LED Lighting Control Circuit Dynamic Voltage Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-channel LED lighting systems face inefficiency due to a fixed bus voltage that increases losses as LEDs warm up, as the forward voltage decreases with temperature, leading to increased voltage headroom and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A lighting control circuit with a power converter and temperature sensing element that dynamically adjusts the DC voltage inversely with temperature, using a feedback circuit to maintain optimal voltage headroom, thereby improving efficiency by reducing voltage drop across current sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed bus voltage is used to drive LED channels, then the system is simple to operate, but efficiency deteriorates as LEDs warm up and forward voltage decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed bus voltage operationVSAvoidvoltage drop losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by introducing a temperature sensing element that monitors LED temperature and a feedback circuit that modifies the bus voltage accordingly. As temperature increases and forward voltage decreases, the system automatically reduces the bus voltage to maintain optimal voltage headroom, thereby minimizing power losses while maintaining stable LED operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the temperature sensing element continuously monitors LED temperature and feeds this information back to the power converter control circuit. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of the bus voltage based on actual LED operating conditions, optimizing efficiency dynamically rather than relying on fixed voltage settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If bus voltage is maintained high to accommodate cold LED startup, then reliable startup is achieved, but efficiency worsens when LEDs are warm due to increased voltage headroom

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecold startup reliabilityVSAvoidvoltage headroom losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts bus voltage based on real-time temperature conditions. During cold startup, the voltage sensing element detects low temperature and maintains higher bus voltage to ensure reliable LED ignition. Once LEDs are warm and forward voltage decreases, the system automatically reduces bus voltage to minimize voltage headroom and associated power losses, thus resolving the contradiction between startup reliability and operating efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameter (bus voltage) dynamically based on temperature conditions. The feedback circuit modifies the voltage level according to LED temperature, transitioning from high voltage during cold startup to lower voltage during warm operation, thereby optimizing both reliability and efficiency across different operating states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances efficiency by adjusting the DC voltage based on temperature, reducing losses and maintaining optimal operation across varying temperatures, resulting in improved power management and reduced energy wastage.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensing element for sensing a temperature at or near the lighting arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Implementation Method 2

a feedback circuit arranged to receive a measured voltage indicative of the DC voltage and arranged to provide a temperature-dependent control input to the control loop of the power converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3997962B1A method of controlling a lighting arrangement, a lighting control circuit and a lighting system
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3997962B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3997962B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3997962B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A lighting arrangement such as a LED lamp comprises a light source and associated current driver, or a set of at least two parallel light sources and associated current drivers, supplied by a DC voltage from a voltage-regulated power converter. A feedback circuit provides a temperature-dependent control input to a control loop of the power converter, such that the DC voltage is adjusted in dependence on a sensed temperature. In this way, the voltage headroom required can be reduced, and efficiency gains are made.