Hey there,
I have a project for which I have been tasked with spec’ing a constant voltage (Dali-2) led driver for light fixtures. From our approved list of vendors, my only option is a 96w driver. Normally this would be fine (usually they are used to power >60w loads), but in this case the driver will only be connected to 1 9w light fixture. My gut tells me this is a bad idea, but the only clear issues appear to be related to efficiency. Can anyone confirm that this is a bad idea, and help me better understand why?
I’m sure this is a super noob question, but I’m having a hard time finding a clear answer anywhere. Any help will be super appreciated!

 

If the load requires constant voltage then it will consume whatever wattage is needed. The extra unused wattage is reserve headroom or capacity. There is nothing to lose or gain.

As an example, suppose that the electricity company can deliver 10 kW of power to your house but you only draw 1 kW max.

 

My gut tells me

we don't have nearly enough information to give informed advice. Please post a link to the supply you are talking about. Vendor page / datasheet / whatever.

Many LED supplies have a switching topology, and many switching power supplies have a minimum load requirement, a consequence of transformer physics. 10% is a common value for a minimum load, so you need to verify your operating conditions with the manufacturer.

ak

 

we don't have nearly enough information to give informed advice. Please post a link to the supply you are talking about. Vendor page / datasheet / whatever.

Many LED supplies have a switching topology, and many switching power supplies have a minimum load requirement, a consequence of transformer physics. 10% is a common value for a minimum load, so you need to verify your operating conditions with the manufacturer.

ak

You make a fair point. Here is the product website: https://www.sunricher.com/96w-4-cha...24-96cvf.html#product_tabs_description_tabbed
I’ll attach the spec sheet as well