Why is Juice Technology’s j-Drive Distributed System so much better than alternative systems trying to achieve the same results?
Juice’s j-Drive contactless technology is based around a system distributing constant high frequency alternating current (HFAC) over a twisted pair wire. This is a unique patented approach and underpins a portfolio of technologies providing a simple, flexible and cost effective system.
The closest competitors to this system utilize DC constant voltage distribution, very similar to that used for low voltage halogen lighting, with a range of control options.
However, this approach brings a number of drawbacks which Juice’s technology overcomes, leading to substantially lower capital and installation costs as well as higher efficiencies.
The cost benefits of the Juice systems are self evident as noted in the comparison below. No other product can match the performance of the Juice distributed system at anywhere near the same cost points. The Juice system using twisted pair wire for all the power distribution, signalling, dimming, and emergency lighting driven off the same power unit demonstrates the simplicity reflected in installation and capital costs.
DC Distribution – competing technology
There are several problems that are created when DC is used for power distribution with LEDs:
1. Limited efficiency driven by two levels of power processing – the main DC PSU plus local DC : DC converters – maximum efficiency levels at 75%
2. The use of multiple power processing stages adds to cost and complexity
3. The complexity of the approach also leads to lower reliability for a given cost
4. In most practical applications, the use of multiple, high frequency DC : DC converters creates substantial radiated interference which requires high cost solutions to moderate
5. DC buses are difficult to use for Power Line Carrier Communication (PLCC) without very high node costs due to their topology, therefore individual luminaire control requires additional wiring
The use of distributed HFAC as a constant current with balanced power extraction overcomes all of these issues in the following way:
1. The use of a single power processing stage enables high system efficiencies (up to 92%)
2. This approach eliminates multiple devices thus reducing cost and complexity when compared with both DC distributed systems and individual power supplies. This varies with application but in a typical 12 – 15W downlight the saving would represent $4 – 5, or 50% of the power supply cost.
3. The system is substantially simpler than the DC approach enhancing reliability
4. The use of a single power supply and therefore frequency of operation dramatically reduces EMC issues – as proven in previous implementations of HFAC distribution for fluorescent lamps
5. The inherently “quiet” system enables the use of PLCC for control, eliminating the need for additional control wiring, further simplifying installation of controlled systems as well as emergency facility
6. The only component required to be integrated into the luminaire is a transformer / connector which is highly efficient and therefore only introduces a minimal heat burden
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