Types of High Bay LED Lights
High bay LED lights come in various designs to suit different applications and deliver specific features. The three primary types of high bay LED lights are round (UFO), linear, and modular.
1. Round (UFO) High Bay LED Lights
Round high bay LED lights, often referred to as UFO high bay lights due to their disc-like shape, have evolved from traditional-style luminaires. Originally featuring a cylindrical heat sink, a top-mounted electrical box, and a large aluminum reflector, these lights have now transitioned to a low-profile, sleek design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The disc-shaped design is not merely for a modern look but serves a practical purpose. The board-style design of the LED module necessitates a low-profile heat sink. The circular heat sink maximizes surface area to effectively dissipate heat generated by the LED array, enhancing thermal management. Constructed from die-cast or cold-forged aluminum, the heat sink also doubles as the luminaire housing.
The LED module consists of multiple LEDs mounted on a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB), paired with a lens array to control the luminous flux and ensure a more uniform light distribution. This innovative design eliminates the need for bulky aluminum reflectors. The LED driver is placed in a separate aluminum enclosure or a thermally isolated compartment to optimize heat management and longevity.
2. Linear High Bay LED Lights
Linear high bay LED lights come in two categories: traditional style linear LED luminaires and integrated linear LED fixtures.
Traditional Style Linear LED High Bays:
These luminaires mimic the footprint of traditional T5/T8 fluorescent fixtures, usually ranging from two to eight lamps. The housing is constructed from extruded aluminum or die-formed, cold-rolled steel. The light assembly includes lumen maintenance trays that mount linear LED strip modules, directing light at specific beam angles to meet various facility needs.
Integrated Linear LED Fixtures:
These fixtures are designed primarily for racked/aisle environments, but they are also effective in open high bay areas. Featuring an extruded aluminum housing, they provide both mechanical strength and efficient heat sinking. The light assembly comprises one or more LED modules, depending on the fixture length. The modules contain an array of LEDs mounted on a rectangular circuit board, and a one-piece lens array regulates the light. The LED drivers are housed in a gear compartment that is integrated into the housing but thermally isolated from the light assembly to enhance performance and reliability.
3. Modular High Bay LED Lights
Modular high bay LED lights offer scalability in light output, versatility in light distribution, and flexibility in lighting design. These fixtures are composed of modular LED engines and externally mounted drivers, providing a highly customizable lighting solution.
A modular LED engine is a self-contained LED system that is thermally managed, environmentally protected, and optically regulated. However, unlike other types, the power supply is not built into the LED module. Instead, it is powered by drivers located in a back-mounted gear box. The housing or heat sink is constructed from die-cast or extruded aluminum, similar to UFO or integrated linear high bay luminaires. This design enables easy scalability and adaptability to different lighting requirements.
Conclusion
High bay LED lights are available in different designs—round (UFO), linear, and modular—to suit various application scenarios and deliver specific functionalities. Whether optimizing for thermal management, directional lighting, or scalability, these high bay LED lights provide efficient, durable, and versatile solutions for industrial and commercial spaces.
