In support of the Department of Energy ( DOE)
"SuperTruck" program, a group of low energy, high output
light emitting diode (LED) lamps were developed for forward
lighting. Reduction of the energy needs of the truck by saving fuel
and reducing CO₂ emissions are two of the goals of this program. In
support of the energy reduction, a retrofit LED headlamp was
designed, built and tested. The retrofit headlamp was switched from
a halogen bulb to an LED-based system. The LED headlamp requires a
new approach in heat management. The use of the LED, which is a 2π
source, requires a different strategy in the optics from those used
with a 4π source, like a traditional incandescent, halogen, or High
Intensity Discharge (HID) light source.
A thermal management system is necessary to facilitate the long
life of the LED source. A unique method for removing the heat of
the LED and maintaining an acceptable temperature was tested and
reported. The methods used in the design and testing are discussed
along with measured data.