Electronic – Mixed forward voltage LEDs in series with constant current driver

constant-currentledled-driver

I've been looking for answers for a few weeks, so now I'll actually voice my question!

My plan is to power 109 LEDs in series off of one constant current driver. The goal is to create supplemental light bars for a greenhouse. 3 bars powered from 1 driver. The plan is to maximize efficiency, reduce electrical waste, focus on the specific wavelengths for photosynthesis, and take advantage of the Emerson effect.

The driver model is Meanwell HLG-185H-C700. In order of forward voltages from low to high, there will be 11 at 1.7v, 46 at 2.2v, 25 at 2.8v, 11 at 3.5v, and 16 at 3.6v. The driver outputs 286vdc @ .7A. All the drivers are rated at .7A.

Can I simply connect all these LEDs in series?

If that isn't a workable solution, what are my best solutions?

I've considered the following, but any complications to the circuit increases costs and decreases efficiency:

  1. Wiring each group of Vf to its own CC driver with the appropriate Vdc output

  2. Installing a resistor of the appropriate value for each diode so that all Vf are equal (this seems counter-productive to me, will lessen the number of diodes, and increase heat and waste.)

I'm fairly ignorant electronically, so any help is welcome!

Best Answer

The total forward voltages of all the LEDs is specced at 286V. this is the same as the output of the supply which means that the supply has essentially no wiggle room to account for manufacturing differences. This could result in damage to the supply and is not recommended. Either remove 12-20V of LEDs, or get a larger supply.