Integrated LED Driver with Centralized Battery Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED lighting systems with battery backup are expensive due to separate control systems for the LED driver and battery backup, leading to inefficiencies and neglect of battery maintenance, resulting in potential failure during power outages.
Innovation Solution
An integrated LED driver system with a backup energy source that includes a voltage regulation circuit, a voltage to current converter, and an energy storage management system, all connected via a bus for centralized control, allowing simultaneous charging and power supply from both AC mains and the battery, with remote monitoring and control capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate control systems are used for LED driver and battery backup, then each system can be independently controlled, but system cost increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the LED driver control and battery backup control into a single integrated control system. The microcontroller unit (MCU) centrally manages both the LED driving functions and battery charging/discharging operations, eliminating the need for separate control circuits. This integration reduces component count, lowers system cost, and simplifies the overall architecture while maintaining the ability to independently control each function through software management.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control system performs multiple functions: it controls LED brightness, manages battery charging, regulates power flow between AC mains and battery, and provides fault detection. The single microcontroller unit serves as a universal controller that can switch between different operational modes (normal operation, battery backup, charging, discharging) based on system conditions, thereby replacing multiple dedicated control circuits with one multi-functional controller.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate control systems are used for LED driver and battery backup, then each system can be independently optimized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated circuit board that houses the microcontroller, power management components, and monitoring circuits. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing costs. The integrated design allows for economies of scale and simplified supply chain management.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal controller performs multiple functions including LED dimming, battery charge control, power path management, and system monitoring. By using one multi-functional controller instead of multiple single-function controllers, the system reduces component inventory requirements, simplifies assembly processes, and decreases overall bill of materials cost, making the product more economical to manufacture.
3Reliability
If battery backup system operates independently from LED driver, then system reliability may be improved, but battery maintenance is neglected leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control system continuously monitors battery status parameters including charge level, voltage, current, and temperature. The microcontroller reads data from sensors and adjusts charging/discharging operations in real-time based on these feedback signals. This continuous monitoring ensures the battery operates within safe parameters, prevents overcharging or deep discharge, and extends battery life while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-management of the battery through the integrated control circuitry. The microcontroller automatically detects battery health status, manages charging cycles, and can alert users to maintenance needs without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures the battery is properly maintained while reducing operational complexity for the user.
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 reduces costs, ensures reliable emergency lighting by integrating control systems, and provides remote monitoring to prevent battery neglect, ensuring consistent light output and extended battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage regulation circuit coupled to the rectification stage and having a bus coupling input/output
Implementation Method 2
a voltage to current converter circuit having a bus coupling input/output and a regulated current output, and configured to convert the bus voltage to a regulated current
Implementation Method 3
an energy storage device; and an energy storage management system coupled to the energy storage device
Implementation Method 4
a converter circuit coupled between the energy storage device and the bus, and configured to convert a voltage on the energy storage device to the bus voltage
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for a combined LED driver and emergency backup battery system. The LED driver can include current regulation circuitry as well as a bus enabling charging and discharging of an energy storage device from and to the bus. A master controller can control charging and discharging of the energy storage device via a controller of an energy storage management system, and also communicate with the current regulation circuitry to control a balance of power between an AC mains, the energy storage device, and driving of an LED light source. Accessories may be coupled to the bus and receive low voltage power from the bus and optionally receive commands from the master controller and provide sensed data back to the controller. A wireless network interface to the master controller can enable system states based on electrical power company indications and instructions.