Integrated Backup Power Controller for Lighting Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional backup power systems are limited by separate luminaires that restrict communication and require complex wiring, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs, and fail to adjust power output during system fluctuations, potentially causing device failure.

Innovation Solution

A backup power system that includes a controller to measure and adjust power based on primary lighting system fluctuations, using a current source to provide a fractional amount of power to the load, integrated with existing wiring for easy replacement and adaptable to various energy sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional backup power systems use separate luminaires, then backup power can be provided during outages, but the system complexity increases and maintenance costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power availabilityVSAvoidwiring configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the backup power source with the existing primary luminaire housing, creating an integrated unit rather than using separate backup luminaires. This merging eliminates the need for complex separate wiring configurations while maintaining backup power functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated luminaire serves multiple functions: it provides primary lighting during normal operation and automatically switches to backup lighting during power outages. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated backup luminaires, reducing system complexity while ensuring backup power availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If backup luminaires are separate from main luminaires, then backup power is provided, but communication between luminaires is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power supportVSAvoidcommunication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the backup power source and control circuitry within the same luminaire housing as the primary lighting system, the invention enables direct communication between all components. This eliminates the communication restrictions that exist in separate luminaire configurations, allowing the system to monitor and respond to power status changes effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If conventional backup systems deliver fixed power output, then simple control is achieved, but power surges during system fluctuations cause device failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoiddevice protection from power surges

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power output adjustment that automatically responds to system fluctuations and power status changes. The control circuitry monitors power conditions and adjusts the backup power delivery accordingly, preventing both under-powering and dangerous power surges while maintaining relatively simple overall system operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor power status and system conditions, then adjust the backup power output accordingly. This feedback control prevents power surges during fluctuations while keeping the control logic integrated and manageable, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and device protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If separate backup luminaires are used, then backup power is provided, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup lighting capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of backup power components within the existing luminaire structure means that maintenance personnel only need to service one unit instead of two separate luminaires. This reduces maintenance frequency and simplifies repair procedures while ensuring backup lighting capability is maintained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9917474B2Systems for providing emergency power during a power interruption

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Provided is a backup power system for providing power to a load when a primary lighting system is disabled. The backup power system includes an energy source configured to supply an amount of power to the backup power system, and a charger connectable to the energy source and a power source of the primary lighting system. The backup power system additionally includes a controller configured to measure a current value of the primary lighting system and determine a backup current value corresponding to an amount of backup current that is a fractional amount of the determined current value. The backup power system include a current source configured to provide the determined backup current.