Samsung to launch more appliance with UV LED tech in 2021
In light of COVID-19 pandemic
Samsung Electronics plans to launch more home appliances with ultraviolet (UV) LED applied to them in 2021, TheElec has learned.
Samsung decided on the matter in September to apply UV-C __ ultraviolet light with wavelength between 250nm to 280nm that are useful for disinfection __ LED on more of its home electronics, sources said.
Samsung currently install UV-C LED on only some of its home appliances, including its Bespoke refrigerators.
UV-A (315nm to 380nm) with longer wavelength are used mostly in printed circuit board production. UV-B (280nm to 315nm) are used in bio and medical sectors.
Samsung decision to expand the application of UV-C LED is due to the COVID-19 pandemic as more consumers worry over the virus.
The company has been relatively passive in applying UV-C LED to its appliances compared to rival LG Electronics.
Samsung is expected to apply UV-C LED in around 20% to 30% of its home appliance models launching next year. The South Korean tech giant is yet to finalize on how many of its models will have the LED installed.
The South Korean tech giant produces refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, air conditioners, washing machines, driers and air purifiers, among other home electronic devices.
Samsung’s LED business, called S-LED, will likely not produce the UV-C LED on its own and contract the production out to LED companies in South Korea and Greater China.
In South Korea, Seoul Semiconductor and Semiconlight have the capacity to make UV-C LED.
UV LED don’t use mercury and has disinfection and deodorant effects. They are more durable and require more sophisticated technology to make compared to LED for lighting.
The UV LED market has been touted to grow but is getting steam from the recent COVID-19 pandemic. LG InnoTek launched its own UV LED brand called InnoUV in 2018 before it exited the business before the pandemic hit. LG Electronics has more UV-C LED in its home appliance compared to Samsung due to LG InnoTek’s venture, however.