New light fixtures and dimming LED panels

[vever001]

Hello,

Context

I'm looking to change some of my lightning fixtures in my home.
The general trend seems to be towards integrated LED light fixtures rather than LED bulbs which I'm not thrilled to see but I reckon each has their pros and cons.

Now I read many times that underdriving LEDs results in a better efficiency (lumens/watts) + a much longer life since there is less heat and deterioration of LEDs.
Is that correct?
Anyway I'm thinking to buy powerful lights but dim them.
Note: I do have 2 LED panels controlled by a dedicated LED dimmer module in the wall in one room and it is most of the time set to the minimum (uses 18W for a lot of light - but I have no lux meter to give lumens/watts numbers).

I do NOT need some fancy/design light fixtures and I'd rather avoid some cheap lights on amazon.
I do NOT need remote controls, NO dimmer module in the wall and especially NO smart/connected stuff.

I figured why not buy some LED panels + drivers from reputable brands instead.
In case the panel OR driver fails, I can replace just that component.
LED panels also have the advantage that the form factor is standard (30x30, 60x60, 30x120, etc) so if in worst case it has to be replaced entirely, I could just slide the old panel out from the surface mount, and put a new one (and keep the driver if this is the same panel).
Also LED panels seem to have the best quality/price ratio (I'm assuming because they are produced in large quantities).

Question

Now my issue is that many LED panels are sold with a non-dimmable driver.
What is the best way to make those dimmable?
Example:
This LED panel: https://www.lampdirect.be/fr/noxion-panneau-led-delta-pro-v3-0-30w-4070lm-840-blanc-froid-120x30cm-ugr-19-philips-xitanium-driver-equivalent-2x36w-8719157032377
Is sold with this Philips "Xitanium" driver: https://www.docs.lighting.philips.com/en_gb/oem/download/indoor-point/xitanium-single-current/Xitanium_36W_0.7-0.85A_42V_DS_I_230V_929002809006.pdf

1. What is the easiest way to to dim this panel? I will dim it during installation (via dip switches or potentiometer as part or placed next to the driver) and never touch it again.
2. Do I need a dimmable led driver? How can I find the right driver from Meanwell (for example): https://www.meanwell-web.com/en-gb/led-drivers/
3. I see most drivers come with 0-10v dimming. What does that mean? can I use a simple potentiometer and connect that to dim- and dim+? or do I need to give it 0-10v? If so are such 0-10v modules sold besides the ones put as switches in the wall?

Thank you

[themadhippy]

Depending on the led type a quick n dirty way of dimming is to put a capacitor in series  with  the supply, if you do it in the switch  and change the 1 gang switch for a  2 gang   you  get the option of  full or dimmed

[vever001]

Thanks but is there a "cleaner" way such as replacing the driver?
I'm not against some DIY mod but I'd rather be able to fine tune the intensity if possible. With something like a potentiometer or at least 4 levels of intensity.

Another question: In case I replace the driver, or I buy a LED panel that is dimmable and uses 0-10V. Can I use a simple potentiometer for a LED driver that supports 0-10v dimming?
Something such as https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004249504612.html


Edit: Oh I think I got my answer. It seems the 10V is actually usually supplied by the driver between dim+ and dim-. Which means a simple 100K potentiometer works just fine. I think I'll go with that and I will try to find some LED panels sold with dimmable 0-10V LED drivers.

[John B]

I don't read French so I may have missed a spec in the link, but I would guess that they are 30-36V forward voltage panels, depending on the current that you want to drive them. Generally speaking, I would suggest buying the best quality panel, in terms of CRI and efficiency, then replace the driver with something like a Meanwell one with 0-10V dimming functions. The drivers that come with panels are usually very cheap anyways. You will need to cut the existing plug off the driver to plug into the panel.

If the panel is a single colour LED variety, its quite simple. Things are trickier when you want to drive a colour selectable panel.

I have to double check, but I think from memory there are a few options with the Meanwell 0-10V control. The unit will supply 10V between the DIM +/- terminals, up to around 100uA, so a 100k pot would work as you mention. Or you can apply an analog voltage directly with something reasonably low impedance, like an opamp, or you can apply a 0-10V PWM signal with a frequency between 100-3000Hz.

I would buy the panel first and run some tests before buying any drivers. For example what voltage and current the standard driver runs at, then using a bench supply you can figure out what current you wish to run the panels at.