As LED lighting systems become more powerful and compact, the challenge of efficient thermal management becomes increasingly critical. Heat is one of the main factors that can degrade LED lifespan and performance, especially in environments where brightness and reliability are non-negotiable. That’s why a leading lighting equipment manufacturer turned to SANYO DENKI’s San Ace 120AD ACDC fan to help improve thermal performance on their theatre LED lighting systems without compromising on size, efficiency, or noise levels. By implementing these suggestions, the company found ways of enhancing LED lighting systems for them.
The Challenge: Heat Management in High-Performance LED Lighting
Their existing solution used standard AC fans to cool their fixtures, but these fans consumed more power than necessary and lacked the control features needed for smart thermal management. Additionally, rising concerns about energy consumption—both from customers and regulatory bodies—prompted the company to search for a better solution.
They needed a compact cooling fan that could run off an AC supply but offer the efficiency and controllability of a DC fan—something not commonly found in standard off-the-shelf options.
The Solution: ACDC Fan
SANYO DENKI proposed the San Ace 120AD, a 120 x 25 mm hybrid fan that runs on AC input but uses an electronically commutated (EC) motor, giving it the efficiency of a brushless DC fan. This fan also supports PWM control, allowing for dynamic speed adjustments based on system temperature.
Here’s why the 9AD Type fan was the perfect fit for the LED lighting system:
- Direct AC Input with EC Efficiency
Unlike traditional AC fans, the 120AD type combines AC compatibility with DC-level performance, reducing power consumption without needing a DC power supply or converter. - PWM Control for Adaptive Cooling
The fan can increase or decrease speed depending on real-time thermal loads. This prevents overcooling, reduces noise, and extends fan life—critical for long-term LED system reliability. - Compact and Easy to Retrofit
With its standard 120 mm frame and 25 mm thickness, the San Ace 120AD required no redesign of the enclosure. The manufacturer was able to integrate the new fan seamlessly into their existing architecture.
The Results: Cooler, Quieter, More Efficient Lighting
After implementing the San Ace 120AD fan in their LED lighting systems, the customer saw immediate and measurable improvements:
- Power consumption was cut by more than 50% per fan
- Noise levels dropped by several decibels, improving end-user comfort
- LED module temperatures decreased, contributing to better performance and longer lifespan
- Fan longevity increased due to speed control and less thermal/mechanical stress
Notably, these gains were achieved without changing the external size or electrical design of the lighting product, a major win for both the design team and their customers.
Conclusion
LED systems demand precision cooling to maintain output, color stability, and lifetime. But many AC fans still operate at full throttle, wasting energy and generating unnecessary heat and noise. The San Ace 120AD 9AD Type fan brings a smarter, more flexible solution to the table—especially for manufacturers looking to modernize their designs without reinventing the wheel.
Whether you’re designing lighting systems, control panels, or compact enclosures, this fan offers a high-performance drop-in replacement that saves energy, runs quieter, and adapts to your system’s needs.
Learn more about how San Ace 120AD was developed, download the whitepaper :
Available Lineup
SANYO DENKI’s ACDC fan series comes in several sizes to meet a variety of application needs:
- 92 x 25 mm
- 92 x 38 mm
- 120 x 25 mm
- 120 x 38 mm
- 160 x 51 mm
- Φ172 x 150 x 51 mm
- Φ190 x 88 mm
- Φ225 x 99 mm
- Φ250 x 99 mm
- Φ270 x 270 x 119 mm
To learn more about energy efficient cooling fans, reading the blog “How Does Rice Cold Storage Save Energy Cost Using ACDC Fans?” is recommended.
About SANYO DENKI
SANYO DENKI has been a trusted provider of cooling solutions for various industries, with fans being a crucial component in many advanced devices. Contact us for a quote, or to discuss your device's customization requirements.
Our experienced application engineers and field engineers will provide support on the customization or any other technical support for your equipment. Contact our representatives or distributors to start discussing your next project.
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