Review: Ledfolio PaneLux 2x2

Update

LED Folio is launching the next generation of paneLux later in March. Once it is available, we will compare old and new versions.

What LEDsReview.com says

The PaneLux system was designed to replace standard 2×2 feet fluorescent fixtures in office buildings. Brilliant idea. We are checking the result.

What we liked: No glare, soft light, no fragile parts, solid construction.

What we did not like: Poor CRI, power supply reliability issues. Dimming was not working with our units. Can not mount on a flat surface in existing configuration.

Construction:

Lack of drawings and actual photos makes you believe that the panel is flat.

Standard version, however, has a 4-inch high power supply with RJ45 connectors for dimming attached on the back.

Mounting PaneLux on a flat surface is challenging: bulky power supply can not be easily removed and relocated. Update: Optional extention cable is available from Ledfolio for an extra $30.

The panel is constructed in a similar way as LCD screens. There are four layers for light distribution. First layer is an opalescent milk acrylic sheet, followed by thin light diffuser film. The third layer is 1/4? clear acrylic which serves as a light medium. The last layer is a white reflective plastic sheet serves as a reflector.

A variety of diffusion films are available on the market. They can split the light source in two or four beams, reflect or diffuse in a particular direction. In this case it’s a simple wide angle diffusion.

Light Engine

Light engines easily slide out of an aluminum profile without any thermal grease or epoxy.

48 SMD LEDs on each board, 2 boards on each side: 2x4x48=384 total.

Thermal management.

We measured temperature in four points at ambient temperature of 25°C:

• Edge 52-55°C
• Back panel #1 35°C
• Back panel #2 30°C
• Power supply 45°C

The heat generated by LEDs stays on the edge of paneLux, back panel poorly dissipates the heat.

Dimming.

Ledfolio offers dimming option through “black box” interface controlled by Lutron low voltage dimmer. Fixtures are supposed to be chain-linked with RJ45 cable. Unfortunately, dimming did not work for any of three units we have tested.

The PaneLux is being assembled for Ledfolio by Wooyoung, Korean company specializing in computer displays and electronic component.

Similar products/competitors:

1. GO Lighting Technologies offers similar products with dimming and color temperature tunability option via remote. However their products are more expensive.
2. LR24 by Cree offers more options, price is $360

Conclusions: Early adopters always pay higher price in terms of usability and features. Claimed light output vs. real light output creates major problem: it is impossible to create accurate illuminance calculations for a lighting project. Poor CRI makes paneLux unwelcome in retail lighting. However, we still like the paneLux concept and hope that the recently launched updated model will address issues described above.

Quick Facts Table:

Product Reviewed: PaneLux 2?x2?

Case Material: Aluminum

Beam Type: Wide flood

Total Flux: 4000 lumen (manufacturer’s data)

Size: same as drop ceiling tile, US15/16 fits to US standard

15/16 drop ceiling grid, 1 x 1 ft, 2 x 2 ft

Illumination within 1m: 720 lux.

Power Consumption: 70 Watt

Dimming: DMX

Warranty: 1 year

Price: $300-400

Questions, comments? Write to us: editor@ledsreview.com

Last updated: Mar. 12, 2009