Randomblame
Well-Known Member
If you add a 2nd string of COB's to each driver the current would be splitted in half and each string of COB's would run with 700mA. So 4 more for the HLG-185 and 5 more on the HLG-240. Half current means efficiency goes up to +180lm. But you are forced to use the same 5th generation 1212's cuz both strings must have the same voltage. With gen.6 you would see uneven brightness..
You only need new drivers if you want much more light. Light output would stay the same or only get slightly better. But therefor the power draw would be reduced by 20w or so. When you want more light you need to add another driver and more COB's. Another HLG-185 and a few gen.6 Citi's would add another 200w.
Boards are not better, they are easier to use but thats it! Drive your COB's with lower currents and you'll reach the same efficiency level. Citizen claims the 6th generation 1212's reach 200lm/w at 350mA/25°C Tc. But thats only ~12w and you would need a lot of them. I reuse my old COB's and run the low to get better efficiency and have added modern strips to max out the drivers. But I've still the same 9ft² and don't need much more light. My old CXA2540 are running at 175mA or ~5,6w, lol!
