Air Cooled vs. Water Cooled LED Grow Lights

LED grow lights provide a controlled and efficient source of illumination for plant growth, but the heat will decrease lighting performance. As indoor agriculture operations continue to expand, finding ways to beat the heat is becoming increasingly critical. Striking the right balance between operations costs and lighting performance is key to protecting your returns.

If you’re a controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) grower looking to add or upgrade supplemental LED lighting, you might be wondering whether to choose air-cooled or water-cooled LED grow lights. Air-cooled LED grow lights utilize fans to circulate air around the heat-generating LED diodes, while water-cooled LED grow lights circulate water to cool the LED fixtures.

So, which method is better suited for your operation? Let’s review some of the key factors at play when deciding between air-cooled and water-cooled lighting systems.

What is air cooled LED grow light and how it work

An air-cooled LED grow light is a type of LED grow light that uses air as the cooling medium to regulate the temperature of the light source and surrounding environment.

Air-cooled LED grow lights work by utilizing fans, heat sinks, or vents to draw the hot air away from the LEDs and dissipate it into the atmosphere. This active dissipation keeps LEDs operating at an optimal temperature, preventing issues such as LED degradation or failure over time. Additionally, the lower operating temperature can prevent overheating or damage to the plants.

Air-cooled LED grow lights are usually designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to install. They can be mounted on the ceiling, walls, or racks, and can be adjusted in different angles or positions to optimize light distribution and coverage.

What are water-cooled LEDs and how they work

Water-cooled LED grow lights utilize circulating chilled water to remove heat from the LEDs. This liquid cooling system is achieved by using a combination of pumps, radiators, reservoirs, plumbing, or chillers working together. The water absorbs the heat from the LEDs and transfers it to the heat exchanger, where it can be released into the atmosphere or reused for other purposes. This method allows the LEDs to maintain a lower operating temperature, resulting in higher light output and better penetration.

Water-cooled LED grow lights are typically mounted on top of a grow tent or hung from the ceiling of a grow room.

Difference between air-cooled and water-cooled LED grow lights

Both air-cooled and water-cooled LED grow lights can effectively dissipate heat, but they have key differences that growers should understand, including efficiency, size, costs, and safety.

Efficiency

The efficiency of LED grow lights depends on the ratio of light output to energy input they achieve. Normally, water-cooled LEDs have higher efficiency than air-cooled LEDs under the same specifications and operating environment. This is because water has a higher heat capacity and conductivity than air, enabling it to absorb and transfer more heat from the LEDs. With the lower working temperature, water-cooled LED grow lights generate more energy for light rather than heat. As a result, water-cooled LED grow lights have higher efficiency than air-cooled LEDs.

Size

Water-cooled LED grow lights are smaller and lighter than air-cooled LED grow lights since they do not need extra space for the cooling fins or fans. This makes installation easier. Additionally, the large size of LED fixtures may cast shadows on the plants and result in uneven light distribution. With the smaller size, water-cooled LED grow lights can ensure that plants receive sufficient light.

Cost

The cost of LED grow lights depends on both the initial and operational expenses. Air-cooled LEDs have a lower initial cost, as they have simpler and cheaper components. However, they also have higher operational costs due to higher energy consumption and lower efficiency. On the other hand, water-cooled LEDs have higher initial costs but lower operational costs. While water-cooled LEDs require more equipment like chillers, pumps, and plumbing infrastructure, they offer better efficiency and lower energy consumption in the long run.

safety

Although a water-cooled lighting system has higher efficiency, it also carries safety risks. The water-cooled lighting system is susceptible to short circuits and even electrical shocks due to the presence of water.  Water poses a threat to electronics as it can accelerate the corrosion of the lighting system. Poorly designed or constructed water-cooled cooling systems may experience leaks, potentially causing damage to both the grow lights and personnel.

Air-cooled vs. water-cooled LED grow lights, which is better for your plants

When it comes to choosing between air-cooled and water-cooled LED grow lights, you may wonder which option is better. The answer is not simple, as both types of LED grow lights have their pros and cons, depending on your specific needs and goals. Here are some factors that affect the choice.

• Grow room size: for larger grow rooms, water-cooled LED grow lights are generally the better choice due to their superior heat dissipation capabilities. Air-cooled LED grow lights are suitable for smaller-scale indoor farming, especially for vertical farming, where space and height are limited.
• Plant species: if you are growing plants that prefer cooler temperatures, such as lettuce or strawberries, water-cooled LED grow lights can help maintain a more suitable environment.
• Technical expertise: water-cooled LED grow lights require more technical expertise to install and operate compared to air-cooled systems. If you are not comfortable with plumbing or electronics, air-cooled LED grow lights may be a more practical choice.

At Atop, we offer a variety of LED grow lights for different cooling systems. Whether you need an air-cooled or water-cooled lighting system, we have the perfect solution for you. If you are unsure about which one is best for your plants, don’t worry. Our lighting experts are ready to assist you. They can provide a customized recommendation based on your grow room environment, plant species, and specific goals. With our help, you can make a smart choice that will boost your plant growth and yield.