How long before a small carry light is pushing 400 lumens?

[LEDninja]

ARC mania's Mega Micro.

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/200616
see also
http://customlightfactory.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=541

Approximately, over 400 lumen light output with SC1500 DC/DC converter.
Only 35 units total will be made

There are still 8 available as I post this.

 

[NightFlyer]

Here's a topic I see all the time on here.

Something we need to consider are the laws of basic physics - specifically, energy.

Let me use a perfect example that I have first hand experience with. (2008 models) Inova T2 MP vs Inova XO.

Both use the same two CR123 cells, both have the exact same reflector design, same size head and bodies that are very close in design. The only differences in these lights is the LED itself, the knurling around the light and the tailcap. T2 uses a clicky switch, the XO is a twisty with momentary pushbutton.

So physically, these lights are very similar.

The XO will run for around two hours before really going dim. T2-MP will run much longer while producing more light while producing less heat. Its emitter is much better at converting energy into light, so this is why it has lower current draw and produces less heat while making more light.

The point is, one set of batteries has a finite amount of energy stored in them. Your flashlight converts this energy to light energy. Sure you can get 400 lumens out of a small carry light, but your batteries may only last 15 minutes or less.

There will be a point at which maximum efficiency is reached. This is where your light turns *all* of the energy it pulls from the cells into light and produces no heat.

So a 400 lument AAA cell light that produces 500 lumens and lasts 12 hours? I'd call that impossible.

However, we are seeing some awesome products as of late. I am very impressed with what I've seen and look forward to the advancements still to come.

 

[Yoda4561]

You'd need some awesome advance in batteries to do that, but I wouldn't say impossible 400 lumens/watt emitter would run for maybe an hour (given an 800mah nimh, roughly 1 watt hour), which would be really impressive. Edit: some recent lab advances in lithium battery storage indicate that improvements of up to 10x capacity are possible. That would put a 10440(aaa size) at about 10 watt hours assuming the 300mah current ones are marked is accurate. Likely manufacturing will top out before 300 lumens/watt with decent color temp, I'm guessing that 250 l/w is about all we'll ever see from consumer grade LEDs.

 

[VolumeRate]

My Jet-Beam Jet-II Pro at 225 bulb lumens is almost too bright for a small EDC light, and gets hot fast. I am not sure 400 lumens would be practical.

maybe the 400 lumens will be a big torch to improve the heat release.