The application of a thermal bridge to increase light output of a T12 fluorescent fixture system

Abstract

Fluorescent lamps can lose 10-20% in light output and 5-10% in efficacy enclosed and thermally constricted multilamp fixtures. The authors present two thermal bridge concepts that increase the performance of a T12 lamp/fixture under typical operating conditions. The first bridge utilizes the conformable and convective properties of a liquid heat sink. The second bridge utilizes the semiridged and conductive properties of aluminum and copper. The results indicate that a potential 10-20% increase in light output can be maintained by applying a thermal bridge system to cool a small section of the lamp's surface. This corresponds to a recovery of 300-600 lumens per lamp. Additional advantages of using the thermal bridge systems are small size, minimal optical losses, no dust factor that is associated with vented fixture designs, and potentially low integration cost.<>