Power supply system, luminaire and control device

Abstract

Luminaire (10, 10a) for a lighting system (100), comprising: the luminaire (10, 10a) which is to be connected to a distribution board (40) via a power line (70, 70a) and emits light when supplied with power via the power line; a demand controller (30) which receives power usage from a plurality of devices, including the luminaire (10, 10a), connected to the distribution board (40) via power lines, and outputs a demand signal based on the received power usage; and a control device containing: a switch (53, 53a) provided on the power line (70, 70a) connected to the lamp (10, 10a); and a switch controller (51) which interrupts the supply of power via the power line (70, 70a) for a predetermined period of time by controlling the switch (53, 53a) on the basis of the demand signal output by the demand controller (30), the luminaire contains the following: a light emitter (12) which emits light when supplied with power via the power line (70, 70a); a detector (17) which detects an interruption in the power supply; and a controller (11) that causes the light emitter to emit light in a second dimming state if the detector (17) detects that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined time period, the second dimming state being darker than a first dimming state in which the light emitter emitted light immediately before detecting that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined time period; where, while the controller (11) causes the light emitter (12) to emit light in the second dimming state if the detector (17) detects that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined period of time and the power supply is restored, the controller (11) causes the light emitter (12) to emit light in the second dimming state again when the power has been restored.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to lighting systems, luminaires and control devices compatible with demand response. 2. Description of the related art

[0002] Energy management systems have gained attention with the stabilization of power grids and the increase in freedom in the energy market. For example, a demand control system is known that predicts consumer power usage (demand) and controls electrical equipment (e.g., air conditioners and lights) owned by the consumer to prevent power usage from exceeding the consumer's contractual demand (see, for example, JP 2009-240032 A).

[0003] US 2010 / 0308749 A1 describes a mains-controlled dimming circuit for lamps. The mains-controlled dimming circuit for lamps comprises: a driver circuit for controlling the current flow through the lamp, whereby the current of the lamp is controlled; and a level adjustment circuit for detecting the turning off of a mains switch and generating a corresponding level adjustment signal, which is sent to the driver circuit to control the current flow through the lamp.

[0004] DE 299 04 988 U1 describes a lighting device with light-emitting diodes and an installation switch in the mains supply line, whereby with the help of a programmable logic in the lighting device, each short-term mains interruption caused by the installation switch is detected and then a specific further operating mode programmed in the logic, such as dimming effects, running light effects or similar functions, is carried out.

[0005] JP 2009-245834 A describes a controlling microcomputer. When a power source is switched on, the microcomputer switches each LED module to a predetermined lighting state if the time required from the power source's off state to the on state is less than seconds, and if the time required from the previous on state to the off state is longer than seconds. When the power source is switched on, the controlling microcomputer switches each LED module to a mode shifted from the previous (last) mode (lighting state) if the time required from the power source's off state to the on state is less than seconds, and if the time required from the previous on state to the off state is less than seconds.

[0006] DE 10 2009 048 935 A1 describes a bus-capable control device for controlling at least one load in a bus-oriented, programmable electrical installation, comprising a bus connection device for connecting the control device to a bus system and a control device for controlling the load connected to the control device. The control device comprises a detection device for detecting the current and voltage of the load and an evaluation unit for processing the detected current and voltage values ​​or for determining characteristic values ​​from the detected current and voltage values. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] For example, if a demand control system is newly installed to control lighting demand in a relatively large consumer property, such as an office building, extensive engineering work is required.

[0008] To solve the above problem, the present invention relates to a luminaire according to claim 1, a lighting system according to claim 2 and a control device according to claim 8. Claims 3 to 7 relate to particularly advantageous implementations of the lighting system according to claim 2.

[0009] Thus, the present invention provides a luminaire, a lighting system and a control device that are compatible with demand response and are easily installed.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to a lighting system including a lamp, a demand controller, and a control device. The lamp is to be connected to a distribution board via a power line and emits light when supplied with power via the power line. The demand controller obtains the power usage of multiple devices, including the lamp, which is connected to the distribution board via power lines, and outputs a demand signal based on the obtained power usage. The control device includes: a switch provided on the power line connected to the lamp; and a switch controller that interrupts the supply of power via the power line for a predetermined period of time by controlling the switch based on the demand signal output by the demand controller.The luminaire includes: a light emitter that emits light when powered via the power line, a detector that detects an interruption in the power supply, and a controller that causes the light emitter to emit light in a second dimming state if the detector detects that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined period of time, wherein the second dimming state is dimmer than a first dimming state in which the light emitter emitted light immediately before detecting that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined period of time.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention relates to a control device including: a switch provided on a power line connecting a distribution board and a lamp; and a switch controller that cuts off the power supply to the lamp for a predetermined period of time by controlling the switch based on a demand signal outputted in response to power usage from a plurality of devices, including the lamp, connected to the distribution board via power lines.

