High Pressure Mercury Lamp Cooling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure mercury lamps in energy saving mode experience photo-darkening and risk of glass tube explosion due to inadequate temperature for electrode regeneration and cooling, respectively.
Innovation Solution
An image display device with a power supply section, cooling fan, and control section that gradually increases power and voltage to prevent photo-darkening and explosion by switching between different lighting modes, ensuring optimal temperature for electrode regeneration and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power supplied to the light source is decreased to enable energy saving mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but photo-darkening due to adhesion of mercury to the inner plane of glass tube progresses over time
Solution Approach 1:
The control section periodically increases power to the light source even when operating in energy saving mode. Specifically, every predetermined period (e.g., every 10 minutes), the power is increased to a higher level for a predetermined time duration, then returned to the energy saving level. This periodic high-power operation prevents photo-darkening by periodically evaporating mercury that has adhered to the glass tube inner surface, while maintaining overall low energy consumption through the majority of operation time at reduced power levels.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power supplied to the light source is decreased in energy saving mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but electrode regeneration based on halogen cycle does not sufficiently occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control section implements periodic power increases that provide sufficient heat to the electrodes for halogen cycle regeneration. During these periodic high-power intervals, tungsten atoms emitted from the electrodes are properly halogenated and redeposited, extending electrode lifespan. Between these intervals, the system operates at lower power to conserve energy, creating a balanced operation mode that maintains electrode integrity over extended periods.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If amount of airflow supplied to the light source is decreased in energy saving mode, then cooling fan noise is reduced, but temperature of the light source rises causing glass tube explosion or quartz deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The control section periodically increases power to the cooling fan even when operating in energy saving mode with reduced airflow. These periodic high-airflow intervals effectively remove heat from the light source, preventing temperature buildup that could cause glass tube explosion or quartz deformation. Between these intervals, the fan operates at lower speed to reduce noise, achieving a balance between cooling effectiveness and noise reduction.
4Reliability
If power supplied to the light source is increased to prevent photo-darkening and ensure electrode regeneration, then lamp lifespan is extended, but temperature of the light source rises causing glass tube explosion or quartz deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The control section implements periodic, temporary increases in power to the light source rather than continuous high-power operation. This approach provides sufficient heat for electrode regeneration and mercury evaporation during brief intervals, extending lamp lifespan, while limiting the duration of high-temperature exposure to prevent glass tube explosion or quartz deformation. The majority of operation time remains at lower power levels, keeping overall temperature manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The control section proactively manages temperature by implementing periodic power increases before critical thresholds are reached. By periodically reheating the lamp, the system prevents mercury adhesion and electrode degradation before they become severe, while avoiding sustained high temperatures that would threaten glass tube integrity. This preventive approach extends lamp life without compromising safety.
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
Prevents photo-darkening and glass tube explosion by maintaining optimal temperatures through controlled power and voltage adjustments, ensuring prolonged device performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
image display devices that use a high pressure mercury lamp as a light source are generally provided with a cooling fan that cools the light source
Implementation Method 2
A high pressure mercury lamp is structured such that mercury or gas is confined in a glass tube
Implementation Method 3
high pressure mercury lamp as a light source
Implementation Method 4
Heat convection causes halogenated tungsten to float in the glass tube
Data Source
AI summary
An image display device includes a light source; a power supply section that supplies power to light source; a cooling fan that cools the light source; an input section; a drive section that supplies a voltage to cooling fan; a control section that controls drive section and power supply section. The control section sets a first power value for the output of the power supply section and also a first voltage value for the output of the drive section. The control section measures a time at which the light source has been lighted. If the measured value exceeds a threshold, the control section gradually increases the output of the power supply section up to a second power value that is greater than the first voltage value over a predetermined time.