November 4, 2024
3 ½ Products from the Hong Kong Fair We’re Watching Closely
From “LED driver health” to liquid light shaping, these products drew a crowd in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), held alongside the Outdoor and Tech Light Expo and Eco Expo Asia, brought together over 60,000 buyers from 150 countriesto explore LED lighting products and technology. Inside Lighting, representing the U.S. trade media, attended the event, which featured more than 3,000 exhibitors. These companies showcased a wide array of products aimed at reaching diverse global markets, including North America. The events highlighted the industry’s optimism, with many exhibitors foreseeing growth driven by AI advancements and an expanding focus on sustainable solutions.
Navigating through the two convention centers was an ambitious task, as the scale of the event made it nearly impossible to explore even a small portion of the products on display. Nonetheless, over three days, Inside Lighting gathered insights into some of the standout products aimed at making the future of lighting more feature rich and sustainable.
In the following sections, we share our observations on some innovative products that captured our attention: an LED driver with intelligent diagnostics, an eco-friendly modular fixture system, and a beam-shaping LCD device that allows app-based light distribution control.
1. Tridonic LED Driver with Lifetime Indicator
Tridonic, a brand of the Zumtobel Group, introduced its 4th generation LED drivers equipped with a new feature, the Lifetime Indicator. This innovation addresses the practical needs of facility maintenance teams by allowing them to monitor the health and estimated remaining lifespan of installed drivers. Traditionally, end-users and maintenance crews would reactively replace ballasts or drivers as they failed, often resulting in unscheduled downtime. With drivers now recognized as the component with the shortest lifespan in many lighting systems, Tridonic's Lifetime Indicator offers a more proactive approach.
Above: Diagnostic report of a Tridonic LED driver with Lifetime Indicator
This feature uses indexed data to gauge both the "aging rate" and overall "driver health," which helps maintenance teams make informed decisions based on real-time insights. The aging rate reflects how quickly the driver is wearing out under its specific environmental conditions, considering variables like temperature and power-on cycles, which can vary widely between office and industrial settings.
Additionally, the driver health parameter indicates the current operational state of each driver, enabling facility managers to prioritize replacements and reduce costs associated with unexpected system failures. Through either DALI or NFC connectivity, the Lifetime Indicator provides an accessible way to assess and extend the sustainable use of LED drivers, supporting a more strategic approach to lighting maintenance.
2. MEGAMAN® XChange™ modular lighting concept
MEGAMAN® showcased its modular XChange™ lighting series, a fresh take on sustainable lighting with features designed to curb waste and extend fixture life. The XChange™ concept focuses on interchangeability, making it possible to replace the LED board and driver module instead of discarding the entire fixture when components reach their end of life.
Above: Under the hood of the MEGAMAN XChange RENZO luminaire
This approach brings to mind the functionality of fluorescent fixtures of past decades, where lamps could be replaced while the fixture endured, making this solution both eco-conscious and economical for larger projects. The XChange™ line includes MEGAMAN® HAGON, FONDA, and RENZO series, each offering modularity across various fixture types, from surface-mount and flush-mount indoor to round and linear outdoor fixtures.
MEGAMAN®’s modular solution includes a simple, twist-and-release mechanism for the LED board array and driver, making replacements straightforward and user-friendly. The fixtures also feature optional add-ons such as a microwave occupancy sensor, daylight sensor, and an emergency driver module, which can be configured with dip switches for flexibility. The XChange™ concept may not target high-spec markets, as many components are crafted from durable but economical plastic; however, it reflects MEGAMAN®’s practical design ethos, aimed primarily at European and Asian markets.
3. LumiFree LCD beam shaping device
Japan Display Inc. (JDI) presented their LumiFree, a liquid crystal device that introduces electronic control over beam angle adjustments, offering a versatile solution for lighting environments where flexibility is essential. Unlike traditional track lights that demand manual repositioning or reconfiguring, LumiFree enables users to modify the beam shape and distribution effortlessly through an app, providing options like round spotlight, elliptical spread, and even vertical or horizontal alignment. This feature can be particularly advantageous in settings such as museums or retail environments, where lighting needs often shift with changing displays.
As light passes through LumiFree’s LCD, it reshapes according to user specifications, creating adaptable lighting scenes in a single fixture. However, the added flexibility comes with a slight trade-off; users should be aware that the LCD adjustment mechanism reduces the fixture's efficacy by approximately 20%, making it less efficient than static lighting options. This could be a consideration for spaces with strict energy efficiency goals. Nonetheless, LumiFree’s capacity for rapid, silent light distribution changes introduces a new layer of adaptability that can elevate spatial design and meet diverse lighting needs without additional fixtures.
3 ½ : Silver Bun Distilled Spirits
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Silver Bun Distilled Spirits by Hong Kong Distillery stood out with its unique local craftsmanship and flavor profile. This small-batch spirit, Hong Kong's first locally produced distilled spirit, is made from a blend of grains and fruit, creating a flavor that merges whiskey and brandy qualities. Silver Bun’s production adheres closely to the "Made in Hong Kong" philosophy: even its base wine is fully produced within Hong Kong.
The spirit is distilled in a unique tower still and then matured in French oak barrels crafted from a particular type of oak to develop its distinctive taste. The flavor is initially robust, offering a spicy kick that mellows into a light, fruity finish. The drink’s aftertaste evolves in layers, providing a complex experience without any added chemicals. Since its debut, Silver Bun has already made an impression, winning a bronze medal at the Hong Kong Liquor General Chamber of Commerce’s Liquor Judging Competition in 2019—a notable accomplishment for a new brand in the competitive spirits market.
