Emergency-lighting device

Abstract

An emergency-lighting device is provided. The emergency-lighting device includes a plurality of channels and a controller. Each of the channels provide power to a load associated with the channel from a main power source or an emergency power source. Each the channels have a switching element configured to provide a first condition wherein the loads receive power from the main power source and a second condition wherein the loads receive power from the emergency power source. The controller operates the switching elements to move from the first condition to the second condition when a loss of power from the main power source to the loads is detected. The controller also selectively provides dimming signals to the loads to control an emergency power consumption from the emergency power source by the loads during the second condition.

Description

[0001] EMERGENCY-LIGHTING DEVICE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to an emergency-lighting device, and more specifically, to a multichannel emergency -lighting device that selectively dims across individual channels to provide power regulation. The present disclosure also is directed to a method for controlling emergency power consumption using the emergencylighting device.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Emergency inverters are used to provide power to luminaires in the event of a power outage. These emergency inverters can be single channel inverters or multichannel inverters. A single channel inverter is designed to provide power to a single branch circuit, while a multichannel inverter is designed to work with multiple branch circuits using a single inverter device. Emergency-lighting devices currently known in the art do not allow for adjustable dimming along different channels. For example, in the case of a multichannel emergency inverter, the device will either provide full power across all the channels or will only provide a preset level of dimming. This can make it difficult to ensure the correct light output in emergency situations.

[0006] US20200352000A1 relates to a low voltage lighting system including a fixture having an array of LEDs and an LED driver circuit. The LED driver circuit includes a Switch-mode Power Supply (SMPS) unit, a current sensing unit, a control unit and a dimming input level shifting and signal conditioning unit. The SMPS unit produces an adequate DC power (+VLED, -VLED) for driving the LEDs. The control unit receives a sensed current signal from the current sensing unit and controls the SMPS unit to maintain the output current within a pre-determined range. The control unit receives a dimming signal from the dimming unit or an emergency signal from a supply unit to alter the output power of the SMPS unit from normal mode to dimming mode or emergency mode respectively.

[0007] US2021099011 relates to an automatic power transfer switch system that includes a dimmable lighting load adapted to operate under a variable amount of power in dependence on a dimming control signal, an automatic transfer switch configured to connect a primary electrical power source to the dimmable lighting load under normal operating conditions of the primary electrical power source in a first mode, and to automatically disconnect the primary electrical power source from the load and connect an emergency electrical power source to the load under malfunctioning operating conditions of the primary electrical power source in a second mode, the automatic transfer switch further including an integrated load reduction dimmer configured to provide a dimming control signal to the dimmable lighting load. A load shedding controller communicatively coupled to the automatic transfer switch to provide a load shedding control signal to the automatic transfer switch, wherein the integrated load reduction dimmer develops the dimming control signal in response to the load shedding control signal.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a multichannel emergency-lighting device that selectively dims across individual channels of the device, and is further capable of being incorporated into existing lighting systems.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure is generally directed to an emergency-lighting device that dims across individual channels. The emergency-lighting device provides a dimming signal that can be used to selectively control the power consumption of the loads associated with each channel.

[0011] The emergency-lighting device includes a plurality of channels and a controller. Each of the plurality of channels are configured to provide power to a load associated with the channel from a main power source or an emergency power source. In some examples, the loads are dimmable light sources. Each of the channels further include a switching element configured to provide a first condition wherein the load receives power from the main power source and a second condition wherein the load receives power from the emergency power source. The emergency power source can be included within the emergency -lighting device or the emergency power source can be a separate device. The controller operates one or more switching elements of the plurality of channels to move from the first condition to the second condition when a loss of power from the main power source to one or more of the loads is detected. The controller also selectively provides dimming signals to the one or more loads to control an emergency power consumption from the emergency power source by the one or more loads during the second condition. The controller can selectively provide dimming signals to the one or more loads to provide a predetermined value of the emergency power consumption to each of the one or more loads. The emergency -lighting device may include a plurality of measurement sensors configured to measure a value of the emergency power consumption of each of the one or more loads during the second condition or a value of the main power consumption of each of the one or more loads during the first condition. The controller can selectively provide dimming signals to the one or more loads based on a total value of the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads. The controller can selectively provide dimming signals to the one or more loads based on a value of the emergency power consumption of each of the one or more loads. The controller can selectively provide dimming signals to the one or more loads based on a predetermined ratio for the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads. The controller can selectively provide dimming signals to the one or more loads based on a ratio of the main power consumption of the one or more loads.

