LED Dimmer Shutdown Relay Eliminates Parasitic Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dimming controls for LED luminaires experience parasitic power flow even when fully turned down, preventing them from qualifying for Energy Star certification due to continuous wasted power, and there is a need for a solution that is easy to install, manufacture in large quantities, and is cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A dimmer control system that utilizes a shutdown relay connected between the AC source and the driver circuit, which closes at or above a predetermined control voltage and opens at or below it, ensuring complete power cutoff to the driver circuit, thereby eliminating parasitic losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple dimmer control is used for LED luminaires, then light intensity control is achieved, but parasitic power flow occurs even when fully turned down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the parasitic power flow problem by introducing a shutdown relay that completely disconnects the driver circuit from the AC source when the dimmer is turned down fully. This separates the dimming function from the power connection function, allowing complete power cutoff while maintaining light intensity control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutdown relay acts as an intermediary component between the dimmer control and the driver circuit. It mediates the power flow by opening or closing the circuit based on the dimmer position, thereby eliminating parasitic losses while preserving the intended dimming operation.
2Loss of energy
If a shutdown relay is added to eliminate parasitic losses, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive shutdown relay that can be easily replaced if needed. This component is designed to be a straightforward mechanical or electromagnetic switch rather than a complex electronic control system, keeping the added complexity minimal while achieving the energy savings goal.
3Loss of energy
If the shutdown relay opens at low voltage, then parasitic losses are eliminated, but power flow interruption may affect reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The shutdown relay is controlled by feedback from the dimmer control voltage. When the dimmer is turned down fully (below a predetermined voltage threshold), the relay opens to eliminate parasitic losses. When the dimmer is turned up (above the threshold), the relay closes to restore full power flow. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation while eliminating energy waste.
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 effectively eliminates parasitic losses by turning off power completely when the LED luminaire is turned off, allowing for potential Energy Star certification, easy installation, and cost-effective, high-quality mass production.
Implementation Method 1
The shutdown relay will close at or above a predetermined control voltage. Conversely, the shutdown relay will open at or below the predetermined voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A dimming control and driver for an LED luminaire comprises a shutdown relay connected between an AC source and the driver circuit. The shutdown relay will close above a predetermined control voltage, and will open below the predetermined voltage. The shutdown relay will eliminate parasitic loss by turning the power completely off when the LED luminaire is turned off.