Pulsed UV Lamp Frequency Control to Prevent Breaker Tripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
PUV devices face operational inefficiencies due to circuit breaker tripping from increased input current, necessitating longer disinfection cycles and higher costs when attempting to boost UV output, and traditional solutions like replacing UV lamps or circuit breakers are costly and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a pulse generator to monitor and adjust pulse frequencies to manage input current, allowing for increased UV output without tripping the circuit breaker, by employing multiple distinct pulse frequencies and buffer periods to maintain consistent disinfection performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the pulse frequency of the UV output is increased to raise UV intensity, then the UV intensity is improved, but the input current increases beyond the safe limit and trips the circuit breaker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed UV output instead of continuous operation. The system delivers UV energy in controlled pulses with specific duty cycles, allowing high peak power during pulses while maintaining average power within circuit breaker limits. This periodic operation enables high UV intensity during active pulses without continuously exceeding the current threshold that would trip the circuit breaker.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pulse frequency and duty cycle parameters in real-time based on feedback from current monitoring. The pulse generator can vary pulse width, frequency, and amplitude dynamically to optimize UV output while keeping input current within safe limits. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain reliable operation without tripping the circuit breaker.
2Illumination intensity
If the applied voltage to the UV lamp is increased to amplify UV output, then the UV output intensity is improved, but the manufacturing and operational costs increase due to expensive high-voltage rated lamps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the UV lamp by using pulsed voltage application instead of continuous high voltage. By delivering voltage in pulses with controlled duty cycles, the system achieves high peak UV output during pulses while the average power consumption remains within the rating of standard lamps. This parameter change allows using conventional voltage-rated lamps rather than expensive high-voltage rated lamps, reducing manufacturing and operational costs.
3Productivity
If the PUV device is run for longer periods to increase UV light radiation, then the disinfection effectiveness is improved, but the input current repeatedly trips the circuit breaker and disrupts the disinfection cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed operation to deliver high UV intensity in short bursts rather than requiring long continuous operation. Each pulse delivers a concentrated dose of UV energy, and by adjusting pulse frequency and duty cycle, the system accumulates sufficient total UV exposure for effective disinfection without maintaining continuous high current draw that would trip the circuit breaker and interrupt the cycle.
4Reliability
If a new circuit breaker with higher current rating is deployed to prevent tripping, then the operational continuity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and the mains circuit breaker purpose is undermined
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor input current in real-time and use this information to dynamically adjust pulse generator parameters. When current approaches the circuit breaker threshold, the system automatically reduces pulse frequency or duty cycle to maintain current within safe limits. This feedback control ensures operational continuity without requiring a higher-rated circuit breaker, avoiding increased manufacturing costs while preserving the protective function of the mains circuit breaker.
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
Enhances PUV device performance by preventing circuit breaker tripping, reducing operational time, and maintaining effective disinfection without the need for costly replacements, thus optimizing electrical and disinfection performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pulsed-output signal for driving a UV lamp to generate PUV light within a germicidal wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method for improving a performance of a pulsed-ultraviolet (PUV) device. The method includes monitoring an input current across a circuit breaker in communication with a UV lamp, where the input current is delivered by a power signal and is interrupted by the circuit breaker upon exceeding a predefined cut-off current; generating a pulse signal having a set of frequencies based on the power signal for driving the UV lamp, where the pulse signal is associated with a predetermined cut-off frequency that increases the input current beyond the cut-off current; determining a predefined threshold current less than the cut-off current; and configuring the pulse signal with multiple distinct pulse frequencies per second for a predefined configuration period based on the input current exceeding the threshold current. The distinct pulse frequencies per second include at least one pulse frequency greater than the cut-off frequency.