[0012] Accordingly, a power supply system that is compatible with demand response and can be easily installed can be realized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a lighting system according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 2 is an external view of a lamp according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of a lamp according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram of a detection circuit; Fig. 5 schematically illustrates voltage waveforms in a detection circuit; and Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram of operations performed by a lighting system according to Embodiment 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] A lighting system according to a non-limiting embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment shows a general or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, elements, arrangement and connection of elements, etc., shown in the following embodiment are merely examples and therefore do not limit the present disclosure. As such, among the elements in the following embodiment, those not listed in any of the independent claims, which indicate the broadest inventive concepts, are described as arbitrary elements.

[0014] Please note that the drawings are schematic and not necessarily accurate representations. Furthermore, substantially similar elements in the drawings share the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions have been omitted or simplified. EMBODIMENT 1General configuration of a power supply system

[0015] First, the general configuration of the power supply system according to Embodiment 1 is described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the power supply system according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] As in Fig. 1, the lighting system 100 includes a plurality of luminaires (e.g., luminaire 10 and luminaire 10a), a demand controller 30, a distribution board 40, and a control board 50. Fig. 1 also illustrates a power line 70 connecting the luminaire 10 and the distribution board 40, and further illustrates a wall switch 20 provided on a power line 70. Fig. 1 also illustrates a power line 70a connecting the luminaire 10a and the distribution board 40, and also illustrates a wall switch 20a provided on the power line 70a. Note that the number of luminaires included in the lighting system 100 is not limited to a specific number.

[0017] One feature of the lighting system 100 is the dimming of the lights as the overall power usage of devices connected to the distribution panel 40 increases. Each element in the lighting system 100 is described in detail below.

[0018] Luminaire 10 is connected to distribution board 40 via power line 70 and emits light using power supplied via power line 70. The configuration of luminaire 10 will be described in detail later. Note that luminaire 10a has the same configuration as luminaire 10, and as such, the description of luminaire 10a is omitted.

[0019] The wall switch 20 is a switch that allows the user to turn the light 10 on or off and is mounted on a building wall. The wall switch 20 can be a conventional switch. The same applies to the wall switch 20a.

[0020] Distribution panel 40 supplies power from the power grid 60 (supply grid) to each of the devices (i.e., each of the circuits) connected to distribution panel 40 via power lines. In this example, devices connected to distribution panel 40 include light fixture 10 and light fixture 10a, but other devices such as air conditioning systems may also be included. Distribution panel 40 may also be a lighting panel to which only light fixtures are connected.

[0021] The distribution board 40 includes a box-shaped housing (not shown in the drawings) with a power switch 42 and a branch circuit breaker for each power line (circuit) connected to the distribution board 40 (exemplified as branch circuit breaker 43 and branch circuit breaker 43a in Fig. 1).

[0022] The power switch 42 is a circuit breaker that interrupts the power supply from the power grid 60 when the power supplied by the power grid 60 exceeds a predetermined power (power defined by contract with the power company).

[0023] The branch circuit breaker 43 and the branch circuit breaker 43a are breakers that interrupt the power supply (current) to a connected power line when an overcurrent flows to the power line.

[0024] In Embodiment 1, the distribution panel 40 also includes a power meter 41. The power meter 41 is a device that measures the total power consumption of the equipment connected to the distribution panel 40 via power lines. The power meter 41 outputs the measured power consumption as a measurement signal to the demand controller 30.

[0025] The demand controller 30 is a device that manages working states and power usage of the devices connected to the distribution board 40 via power lines.

[0026] In Embodiment 1, the demand controller 30 obtains the power usage of a plurality of devices connected to the distribution panel 40 via power lines—including the lamp—and outputs a demand signal based on the obtained power usage. Specifically, the demand controller 30 obtains the total power usage of the plurality of devices measured by the power meter 41 included in the distribution panel 40, and if it is predicted that the obtained total power usage exceeds a predetermined target usage, outputs a demand signal. Note that in Embodiment 1, the power meter 41 and the demand controller 30 are connected via a wired connection using a communication line, but the power meter 41 and the demand controller 30 may be connected via a wireless connection. In this case, the communication method is not limited to any particular method.

