Lighting system comprising a safety extra low voltage power supply for distributing to one or more up converters luminaires

Abstract

A lighting system, comprising a power supply connectable to an Alternating Current, AC, mains voltage, said power supply being arranged for converting said AC mains voltage into a Safety Extra Low Voltage, SELV, being lower than said AC mains voltage, a structurally pliable power distribution system electrically connectable to said power supply and arranged for distributing said SELV to one or more luminaires, a luminaire, comprising a lamp socket arranged for receiving an AC mains powered lamp and / or a substrate having an AC mains powered luminaire and an upconverter arranged for upconverting said SELV, received from said power distribution system, into an upconverted voltage being higher than said SELV, for providing said upconverted voltage to electrical contacts in said lamp socket and / or to electrical contacts connected to said AC mains powered luminaire.

Description

[0001] LIGHTING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SAFETY EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE POWER SUPPLY FOR DISTRIBUTING TO ONE OR MORE UP CONVERTERS LUMINAIRES

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of lighting and, more specifically, to a lighting system comprising a power distribution system of distributing a Safety Extra Lowe Voltage, SELV, to one or more luminaires.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Lighting systems with a single Alternating Current to Direct Current, AC / DC, power source are common in various applications, particularly in outdoor and architectural lighting. These systems are, for example, designed to efficiently deliver power from a central source to multiple low voltage Light Emitting Diodes, LEDs, while prioritizing safety, energy efficiency, and flexibility.

[0006] In such systems, the initial step involves converting the AC power source, typically supplied by an AC mains supply, into a DC voltage. This conversion is typically achieved using a rectifier or power supply unit. The low-voltage DC power is then distributed through specialized cables to the individual LEDs. The low voltage on the DC side significantly enhances safety, reducing the risk of electrical shock, which may be of importance, especially in outdoor or wet environments.

[0007] One of the primary advantages of these lighting systems is their energy efficiency. LEDs are inherently DC devices, so powering them directly with DC voltage is more energy-efficient compared to traditional AC -powered lighting systems. This increased energy efficiency results in reduced power consumption and lower operating costs over time. Moreover, this energy efficiency can contribute to sustainability efforts and reduced environmental impact.

[0008] The flexibility of these systems is another significant benefit. The LEDs can be spatially distributed in various locations, providing a versatile and dynamic lighting solution. This flexibility allows designers to create unique lighting effects, illuminate specific areas, or adapt to changing lighting requirements without major infrastructure modifications.

[0009] To ensure consistent and reliable lighting performance, careful design of the cabling and power distribution may be of importance. Over longer cables, voltage drop can occur, potentially affecting the performance of the LEDs. Proper cable selection and installation techniques help minimize this voltage drop, ensuring that each LED receives the necessary power for proper operation.

[0010] Environmental considerations may also be of importance in many outdoor lighting applications. Low-voltage DC systems are well-suited for integration with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines. This compatibility supports the use of sustainable energy solutions and reduces the overall environmental footprint of the lighting system.

[0011] One of the downsides of the above described lighting system is that they might not be sufficiently versatile or flexible such that they can cope with different types of lamps.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a lighting system that is more versatile or flexible such that it is able to cope with different types of lamps. It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide for a luminaire electrically connectable a power distribution system comprised by the lighting system.

[0014] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a lighting system, comprising: a power supply connectable to an Alternating Current, AC, mains voltage, said power supply being arranged for converting said AC mains voltage into a Safety Extra Low Voltage, SELV, being lower than said AC mains voltage; a structurally pliable power distribution system electrically connectable to said power supply and arranged for distributing said SELV to one or more luminaires; a luminaire, comprising:

[0015] - a lamp socket arranged for receiving an AC mains powered lamp and / or a substrate having an AC mains powered Light Emitting Diode, LED, lamp;

[0016] - an upconverter arranged for upconverting said SELV, received from said power distribution system, into an upconverted voltage being higher than said SELV, for providing said upconverted voltage to electrical contacts in said lamp socket and / or to electrical contacts connected to said AC mains powered LED lamp.

