Configurable LED Driver Eliminates Cooling Fan Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lighting companies face challenges in adopting Solid State Lighting (SSL) technology due to unfamiliarity with the driving and dimming requirements for LEDs, which limits their ability to fully utilize the benefits of high-powered LEDs in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A configurable LED Driver/dimmer that provides multiple drive current options, eliminates the need for cooling fans, offers low standby power consumption, and supports various communication interfaces, allowing for flexible control of LED loads through digital controllers and 0-10 Vdc analog signals, enabling efficient power management and dimming in architectural and entertainment lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling fans are used in LED drivers, then heat dissipation is improved, but audible noise increases and installation flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cooling fan component entirely from the LED driver system. Instead of extracting and isolating the fan, the design eliminates it completely and uses passive heat dissipation through the device housing and thermal management circuitry, thereby eliminating audible noise while maintaining heat dissipation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cooling fan system with a passive thermal management system. Heat is dissipated through the device enclosure and internal heat sinks rather than active mechanical airflow, substituting a mechanical solution with a passive thermal conduction and convection approach
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED drive current options are provided, then adaptability to various LEDs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable drive current capabilities through digital control interfaces. The driver can be programmed and reconfigured via communication protocols (DMX512, DALI, 0-10V) to adapt to different LED types and current requirements, allowing flexibility without permanent hardware changes or complex switching networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the driver output by allowing digital programming of drive current values. The driver circuitry can be configured through software/firmware to output different current levels (350mA, 500mA, 700mA, 1000mA, 1400mA) based on communication interface commands, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-current driver circuits
3Use of energy by moving object
If configurable power options are provided in the front end converter, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal front-end power factor correction (PFC) converter that can operate with multiple output voltage configurations. The same hardware circuitry can be programmed to provide different voltage levels and power distribution schemes, allowing high efficiency across multiple application scenarios without requiring separate converter designs for each configuration
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for configuring and powering light fixture loads for a LED low voltage distribution system. The method and apparatus include converting power being supplied for powering the set of light fixture loads and then limiting this converted power to a set of multiple current outputs supplied to the light fixture loads. The multiple current outputs are then split or regrouped prior to being delivered to the light fixture loads.