Emergency Lighting Driver With Battery-DC Network Switchover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency lighting systems rely on a single energy source, leading to premature termination of emergency operation when that source is depleted, without the ability to extend duration or support alternative power sources during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
An emergency driver that can selectively power emergency lighting from a local battery or a DC network, utilizing circuitry to charge the battery and drive lighting means, with bidirectional converters to ensure a smooth transition between power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single battery source is used for emergency operation, then the system structure is simple, but the emergency duration is limited and cannot be extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply into multiple independent sources: a local battery associated with each driver and a central DC network. Each driver can independently select between these sources, allowing emergency duration to be extended by switching to the DC network when the local battery is depleted, while maintaining relatively simple individual driver structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency driver is designed with multi-functionality to operate from multiple power sources. The driver can function as a standalone unit using local battery power or connect to the DC network for extended operation. The circuitry is configured to handle both charging the local battery from DC power and driving lighting means from either source, making the system adaptable to different operational scenarios.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the emergency driver selectively powers from local battery or DC network, then the emergency duration can be extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single emergency driver unit: the ability to charge the local battery from DC power, to operate from the local battery independently, and to connect to the DC network for power. This integration allows the driver to selectively use either power source without requiring separate systems, extending emergency duration while managing complexity through functional consolidation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used to connect or disconnect the driver from the DC network, then the power source selection is flexible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic switching capability where two controlled switches can connect or disconnect the driver from the DC network based on operational requirements. When switches are turned on, the local battery charges from DC power and lighting means are supplied by the DC network. When switches are turned off, the local battery supplies the emergency lighting means independently. This dynamic configuration provides flexible power source selection while managing complexity through controlled switching mechanisms.
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
Ensures continuous emergency lighting operation by smoothly transitioning from local battery to DC network power, maintaining light output without flicker, even as the battery depletes.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional DC-DC converter, wherein the DC-DC converter is configured to interface the local battery with the DC terminals
Implementation Method 2
the emergency driver comprises a MOSFET bridge rectifier
Implementation Method 3
a local battery associated to the emergency driver
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an emergency driver for supplying emergency lighting means, wherein the emergency driver is configured to be powered, during operation of the emergency lighting means, selectively from: a local battery associated to the emergency driver; or a DC network supplying DC power to DC terminals of the driver, wherein the emergency driver comprises a first circuitry configured to charge the local battery with DC power supplied to the DC terminals, and a second circuitry configured to drive the emergency lighting means from the local battery or the DC power supplied to the DC terminals.