[0027] The demand controller 30 predicts that the power usage will exceed the target usage if the power usage exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 80% of the target usage) and remains above the predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time. In other words, if the power usage exceeds a predetermined threshold and remains above the predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time, the demand controller 30 outputs a demand signal. Note that the demand signal is, for example, a binary electrical signal having a high-level waveform when the power usage is predicted to exceed the target usage and a low-level waveform at all other times; however, the demand signal may be any other type of signal.

[0028] Note that multiple predetermined thresholds described above may be used. For example, demand controller 30 may output a first demand signal when power utilization exceeds a first threshold (e.g., 80% of target utilization) and output a second demand signal when power utilization exceeds a second threshold (e.g., 90% of target utilization).

[0029] Note that the demand controller 30 may obtain the total power usage from a smart meter provided separately from the distribution panel 40 and measuring the power usage of the multiple devices connected to the distribution panel, or from an external server (e.g., a server operated by the electric utility). In this case, the demand controller 30 may, for example, communicate with the smart meter via any given type of wired or wireless communication network. The communication method (i.e., the communication standard used) is not limited to any particular method.

[0030] Note that the target usage and the predetermined threshold can be configured by the user via a user interface of the demand controller 30 (in Fig. 1 not shown).

[0031] The control panel 50 is an example of the control device and includes a switch unit 52 which has a plurality of switches (as switch 53 and switch 53a in Fig. 1) and includes a switch controller 51. Note that switch 53 and switch 53a have essentially the same functions. As such, switch 53 will be described below, and the description of switch 53a will be omitted.

[0032] The switch unit 52 is a switching device with multiple switches. The on and off states of the switches are controlled by the switch controller 52. The switch unit 52 contains the switch 53 and the switch 53a.

[0033] The switch 53 is provided on a power line 70 connected to the luminaire 10. The switch 53 is implemented, for example, as a relay element or as a power transistor.

[0034] The switch controller 51 interrupts the power supply to the plurality of lamps by controlling the plurality of switches (e.g., switch 53 and switch 53a) included in the switch unit 52 based on a demand signal output from the demand controller 30. In other words, the switch controller 51 performs control of turning off switches 53 and 53a for a predetermined period of time and then turning them on again based on a demand signal (hereinafter, this control may be simply described as temporarily turning off a switch—that is, what is referred to as causing a switch to perform a "temporary shutdown operation").

[0035] Specifically, the switch controller 51 switches the plurality of switches contained in the switch unit 52 on and off with an electrical signal (control signal). The switch controller 51 is implemented, for example, as a specialized circuit, but may be implemented as a processor or a microcomputer.

[0036] Note that in Embodiment 1, the switch controller 51 (control panel 50) and the demand controller 30 are connected via a wired connection using a communication line through which the demand signal is transmitted and received. However, the switch controller 51 and the demand controller 30 may communicate wirelessly, for example. Furthermore, the communication method (ie, the communication standards used) is not limited to any particular method. Configuration of the luminaire

[0037] Next, the configuration of the luminaire 10 is described in detail. Fig. 2 is an external view of the luminaire 10, and Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of luminaire 10.

[0038] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the luminaire 10 includes a luminaire main body 16, a light emitter 12, a power converter 14, a detector 17, a controller 11, a setting receiver 13, and a shelf 15.

[0039] The main luminaire body 16 forms the base of the luminaire 10 and is attached to the ceiling, for example with nuts and screws.

[0040] The light emitter 12 emits light with power supplied by the power line 70 (in particular, with power supplied by the controller 11). The light emitter 12 specifically includes a light-emitting module and a cover covering the light-emitting module.

[0041] The light-emitting module contains LED elements mounted on a substrate as the light-emitting elements. The light-emitting module can be a chip-on-board (COB) module, in which LED chips are mounted directly on the substrate. The light-emitting module can also be a surface-mount device (SMD) module, in which SMD LED elements are mounted on the substrate. Note that an SMD LED element is a package LED in which an LED chip is mounted and encapsulated with phosphor in the cavity of a resin package.