[0017] The present disclosure is directed to a structurally pliable power distribution system connectable to the power supply and arranged for distributing the SELV to one or more luminaires. The term structurally pliable refers to a departure from, for example, the conventional rigidity associated with track-based lighting systems. In a traditional track system, lighting fixtures may be restricted to a predefined, immovable path or structure. The power distribution in such systems is inherently limited by the fixed nature of the tracks, allowing minimal customization and adaptability.

[0018] In contrast, the structurally pliable power distribution system introduces a level of flexibility. It removes the constraints of rigid tracks, instead employing a dynamic and adaptable approach to deliver power to one or more luminaires. The system offers the freedom to position and reposition lighting fixtures without being bound to a predetermined, unalterable path.

[0019] This means that luminaires can be placed and adjusted with precision, allowing for improved illumination of spaces, objects, or architectural elements as required, all while maintaining an improved appearance.

[0020] The structurally pliable aspect provides the creative freedom to create versatile and customizable lighting solutions that suit their specific needs, making it an innovative and distinctive choice in modern lighting design.

[0021] The inventors have found that it may be beneficial to adapt a known lighting system in such a way that it is also able to cope with AC mains powered lamps and / or substrates having an AC mains powered luminaire. This makes the lighting system more versatile or flexible.

[0022] A solution is brought forward in which the voltage that is distributed by the structurally pliable power distribution system may not need to be changed. The power supply may continue to provide for a safety voltage, such that there are no safety concerns present in relation with the lighting system.

[0023] The underlying concept of the present disclosure is that an upconverter is comprised by the luminaire, which upconverter is arranged for upconverting the safety voltage that is received from the structurally pliable power distribution system, into an upconverted voltage that is suitable for powering an AC mains powered lamp and / or an AC mains powered Light Emitting Diode, LED, lamp provided on a substrate.

[0024] The upconverter does not, necessarily, need to upconvert the safety voltage to exactly the same AC mains voltage, but may need to upconvert the safety voltage to such a voltage level that the AC mains powered lamp and / or the LED lamp provided on the substrate, is able to work properly. As such, a user may mount an AC mains powered lamp into the lamp socket and may be assured that the AC mains powered lamp will be operated adequately.

[0025] The safety voltage that is provided by the power supply may be considered a Separated Extra Low Voltage, SELV, which is an extra low voltage electrical circuit that is electrically separated from other circuits that carry higher voltages, isolated from earth and from the protective earth conductors of other circuits.

[0026] In a SELV system, the voltage should not exceed the extra low voltage under the normal conditions or under single-fault conditions such as those from earth faults in other circuits. A SELV system is separated from the earth such that a single fault cannot cause an electrical shock to anyone in contact with the system. This makes the system extra safe.

[0027] One of the benefits of the presented track lighting system is that an AC mains powered lamp and / or an AC mains powered LED lamp comprised by a substrate, may be powered by a track lighting system, in which the corresponding structurally pliable power distribution system distributes a voltage that is considered to be safe. The high voltage part of the system is provided in the luminaire, i.e. by the upconverter, which may be designed to provide additional, for example mechanical, safety to a user.

[0028] The lighting system in accordance with the present disclosure may be especially suitable for outdoor applications. This may mean that the structurally pliable power distribution system comprises cabling. The cable may have an Ingress Protection, IP, class related to it. An IPxx rating, for example, refers to the level of protection that the equipment provides against the intrusion of solid objects and moisture.

[0029] The cables may, for example, have an IP65 protection rating, which protects against dust and low-pressure waterjets. Cables with this rating are suitable for outdoor use where they may encounter rain and splashes.

[0030] The cables may also have an IP66 protection rating, which protects against dust and high-pressure waterjets. Cables with this rating are more robust and can withstand more challenging outdoor conditions, including heavy rain and waterjets.

