PNNL

Abstract

Color rendition and energy efficiency have long been considered characteristics of light sources that cannot be maximized simultaneously. The tradeoff has been studied extensively, but usually considering only average color fidelity. This work examines the color rendition versus energy efficiency tradeoff in the context of ANSI/IES TM-30-18, Method for Evaluating Light Source Color Rendition, which provides numerous measures beyond average color fidelity. The analysis demonstrates that color rendition criteria based on combinations of ANSI/IES TM-30-18 values can be used to improve color quality with less of an effect on spectral efficiency (luminous efficacy of radiation) than increasing CIE Ra alone. No change in the direction of LED emitter or downconverter development is needed.