[0042] The cover transmits light emitted by the light-emitting module. The cover is made of a translucent glass or resin, but can also be made of a white resin containing a light-scattering material (light-scattering particles) such as silicon dioxide or calcium carbonate.

[0043] The power converter 14 converts AC power supplied from the power grid 60 via the power line 70 into DC power and outputs the converted DC power to the controller 11. Specifically, the power converter 14 is, for example, a full-wave bridge rectifier circuit, but it may also be any other type of converter, such as an AC-DC converter integrated circuit (IC).

[0044] The detector 17 detects an interruption in the power supply from the power line 70. Specifically, the detector 17 detects a case where the power supply is interrupted for a predetermined period of time (ie, detects a case of a temporary power-off operation). Here, the length of the predetermined period of time is, for example, between one and two seconds inclusive, but the predetermined period of time is not limited to any particular length.

[0045] The detector 17, for example, is a circuit that includes a detection circuit that detects a case of the temporary power-off operation of switch 53. The configuration of the detection circuit will be described in detail later. Note that the detector 17 can be implemented as a microcomputer or processor.

[0046] The controller 11 controls the light emission of the light emitter 12 using the DC power output by the power converter 14. In Embodiment 1, immediately after the detector 17 detects a case of the temporary shutdown operation of the switch 53 (ie, detects that the power supply has been temporarily interrupted for the predetermined period of time and then resumed), the controller 11 causes the light emitter 12 to emit light in a second dimming state that is darker than a first dimming state in which the light emitter 12 emitted light immediately before the detection.

[0047] While the controller 11 causes the light emitter 12 to emit light in the second dimming state, if the detector 17 detects that the power supply from the power line 70 to the lamp 10 has been interrupted for a period longer than the predetermined time period and the power supply is resumed, the controller 11 also causes the light emitter 12 to emit light in the first dimming state. In other words, the lamp 10 is returned from the second dimming state to the first dimming state. In Embodiment 1, the period longer than the predetermined time period (this longer period is also referred to as a first predetermined time period) is longer than two seconds, but this period is not limited to a specific length.

[0048] Thus, when the user turns off the wall switch 20 and then turns it back on after a period of time longer than the above-described short-term shutdown operation, the light emitter 12 can be returned to the first state. Note that the switch controller 51 can return the light emitter 12 from the second dimming state to the first dimming state based on the demand signal by turning off switch 53. The light emitter 12 can also be returned by remote control by the user (i.e., by inputting a command to a setting receiver 13).

[0049] The controller 11 is, for example, a circuit with a chopper control circuit that adjusts the power supplied to the light emitter 12. The chopper control circuit is, in particular, a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit or a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) circuit, for example. Note that the controller 11 can be implemented as a microcomputer or processor.

[0050] Note that the luminaire 10 may be configured to store sufficient power to operate the controller 11 for a short period of time when power to the luminaire 10 is interrupted. Here, "a short period of time" is at least a period of time longer than the predetermined period of time, but preferably longer than the first predetermined period of time.

[0051] Additionally, the luminaire 10 can be configured to store sufficient power to cause the light emitter 12 to emit light for a length of time approximately equal to the predetermined time period described above. Thus, the luminaire 10 can transition from the first dimming state to the second dimming state without shutting down, even during the temporary shutdown operation.

[0052] The setting receiver 13 receives a user setting for the first dimming state and the second dimming state. Specifically, the setting receiver 13 is a light sensor of a remote control with which the user sets the first dimming state and the second dimming state. Note that a "dimming state" includes a state in which the luminaire 10 is fully on (i.e., 100% undimmed). For example, in Embodiment 1, the first dimming state is a state in which the luminaire 10 is fully on, and the second dimming state is, for example, a state in which the luminaire 10 is dimmed to 80%.

[0053] The storage 15 is a storage device (memory) that stores dimming state settings received by the setting receiver 13. The dimming state settings are referenced by the controller 11. The storage 15 is a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Note that the storage 15 may be included in the controller 11. Detection circuit for a temporary shutdown operation

[0054] Next, an example of the detection circuit included in the detector 17 for detecting a case of the temporary turn-off operation of the switch 53 will be presented. Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram of the detection circuit. Fig. Figure 5 shows voltage waveforms in the detection circuit. Note that in Fig. 4 only the configuration concerning the detection of a case of temporary shutdown operation is shown. In addition, Fig. 5 is shown schematically and as such does not accurately indicate voltage waveform levels and frequencies.

