UV Lamp Temperature Control Circuit for Amalgam Power Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for controlling the temperature of ultraviolet lamps used in water treatment, particularly those employing amalgam, are limited by passive control methods that restrict maximum power output and are costly, complex, and lack precise control over amalgam temperature, leading to inefficiencies and reduced lamp performance.
Innovation Solution
An active temperature control system for ultraviolet lamps that includes a heat-sink assembly, temperature sensing elements, and heating loads connected to the filaments, allowing for precise control of amalgam temperature through a temperature control circuit, which can be configured in series or parallel with the filaments, and communicates with a control or power source to maintain optimal temperature settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If passive temperature control methods are used for ultraviolet lamps, then the system is simpler and lower cost, but the maximum power output is restricted and temperature control precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an active temperature control system that continuously monitors the amalgam temperature using a temperature sensing element and adjusts the heating load accordingly. The control circuit receives temperature information from the sensing element and modulates the heating load to maintain optimal amalgam temperature, enabling precise temperature control while allowing higher power output without the restrictions of passive control methods.
2Measurement precision
If passive temperature control methods are used for ultraviolet lamps, then the system is simpler and lower cost, but the temperature control precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously receives temperature information from the temperature sensing element and adjusts the heating load in real-time to maintain optimal amalgam temperature. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise temperature control, ensuring the amalgam operates at the optimal temperature for maximum UV output throughout the lamp's operational lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive thermal control mechanisms with an active electronic control system that uses electrical signals to monitor and adjust temperature. The temperature sensing element converts thermal information into electrical signals that the control circuit processes, enabling precise digital control of the heating load and achieving superior temperature control precision compared to mechanical or passive thermal methods.
3Reliability
If active temperature control system is implemented, then precise control of amalgam temperature is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the temperature control functionality directly into the existing lamp structure by thermally coupling the heating load to the amalgam location and positioning the temperature sensing element adjacent to the amalgam. The control circuit merges the temperature monitoring and heating control functions into a unified system that works synergistically with the lamp's existing electrical components, reducing overall system complexity despite the added active control capabilities.
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 enables precise control of amalgam temperature, enhancing the UV lamp's light output and performance by maintaining optimal operating conditions, reducing costs, and minimizing complexity compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-sink assembly thermally connected to the lamp near the at least one location for amalgam
Implementation Method 2
a heating load thermally coupled to the heat-sink; and at least one temperature control circuit connected to the at least one filament, wherein the temperature control circuit introduces a heating load by drawing power from the lamp power supply
Data Source
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AI summary
A lamp apparatus includes at least one filament; an amount of amalgam; a heatsink assembly connected to the lamp apparatus; and at least one control circuit comprising a heating element and a temperature measurement element connected to the at least one filament, wherein the control circuit is configured to vary the electrical power delivered to the heating element, thereby controlling an internal temperature of the lamp apparatus relative to a temperature set point. Other aspects, as a method and a computer program product, are described and claimed.