Photocontrol Device Surge Protection Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional road lighting control methods are inefficient and prone to damage from surges, leading to high maintenance costs and safety risks due to the need for frequent replacement of surge protection devices, which are often installed at heights requiring elevated work and can only be replaced in a power-off state.
Innovation Solution
A photocontrol device integrating surge protection functionality, with a surge protection unit connected in parallel to the power supply lines and grounded through an elastic connector, allowing for easy installation and separate replacement of the surge protection unit, reducing maintenance complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the surge protection device is mounted inside the lamp on the light pole, then the surge protection function is provided, but the installation and replacement require elevated work using lift trucks and take significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the surge protection device from the LED light source, allowing the surge protection device to be mounted independently on the light pole while the LED light can be replaced separately. This segmentation enables the surge protection device to remain in place during LED bulb replacements, eliminating the need for elevated work and lift trucks for routine maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mounting structure that allows the surge protection device to be installed on the light pole without requiring the LED light to be mounted inside the lamp housing. This intermediary approach enables independent installation and maintenance of the surge protection function.
2Reliability
If the surge protection device is mounted inside the lamp, then the protection is integrated, but the replacement must be performed in power-off status and takes up to one hour
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the surge protection device from the LED light source, the invention allows the surge protection device to remain mounted on the light pole while the LED light is replaced. This enables replacement operations to be performed quickly without power interruption, reducing replacement time from one hour to minutes and eliminating the need for power-off status.
3Reliability
If the surge protection device is mounted at height on the light pole, then the protection covers the entire lighting system, but the maintenance poses safety risks to staff
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the lighting system into independent components (surge protection device and LED light source) with different mounting locations. The surge protection device is mounted on the light pole at a lower, safer position, while the LED light can be positioned at the required height. This segmentation eliminates the need for maintenance staff to perform elevated work for routine LED replacements, significantly reducing safety risks.
4Ease of operation
If traditional control methods are used, then the lighting can be controlled, but energy is lost due to lack of efficient control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates multiple functions into the control system: the photocontrol device provides both the traditional lighting control function and the additional function of surge protection. This multi-functionality allows efficient energy control through photocontrol while simultaneously protecting the lighting system from surge damage, eliminating energy waste associated with traditional control methods.
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
The integrated surge protection within the photocontrol device enhances energy efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and improves safety by enabling quick and safe replacement of components, while providing comprehensive surge protection for LED road lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
The protection circuit includes at least one protection component, namely, a varistor, a current fuse, a thermal protection device, or a combination in series of any number of the above
Implementation Method 2
A gas discharge tube can be connected in series with the varistor, so as to isolate the leakage current to the ground
Implementation Method 3
using a thermal protection device and a varistor in series; and using a current fuse, a thermal protection device, and a varistor in series
Implementation Method 4
The ground line (PE) terminal of the surge protection unit is connected to a conductive part on the device base by at least a ground connector
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure discloses a photocontrol device with a surge protecting function, including: a photocontrol unit, a surge protection unit, and a device base. The photocontrol unit includes a plug; the device base includes a socket corresponding to the plug; the photocontrol unit is connected to the surge protection unit to form a whole body, which is connected to the device base. The surge protection unit is connected in parallel to a phase line terminal and a neutral line terminal of the photocontrol unit, a ground line terminal of the surge protection unit is connected to a conductive part on the device base by at least a ground connector, and the conductive part is connected to ground. The ground line terminal can be attached on the outer surface of the surge protection unit, and also can be connected to the device base via a ground connector.