[0055] The detection circuit 80 is designed to detect a case of the temporary disconnection of the switch 53 from the power supply 60. The detection circuit 80 includes a full-wave rectifier circuit 81 with four diodes D1 to D4. The full-wave rectifier circuit 81 rectifies the voltages shown in (a) in Fig. 5 with diodes D1 to D4. Note that if the power converter 14 includes a full-wave rectifier circuit, this full-wave rectifier circuit can be used instead of the full-wave rectifier circuit 81.

[0056] The rectified voltage is smoothed by a smoothing capacitor C1, divided by the resistor R1 and the resistor R2, and input to the transistor Tr1 as a base voltage of the transistor Tr1. Here, the base voltage of the transistor Tr1 (voltage V1) has the value shown in (b) in Fig. The waveform shown in Figure 5. Here, for example, the peak value of voltage V1 is approximately 5 volts.

[0057] In period T1, which is the period during which switch 53 is turned on, voltage V1 exceeds the threshold voltage of transistor Tr1, causing transistor Tr1 to be turned on. Thus, as shown in (c), Fig. 5, in the period T1 the collector voltage (voltage V2) of the transistor Tr1 is a low level voltage (0 volts).

[0058] However, in period T2, which is the period during which switch 53 is off, voltage V1 is pulled down by resistor R2 to 0 volts and thus below the threshold voltage of transistor Tr1, thereby putting transistor Tr1 into an off state. Thus, as shown in (c) in Fig. 5, the voltage V2 in the period T2 is a high level voltage (Vcc).

[0059] Thus, the voltage V2 output by the detection circuit 80 corresponds to the on and off state of the switch 53, in (d) in Fig. 5. The detector 17 therefore monitors (samples) this output of the detection circuit 80 to detect an instance of the temporary turn-off operation of switch 53. Power system operation

[0060] Next, operations performed by the power system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 described. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram of operations performed by the power system 100.

[0061] First, the controller 11 of the luminaire 10 causes the light emitter 12 to emit light in the first dimming state - that is, to turn the light emitter 12 fully on - (S11).

[0062] The demand controller 30 receives the power usage from the power meter 41 (S12) and determines whether the predicted power usage value will exceed the target usage (S13). As described above, in Embodiment 1, if the demand controller 30 predicts that the power usage will exceed the target usage (Yes in S13), the demand controller 30 outputs a demand signal to the control panel 50 indicating that the power usage is predicted to exceed the target usage (S14).

[0063] The switch controller 51 of the control panel 50 receives the request signal from the request controller 30 (S15) and causes the plurality of switches included in the switch unit 52 to perform a temporary shutdown operation (S16). For example, the switch controller 51 causes the switch 53 to perform a temporary shutdown operation, interrupting the power supply from the power line 70 to the lamp 10 for the predetermined period of time.

[0064] The detector 70 of the lamp 10 detects the interruption of the power supply for the predetermined period of time (S17), and the controller 11 causes the light emitter 12 to emit light in the second dimming state, which is darker than the first dimming state in which the light emitter 12 emits light immediately before the detection (S18). Beneficial effects

[0065] As described above, in the lighting system 100, the switch controller 51 interrupts the power supply to the plurality of lamps connected to the distribution panel 40 for a predetermined period of time in response to the output of the demand signal from the demand controller 30. Here, the demand signal is output, for example, when the total power usage of the devices connected to the distribution panel 40 is predicted to exceed a predetermined target usage.

[0066] If the detector 17 of the luminaire 10 detects that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined period of time, the controller 11 of the luminaire 10 causes the light emitter 12 to emit light in the second dimming state, which is darker than the first dimming state in which the light emitter 12 emitted light immediately before the detection.

[0067] In other words, in the lighting system 100, as power usage increases, the power consumption of the luminaire 10 is automatically reduced. This allows the power grid 60 to be stabilized during peak power consumption, and the electricity costs for consumers using the lighting system 100 can be reduced.

[0068] For example, in Japan, contracts between energy companies and consumers may contain a clause that penalizes consumers when power usage exceeds a predetermined contract demand, for example, by increasing the unit price of electricity. In this case, by setting the target usage described above to the contract demand, power usage is less likely to exceed the contract demand, thereby reducing electricity costs for the consumer. For example, in office buildings, there are cases where power usage by lights exceeds power usage by air conditioners. In this case, the power supply system 100 can effectively reduce electricity costs.