[0012] The emergency-lighting device selectively controls the emergency power consumption of individual channels of the plurality of channels. Thus, the emergencylighting device provides for an easily implemented way of controlling emergency -lighting power consumption that automatically adapts to different loads.

[0013] Generally, in one aspect an emergency-lighting device is provided.

[0014] The emergency-lighting device includes a plurality of channels. Each of the plurality of channels are configured to provide power to a load associated with the channel from a main power source or an emergency power source. Each of the plurality of channels having a switching element configured to provide a first condition wherein the load receives power from the main power source and a second condition wherein the load receives power from the emergency power source.

[0015] The emergency power source also includes a controller. The controller is configured to operate one or more of the switching elements of the plurality of channels to move from the first condition to the second condition when a loss of power from the main power source to one or more of the loads is detected. The controller is further configured to selectively provide dimming signals to the one or more loads to control an emergency power consumption from the emergency power source by the one or more loads during the second condition.

[0016] According to an example, the dimming signals to the one or more loads are selectively provided to satisfy an emergency lighting condition comprising a brightness condition and a time condition.

[0017] According to an example, the controller is configured to selectively provide the dimming signals to the one or more loads to provide a predetermined value for the emergency power consumption to each of the one or more loads. According to some aspects, the emergency-lighting device further includes a power measurement sensor configured to measure a total value of the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads during the second condition. The controller is further configured to selectively provide the dimming signals to the one or more loads based on the measured total value of the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads received from the power measurement sensor.

[0018] According to some aspects, the emergency -lighting device further includes a plurality of power measurement sensors configured to measure a value of the emergency power consumption of each of the one or more loads during the second condition or a value of the main power consumption of each of the one or more loads during the first condition.

[0019] According to an example, the controller is further configured to determine a total value of the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads during the second condition based on the measured values of the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads received from the plurality of power measurement sensors. The controller also selectively provides the dimming signals to the one or more loads based on the determined total value of emergency power consumption.

[0020] According to an example, the controller is further configured to selectively provide the dimming signals to the one or more loads based on the measured values of the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads received from the plurality of power measurement sensors.

[0021] According to an example, the dimming signals are selectively provided based on a predetermined ratio for the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads.

[0022] According to an example, the controller is further configured to selectively provide the dimming signals to the one or more loads based on the measured value of the main power consumption of the one or more loads received from the power measurement sensor.

[0023] According to an example, the loads are dimmable light sources.

[0024] According to an example, the emergency-lighting device includes the emergency power source.

[0025] According to an example, the controller is further configured to operate the one or more of the switching elements of the plurality of channels to move from the first condition to the second condition sequentially to reduce inrush current on an inverter.

[0026] Generally, in another aspect, a method for controlling emergency power consumption from an emergency power source by one or more loads is provided. The method includes selectively providing dimming signals to the one or more loads to control an emergency power consumption from the emergency power source by the one or more loads.

[0027] According to an example, the method further includes selectively providing the dimming signals to the one or more loads to provide a predetermined value for the emergency power consumption to each of the one or more loads.

[0028] According to an example, the method further includes determining a value of the emergency power consumption or a value of the main power consumption of the one or more loads.

[0029] According to an example, the method further includes selectively providing the dimming signals to the one or more loads based on the determined value of emergency power consumption or the determined value of the main power consumption.

[0030] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0031] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a system including an emergency-lighting device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic of the system shown in FIG. 1 showing a plurality of channels, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a partial schematic of an emergency-lighting device that selectively provides dimming signals using a total power measurement sensor, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a partial schematic of an emergency-lighting device that selectively provides dimming signals based on determining a total value of power consumption from a plurality of power measurement sensors, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a partial schematic of an emergency-lighting device that selectively provides dimming signals based on a value of power consumption received from a plurality of power measurement sensors, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a schematic of a system including an emergency-lighting device with an emergency power source built into the device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a method for controlling emergency power consumption from an emergency power source by one or more loads, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0041] The present disclosure is generally directed to an emergency-lighting device that dims across individual channels.