[0031] In an example, the power supply is arranged for converting said AC mains voltage into an AC SELV.

[0032] Multiple options for the power supply may be feasible. First, the power supply may convert the AC mains voltage into a DC safety voltage, and the DC safety voltage may be distributed to the different luminaires that are connected to the structurally pliable power distribution system. The upconverter that is comprised by the luminaire may then be arranged to upconvert the DC safety voltage into either a DC upconverted voltage or an AC upconverted voltage.

[0033] Another option is that the power supply may convert the AC mains voltage in an AC safety voltage, and the AC safety voltage may then be distributed to the different luminaires that are connected to the structurally pliable power distribution system.

[0034] The inventors have realized that it might not be necessary to construe the exact same voltage at the output of the upconverter as the voltage that is being received from the mains supply.

[0035] The above is especially the case when a Light Emitting Diode, LED, based lamp is connected to the socket, or when the AC mains powered LED lamp on the substrate is to be powered.

[0036] An LED based lamp typically comprises a converter for converting the AC main supply voltage to a DC voltage, given that the LEDs of the LED based lamp operate on DC. Such a converter may, for example, be a diode bridge or anything alike. A diode bridge is an arrangement of four diodes in a bridge circuit configuration that provides the same polarity of output for either polarity of input. It was one of the insights of the inventors that such converters may also operate adequately when provided with a DC voltage. The converter comprised by the LED based lamp, i.e. the diode bridge, may then become superfluous but that does not affect the correct functioning of the LED based lamp.

[0037] One of the advantages of the above is that the upconverter, that is comprised by the lighting fixture, may be implemented in such a way that it outputs a DC voltage. Typically, an upconverter that provides for a DC voltage is easier to implement compared to an upconverter that provides for an AC voltage.

[0038] The inventors have found that it might be beneficial if the voltage that is distributed by the structurally pliable power distribution system is an AC voltage. This may be accomplished by utilizing an efficient AC to AC converter for converting the AC mains supply voltage to the AC safety voltage. Typically, a transformer is used in such a design to provide for the conversion and to provide for the galvanic isolation that is required from a safety perspective.

[0039] It is noted that the upconverter may be arranged to upconvert the AC safety voltage into an AC upconverted voltage or a DC upconverted voltage.

[0040] In an example, the power distribution system comprises a cable for distributing said SELV. The present disclosure may be especially suitable for outdoor applications.

[0041] When selecting cables for outdoor applications, it may be of importance to consider a range of factors to ensure the cables can withstand the outdoor environments. Outdoor cables may exhibit robust resistance to moisture and water ingress, as they are often exposed to rain and weather. As mentioned above, cables with higher IP ratings, such as IP65 or IP66, which indicate their capacity to withstand moisture.

[0042] In addition, outdoor cables may need to endure the impact of UV rays, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to material degradation. These cables should operate reliably across a broad temperature range, coping with heat and cold. They may also exhibit mechanical durability, as they may encounter physical stressors like wind, weather, and even occasional contact.

[0043] In an example, the lighting system comprises one or more splitters for providing branches to said cable for connecting a luminaire.

[0044] One option is to use Y-splitter cables or cable splitters with multiple outlets. These may be designed to split the power from a single cable into multiple branches. Y- splitter cables typically have one plug on one end and two or more connectors on the other end, allowing to distribute power to multiple luminaires from the same source.

[0045] Another option is using power distribution boxes or junction boxes, which are designed to distribute electrical power to multiple luminaires. These boxes have multiple output ports and can be connected to a single power cable input.

[0046] In another example, the upconverter is arranged for any of: upconverting said SELV, being an AC voltage, into an upconverted voltage, being an AC upconverted voltage.

[0047] In a further example, the upconverter comprises passive components only.

