For each new development we have increased our understanding of light, providing the stimulus for new solutions which deliver good, energy efficient, lighting for humans. A lot of the new findings have forced us to learn and re-think what we knew during the years.
Compact fluorescent lamp
In mid-eighties there was a new light source on the market, the compact fluorescent lamp. Suddenly we were able to make energy efficient lighting with smaller dimensions such as downlights and wall luminaires. It was an intensive light source and there was a lot of light that had to be taken care of. This little light source could have a luminance (light intensity) up to 40.000 cd/m2! Basically we had the energy efficiency of a fluorescent tube in a miniature size. The new light source suddenly became an alternative to the traditional bulb in a lot of applications and led to a whole new range of stylish fittings.
Reflector technology
In the very first Pleiad downlighter that was released in mid-nineties we developed a symmetrical light distribution from a horizontally positioned lamp. Why horizontally? We simply wanted to keep the recess depth as low as possible since there often is a lack of space above the suspended ceiling. With a lot of engineering skills we designed a reflector with symmetrical light distribution with excellent cut-off from the horizontally positioned lamp! When others made cut-outs in the reflector for lamp switch we made a toggle solution for that in order to get the most light out of the Pleiad.
Electronic ballasts
In the early nineties we also got the electronic, high frequency ballasts resulting in increased energy efficiency and a flicker-free light! At Fagerhult our big issue was controlling the heat on the ballast since heat kills electronic devices. After some years we introduced our own policy regarding thermal control and stated that we should always have at least a 5 °C margin to the stated TC-point on electronics.
The t5 led to r5-louvre
Another good example of innovation is when the T5 fluorescent lamp entered the market in the mid-nineties, making many of the norms of T8 luminaires irrelevant. One aspect was that the T5 tube performed at the best at an ambient temperature of 35 °C instead of T8’s 25 °C. Next thing was to decide what we should do with all light and how we should control it? The luminance in cd/m2 values rose about 50 per cent and compared to the T8 there where issues with glare from the new, highly intense light source.
The answer was to design totally new double parabolic louvres that were not only glare-free but also provided higher efficiency to the luminaire. The solution consisted of side and cross reflectors where the cross blades were designed with a sealed top that reflected the light back into the side and top reflectors which minimised the light losses. The curved tops of the cross blades eliminated unwanted reflections on the side reflectors and gave a good mechanical cut off in all directions.
To maximise the light output out of the luminaire we also made the cross blades thinner and that itself made the light opening’s area approximately 4 percent larger, resulting in higher efficiency.
LED
LED revolutionised the lighting landscape; high light flows ensured superb efficiency and economy, with a lifespan of tens of thousands of hours.
From what was previously the domain of decorative accent lighting, LED technology evolved into a practical, general lighting option. To truly embrace the benefits of LED, and to address the demands it posed in issues of glare and heat management, required completely new solutions, rather than just changing the light source. The great challenge with LEDs is to keep glare within reasonable levels. It is not unusual that diodes and LED modules have a luminance (light intensity) of over 300.000 cd/m². In contrast, a standard T5 fluorescent tube has a luminance of 17.000 cd/m².
Again, we started from scratch, developing new luminaires specifically for LED, creating viable solutions across the whole spectrum of a lighting project.
LED’s greatest advantage is also its greatest challenge. Balancing efficiency with ergonomics. Combining good economy and lighting comfort. With our experience, lighting know-how and innovation we did just that.
Related News
Fagerhult sets new industry standard: switching to the latest LED technology
Fagerhult is setting a new standard in the lighting industry and switching to the latest LED technology in its luminaires. One outcome of this is that the operating time is being doubled from 50,000 to 100,000 hours. “We want to make it easy for our customers to make the right choice, both for their wallet and for the environment,” says Marcus Fagerlind, Technical Manager for Smart Lighting at Fagerhult. Fagerhult is now taking the next step in the evolution of lighting technology. Going forward, the luminaires will be supplied with the latest generation of LEDs featuring Flip Chip technology. For our customers, this means lighting that offers higher energy efficiency, lower energy consumption and superior light quality – while also doubling the operating time. “Flipped” technology Flip Chip is a premium-segment LED chip that is based on proven technology. The thing that sets Flip Chip apart from standard LEDs is its design. Image gallery: LED-chips Section: Flip chip headline “An LED chip is made up of several different layers of material that determine the light’s wavelength and properties. A traditional standard chip is built like a cake with multiple layers, which the light shines up through from the bottom. Electrodes are attached at the top of the ‘cake’ and connected via gold or silver wires. Since these contact surfaces are located at the top, they also block some of the light, which affects the light output and, consequently, energy efficiency. These metal wires are also subjected to ‘stress’ in the event of temperature changes, making them a potential source of failure that can affect the working life of the LED chip,” explains Marcus Fagerlind: Marcus Fagerlind, Technical Manager for Smart Lighting at Fagerhult, at the Experience Centre in Habo, where lighting solutions are explored and demonstrated. In a Flip Chip, the cake is simply turned upside down, with all the contact surfaces at the bottom of the chip. This allows the light to flow freely, and the chip operates more efficiently without interference. Placing the contact surfaces at the bottom also helps avoid potential sources of failure in the connecting wires. As a result, the Flip Chip technology delivers a product that is both more efficient and more robust. Significant energy savings Equipped with the latest generation of Flip Chip LEDs, Fagerhult’s luminaires will increase energy efficiency by 5–10 percent, depending on their previous configuration.An efficiency improvement of this magnitude naturally has a significant impact on energy consumption and operating costs, but also on the system’s climate impact.