[0042] The emergency-lighting device includes a plurality of channels and a controller. Each of the plurality of channels are configured to provide power to a load associated with the channel from a main power source or an emergency power source. For example, the loads may be dimmable light sources. Each of the channels further include a switching element configured to provide a first condition wherein the load receives a power and dimming signal from the main power source and a second condition wherein the load receives a power and dimming signal from the emergency power source. The emergency power source can be included within the emergency -lighting device or the emergency power source can be a separate device. The controller operates one or more switching elements of the plurality of channels to move from the first condition to the second condition when a loss of power from the main power source to one or more of the loads is detected. The controller also selectively provides dimming signals to the one or more loads to control an emergency power consumption from the emergency power source by the one or more loads during the second condition. The controller can selectively provide dimming signals to the one or more loads to provide a predetermined value of the emergency power consumption to each of the one or more loads. The emergency -lighting device may include a plurality of measurement sensors configured to measure a value of the emergency power consumption of each of the one or more loads during the second condition or a value of the main power consumption of each of the one or more loads during the first condition. The controller can selectively provide dimming signals to the one or more loads based on a total value of the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads. The controller can selectively provide dimming signals to the one or more loads based on a value of the emergency power consumption of each of the one or more loads. The controller can selectively provide dimming signals to the one or more loads based on a predetermined ratio for the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads. The controller can selectively provide dimming signals to the one or more loads based on a measured ratio of the main power consumption of the one or more loads.

[0043] FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematics of a system 10 including an emergency -lighting device 12, a main power source 14, an emergency power source charger 16, an emergency power source 18, and an inverter 20. As also shown in FIG. 1, the emergency -lighting device 12 includes a controller 22, such as a microcontroller by way of example, that controls one or more operations of the emergency -lighting device 12 as described herein. As shown in FIG. 2, the emergency-lighting device 12 includes a plurality of channels 82, 84, and 86 are configured to provide power to a respective load 24, 26, and 28 from the main power source 14 or the emergency power source 18. FIG. 2 shows the schematic of FIG. 1 with emphasis on the first channel 82, the second channel 84, and the third channel 86 configured to provide respective power to the first load 24, the second load 26, and the third load 28. The loads 24, 26, 28 shown in these examples are dimmable light sources, such as LEDs, although the emergency -lighting device 12 can be used with other dimmable light sources. Although three channels 82, 84, 86 are illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the emergencylighting device 12 can include any number of channels depending on the desired operation.

[0044] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the channels 82, 84, 86 have a corresponding switching element 30, 32, 34 configured to provide a first condition wherein the loads 24, 26, 28 receive power from the main power source 14 and a second condition wherein the loads 24, 26, 28 receive power from the emergency power source 18 when operated by the microcontroller 22 as described below. The first channel 82 has the first switching element 30, the second channel 84 has the second switching element 32, and the third channel 86 has the third switching element 34. The switching elements shown in FIG. 1 are double throw relay switches, however other switches may be used without deviating from the principles of this disclosure.

[0045] Each of the switching elements 30, 32, 34 are configured to form a normally closed NC circuit with the main power source 14, and a normally open NO circuit with the emergency power source 18. While operating under the first condition, the three channels 82, 84, 86 receive power from the main power source 14 via a corresponding first main power line 36, second main power line 38, and third main power line 40. These power lines 36, 38, 40 provide to their respective loads the power required for producing dimmable light output.

[0046] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the loads 24, 26, 28 are dimmed using main power wall controls 42, 44, 46. The main power lines 36, 38, 40 have a corresponding first main power wall control 42, second main power wall control 44, and third main power wall control 46. These main power wall controls 42, 44, 46 control the load power consumption 48 of loads 24, 26, 28 via main dimming signals. This variation in load power consumption 48 is manifested as a dimming level 50, 52, 54 of the loads 24, 26, 28. For example, greater power consumption would lead to greater light output and correspondingly less dimming by the loads 24, 26, 28. FIG. 1 shows first load 24 with a first dimming level 50, second load 26 with a second dimming level 52, and third load 28, with a third dimming level 54.

[0047] In this example the main power source 14 is shown to be an AC power source and the emergency power source 18 is shown to be a battery that outputs DC power. While operating under the first condition, the AC power of the main power source 14 is used to charge the emergency power source 18 via the emergency power source charger 16. When the switching elements 30, 32, 34 are moved to the second condition, the circuits break the connections to the main power source 14 and form connections with the emergency power source 18. Inverter 20 is connected to the output of emergency power source 18 to convert the DC power of emergency power source 18 into AC power. This is often necessary to ensure compatibility with the loads. Although the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 contemplates an AC power source, other power sources, such as a diesel power source, may be used instead without deviating from the principles of this disclosure.

