Lighting System Dynamic Converter Switching for Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems often operate at lower efficiency due to underutilization of maximum power capacity, leading to increased losses when multiple lighting modules are connected, especially during dimming operations where the actual power supply is less than the maximum power supply.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with multiple electronic converters and switching means that allows each lighting module to be connected to a respective converter or shared among a single converter based on the required power supply, using a control circuit to determine the optimal configuration and adjust power distribution through dimming control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple lighting modules are connected to multiple electronic converters, then the power supply capacity is increased, but the system efficiency decreases due to underutilization of maximum power capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different operating modes (first mode with multiple converters operating in parallel, second mode with a single converter operating at full capacity) based on the total power requirements of lighting modules. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to varying load conditions and maintain optimal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic converters are designed to perform multiple functions: they can operate individually at full capacity or in parallel to provide increased power supply capacity. The switching means enable the same hardware infrastructure to serve different operational requirements, making the system versatile and adaptable to various power demand scenarios.
2Power
If the number of electronic converters is increased to meet power demands, then the power supply capacity is sufficient, but the losses increase due to underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit periodically monitors the total power requirements of connected lighting modules and switches between operating modes accordingly. This periodic assessment and switching ensures that converters operate at or near their maximum power capacity, minimizing underutilization losses while maintaining sufficient power supply capacity.
3Loss of energy
If a single electronic converter is used, then the system efficiency is high, but the power supply capacity is insufficient for multiple lighting modules
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the number of active converters based on real-time power demands. When power requirements exceed the capacity of a single converter, the switching means activate additional converters in parallel, thereby increasing power supply capacity while maintaining efficiency through intelligent load management.
4Power
If multiple electronic converters operate in parallel, then the power supply capacity increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching means act as an intermediary component that manages the complex interactions between multiple electronic converters and lighting modules. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a unified interface for power distribution and enabling straightforward switching between operating modes without requiring complex coordination protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting system comprising a plurality of electronic converters (10) and a plurality of lighting modules (20) is described. The lighting system also comprises switching means (40) configured for connecting the lighting modules (20) to the electronic converters (10). In particular, the switching means (40) are configured to allow at least two switching states. In the first switching state, at least one lighting module (20) is connected to each electronic converter (10). Instead, in the second switching state, at least one electronic converter (10) is disconnected, and the lighting module(s) (20) connected during the first switching state to the electronic converter (10) are connected to the other electronic converters (10). The lighting system also comprises a control circuit (42) configured to detect one or more signals indicative of the supply powers required by the lighting modules (20), and to drive the switching of the switching means (40) to activate the first or the second switching state according to the supply powers required by the lighting modules (20).