US Develops Graphite Foaming Technology to Help Cool LED Lights

James Klett, a researcher at the Department of Materials Science and Technology at Oak Ridge National Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, invented a technology called graphite foaming. Using this technology, graphite foam material can be obtained, which helps cool light-emitting diode (LED) lights, allowing more effective control of their heat, thereby extending their lifespan and reducing costs.

Klett said: "While the (graphite foaming) technology reduces costs for light-emitting diode lighting systems, stabilizes them and extends their lifespan, it can replace the replacement and maintenance expenses of ordinary lighting equipment, saving cities millions of dollars annually." He hopes graphite foaming technology can save expenses for customers.

Compared with traditional cooling materials such as metallic copper and metallic aluminum, the graphite foam made by the new technology has multiple advantages, such as high thermal conductivity, light weight and ease of processing. These features give graphite foam material better design adaptability, making it a lighter, cheaper and more efficient cooling material for light-emitting diode lighting.

　　It is reported that the special graphite crystal structure of graphite foam is the key to its excellent thermal conductivity. The "skeleton" of the crystal structure is filled with air pockets. Compared with graphite, graphite foam has a density of only 25% of that of graphite, making it relatively light in weight. The unique network of ligaments in graphite foam can quickly dissipate heat from the heat source, making it an ideal cooling material.

　　As the premier energy-saving lighting product, LED lighting has been increasingly utilized due to its low energy consumption, compactness, and long average lifespan. Its application demand in areas such as street lighting and parking lot lighting is also continuously rising.

　　LED North America specializes in providing LED lighting products for applications in urban, commercial, and industrial sectors. To continuously improve the performance of LED lighting and ensure a favorable position in long-term competition with rivals, the company recently signed a graphite foaming technology cooperation agreement with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, obtaining the rights to use this technology. The company plans to use this technology to produce graphite foam and use it to help dissipate heat from LED lighting components through passive cooling.

　　LED North America is located within an experimental incubator base called "Technology 2020" at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the company has established a good relationship with the laboratory. One of the company's founders, Andrew Williams, stated that being neighbors with Oak Ridge National Laboratory allows the company and the laboratory's researchers to collaborate more conveniently and closely to refine graphite foam materials and LED lighting.