[0048] The microcontroller 22 is configured to independently operate one or more of the switching elements 30, 32, 34 of the plurality of channels 82, 84, 86 to move from the first condition to the second condition when a loss of power from the main power source 14 to one or more of the loads 24, 26, 28 is detected. Upon detecting a loss of power from the main power source 14 to one or more of the loads 24, 26, 28, the microcontroller 22 sends one or more switching signals 56, 58, 60 to the one or more of the loads 24, 26, 28 no longer receiving power from the main power source 14. In some cases, the microcontroller 22 is configured to operate the one or more of the switching elements 30, 32, 34 sequentially to reduce inrush current on the inverter 20. Providing a slight delay between the different switching signals 30, 32, 34 helps to ensure the inverter 20 is not overloaded by the sudden change in current, thereby providing more reliable device operation. FIG. 1 shows microcontroller 22 with the first switching signal 56 along the first channel 82, the second switching signal 58 along the second channel 84, and the third switching signal 60 along the second channel 86. In the case where all three loads 24, 26, 28 are detected to no longer be receiving power from the main power source 14, the microcontroller 22 will send all three switching signals 56, 58, 60. In the case where only one or a subset of the loads 24, 26, 28 are no longer receiving power from the main power source 14, the microcontroller 22 will only send switching signals along the channels corresponding to the affected loads. In this manner the emergency-lighting device 12 can automatically detect and respond to a main power loss in individual channels. Moreover, the emergencylighting device 12 can be used to simplify the process of periodically testing emergency equipment. When a main power consumption is detected, the device operates normally in the first condition, however when main power consumption is no longer detected, the device switches to the second condition and begins drawing power from the emergency power source 18. By cutting off the main power source 14 to any of loads 24, 26, 28 the emergencylighting device 12 provides a quick test of functionality based on whether it draws power from the emergency power source 18.

[0049] A power consumption value can be detected by one or more power measurement sensors. The one or more power measurement sensors can come in different arrangements as discussed further below. FIG. 1 shows a first power measurement sensor 74 located on the first channel 82, a second power measurement sensor 76 positioned on the second channel 84, and a third power measurement sensor 78 positioned on the third channel 86. The power measurement sensors may take the form of any device previously known in the art that would be appropriate for measuring power consumption of a load. This includes hall effect sensors, resistive sensors, and current transformers, by way of example only.

[0050] In this example, the switching signals 56, 58, 60 energize coils 62, 64, 66 located in corresponding switching elements 30, 32, 34. For example, the first switching signal 56 energizes the first coil 62, the second switching signal 58 energizes the second coil 64, and the third switching signal 60 energizes the third coil 66. Once energized, the coil causes the corresponding switching element to flip from the normal configuration so that an open circuit is formed with the main power source 14 and a closed circuit is formed with the emergency power source 18. This closed circuit allows current to flow from the emergency power source 18 to the loads 24, 26, 28 via the emergency power line 80, thereby delivering power from the emergency power source 18 to the loads 24, 26, 28. The microcontroller 22 is further configured to selectively provide dimming signals 68, 70, 72 to the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 to control an emergency power consumption from the emergency power source 18 by the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 during the second condition.

[0051] In one embodiment, the microcontroller 22 is configured to selectively provide the dimming signals 68, 70, 72 to the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 to provide a predetermined value for the emergency power consumption to each of the one or more loads 24, 26, 28. FIG. 1 shows microcontroller 22 sending the first dimming signal 68 along the first channel 82, the second dimming signal 70 along the second channel 84, and the third dimming signal 72 along the third channel 86. As an example, microcontroller 22 may be preconfigured to send a first dimming signal 68 to the first load 24 that causes the first load 24 to operate at 80% its total output, a second dimming signal 70 causing the second load 26 to operate at 50% its total output, and a third dimming signal 72 signal to the third load 28 causing it to operate at 20% of its total output. Although this example is illustrated and described, it is to be understood that other ratios could be employed. In this way the different channels 82, 84, 86 are controlled selectively rather than being controlled by the same dimming signal.

[0052] In some embodiments, the dimming signals 68, 70, 72 are selectively provided based on a value of emergency power consumption of the loads 24, 26, 28. FIG. 3 is a partial schematic of an emergency-lighting device 12 that selectively provides dimming signals 68, 70, 72 using a total power measurement sensor 88. The total power measurement sensor 88 differs from the first power measurement sensor 74, second power measurement sensor 76, and third power measurement sensor 78 in that it is placed at a point along the emergency power line 80 that is a shared input to all the loads 24, 26, 28. In other words, the total power measurement sensor 88 measures a total value of the emergency power consumption 90 of the first load 24, second load 26, and third load 28.

