💡QuinLED💡 24v power transport for 5v addressable LEDs (ws2812b, sk6812) 1 - 3

Summary

In this video, the creator explores a setup for addressable LEDs using a 24V power distribution system combined with 5V addressable LED strips. The goal is to reduce power loss and voltage drop, especially when using long cables. Through testing various DC-DC converters, cable gauges, and LED configurations, the creator demonstrates how a 24V setup can deliver more efficient power distribution, even with thinner cables. The video also covers the practical challenges of voltage drop and how to overcome them for large LED installations, offering insights into optimizing power delivery for these setups.

Takeaways

• 😀 Using a 24V power distribution system with a 5V addressable LED strip can improve efficiency by reducing voltage drop over long distances.
• 😀 5V addressable LEDs are efficient but may face significant voltage drop when running long cables, especially with 18 gauge wire.
• 😀 12V addressable LEDs are less efficient because of the need to step down from 12V to 3V, causing power loss.
• 😀 Using DC-DC converters to step down from 24V to 5V can help power longer LED strips with thinner wires without significant power loss.
• 😀 Voltage drop increases with longer cables, and the thickness of the wire plays a crucial role in minimizing this loss.
• 😀 24V allows for thinner cables (like 22 or 24 gauge) to be used effectively, unlike 5V setups that require thicker wires for similar performance.
• 😀 For long runs (10 meters), using a 24V setup reduces the need for thick cables and prevents voltage drops that would affect LED performance.
• 😀 In a 24V system, the power is distributed more efficiently, and the voltage drop is reduced, allowing the LED strip to receive sufficient power even with longer cables.
• 😀 The setup can handle up to 10 amps or more, but careful selection of DC-DC converters based on the load and wire gauge is important for optimal performance.
• 😀 The video demonstrates real-world testing with different wire gauges, highlighting that 18 gauge is insufficient for high power demands over long distances, while 22 gauge works better in 24V setups.

Q & A

Why is 5V often chosen for addressable LED setups?

5V is chosen for addressable LED setups because it is efficient and doesn't consume a lot of power. Additionally, it allows for single LED control, making it ideal for smaller installations.

What is the downside of using 12V for addressable LEDs, particularly with WS2815 strips?

The downside of using 12V with addressable LEDs like WS2815 is that although the LEDs are individually addressable, the power needs to be stepped down from 12V to 3V, which leads to wasted energy and inefficiency.

What is the purpose of using a 24V power setup for addressable LEDs in this project?

The purpose of using a 24V power setup is to reduce voltage loss over long cable runs, as 24V allows for thinner wires and minimizes power waste compared to running 5V over long distances.

Why does using 24V instead of 5V reduce voltage drop over longer distances?

Using 24V reduces voltage drop because the current drawn is lower for the same power. This means the cables can be thinner and still provide enough power to the LEDs, reducing the loss of power over long distances.

How does the use of DC-DC converters help in this setup?

DC-DC converters are used to step down the 24V to 5V for the LED strips. This setup allows for efficient power distribution and reduces power loss over long cable runs.

What are the implications of using 18 gauge wire for a 10-meter LED strip?

Using 18 gauge wire for a 10-meter LED strip results in significant voltage drop, which reduces the power available to the LEDs. This can lead to lower brightness and performance issues.

What happens when the brightness of the LED strip is increased?

When the brightness of the LED strip is increased, more power is drawn, leading to further voltage drop across the cables. This can significantly affect the voltage reaching the LEDs, especially with longer cable runs.

What is the effect of using thinner wire (like 22 or 24 gauge) with 24V power?

Using thinner wire, like 22 or 24 gauge, with 24V power reduces voltage drop significantly compared to 5V setups. This allows for efficient power delivery even over longer distances, while using thinner and less expensive cables.

How does the power supply impact the overall system efficiency?

The power supply impacts system efficiency by adding its own losses, which are evident in the increased wattage drawn from the socket. Even with efficient DC-DC converters, the power supply itself will have some idle and operational inefficiencies.

What challenges are faced when using 18 gauge wire for large LED installations?

When using 18 gauge wire for large LED installations, the primary challenge is insufficient copper to handle the current, leading to voltage drops and inadequate power delivery. In such cases, either thicker cables or more power injection points are necessary.