Remote Photovoltaic Security Light with Battery Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security lighting systems require direct line voltage for high-intensity illumination, making them costly and difficult to install in locations without standard electrical connectivity, and there is a need for a rechargeable power source with battery backup to eliminate the need for external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A security lighting system with a remote photo-voltaic module (PVM) for recharging rechargeable batteries, a backup battery system, and a controller that adjusts illumination levels based on battery voltage and environmental conditions to maximize battery life and operational duration without line voltage connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If direct line voltage is used to power high-wattage security lighting, then illumination intensity is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to requirement of standard electrical connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The security lighting system serves itself by incorporating an integrated rechargeable battery pack and photovoltaic panel that enable the light to power itself without requiring external electrical infrastructure. The photovoltaic panel charges the battery during the day, which then powers the LED during nighttime operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is segmented into separate functional components: a rechargeable battery pack for energy storage and a photovoltaic panel for energy generation. This segmentation allows the lighting system to operate independently from the electrical grid while maintaining high illumination output through efficient LED technology.
2Ease of operation
If rechargeable battery is used to power security lighting without line voltage, then ease of installation is improved, but duration of action is reduced due to limited battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic panel performs preliminary action by charging the rechargeable battery pack during daytime hours before the lighting is needed. This advance energy storage ensures that sufficient power is available for nighttime operation without requiring grid connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action through the cyclical charging and discharging of the battery. The photovoltaic panel continuously recharges the battery during daylight hours, ensuring the lighting system can operate continuously through multiple night cycles without external power intervention.
3Illumination intensity
If high-wattage illumination is used for adequate security lighting, then illumination intensity is improved, but energy consumption increases requiring external power source
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the energy efficiency parameter by using LED technology instead of traditional high-wattage bulbs. LEDs provide equivalent or superior illumination intensity while consuming significantly less power, enabling the lighting to operate on rechargeable battery power from the photovoltaic panel.
4Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic module is placed remotely to increase sunlight exposure, then energy harvesting is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate placement and connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A connector serves as an intermediary between the remotely placed photovoltaic panel and the security light housing. This connector enables flexible placement of the panel to maximize sunlight exposure while maintaining a simple electrical connection that does not complicate the overall system.
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 standalone security lighting with adjustable illumination levels based on motion detection and environmental conditions, extending battery life and operational duration by using LEDs with reduced power consumption and optimizing energy harvesting from the remote PVM.
Implementation Method 1
a remote photo-voltaic module in electrical connection with the rechargeable battery and separately placeable to maximize exposure to sunlight
Implementation Method 2
The security light includes a stand-alone power supply which includes both a rechargeable battery, a backup battery system and a remote PVM to recharge primary rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for a security light having a remote photovoltaic module is set forth. The security light includes a primary rechargeable battery connected to the remote photovoltaic module while also having a backup battery system to be utilized when the rechargeable batteries condition require recharge. The security lighting unit functions as a security light to provide variable wide area illumination based upon environmental and battery conditions and also which power supply is optionally connected to the load, the load being the illumination sources and the various supportive electronics. The system further includes a controller which can not only operationally selects either the rechargeable batteries or backup batteries but also can monitor battery condition to preserve battery life. In operation, the security light may include a variable battery power supply for ease of installation.