[0048] Upconverters, which are used to increase the output voltage from SELV, typically involve both active and passive components. Active components, like transistors or integrated circuits, are commonly used in upconverters to actively control and manipulate the voltage transformation process.

[0049] The inventors have found, however, that it might be advantageous to use a passive upconverter, i.e. an upconverter that comprises passive components only. One of the advantages thereof is that the footprint, i.e. the size, of the upconverter can be reduced significantly.

[0050] Passive upconverters may rely on passive components like capacitors, inductors, and transformers to increase voltage levels. These components can be used to create voltage multipliers or voltage step-up circuits. The benefits of a passive upconverter further include simplicity, lower cost, and potentially higher reliability due to the absence of active electronic components that can be prone to failure over time.

[0051] In a further example, the lamp socket has received said AC mains powered lamp, wherein said AC mains powered lamp is a Light Emitting Diode, LED, lamp, wherein said LED lamp comprises an AC -DC converter.

[0052] As mentioned above, the AC -DC converter may be a rectifier like a diode bridge or anything alike. Although the LED lamp may comprise an AC -DC converter, it does not necessarily mean that the voltage provided to the LED lamp is an AC voltage. The upconverted voltage may still be a DC voltage, as the AC -DC converter may also function properly when provided with a DC voltage at its input.

[0053] In a further example, the power supply is arranged to convert said AC mains voltage, being any of 120V and 230V, to said SELV, wherein said upconverter is arranged for upconverting said SELV into said upconverted voltage, being any of 120V and 230V.

[0054] In this particular example, the upconverted voltage may equal the AC mains voltage. This is, in accordance with the present disclosure, however not essential. The upconverted voltage may also be a lower voltage compared to the AC mains voltage, as the AC -DC converter comprised by the LED lamp may also be able to cope with such a lower voltage.

[0055] In an example, the power supply is arranged to convert said AC mains voltage, being any of 120V and 230V, to said SELV, and wherein said upconverter is arranged for upconverting said SELV into said upconverted voltage, being any of 120V and 230V.

[0056] In yet another example, the power supply is arranged to convert said AC mains voltage to said SELV being any of 24V or 48V.

[0057] In a further example, the luminaire further comprises: a detection mechanism for detecting a type of AC mains powered Light Emitting Diode, LED, lamp received in said lamp socket and being arranged for adjusting said upconverted voltage to said type of mains powered LED lamp received in said lamp socket.

[0058] The detection mechanism may, for example, detect the current that is flowing to the LED lamp and may adjust the upconverter accordingly. In another example, the detection mechanism may detect the inrush current, or the inrush voltage of the mains powered LED lamp, and may correlate the inrush current or voltage to known inrush currents or voltages accordingly. In another example, the detection mechanism is arranged for detecting a type of mains powered LED lamp received in said lamp socket by detect any of: detecting a tapped linear power converter comprised by said mains powered LED lamp; detecting a Switched Mode Power Supply, SMPS, comprised by said mains powered LED lamp; detecting a linear type of power converter comprised by said mains powered LED lamp.

[0059] If the detection mechanism detects a low voltage powered lamp in the lamp socket, it may simply assure that the upconverter gets bypassed such that the safety voltage itself is provided to the low voltage powered lamp.

[0060] In another example, the detection mechanism is arranged for bypassing said upconverter when said detection mechanism detects a low voltage powered lamp in said lamp socket.

[0061] The upconverter is comprised in said lamp socket.

[0062] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a luminaire, comprising: a lamp socket arranged for receiving an AC mains powered lamp and / or a substrate having an AC mains powered Light Emitting Diode, LED, lamp; an upconverter arranged for upconverting said SELV, received from said power distribution system, into an upconverted voltage being higher than said SELV, for providing said upconverted voltage to electrical contacts in said lamp socket and / or to electrical contacts connected to said AC mains powered luminaire.

