Energy-conserving Device for Illumination Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HID lamps waste energy as they maintain constant illumination intensity regardless of required brightness, and existing power-variable inductance ballast devices increase circuit complexity and may cause arc collapse during power level switching, leading to inefficiency and high failure rates.
Innovation Solution
An energy-conserving device connected between the power supply and lighting assembly, featuring a switch and compensating capacitor that adjusts illumination intensity without altering the existing circuit, using a control assembly with a timing circuit to manage switch signals and power factor correction, ensuring stable operation and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a power-variable inductance ballast device is used to control power levels, then energy conservation is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to arc collapse risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ballast function into two separate components: a fixed inductance ballast (L1) and a variable inductance ballast (L2). This segmentation allows the system to achieve power variable control by selectively connecting L2 in parallel with L1, avoiding the need for a single complex power-variable inductance ballast while maintaining energy conservation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fixed ballast L1 and variable ballast L2 into a unified circuit configuration where L2 can be selectively connected in parallel with L1 through switch S1. This merging approach integrates the functionality of power variable control into the existing ballast structure, reducing overall device complexity compared to using a standalone power-variable inductance ballast device.
2Loss of energy
If power level switching is implemented to adjust illumination intensity, then energy conservation is improved, but reliability decreases due to arc collapse during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a delay period (T1) between the moment switch S1 closes and the moment the arc actually collapses. During this delay period, the circuit transitions smoothly from one power level to another, and the arc remains stable. This preliminary action prevents immediate arc collapse by allowing the circuit to adapt to the changing configuration before the arc is affected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the delay period T1 as a cushioning mechanism that protects the arc from immediate collapse during power level switching. By introducing this time buffer, the system allows the arc to maintain stability during the transition, and only collapses after the delay period expires when the new power level is fully established.
3Reliability
If a high-quality controller is used to reduce switching period, then arc collapse is prevented, but cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple timing circuit that automatically generates the delay period T1 without requiring external control signals or complex controller logic. The timing circuit uses passive components (resistors, capacitors) and the natural characteristics of the circuit to create the delay, allowing the system to self-regulate the switching timing and prevent arc collapse without needing a high-quality controller.
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 allows for adjustable illumination intensity without changing the conventional lighting circuit, prolongs system life, reduces costs, and enhances reliability and safety, while minimizing the risk of arc collapse and energy wastage.
Implementation Method 1
a compensating capacitor, one terminal of which is connected to the power supply, and the other terminal is connected to the third terminal of the switch
Implementation Method 2
a ballast having two terminals respectively connected to the power supply and the lighting assembly
Implementation Method 3
a first switch having a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal, the first terminal configured to be optionally connected with the second terminal or the third terminal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an energy-conserving device for an illumination system. The energy-conserving device is connected between a power supply of and a lighting assembly of the illumination system. The energy-conserving assembly provides a first switch, a ballast, and a compensating capacitor. The ballast is connected between the power supply and the lighting assembly, and connected between the first terminal and the second terminal of the first switch. The compensating capacitor is connected between the power supply and a third terminal of the switch. The energy-conserving device may further include a resistor and a second switch which are connected in parallel with the ballast. The energy-conserving device can be coupled to a conventional illumination system and is of energy-conserving, a low cost and a long lifetime.