[0053] The microcontroller 22 uses the total value of the emergency power consumption 90 measured by the total power measurement sensor 88 to selectively provide the dimming signals 68, 70, 72 to the one or more loads 24, 26, 28. The total value of the emergency power consumption 90 is used to monitor the power consumption of the loads 24, 26, 28 so that the microcontroller 22 can determine the appropriate dimming signals 68, 70, 72 for each load 24, 26, 28 to reach the desired power consumption and corresponding dimming levels 50, 52, 54. For example, the measured total value of the emergency power consumption 90 being higher than the predetermined value of power consumption would indicate a stronger dimming signal 68, 70, 72 is necessary to reduce the current level of power consumption.

[0054] Alternatively, the total value of the emergency power consumption 90 can also be measured using a first power measurement sensor 74, second power measurement sensor 76, and third power measurement sensor 78 located on each respective channel 82, 84, 86, as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a partial schematic of an emergency-lighting device 12 that selectively provides dimming signals 68, 70, 72 based on determining a total value of power consumption 90 from the plurality of power measurement sensors 74, 76, 78. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 differs from that shown in FIG. 3 in that instead of including a total power measurement sensor 88, the emergency-lighting device 12 of FIG. 4 includes the first power measurement sensor 74 on the first channel 82, a second power measurement sensor 76 on the second channel 84, and a third power measurement sensor 78 on the third channel 86. Accordingly, the plurality of power measurement sensors 74, 76, 78 measure a value of the emergency power consumption of each of the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 during the second condition.

[0055] In this example, the microcontroller 22 is configured to determine a total value of the emergency power consumption 90 of the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 during the second condition based on the measured values of the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 received from the plurality of power measurement sensors 74, 76, 78. This is achieved by calculating the sum of emergency power consumptions of the different loads 24, 26, 28. Then, similar to the case where the emergency -lighting device 12 included the total power measurement sensor 88, the microcontroller 22 selectively provides the dimming signals 68, 70, 72 to the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 based on the determined total value of emergency power consumption 90.

[0056] In some embodiments, the microcontroller 22 is configured to selectively provide the dimming signals 68, 72, 74 based directly on the measured power consumption of the individual loads 24, 26, 28, without requiring the extra step of determining the total value of the emergency power consumption 90. FIG. 5 is a partial schematic of an emergencylighting device 12 that selectively provides dimming signals 68, 70, 72 based on a value of power consumption received from the plurality of power measurement sensors 74, 76, 78. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 differs from that shown in FIG. 4 in that instead of determining the total value of emergency power consumption 90, the microcontroller 22 is configured to selectively provide dimming signals 68, 70, 72 based on the first power consumption 92, second power consumption 94, and third power consumption 96 measured by each of the first power measurement sensor 74, second power measurement sensor 76, and third power measurement sensor 78. This technique is particularly useful in the case where the loads 24, 26, 28 are different across the different channels 82, 84, 86. Each of the loads 24, 26, 28 having a different dimming curve means that the different loads 24, 26, 28 may respond differently to the same dimming signal. Accordingly, it is beneficial to monitor the power consumptions 92, 94, 96 of the individual loads and use this information in selectively providing the dimming signal that corresponds to the desired light output.

[0057] In some embodiments, the emergency-lighting device 12 is configured to selectively provide the dimming signals 68, 70, 72 to the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 based on a predetermined ratio for the emergency power consumption of the one or more loads 24, 26, 28. For example, the emergency -lighting device 12 can be configured to maintain the loads 24, 26, 28 so that the first load 24 consumes 60% of the total value of the power consumption 90, the second load 26 consumes 30% of the total value of the power consumption 90, and the third load 28 consumes 10% of the total value of the power consumption 90, although other ratios may be employed. Maintaining this predetermined ratio is achieved by virtue of both selectively providing dimming signals 68, 70, 72 to the individual loads 24, 26, 28 and monitoring the individual power consumption 92, 94, 96 of the loads 24, 26, 28.