[0069] Furthermore, a feature of the lighting system 100 is that it can easily control multiple lights collectively using existing power lines. Consumers using the demand controller 30 can easily install the lighting system 100 by simply attaching the control panel 50 and replacing an existing light with the light 10. In other words, installing the lighting system 100 does not require extensive construction work such as laying new control wiring.

[0070] A configuration in which a control panel controls multiple luminaires via wireless communication is also conceivable. However, in such a configuration, the control panel and the luminaire require relatively expensive wireless communication modules, for example. This increases the cost of both the control panel and the luminaire, thereby reducing the benefits described above. Furthermore, in the case of wireless control, interference may occur, or the control panel may not be able to adequately control the luminaire due to installation in an environment with poor reception.

[0071] However, such a communication module is not required in the lighting system 100. Since the control panel 50, which consists of relatively inexpensive components such as switches, is used, installation costs can be reduced. Note that if a luminaire already used by the consumer is compatible with a dimming function, the existing luminaire can be upgraded to the equivalent of luminaire 10 by replacing the power source block and updating the firmware (software) instead of replacing the luminaire.

[0072] In addition, since the power supply system 100 is configured to detect whether power is being supplied via the power line, an advantage of the power supply system 100 is that it can perform control with greater certainty than the wireless communication described above. Further embodiments

[0073] So far, the lighting system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment.

[0074] In Embodiment 1, one light (e.g., light 10) is connected to one switch (e.g., switch 53), but multiple lights can be connected to a single switch. This allows multiple lights to be controlled by causing a single switch to perform a temporary shutdown operation.

[0075] In addition, in Embodiment 1, when the switch controller 51 receives the request signal, the switch controller 51 typically causes all the switches included in the switch unit 52 to perform a temporary shutdown operation. However, the switch controller 51 may cause a portion of the switches included in the switch unit 52 to perform a temporary shutdown operation in response to receiving the request signal.

[0076] For example, as described in Embodiment 1, it is conceivable that the demand controller 30 outputs the demand signal in stages according to the power usage (ie, the demand controller 30 first outputs a first demand signal and then outputs a second demand signal). In this case, the switch controller 51 may cause half of the switches included in the switch unit 52 to perform a temporary shutdown operation upon receiving the first demand signal, and cause the remaining half of the switches included in the switch unit 52 to perform a temporary shutdown operation upon receiving the second demand signal.

[0077] If the switch controller 51 is configured to cause the switches included in the switch unit 52 to perform a temporary shutdown operation in stages, a priority can be assigned to each switch included in the switch unit 52. In other words, the switch controller 51 causes a low-priority switch to perform a temporary shutdown operation in response to receiving the first request signal, and causes a high-priority switch to perform a temporary shutdown reaction in response to receiving the second request signal. This allows control to be performed as desired by the user—that is, luminaires installed in a room that the user does not want to become dark can be controlled to have a low chance of dimming. Note that the priority levels in the tray (in Fig.1 not shown) are stored in the control panel 50, as an example.

[0078] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the plurality of luminaires are described as being fully turned on before a temporary shutdown operation is performed, but the plurality of luminaires may include a luminaire that is already dimmed before a temporary shutdown operation is performed. If changing the already dimmed luminaire to the second dimming state would cause the luminaire to emit brighter light than before the temporary shutdown operation, it is not necessary to change the luminaire to the second dimming state. In other words, the dimming state before the temporary shutdown operation can be maintained.For example, while the controller 11 of the luminaire 10 causes the light emitter 12 to emit light in the second dimming state, if the detector 17 detects that the power supply has been interrupted for a predetermined period of time and the power supply has been resumed, the controller 11 may cause the light emitter 12 to resume emitting light in the second dimming state.

[0079] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, LEDs or LED elements are used as light-emitting elements in the light emitter 12. However, semiconductor light-emitting elements such as semiconductor lasers, solid-state light-emitting elements such as organic electroluminescent (EL) elements, or inorganic EL elements or fluorescent lamps may be used as light-emitting elements in the light emitter 12.

[0080] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, each element may be configured in the form of specialized hardware or may be implemented by executing a software program suitable for the element. Each element may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor that reads and executes the software program recorded in a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0081] Furthermore, each element can be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits can be configured as a single circuit or can be individual circuits. Furthermore, these circuits can be ordinary circuits or can be specialized circuits.

