Electronic Ballast Power Control via Luminous Decay Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Gas discharge lamps experience premature aging and resource waste due to constant-power control, leading to reduced light flux and increased energy consumption, resulting in early scrapping and environmental pollution.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically controlling the output power of gas discharge lamps using a luminous decay sampling module, single chip microcomputer, and half-bridge inverter to detect and adjust power according to luminous decay variations, matching actual power values to maintain optimal light flux and prolong lamp life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If constant-power control is used for gas discharge lamps, then the lamp can maintain rated output power, but the lamp experiences premature aging and resource waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidlamp lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic power control by continuously monitoring lamp parameters (current, voltage, frequency) and adjusting the driving frequency in real-time according to lamp aging stage. The control system transitions from static constant-power control to dynamic adaptive control, matching power output to actual lamp needs at different lifecycle stages, thereby extending lamp lifespan while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring lamp current, voltage, and driving frequency, then using this information to adjust power output. The control system measures actual lamp parameters and feeds this data back to the frequency adjustment mechanism, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to lamp aging and prevents premature failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Power

If constant-power control is used for gas discharge lamps, then the lamp can maintain rated output power, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts driving frequency based on lamp aging stage, reducing frequency and power consumption during aging phases when full output is unnecessary. This dynamic adaptation matches energy input to actual luminous needs, significantly reducing wasted energy while maintaining acceptable light output throughout the lamp lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the driving frequency parameter in response to lamp aging, transitioning from fixed rated frequency to variable frequency operation. By adjusting this key electrical parameter according to lamp condition, the system optimizes energy efficiency without sacrificing essential lighting performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If constant-power control is used for gas discharge lamps, then the lamp can maintain rated output power, but the lamp is scrapped early due to aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidlamp service time
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adapts to lamp aging by continuously monitoring parameters and adjusting driving frequency. This dynamic approach prevents the stress of constant rated-power operation on aging lamps, extending service life and delaying scrapping decisions while maintaining adequate illumination throughout the extended lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Through continuous feedback monitoring of lamp current, voltage, and frequency, the system detects aging signs and adjusts power delivery accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents premature lamp failure by adapting operation to actual lamp condition, thereby extending usable service time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Illumination intensity

If the output power is increased to compensate for luminous decay, then the light flux can be maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight fluxVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of simply increasing power to compensate for luminous decay, the system changes the driving frequency parameter to optimize efficiency. The frequency adjustment modifies the lamp's electrical characteristics and luminous output in a more energy-efficient manner than direct power increase, reducing energy waste while maintaining light flux.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts frequency based on real-time lamp condition and luminous output, creating an adaptive response to aging. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains light flux through efficient frequency control rather than brute-force power increase, minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables energy savings, extends the lifespan of gas discharge lamps, reduces resource waste, and minimizes environmental pollution by dynamically adjusting output power in response to luminous decay, ensuring efficient energy use and prolonged lamp operation.

Implementation Method 1

the gas discharge luminous source is the most widely applied one, which is manufactured according to the principle of gas discharge for light-emitting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas discharge: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 2

by choosing suitable luminescent material, the spectral emission may be needed wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2544513B1Method for controlling the output power of a gas discharge lamp and an electronic ballast
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 ZHANG BOTAO
  • EP2544513B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2544513B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for automatically controlling the output power of a gas discharge lamp includes: detecting the luminous decay variation of the gas discharge lamp, according to the detected luminous decay variation, matching a corresponding actual power value for the gas discharge lamp; and according to the matched actual power value, regulating the output power of the gas discharge lamp. Accordingly, the invention also discloses an electronic ballast, including: a luminous decay sampling module(8), for detecting the luminous decay variation of the gas discharge lamp; a single chip microcomputer (7), for matching a corresponding actual power value for the gas discharge lamp according to the luminous decay variation detected by the luminous decay sampling module; and a half-bridge inverter(6), for regulating the output power of the gas discharge lamp according to the actual power value matched by the single chip microcomputer microcomputer. The electronic ballast can prolong the service life of the gas discharge lamp, and save more energy compared with existing electronic ballasts by the invention.