Solar powered office and factory lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED lighting systems incur additional costs and efficiency issues due to the use of inductive voltage converters, which lose power as heat and have a finite lifetime, requiring frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered lighting circuit that distributes solar electric energy to LEDs without significant voltage change or control via inductive voltage boosting, using a controller with voltage feed-forward and current feedback controls, and a backup power source to ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If inductive voltage converters are used in LED lighting systems, then voltage can be changed to power LEDs, but power is lost as heat and component lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inductive voltage converter from the LED lighting system entirely. Instead of using traditional buck/boost converters with inductors and capacitors, the system connects solar panels directly to LED strings, using the natural voltage characteristics of solar panels to match LED operating requirements. This extraction of the problematic converter component eliminates the source of heat loss and component failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical inductive conversion system with a direct electrical connection system. By eliminating the need for voltage conversion through inductors and capacitors, the system substitutes a simpler direct-connect architecture that avoids the inherent energy losses of inductive conversion while maintaining the necessary voltage levels through proper solar panel selection and series/parallel configuration.
2Power
If inductive voltage converters are used in LED lighting systems, then voltage can be changed, but manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the inductive voltage converter assembly (inductors, capacitors, control circuitry) from each LED fixture, the patent dramatically simplifies the manufacturing process. The system requires only basic electrical connections between solar panels and LED strings, eliminating complex components and reducing both manufacturing complexity and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal lighting system where solar panels directly power multiple LED strings without requiring individual voltage conversion at each fixture. This multi-functional approach allows the same simple connection architecture to serve various lighting configurations and voltage requirements, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Power
If inductive voltage converters are used in LED lighting systems, then voltage can be changed, but the converters have finite lifetime and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the finite-lifetime inductive converter components (electrolytic capacitors, inductors, control electronics) that require replacement. By using direct connection architecture, the system achieves potentially unlimited operational life limited only by the solar panels and LED modules themselves, which have no moving parts and higher reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the system to accommodate voltage variations and load changes without requiring active conversion components that can fail. By selecting solar panels with appropriate voltage characteristics and configuring LED strings in series/parallel arrangements, the system creates a passive, inherently reliable architecture that cushions against component stress and extends system lifetime.
4Loss of energy
If solar panels are connected directly to LEDs without inductive converters, then energy loss is reduced, but voltage matching becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages voltage matching by changing the configuration parameters of the system - specifically, arranging LED strings in series and parallel combinations to match solar panel voltage outputs. By selecting appropriate solar panel voltages and configuring LED strings accordingly, the system achieves direct connection without active voltage conversion, maintaining high efficiency while managing complexity through proper parameter selection.
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
This solution reduces maintenance costs, increases energy return on investment (EROI), and extends the lifespan of LED lighting systems by eliminating the need for inductive converters and electrolytic capacitors.
Implementation Method 1
a source of solar electric power
Implementation Method 2
one or more light emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
Reliability of devices such as lighting fixtures, is improved by replacing an inductor based voltage inverter to power the device with a switching constant current PWM controller. Avoiding use of an inductor and matching capacitor is made possible by a high voltage power input that exceeds the voltage requirements of the device. The power is pulse width modulated with a current feedback to control duty cycle, and thus average device current.