flexibility and convenience.
Hu noted that MEAN WELL has been deeply involved in the LED lighting industry for many years, evolving from a provider of standalone LED drivers to offering one-stop smart lighting system solutions. For example, in the DALI system solutions, MEAN WELL has launched the distinctive DALI-2 digital lighting master controller DLC-02, which can be integrated with DALI-2-certified peripheral products. The DALI models of the XLN and XLC series are perfectly paired with the DLC-02, enabling smart and user-friendly adjustments across various scenarios.
In addition to the new XLN/XLC series products, MEAN WELL will also showcase many popular LED driver series and high-voltage centralized DC power supply solutions, including the XLG, ELG, HLG, HVG, XBG, and ERP metal-case LED drivers, as well as the PWM, LPF, and SLD series plastic-case LED drivers. MEAN WELL's solutions are based on the DC house concept regarding high-voltage centralized power supplies. Tony Hsieh, Section Manager of MEAN WELL's Technical Service Center explained that DC house is an innovative architectural concept designed to enhance energy efficiency and integrate renewable energy. It employs a high-voltage centralized DC power system, integrating rooftop solar panels and battery storage. This solution can directly supply DC power for LED lighting, home appliances, and electric vehicle charging, reducing power conversion losses while integrating with smart building automation systems for efficient energy management.
Photo: DC centralized bus lighting solutions.
Credit: Mean Well
He further noted that high-voltage centralized power supplies can significantly simplify system architectures, enhance reliability, and improve energy conversion efficiency. This makes it highly suitable for companies aiming to promote energy-saving and carbon reduction. MEAN WELL's high-voltage centralized power solutions are already in use at the Suzhou MEAN WELL Smart Park, with plans for broader adoption in new factories and overseas offices in the future. Additionally, the solution has strong development potential for large outdoor environments such as tunnel and bridge lighting. Although these applications are still in the conceptual phase, MEAN WELL is actively exploring their feasibility.
In addition to individual products, the lighting fair will also showcase MEAN WELL's one-stop lighting solutions, which the company has focused on in recent years. These solutions integrate LED drivers, control switches, panels, and MEAN WELL's independently developed smart lighting software, enabling a quick response to customer needs. Hsieh emphasized that the company's software team continues to optimize and upgrade to ensure that customers receive the latest and most suitable lighting control features. Moreover, this combination of hardware and software can reduce energy consumption by 20–30%, meeting customers' energy-saving requirements.
The Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will showcase MEAN WELL's comprehensive approach and innovative capabilities in the lighting sector. From the new generation of LED drivers to cutting-edge high-voltage centralized power products and one-stop lighting solutions, MEAN WELL demonstrates its accurate understanding and proactive response to industry trends. Hu concluded by stating that as the commercial lighting market continues to move toward smart technology and energy efficiency, MEAN WELL will further expand its technological R&D, offering users an exceptional lighting experience through innovative, efficient, and reliable products and services.
Follow MEAN WELL's Virtual Expo, LinkedIn account, and YouTube channel for the latest product information if you cannot visit the 2023 Hong Kong International Lighting Fair Autumn Edition.