Emergency Lighting Dimming via Backup Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency lighting systems in buildings often require separate power feeds and battery charging systems, which can be inefficient and costly, especially when using centralized backup power sources like generators or inverters.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state lighting system with a control input that dims LED light fixtures to a specific level during power outages, using a driver connected to both main and backup power sources, and optionally incorporating occupancy sensors and wireless or wired signaling to adjust light output levels, allowing for reduced power consumption without the need for separate power feeds or battery charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized backup power systems (generators or inverters) are used to power emergency lighting fixtures, then the system can provide required illumination during outages, but the system requires separate power feeds and battery charging infrastructure which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines emergency lighting functionality with the existing main lighting system by using the same LED fixtures and power infrastructure. The control system automatically detects power outages and adjusts lighting output, eliminating the need for separate emergency lighting fixtures, dedicated emergency power feeds, and battery charging systems while maintaining code-compliant emergency illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If full brightness is maintained during backup power operation, then code requirements for illumination levels are met, but power consumption increases the size and cost of backup power systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts LED brightness based on real-time detection of power source status. During utility power operation, LEDs operate at full brightness. When a power outage is detected and the system switches to backup power, the control system automatically reduces LED output to a lower maintenance level that consumes less energy, allowing smaller, more cost-effective backup power systems while still providing sufficient illumination for safety egress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the LED lighting system based on power source availability. The control system modifies current draw and light output levels to match the capabilities and constraints of the available power source, optimizing the balance between illumination requirements and power consumption constraints.
3Reliability
If separate emergency-only fixtures are used, then code compliance is ensured, but the system requires additional wiring and isolation from other electrical wiring which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the main lighting fixtures serve dual functions: normal lighting during utility power operation and emergency lighting during outages. The same LED fixtures, drivers, and power connections are used for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate emergency lighting circuits and their associated wiring isolation requirements, while the control system ensures code-compliant performance in emergency mode.
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 system conserves power by dimming LED light fixtures during backup power usage, ensuring compliance with code requirements while minimizing the size and cost of backup systems, and can be configured for specific light output levels based on occupancy and location, such as egress paths.
Implementation Method 1
Light perceived as white or near-white may be generated by a combination of red, green, and blue ('RGB') LEDs
Implementation Method 2
Another method for creating white or near-white light is by using a lumiphor such as a phosphor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for emergency lighting are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide a solid-state lighting system, light fixture or a collection of light fixtures, with a control input that is used to cause the system to dim to a specific level during an outage in order to conserve power in a building where power is backed up by an emergency inverter or a back-up generator. With embodiments of the invention, there is no need to run a separate power feed, as might otherwise be required for keeping distributed batteries charged or for running specified emergency-only fixtures from back-up power. In some embodiments the solid-state lighting system includes an occupancy sensor wherein the specified light output level is determined at least in part based on the occupancy of a room. In some embodiments, the system can be selectively configured for the specified output level.