[0058] The first power measurement sensor 74, second power measurement sensor 76, and third power measurement sensor 78 of FIG. 1 are further configured to measure a value of the main power consumption of each of the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 during the first condition. By monitoring the main power consumption of each of the loads 24, 26, 28, the microcontroller 22 is able to monitor the actual power consumption ratio of the different loads 24, 26, 28 while operating under the first condition. When the emergency -lighting device 12 switches its operation to the second condition, the microcontroller 22 selectively provides the dimming signals 68, 70, 72 to the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 based on the measured value of the main power consumption of the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 received by the power measurement sensors 74, 76, 78. Therefore, in addition to information gathered about the individual emergency power consumption 92, 94, 96 of the loads 24, 26, 28, the microcontroller 22 also uses the information measured about the individual main power consumption of the loads 24, 26, 28. This further refines the technique of providing the dimming signals 68, 70, 72 based on a predetermined ratio of power consumption 92, 94, 96 by basing this predetermined ratio on the actual power consumption 92, 94, 96 of the loads while drawing power from the main power source 14 during the first condition. The emergency-lighting device 12 is further configured to selectively provide the dimming signals to the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 to satisfy an emergency lighting condition. This emergency lighting condition can include a brightness condition and / or a time condition. For example, microcontroller 22 selectively provides the first emergency dimming signal 68, the second emergency dimming signal 70, and the third emergency dimming signal 72 so that the light output of the first load 24, the second load 26, and third load 28 comply with brightness and timing regulations as specified by various agencies or internal safety procedures.

[0059] In one example, the emergency-lighting device 12 of FIG. 1 is included as a built-in part of a system 10. In another example, FIG. 6 shows an emergency -lighting device 12 as a standalone device that includes its own emergency power source 18. In this way the emergency-lighting device 12 is a retrofit that only requires a connection with the loads 24, 26, 28 to be incorporated into existing lighting systems.

[0060] FIG. 7 is flowchart of a method 700 for controlling emergency power consumption from an emergency power source 18 by one or more loads 24, 26, 28. For example, the load power consumption 48 from the emergency power source 18, by the first load 24, second load 26, and third load 28 shown in FIG. 1.

[0061] At step 710, the microcontroller 22 determines a value of main power consumption of the loads 24, 26, and 28. During normal operation, power is delivered to the loads 24, 26, and 28 via main power source 14.

[0062] At step 720 the microcontroller 22 determines that one or more of the loads 24, 26, 28 are no longer receiving power from main power source 14. A loss of power from the main power source 14 is detected by the microcontroller itself 22, or by the emergency power source charger 16.

[0063] At step 730, the microcontroller 22 sends the first switching signal 56, second switching signal 58, and third switching signal 60 to switching elements 30, 32, 34, respectively. It is to be understood that the microcontroller can selectively provide the switching signals to the channels for which the loads are no longer receiving power from the main power source 14. This causes the switching elements 30, 32, 34 to open the circuit with the main power source 14 and close the circuit with emergency power source 18, allowing emergency power to flow to loads 24, 26, 28 via emergency power line 80, although other type of switching operations can be employed.

[0064] At optional step 740, the microcontroller 22 determines a value of emergency power consumption of the loads 24, 26, 28. The emergency -lighting device 12 shown in FIG. 3 determines a total value of the emergency power consumption 90 of the loads using total power measurement sensor 88. The emergency-lighting device 12 shown in FIG. 5 determines a value of the emergency power consumption from the plurality of power measurement sensors 74, 76, 78. In the case where the microcontroller 22 selectively provides dimming signals 68, 70, 72 to the one or more loads 24, 26, 28 to provide a predetermined value for the emergency power consumption, power measurement sensors 24, 26, 28, or 88 would not be necessary, but would provide greater accuracy in matching the dimming signals 68, 70, 72 to the desired light output.

[0065] At step 750, the microcontroller 22 selectively provides the dimming signals 68, 70, 72 to control an emergency power consumption 48 from the emergency power source 18 by the one or more loads 24, 26, 28. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5 this selective providing of the dimming signals 68, 70, 72 is based on the various determined values of power consumption of the loads 24, 26, 28. The various power consumption values 48, 90, 92, 94, and 96 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-5 can be measured by the power measurement sensors 74, 76, 78 both during the first condition and the second condition as the sensor are located on the output of the switching elements 74, 76, 78.

[0066] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0067] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0068] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0069] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

[0070] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0071] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0072] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0073] The above-described examples of the described subject matter can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, some aspects can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When any aspect is implemented at least in part in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single device or computer or distributed among multiple devices / computers.