“In an uncertain world, with energy crises following hot on the heels of each other, it has become even more important to accelerate the green transition – and to ensure that energy efficiency, economic considerations and environmental concerns go hand in hand. Every kilowatt-hour counts,” says Marcus Fagerlind.The operating time is also being extended – from 50,000 hours to 100,000 hours. A doubling of the working life, in other words, which makes Fagerhult’s luminaires a safe and profitable investment for the future. All upgraded luminaires will also have a constant light output, providing secure, stable, high-quality light throughout their working life. Extended lifetime from 50,000 to 100,000 hours, with stable, high-quality light throughout. New industry standard The switch from standard LEDs to Flip Chip covers the majority of Fagerhult’s Indoor range. Luminaire models that already feature Flip Chip will be upgraded to the latest generation of Flip Chip, as will all models that were previously equipped with standard LEDs. This change can improve the energy efficiency of the luminaires and reduce electricity consumption, meaning that with a small amount of effort, it is possible to achieve a very big impact.That sounds like a major change, doesn't it? “Absolutely,” says Marcus Fagerlind: “But this approach – daring to take the lead and make the tough decisions needed to bring about change – is very much part of Fagerhult’s DNA. We have never compromised between ergonomics and energy efficiency, choosing instead to drive our innovation efforts to find new solutions. This is an obvious step we have to take, not least for the sake of the climate. We want to take our share of the responsibility. This ought to be the industry standard.” Platinan in Gothenburg features 12,800 luminaires in one of Fagerhult’s largest innovation projects - demonstrating how the latest LED chip technology supports improved light quality and energy efficiency. Does this mean that the luminaires will become more expensive?“That’s exactly the point. We don’t want our customers to have to choose between what’s good and what’s actually even better. We also don’t think they should have to choose between strong finances and climate considerations. The cost of the upgrade will not be passed on to customers in the form of more expensive luminaires, but will be financed through the logistical benefits that the change will bring. With our pricing model, our customers gain access to the latest technology – at the same price as before.”
Innovation in every fold – Wrapped exceeds in engineering brilliance
As sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, innovation must begin with the question: What if we did things differently? For Fagerhult’s R&D team, that question became the spark behind Wrapped, the world’s first pendant luminaire made of cardboard. Traditionally, pendant luminaires are built with metal frames, which is a durable, familiar, and safe method. But the team behind Wrapped wanted to explore another path. Together, they decided to find out if they could create a luminaire that not only performed at a premium level but with minimized environmental impact. After thorough consideration, Solid board – a renewable and recycled cardboard material that had previously only been used in hidden components – now plays the leading role. Wrapped is more than a luminaire, it’s an exploration of forward-thinking and creativity. With no ready-made solutions to lean on, the design team had to start from scratch. Every element, from the construction to the mounting, was looked into and the result is a luminaire that’s both technically solid and environmentally conscious. Gallery: Wrapped details The luminaire body is made of up to 65% recycled cardboard and folds together with high precision cut-outs that fit perfectly. Engineering elegance Wrapped’s body is composed of two primary parts: the inner body and the outer body, both designed to work in harmony for strength and stability. The outer body is held together by a rib made of 75% recycled post-consumer aluminium, locking the folds in place and ensuring shape retention. Its end caps are made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic and snap into precision-cuts, securing the structure without the need for screws. The junction box is snapped into place and the driver is mounted using small clips, made from recycled post-consumer plastic. The LED board is mounted onto the lens, protected by a cover of Solid board, and the entire light module is locked into place with a louvre. The result is a seamless, screw-free construction that embodies thoughtful design. Design with purpose Fredrik Beckius, Design Engineer at R&D, reflects on the journey:“The challenge was working with a material that we had never used for a pendant luminaire before. We couldn’t mount components the usual way, so we had to find alternative solutions.”Martin Gustafsson, also a Design Engineer, adds:“We had to find a way to produce the luminaire cost-efficiently, both for us and our suppliers. Every design component had to serve more than one purpose.” This dual-purpose thinking is evident throughout Wrapped’s design. It’s not just about aesthetics or sustainability – it’s about engineering brilliance and making every part count. Quote: Martin Gustafsson Sustainability without compromise Wrapped is manufactured in Fagerhult, Habo, using locally sourced recycled and renewable materials. It’s a product born from Swedish innovation, rooted in the legacy of previous sustainable designs like Multilume Re:Think and Kvisten. Unlike many eco-conscious products, Wrapped is quietly confident – and sustainable in its DNA. With high-precision cut-outs, a stable construction, and rigorous testing throughout the process, Wrapped meets all quality standards without compromising its environmental ethos.