How To Address Heat Dissipation Issues In LED Displays

When using LED displays for extended periods, it is inevitable that the screen will generate heat. Improving heat dissipation can extend the lifespan of LED displays.

The fundamental reason for heat generation in LED displays is their inability to convert 100% of electrical energy into light energy.

For high-quality LED display, the electro-optical conversion efficiency is typically between 20% and 40%. This means that more than 60%, and even as much as 80%, of the electrical energy is ultimately converted into heat. This is the root cause of the heat generated by LED displays.

The heat sources for LED displays include the LED lamp, driver chip (IC) and circuitry, and the power supply.

1.Heat from LED lamp

1）Heat loss in a PN junction occurs because, at a semiconductor PN junction, current-driven electron recombination does not completely generate photons.

Some energy is directly converted into heat due to junction resistance and non-radiative recombination, leading to an increase in the core junction temperature.

2）Heat loss of phosphors: For white LEDs, there is an unavoidable energy loss during the excitation of phosphors by the blue light chip.

This energy difference is also dissipated as heat through the phosphors.

2.Heat from driver chip (IC) and circuitry

1)  The higher the screen resolution and refresh rate, the greater the load on the driver IC and the more severe the heat generation.

2）Heat from PCB board circuit resistance

3）The tens of thousands of copper foil traces on a PCB can generate heat from tiny resistances that accumulate into a significant amount.

3.Heat from power supply

 

Therefore, we can understand the serious consequences of overheating, which will lead to accelerated light decay, color distortion, decreased stability, and a sharp reduction in lifespan of LED displays.

To address the heat dissipation (generate heat )by LED displays, we can adopt these approaches:

I. Optimize the Heat Dissipation System

Improve Heat Dissipation Design: Employ high-efficiency heat dissipation materials and structures, such as filling the contact surface between the chip and the heat sink with thermally conductive adhesive to improve heat conduction efficiency.

Increase Heat Dissipation Area: Optimize the heat sink design to expand its effective heat dissipation surface area, thereby accelerating heat dissipation.

Add Heat Dissipation Components: Properly configure active or passive heat dissipation components such as cooling fans and heat sinks to enhance the overall heat dissipation capacity of the system.

II. Control the Operating Environment

Ensure Good Ventilation: Install the display screen in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled environment, avoiding adverse conditions such as high temperature and high humidity.

Perform Regular Cleaning: Keep key components such as heat dissipation vents and fans clean to prevent dust accumulation from affecting heat dissipation.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight or other external heat sources during installation to reduce additional heat load.

III. Implement Regular Maintenance

Check Power Supply Status: Regularly check whether the power connection is secure and the voltage is stable, and eliminate abnormal overheating caused by power supply problems.

Perform preventative maintenance: Once signs of a malfunction are detected, they should be investigated and repaired promptly to prevent localized problems from escalating into systemic failures.

Adjust the load appropriately: In cases of severe overheating that cannot be immediately resolved, the screen brightness or refresh rate can be appropriately reduced to control heat output.