[0063] It may be preferred to embed the upconverter inside a specific mains voltage rated lighting fixture or lamp socket. In this way, the input of the mains voltage fixtures and sockets remains low voltage. The present disclosure may be directed to an add-on upgrade - like a terminal block - between the SELV input to mains output. Mains luminaire for this intention could have a small compartment for such addition.

[0064] If detection is considered, it may also be part of the SELV ac driver as there may be a fixed ration between primary and secondary windings. Adding such intelligence within the SELV driver not only makes the system more robust, i.e. preventing damage to load or SELV ac driver, but may also improve efficiency.

[0065] Protection may be desirable for the lamp socket such that accidental touch within the lamp socket does not result in electrical shock. This can be implemented by, for example, one or two mechanical switches that are activated by insertion of a lamp base contact, for example using a screw thread.

[0066] It is noted that the advantages as explained with respect to the first aspect of the present disclosure being the track lighting system also apply, mutatis mutandis, to the second aspect of the present disclosure, being the lighting fixture.

[0067] In an example, the lamp socket has received a mains powered LED filament lamp.

[0068] In an example, the lighting system may be an outdoor lighting system or a bathroom lighting system. The lighting system may be deployed in situations wherein moisture or wet conditions may apply.

[0069] In an example, the cabling may comprises one or more cables. The one or more cables comprises electrical wiring e.g. a first electrical wire for the anode connections and a second electrical cable for the cathode connections. The cabling comprises one or more electrically conductive, e.g. copper, wires which may be surrounded by a flexible plash c / polymer jacket, e.g. having a thickness of at least 0.1 mm and / or at most 3 mm.

[0070] In an example, the cabling may comprises a main cable and a plurality of side cables, the side cables being electrically connected to the main cable, wherein the luminaires are electrically connected via the side cables to the main cable.

[0071] In a further example, the cabling may have a round shape or a rectangular shape.

[0072] In yet another example, the cabling may be in a roll-up configuration when being sold.

[0073] The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the appended figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0074] In the appended figures, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0075] The above and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Fig. 1 discloses a lighting system in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0077] Fig. 2 discloses a passive upconverter used in a lighting system in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0078] Fig. 3 discloses multiple voltage-current characteristics of Light Emitting Diode, LED, based lamps;

[0079] Fig. 4 discloses an abstract overview of a lighting system in an outdoor environment.

[0080] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] It is noted that in the description of the figures, same reference numerals refer to the same or similar components performing a same or essentially similar function.

[0082] A more detailed description is made with reference to particular examples, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings, such that the manner in which the features of the present disclosure may be understood in more detail. It is noted that the drawings only illustrate typical examples and are therefore not to be considered to limit the scope of the subject matter of the embodiments. The drawings are incorporated for facilitating an understanding of the disclosure and are thus not necessarily drawn to scale. Advantages of the subject matter as claimed will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0083] The ensuing description above provides preferred exemplary embodiment s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements, including combinations of features from different embodiments, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0084] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the embodiments, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, electromagnetic, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0085] These and other changes can be made to the technology in light of the following detailed description. While the description describes certain examples of the technology, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the description appears, the technology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following embodiments should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology under the embodiments.

[0086] Besides solar-powered outdoor lighting fixtures, wiring has remained an important aspect of lighting solutions. While improvements in power efficiency and control have been substantial, the core concept of a power cable has endured. Conventional power transmission lines often employ voltage up-conversion to mitigate energy losses during distribution. Nevertheless, when it comes to setting up and maintaining lighting systems, dealing with standard mains voltage may be challenging, including safety concerns, insulation prerequisites, and protection against environmental factors like moisture and mechanical stress.

[0087] In response to these limitations, Safe Extra-Low Voltage (SELV) lighting systems have gained favor in specific applications where moisture or water ingress poses safety risks. This shift has led to the proliferation of different product variants, that may require dual wiring setups. The present disclosure introduces an SELV power distribution network that effectively bridges the gap between SELV and mains-powered lighting products. This network offers high efficiency and cost-effectiveness, enabling SELV and standard mains lighting solutions to operate seamlessly and reliably.

