Excimer Lamp Periodic Energization for Fast UV Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Excimer lamps used in ultraviolet light radiating devices face startup delays when they have been in an unlit state for an extended period, particularly due to the difficulty in generating electrons necessary for discharge, especially when equipped with halogen gases like Cl or Br, which are prone to electron attachment and require external electrodes for energization.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controller that periodically energizes the lighting circuit for a short predetermined time to maintain electron presence in the lamp, even when the device is not in operation, thereby reducing startup delays and ensuring immediate activation upon resumption of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the excimer lamp remains in an unlit state for an extended period, then power consumption is reduced, but the startup performance deteriorates and the lamp becomes difficult to operate afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs periodic energization of the lighting circuit at predetermined intervals (e.g., daily) even when the device is in a stopped state. This periodic action maintains electron presence in the excimer lamp tube without requiring continuous operation, thus preserving startup performance while minimizing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Reliability
If the excimer lamp is operated continuously to maintain electron presence, then startup performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the system uses periodic energization pulses at predetermined intervals to maintain sufficient electron presence in the tube. This approach achieves the reliability goal of quick startup while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary energization actions at predetermined intervals before the device is actually needed. This preliminary action maintains electron presence in advance, ensuring that when the device is activated for normal operation, the startup is immediate and reliable.
3Reliability
If a high voltage is applied to start the excimer lamp after long stoppage, then the lamp can be ignited, but the power source size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By periodically energizing the lamp at predetermined intervals, electrons are maintained in the tube, which significantly reduces the voltage required for subsequent ignition. This eliminates the need for a high-voltage power source, thereby reducing the size and weight of the power supply unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic energization changes the physical state of the gas in the tube by maintaining ionization and electron presence. This parameter change (from neutral gas to ionized state with electrons) allows ignition to occur at much lower voltages, reducing power source requirements.
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
This solution enables the excimer lamp to be turned on quickly after a long period of inactivity, reducing startup delays and ensuring consistent operation, while also adhering to safety standards for human presence by using wavelengths less harmful to humans.
Implementation Method 1
Due to lighting, a large amount of electrons are generated in a tube of the excimer lamp
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ultraviolet light radiating device that can be operated after a short time even if placed in an environment in which stop time continues over an extended period of time. The ultraviolet light radiating device includes: an excimer lamp that emits ultraviolet light; a lighting circuit that applies a lighting voltage to the excimer lamp; and a controller that performs energization control for the lighting circuit. The controller performs control to energize the lighting circuit for a first predetermined time at a predetermined timing.