Power supplies – A division according to the operation and usage

2023-05-11

Power supply – one of the most important electrical device

The main task of a power supply is to adjust available voltage with regard to the supplied device. Therefore it is one of the key elements of every electrical circuit – efficient power supply without such a device would be impossible. When choosing a suitable product, one should pay attention to important parameters which, among others, are input voltage, power and current efficiency. Another important matter is also a way of how the power source works, as well as presence of the overload and overheating protection, or invalid current value. Power supplies can be divided into various groups with regard to their application and how they work.

Power supplies for LED

 

LED power supplies are used to supply power to the LED illumination systems. Power of the device should be matched with the circuit current demand – one should also remember to leave a certain power reserve (around 10%). Properly selected model allows efficient operation of the installation without the power loss. In case of outdoor application one has to pay attention to the IP rating – IP number allows one to estimate the protection level from dust, water and access to dangerous parts.

 

Constant voltage power supplies

Among available power sources for LED modules, one can find switched-mode power supplies as well as constant voltage ones. The second kind finds application in LED strip lights and LED power strips, which thanks to their embedded components automatically control current value. It is a very important matter, because inadequate parameters could cause damage to the diodes.

When choosing constant voltage power supplies for LED modules, it is worth betting on reliable brands such as MeanWell or Powertronic, dedicated to specialised applications. The power of this type of products can range from 18 to 100 watts, output voltage on the other hand usually stands at 12V or 24V. Operation temperature range is usually pretty high – the most durable models provide suitable operation from −30°C to +75°C. It is also worth to pay attention to the performance of the selected product, that is a ratio between output power and power from the outlet – the most efficient power supplies offer performance at a 80% level.

Switched-mode power supplies

Switched-mode power supplies with regard to their construction are a bit more complicated, this is caused by the presence of a converter in the circuit. Models in this group are characterised by short current loss resistance, very high performance and additional short-circuit protection. Power range of these products is higher than in case of constant voltage power supplies – it can range from 6W up to even 1000W. Similarly in case of the output voltage, it ranges from 5V to 36V.

Modular power supplies

LED modular power supplies also enjoy a considerable popularity, they are characterised by a stable output voltage and reliability. This type of products are, among others, power supplies in ultra-thin or miniature versions, which can be mounted in a hidden place without a problem. Models from this category often utilise specially designed housings, which enable cooling by free air circulation.

LED current power supplies

Current power supplies are also called constant current power supplies. They are mainly used in installations, such as single luminaires which are not equipped with components responsible for the current regulation. Working parameters of current power supplies should be therefore ideally matched with the given application. Products from this category are characterised by a considerable efficiency, output voltage is in this case referred to as a range, for example 9V~34V.

 

Power supplies for DIN rail – proven solutions for industry and more

With regard to their high power and performance, power supplies for DIN rail are used in various industry branches. Considerable level of protection from the outdoor conditions is also an important feature. This type of products, among others, are constant voltage power supplies – 12V value will work in case of standard devices, 24V value on the other hand is a suitable choice for industrial installations.

One of the most valued power supplies and other solutions for numerous industry branches supplier is the Mornsun company. Mornsun offers, among others, switched-mode power supplies which stand out in high power, excellent performance and embedded protection – thanks to its characteristics, they find usage in LED modules power supply as well as in other installations. Apart from general usage power supplies (both in housing and for DIN rail mounting), Mornsun offer also includes AC/DC and DC/DC power supplies dedicated to specific branches, such as photovoltaics, mining, railway industry, medicine or power engineering. There are also numerous variants of power supplies for PCB mounting, which will allow you to construct bigger units by yourself.

Plug-in and desktop power supplies

Plug-in and desktop power supplies constitute another category of power supplies, which allow easy connection to the supplied device with the use of a standard 230V outlet. It is a suitable solution when it comes to simple LED lighting installations, as well as working with various kinds of devices of everyday usage – among others, routers, printers, personal computers or surveillance cameras.

Open-frame power supplies

Open-frame type of power supplies are characterised by considerable versatility, thanks to which they find usage in, for example, automation. They are destined for installation – thanks to it, models with small dimensions can be mounted inside LED lamps housing. These kinds of products offer protection from overload and short-circuit, and their power consumption with low load stands at a minimum level.

 

 

                                                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

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