Underwater LED Lighting Thermal Management and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater lighting systems for swimming pools and spas lack the ability to programmably control light sequences, color changes, and brightness without relying on power interruptions, and they do not efficiently manage thermal conditions for LED components.
Innovation Solution
A programmable underwater lighting system featuring a microprocessor-controlled LED light fixture with a Power Line Carrier communications subsystem, allowing for remote control via a central controller, and thermal management using thermistors to maintain safe operating temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power interruptions are used to control light fixtures on and off, then the lighting system can be controlled, but the system complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical power interruption method with an electronic control method using pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals. The microcontroller generates PWM signals to control the LED drivers, allowing lights to be turned on and off or dimmed without physically interrupting the power supply. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical relays or contactors, thereby increasing system reliability while maintaining control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate data transmission lines are added for programmable control, then control functionality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data transmission function with the existing power supply lines by implementing a Power Line Communication (PLC) system. The microcontroller modulates data onto the power lines using frequency shift keying (FSK) modulation, allowing instructional data to be transmitted along the same wires that supply power to the light fixtures. This merging eliminates the need for separate communication cables, reducing installation complexity while enabling programmable control features.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply lines are designed to serve dual purposes: delivering electrical power to the LED drivers and transmitting control data to the microcontroller. The PLC communication system enables the same physical infrastructure to perform multiple functions, making the system more versatile without adding additional wiring. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to support various control modes and programming capabilities using the existing power distribution network.
3Reliability
If thermal management components are added to maintain LED temperature, then LED reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating thermal management system where the microcontroller continuously monitors the temperature of the LED modules through integrated temperature sensors. Based on the temperature readings, the microcontroller dynamically adjusts the PWM duty cycle to control the LED current, thereby regulating the heat generation. This closed-loop control allows the system to self-manage thermal conditions without requiring external active cooling components, maintaining LED reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls LED operating parameters (current and duty cycle) based on real-time temperature conditions. When temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds, the microcontroller modifies the electrical parameters by reducing the PWM duty cycle or dimming the LED output. This parameter adjustment approach provides passive thermal management that prevents overheating without requiring additional mechanical or electronic cooling components, thus improving LED reliability with minimal impact on system complexity.
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
Enables customizable light shows with adjustable speed and color transitions, and ensures LED components operate within safe temperature ranges, even in varying conditions, enhancing both aesthetic and safety aspects.
Implementation Method 1
a Power Line Carrier communications subsystem connected between the AC power supply and the logic power supply, and in electrical communication with the AC power supply, the logic power supply, and the microprocessor
Implementation Method 2
thermal management using thermistors to maintain safe operating temperatures
Implementation Method 3
an underwater light fixture (also called a luminaire) includes an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled to a microprocessor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A programmable underwater lighting system for pools and spas having a plurality of underwater lights, each having a plurality of LEDs for producing light of vaπous colors, a microprocessor for controlling the LEDs, and a memory in communication with the microprocessor containing one or more stored control programs A central controller is provided in communication with the plurality of underwater lights, and allows a user to define or select a desired lighting effect (such as a sequence, a fading effect, a "moving" color pattern, etc ) Optionally, a handheld remote control could be provided, in wireless communication with the central controller, for allowing a user to remotely control the plurality of lighting fixtures Each light could be provided with a thermal management system for monitonng the operating temperature of the light and automatically adjusting the bnghtness of the light to prevent dangerous temperatures