[0082] Furthermore, general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a computer-readable medium such as a CD-ROM, or any given combination thereof. For example, one or more embodiments may be implemented as a light fixture 10 used in lighting system 100. One or more embodiments may also be implemented as a control panel 50 (the control device).

[0083] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is exemplary and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the terms of the appended claims. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10, 10a lamp 11 controllers 12 light emitters 13 Recipients of the Position 17 Detector 30 demand controllers 40 distribution board 41 power meters 50 Control panel (control device) 51 switch controllers 53, 53a switch 70, 70a power line 100 power supply system

Claims

[1] Luminaire (10, 10a) for a lighting system (100), comprising: the luminaire (10, 10a) which is to be connected to a distribution board (40) via a power line (70, 70a) and emits light when supplied with power via the power line; a demand controller (30) which receives power usage from a plurality of devices, including the luminaire (10, 10a), connected to the distribution board (40) via power lines, and outputs a demand signal based on the received power usage; and a control device containing: a switch (53, 53a) provided on the power line (70, 70a) connected to the lamp (10, 10a); and a switch controller (51) which interrupts the supply of power via the power line (70, 70a) for a predetermined period of time by controlling the switch (53, 53a) on the basis of the demand signal output by the demand controller (30), where the luminaire contains the following: a light emitter (12) which emits light when supplied with power via the power line (70, 70a); a detector (17) which detects an interruption in the power supply; and a controller (11) that causes the light emitter to emit light in a second dimming state if the detector (17) detects that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined time period, the second dimming state being darker than a first dimming state in which the light emitter emitted light immediately before detecting that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined time period; where, while the controller (11) causes the light emitter (12) to emit light in the second dimming state if the detector (17) detects that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined period of time and the power supply is restored, the controller (11) causes the light emitter (12) to emit light in the second dimming state again when the power has been restored. [2] Lighting system (100) comprising the luminaire (10, 10a) according to claim 1, the demand controller (30) and the control device. [3] The lighting system (100) of claim 2, wherein, while the controller (11) causes the light emitter to emit light in the second dimming state, if the detector (17) detects that the power supply has been interrupted for longer than the predetermined time period and the power supply is restored, the controller (11) causes the light emitter to emit light in the first dimming state when the power has been restored. [4] The lighting system (100) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the luminaire (10, 10a) further includes a setting receiver (13) that receives a user setting for the first dimming state and the second dimming state. [5] The power system (100) of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the demand controller (30) outputs the demand signal if the received power usage is predicted to exceed a predetermined target usage. [6] Power supply system (100) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the luminaire (10, 10a) comprises several luminaires, the demand controller (30) receives the power usage from several devices including the several lights, the switch (53, 53a) comprises a plurality of switches (53, 53a) each corresponding to one of the plurality of lights, and the switch controller (51) interrupts the power supply to the plurality of lamps for the predetermined period of time by controlling the plurality of switches (53, 53a) based on the demand signal output by the demand controller (30). [7] The power supply system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the predetermined time period is between one second and two seconds, both inclusive. [8] Control device for a power supply system (100), comprising: a luminaire (10, 10a) to be connected to a distribution board (40) via a power line (70, 70a) and emitting light when supplied with power via the power line; a demand controller (30) which receives power usage from a plurality of devices, including the luminaire (10, 10a), connected to the distribution board (40) via power lines, and outputs a demand signal based on the received power usage; and the control device, which contains: a switch (53, 53a) provided on the power line (70, 70a) connected to the lamp (10, 10a); and a switch controller (51) which interrupts the supply of power via the power line (70, 70a) for a predetermined period of time by controlling the switch (53, 53a) on the basis of the demand signal output by the demand controller (30), where the luminaire contains the following: a light emitter (12) which emits light when supplied with power via the power line (70, 70a); a detector (17) which detects an interruption in the power supply; and a controller (11) that causes the light emitter to emit light in a second dimming state if the detector (17) detects that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined time period, the second dimming state being darker than a first dimming state in which the light emitter emitted light immediately before detecting that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined time period; where, while the controller (11) causes the light emitter (12) to emit light in the second dimming state if the detector (17) detects that the power supply has been interrupted for the predetermined period of time and the power supply is restored, the controller (11) causes the light emitter (12) to emit light in the second dimming state again when the power has been restored.

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