[0088] Fig. 1 discloses a lighting system 001 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0089] On the left side, appliances 020 and 030 are primarily driven by the standard mains voltage 002. The conversion of this mains voltage into a Safe Extra-Low Voltage (SELV) AC voltage is carried out through electronic transformer 011, housed within structure 010.

[0090] The output from this housing adheres to SELV requirements, ensuring that the AC voltage remains, for example, below 25 V Root Mean Square, RMS, and that the DC voltage is free of ripples and does not exceed 60V. This power distribution network, operating at lower voltage levels, is notably non-hazardous, and is referred to as a structurally pliable power distribution system.

[0091] SELV cables, having enhanced flexibility, do not necessitate a protective earth screen and can be conveniently interconnected with simplified methods.

[0092] Luminaires 100 and nOO typically fall under the category of low-voltage products. Meanwhile, luminaire 200 is a modified mains-powered luminaire, equipped with a SELV power input 201 for the purpose of driving a light source intended for standard mains supply voltage.

[0093] Within the SELV luminaire 100, there may exist at least a rectifier 101 responsible for transforming the SELV AC voltage into a stable DC or AC voltage, facilitating the power supply to SELV luminaire 102. This luminaire may further incorporate a default driver circuit to illuminate the LEDs, typically operating at a standardized voltage, such as 24V DC.

[0094] Conversely, the mains-powered luminaire 200, having a mains powered lamp 202, may employ a passive upconverter 201, utilizing passive components to convert the incoming AC SELV 012 into a higher AC or DC output voltage. The compact nature of the rectifier and passive upconverter components enables them to be seamlessly integrated into a terminal block or a lamp socket for a more streamlined configuration.

[0095] Fig. 2 discloses a passive upconverter used in a lighting system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0096] In Fig. 2, an illustrative schematic representation of the passive voltage up- conversion circuitry 201 is presented. SELV inputs 1001 and 1002 establish connections with the structurally pliable power distribution system. Within this setup, transformer 1000 may play an important role, elevating the input voltage to a higher-level output voltage.

[0097] This upconverted voltage can be directly applied either after the rectification process or when used in conjunction with doubler 2000. The diodes employed in the rectification or voltage doubling process may be of the fast recovery type. This may be of importance due to the SELV circuit's high-frequency nature, which operates at magnitudes significantly higher than the standard mains frequency. As the diodes are placed at the output, power losses within the diodes are almost negligible.

[0098] Fig. 3 discloses multiple voltage-current characteristics of Light Emitting Diode, LED, based lamps.

[0099] A luminaire may comprise a so-called detection mechanism for detecting a particular type of AC mains powered LED lamp received in the lamp socket, and the detection mechanism may be arranged for control the upconverter in such a way that it adjusts to the detected type of mains powered LED lamp received in the corresponding lamp socket.

[0100] Fig. 3 discloses particular Voltage-Current characteristics of particular LED filament lamps and, more specifically, the Voltage-Current characteristics of a converter comprised by those LED filament lamps.

[0101] The current waveform as indicated with reference numeral 101 shows a typical curve of a tapped linear power converter. The current waveform as indicated with reference numeral 102 shows a typical curve of a Switched Mode Power Supply, SMPS. The current waveform as indicated with reference numeral 103 shows a typical curve of a linear type of power converter.

[0102] The upconverter that is comprised by the lighting fixture may utilize the information above to control its output voltage such it is better matches the detected Voltage- Current characteristic.

[0103] Fig. 4 discloses an abstract overview 301 of a lighting system in an outdoor environment.

[0104] The lighting system comprises a structurally pliable power distribution system as indicated with reference numeral 306. In this particular case, the power distribution system is realized using a cable. The cable 306 may be branched in to particular branches, as indicated with reference numeral 307. At the end of each branch a luminaire may be provided. The luminaire may be provided with a lamp socket 304, 305, for receiving an AC mains powered lamp and / or a substrate having an AC mains powered lamp. This is indicated with reference numerals 302, 303.