[0074] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various examples of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession can, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0075] Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant can be entitled.

[0076] While various examples have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the function and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific examples described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, examples can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Examples of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An emergency-lighting device (12) comprising: a plurality of channels (82, 84, 86), each of the plurality of channels (82, 84, 86) configured to provide power to a plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) associated with a repective channel (82, 84, 86) from a main power source (14) or an emergency power source (18), each of the plurality of channels (82, 84, 86) having a switching element (30, 32, 34) configured to provide a first condition wherein the pluarlity of loads (24, 26, 28) receive power from the main power source (14) and a second condition wherein the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) receive power from the emergency power source (18); a controller (22) configured to: operate the switching elements (30, 32, 34) of the plurality of channels (82, 84, 86) to move from the first condition to the second condition when a loss of power from the main power source (14) to one or more of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) is detected; and selectively and individually provide a dimming signal (68, 70, 72) to each load of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) to control an emergency power consumption from the emergency power source (18) by the pluarlity of loads (24, 26, 28) during the second condition.

2. The emergency-lighting device (12) of claim 1, wherein the dimming signals (68, 70, 72) to the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) are selectively provided to satisfy an emergency lighting condition comprising a brightness condition and a time condition.

3. The emergency-lighting device (12) of claim 1, wherein the controller (22) is configured to selectively provide the dimming signals (68, 70, 72) to the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) to provide a predetermined value for the emergency power consumption to each of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28).

4. The emergency-lighting device (12) of claim 1 further comprising:a power measurement sensor (74, 76, 78, 88) configured to measure a total value (90) of the emergency power consumption of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) during the second condition, wherein the controller (22) is further configured to: selectively provide the dimming signals (68, 70, 72) to the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) based on the measured total value (90) of the emergency power consumption of the plurality of loads (24, 26 28) received from the power measurement sensor (74, 76, 78, 88).

5. The emergency-lighting device (12) of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of power measurement sensors (74, 76, 78) configured to measure a value (92, 94, 96) of the emergency power consumption of each of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) during the second condition or a value (92, 94, 96) of main power consumption of each of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) during the first condition.

6. The emergency-lighting device (12) of claim 5, wherein the controller (22) is further configured to: determine a total value (90) of the emergency power consumption of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) during the second condition based on the measured values (92, 94, 96) of the emergency power consumption (92, 94, 96) of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) received from the plurality of power measurement sensors (74, 76, 78); and selectively provide the dimming signals (68, 70, 72) to the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) based on the determined total value (90) of emergency power consumption.

7. The emergency-lighting device (12) of claim 5, wherein the controller (22) is further configured to: selectively provide the dimming signals (68, 70, 72) to the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) based on the measured values (92, 94, 96) of the emergency power consumption of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) received from the plurality of power measurement sensors (74, 76, 78).

8. The emergency-lighting device (12) of claim 7, wherein the dimming signals (68, 70, 72) are selectively provided based on a predetermined ratio for the emergency power consumption of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28).

9. The emergency-lighting device (12) of claim 5, wherein the controller (22) is further configured to: selectively provide the dimming signals (68, 70, 72) to the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) based on the measured value (92, 94, 96) of the main power consumption of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) received from the power measurement sensor (74, 76, 78).

10. The emergency-lighting device (12) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) are dimmable light sources.

11. The emergency-lighting device (12) of claim 1 further comprising the emergency power source (18).

12. The emergency-lighting device (12) of claim 1, wherein the controller (22) is further configured to operate the switching elements (30, 32, 34) of the plurality of channels (82, 84, 86) to move from the first condition to the second condition sequentially to reduce inrush current on an inverter (20).

13. A method (700) for controlling emergency power consumption from an emergency power source (18) by a plurality of loads (24, 26, 28), the method (700) comprising: individually providing (750) a dimming signal (68, 70, 72) to each load of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) to control an emergency power consumption from the emergency power source (18) by the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28).

14. The method (700) of claim 13 further comprising: selectively providing (750) the dimming signals (68, 70, 72) to each load of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28) to provide a predetermined value for the emergency power consumption to each of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28).

15. The method (700) of claim 13 further comprising: determining (740) a value of the emergency power consumption or (710) a value of main power consumption of the plurality of loads (24, 26, 28); andselectively providing (750) the dimming signals to each load the plurality of loads based on the determined value of emergency power consumption or the determined value of the main power consumption.

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