Thermal simulation and validation of 5W high power LED luminaire

This paper presents initial studies on thermal heat dissipation in a high-power 5W LED (Light Emitting Diode) luminaire. Two types of heat sinks are proposed, and three thermal simulations are presented through an analysis by finite element methods (FEM). The first simulation considers a luminaire consisting of a confinement, a LED, and a star shaped heat sink base attached. The second simulation proposes an external heat sink. The third simulation proposes a new heat sink model. From the results, it was possible to design and build a prototype and test different cooling structures and heat dissipation issued by the LED. The results of experimental tests that were held with and without external heat sink are matched with simulation results. The major goal of this study is to know the thermal management of LED luminaires by simulation, in order to optimize geometry, material, and LED layout in a luminaire.