Driver Selection for micro build

[herby]

Hey everyone!

I've been enjoying digesting lots of stuff on this forum, some really cool projects and great insights into the led world. I want in!
So I'm trying to put together a small project and I've come some ways but like a lot, I'm having trouble identifying a proper driver.

I'm looking at a micro-green NFT setup, going to be roughly 2'x1.5'

1. Get the Grow area in square feet or square meters
2 x 1.5 = 3sq feet

2. Select the required Intensity
- would like some range? still new at this. calculating for 3 values
40
60
100

3. Multiply Area by required Intensity to get required Fixture size;
3 x 40 = 120
3 x 60 = 180
3 x 100 = 300

4. Get an approximate Fixture Watts by dividing Fixture PPF by an "average" LED Strip PPE (note3)
120 / 2.5 = 48
180 / 2.5 = 72
300 / 2.5 = 120

5. LED Strip Selection requires the Strip's; Lumens, Lm/W, Vf, Amps, Watts (Vf x Amps)
I've narrowed it down (but I'm still open to other strips) to the Gen3 Thrives
https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/deta ... 3/13181804
560mm BXEB Gen3 Thrive 4000k 2690lm, 138 lm/W, 20.3Vf, 960mA, 19.488 W

6. The LED Strip's Lumens and Lumens/Watt can be converted to PPF and PPE
2690 x 0.015 = 40.35 PPF
138 x 0.015 = 2.07PPE

7. Use the preliminary req'd PPF (from Part A) to Calculate the quantity of req'd Strips
48 / 40.35 = 1.1
72 / 40.35 = 1.784386617100372
120 / 40.35 = 2.973977695167286

Based on these calculations I'm looking at 2 or 3 strips.

8. Use the req'd Strip quantity, Watts and Vf (Forward Volts) to Calculate the req'd LED Driver Specs
2 strips x 19.488 W = 38.976 W, 20.3Vf
3 strips x 19.488 W = 58.464 W, 20.3Vf

9. Use the req'd Driver Watts and a reserve of ~ 25% (1.25 Factor) to Select an LED Driver(note5)
2 strips: 38.976 W x 1.25 = 48.72 W, 20.3Vf
3 strips: 58.464 W x 1.25 = 73.08 W, 20.3Vf


I do want a dimmer, planning to run these low with the option of cranking it up for MJ or Peppers


Given the low amount of strips it seems that series wiring is preferred?
So I'm looking for a driver that can do either
2 strips: 48 W, 40.6 V, ~700mA-1.5Amp
3 strips: 73 W, 60.9 V, ~700mA-1.5Amp


I'm probably wrong on this but I found the XLG-100-H-AB
https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/deta ... B/10129183
but if I'm reading it right, I can do 2 strips in series, but not 3 as the voltage output is 27-56

and there's a XLG-150-M-AB
https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/deta ... B/10222594
which has a range of 60-107 @ 1.4A, good for 3 lights?


I'm totally new when it comes to choosing and setting these things up. I do have some electronic experience like soldering, but usually battery powered things.
I'd like to keep costs down but I also don't mind spending for quality components


Open to all the help I can get!

Thanks

[PeteR_1]

You're dividing the Watts not PPF in # 7... It should be ;
# 7. Use the preliminary req'd PPF (from Part A) to Calculate the quantity of req'd Strips
120 PPF / 40.35 PPF/Strip = 2.9 strips
180 PPF / 40.35 PPF/Strip = 4.5 strips
300 PPF / 40.35 PPF/Strip = 7.4 strips (8 Strips required)

Driver Selection;
XLG- 150H-24-AB... All 8 strips Parallel @ ~ 21 Vf
XLG-150-H-AB... 2Series / 4Parallel @ ~ 41 Vf

HLG-150H-24AB... All 8 strips Parallel @ ~ 21 Vf
HLG-150H-48AB... 2Series / 4Parallel @ ~ 41 Vf

Or next larger sizes XLG-200-H-AB or HLG-185-48AB (typical of the 150 Watt drivers).

Good luck.

Personally I like the Vesta 2750 Gen2 560 mm Strips for small builds, they are inexpensive and efficient at lower watts, they can also be "Tuned" for 2700, 4000 and 5000K on a single Dimmable LED Driver.
The simple "Tuning" is by switches on the Vdc (+) output to each Channel (two switches total) to select 2700K = only switch A On, 5000K = only switch B On and 4000K = both switches A & B On...

[herby]

Thanks PeteR_1!! I can't believe I messed that up, thanks for the correction!

I'll also look into the Vesta 2750's, having those choices seems like a nice win, and I like efficiency and cost wins. Cheers