[0105] An upconverter is provided and is arranged upconverting said SELV, received from said power distribution system, into an upconverted voltage being higher than said SELV, for providing said upconverted voltage to electrical contacts in said lamp socket and / or to electrical contacts connected to said AC mains powered luminaire.

[0106] To reduce the number of claims, certain aspects of the technology are presented below in certain claim forms, but the applicant contemplates the various aspects of the technology in any number of claim forms. For example, while some aspect of the technology may be recited as a computer-readable medium claim, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a computer-readable medium claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a means-plus-function claim.

[0107] In the description above, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of implementations of the disclosed technology. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the disclosed technology may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0108] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lighting system, comprising: a power supply connectable to an Alternating Current, AC, mains voltage, said power supply being arranged for converting said AC mains voltage into a Safety Extra Low Voltage, SELV, being lower than said AC mains voltage; a structurally pliable power distribution system electrically connectable to said power supply and arranged for distributing said SELV to one or more luminaires; a luminaire, comprising:- a lamp socket arranged for receiving an AC mains powered lamp and / or a substrate having an AC mains powered luminaire;- an upconverter arranged for upconverting said SELV, received from said power distribution system, into an upconverted voltage being higher than said SELV, for providing said upconverted voltage to electrical contacts in said lamp socket and / or to electrical contacts connected to said AC mains powered luminaire.

2. A lighting system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said power supply is arranged for converting said AC mains voltage into an AC SELV.

3. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said power distribution system comprises a cable for distributing said SELV.

4. A lighting system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said lighting system comprises one or more splitters for providing branches to said cable for connecting a luminaire.

5. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said upconverter is arranged for any of: upconverting said SELV, being an AC voltage, into an upconverted voltage, being an AC upconverted voltage.

6. A lighting system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said upconverter comprises passive components only.

7. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said lamp socket has received said AC mains powered lamp, wherein said AC mains powered lamp is a Light Emitting Diode, LED, lamp, wherein said LED lamp comprises an AC -DC converter.

8. A lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said power supply is arranged to convert said AC mains voltage, being any of 120V and 230V, to said SELV, and wherein said upconverter is arranged for upconverting said SELV into said upconverted voltage, being any of 120V and 230V.

9. A lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said power supply is arranged to convert said AC mains voltage to said SELV being any of 24V or 48V.

10. A lighting system in accordance with any one of the previous claims, wherein said lighting fixture further comprises: a detection mechanism for detecting a type of AC mains powered Light Emitting Diode, LED, lamp received in said lamp socket and being arranged for adjusting said upconverted voltage to said type of mains powered LED lamp received in said lamp socket.

11. A lighting system in accordance with claim 10, wherein said detection mechanism is arranged for detecting a type of mains powered LED lamp received in said lamp socket by detect any of: detecting a tapped linear power converter comprised by said mains powered LED lamp; detecting a Switched Mode Power Supply, SMPS, comprised by said mains powered LED lamp; detecting a linear type of power converter comprised by said mains poweredLED lamp.

12. A lighting system in accordance with any of the claims 10 - 11, wherein said detection mechanism is arranged for bypassing said upconverter when said detection mechanism detects a low voltage powered lamp in said lamp socket.

13. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said upconverter is comprised in said lamp socket.

14. A luminaire, comprising: a lamp socket arranged for receiving an AC mains powered lamp and / or a substrate having an AC mains powered luminaire; an upconverter arranged for upconverting a SELV, received from a power distribution system, into an upconverted voltage being higher than said SELV, for providing said upconverted voltage to electrical contacts in said lamp socket and / or to electrical contacts connected to said AC mains powered luminaire.

15. A luminaire in accordance with claim 14, wherein said lamp socket has received a mains powered LED filament lamp.

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