NICHIA Introduces High-Power 1800K LED as Industry’s Only True Alternative to High Pressure Sodium Lamps

NICHIA, the world’s largest LED manufacturer and inventor of the high-brightness blue and white LEDs, announces its 219F series of high-power LEDs, uniquely positioned as a true alternative to High Pressure Sodium lamps (hereinafter abbreviated as HPS). Global efforts to phase-out the use of HPS continue to be met with a resistance to using white LED replacements. Due to this lack of a viable and sustainable alternative, HPS have remained exempt from the list of banned products under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, meaning HPS remains ubiquitous. With the introduction of the 219F, NICHIA becomes the first LED manufacturer to provide that alternative. NVSW219F eradicates mercury but increases efficiency and lifetime, with a low (1800K) correlated color temperature output that works with HPS to retain the element of ‘nostalgic landscape’ lighting, making it a true alternative.

Existing LED solutions fail to meet the light profile demanded by applications currently serviced by HPS. This typically requires a light level with a low correlated color temperature (CCT) of 1800K to recreate the ‘nostalgic landscape’ effect typified by HPS. NICHIA has developed the 219F at 1800K/CRI 70 to address this, with technology that can meet the CCT and color rendering index (Ra) required for street lighting applications and lighting for parks and other outdoor areas.

Figure: Comparison of the emission color

NICHIA’s newest technology brings plenty of benefits in addition to the color matching with HPS. The color rendering index (CRI) of the 219F is higher than HPS, increasing it from less than 5, by NICHIA measurement, to over 70, which enhances the natural colors of a city vs. the monotone rendering with HPS. The ability to generate a true color landscape delivers comfortable and bright lighting while retaining nostalgic and/or elegant atmosphere. This is also conducive to security applications as it helps to distinguish the color of clothes, cars and buildings under the street lighting. Also, LEDs allow 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, LEDs, controls and sensors can allow for intermediate light levels with instant-on or full brightness when motion is detected. This is not possible to achieve by HPS, and is a significant advantage that LED lighting can offer. Lower glare, with a subsequently reduced impact on people, flora and fauna, less blue-light emissions, reduced light pollution, these are also merit driven by 219F/1800K/CRI 70. Needless to say, LEDs help to achieve mercury-free replacement and offer longer lifetime. The 219F 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 color matching tests,” said Yuji Itsuki, General Manager of Marketing, NICHIA.

“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.”
–Yuji Itsuki, General Manager of Marketing, NICHIA

Figure: Comparison of Color Rendering (CRI). Daylight (left), High Pressure Sodium lamps (centre), 219F/1800K/CRI 70 (right).
Note: NVSW219F is merely Nichia’s part number.

NICHIA offers 1800K as an excellent recommendation for HPS replacement but provides other lower CCT options as well. With four lower CCT levels covering 2500K, 2200K, 2000K and 1800K, the 219F series meets all market requirements. To recreate the nostalgic landscape effect created by HPS, customers can select the 1800K model. Customers prioritizing power efficiency can select the 2500K model. To meet the guidelines of the Design Lights Consortium (DLC®), customers can select the 2200K model. If customers give an importance on HPS catalogue value, they can select 2000K.

NICHIA’s 219F series will be available in September. For additional information, customers can contact their local NICHIA office.

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