【Success Story】Transforming LED Power Driver into Charging Solutions for Robotic System

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By: Karim Bheiry/Technical Service Center
karim.bheiry@meanwellusa.com

Industry:  Robotics  
Application: Charge Super Capacitor
Power Solution: HLG-120H-C Driver
 
As robotics technology advances, manufacturers face the challenge of finding reliable, efficient, and cost-effective power solutions for their systems. Increasingly, companies are exploring the repurposing of LED drivers as effective charging solutions.
 
CUSTOMER PAIN POINTS:

  • Charging super capacitors presents a challenge because most power supplies cannot deliver a stable constant current down to 0Vdc, nor do they offer the ability to control the charging rate. Which are essential for safe and efficient operation in advanced electronic systems.

  • Space limitations: Robotic systems often require compact, waterproof, and fanless power solutions to meet tight spatial constraints—especially for applications where reliability and durability are critical.


 


POWER SOLUTION:
 
The MEAN WELL HLG-120H-C series uniquely delivers constant current output down to 0Vdc—enabling safe and efficient charging of super capacitors, a capability rarely found in standard LED drivers. Its integrated dimming function allows precise control over the charging rate, enhancing system safety and operational flexibility.
MEAN WELL’s technical team offers key customization, such as tuning the output open-circuit voltage to match the specific requirements of super capacitors. This tailored support ensures seamless integration while avoiding the need for OEMs to design complex custom circuits.
By adapting a reliable, commercially available LED driver, system developers significantly reduce R&D costs and accelerate time-to-market. The HLG-120H-C’s fanless, waterproof, and fully potted design ensures silent and maintenance-free operation—ideal for indoor and outdoor robotic systems in rugged industrial conditions.

 


CONCLUSION:
 
The MEAN WELL HLG-120H-C series delivers a robust and efficient solution to critical challenges in robotics development. Its capability to provide constant current down to 0Vdc, along with precise charging rate control and flexible customization options, ensures safe and optimized integration of super capacitors. Featuring a compact, fanless, and IP67-rated waterproof design, it streamlines development, lowers costs, and accelerates the deployment of high-performance robotic systems.