UV Light Control System Power Buffer for Efficacy Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
UV light sources used for disinfection face challenges in maintaining target antimicrobial efficacy over time due to factors like lamp lumen depreciation, lamp dirt depreciation, and varying environmental conditions, especially in limited-power environments where insufficient power is available.
Innovation Solution
A light control system that includes a power converter with a power factor corrector and a power buffer, coupled with sensors and a control device, dynamically adjusts the electrical parameters of the supply power to the UV light source based on sensed conditions, ensuring the UV light is emitted at the target intensity and efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the UV light source operates in a limited-power environment, then the power consumption is reduced, but the antimicrobial efficacy cannot be maintained over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing energy in the power buffer during periods when power is available or demand is low. This stored energy is then utilized during activation cycles to ensure the UV light source receives sufficient power to maintain target antimicrobial efficacy, effectively preparing in advance for future power needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The power buffer acts as an intermediary between the limited-power environment and the UV light source. It decouples the direct connection, allowing the system to smooth out power fluctuations and provide consistent, sufficient power to the UV light source during operation, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring continuous high power input.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the UV light source intensity decreases over time due to lamp depreciation, then the operational lifespan is extended, but the antimicrobial efficacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the operational status of the UV light source and adjusts the power supplied accordingly. By detecting changes in light output due to lamp depreciation, the system compensates by increasing power delivery through the power buffer, ensuring that the UV dose remains sufficient to maintain antimicrobial efficacy throughout the lamp's operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static power supply approach to a dynamic one, where the power delivered to the UV light source is continuously adjusted based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to compensate for lamp depreciation and maintain consistent performance over time.
3Reliability
If the UV light source operates at high intensity to maintain efficacy, then the antimicrobial performance is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by concentrating power delivery into defined activation cycles rather than continuous operation. During these periodic activation periods, the UV light source operates at high intensity to achieve the required antimicrobial efficacy. The power buffer enables this intermittent high-power operation by storing energy during non-activation periods and releasing it during activation cycles.
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 system effectively maintains antimicrobial efficacy over multiple activation cycles and extends the life of the UV light source by compensating for changes in intensity and environmental conditions, even in limited-power environments, by combining input power with stored power to achieve the required UV dose.
Implementation Method 1
The power buffer configured to store power using the input power received at the input during a first portion of the time interval
Implementation Method 2
The power converter includes a power factor corrector (PFC) configured to adjustably control an electrical parameter of the supply power
Implementation Method 3
a light source configured to, using the supply power, emit light at an intensity related to the electrical parameter of the supply power
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a light control system includes a power converter, a light source, a sensor, and a control device. The power converter can convert an input power received from a power source to a supply power, and includes a power factor corrector (PFC) configured to adjustably control an electrical parameter of the supply power. The light source can, using the supply power, emit light at an intensity related to the electrical parameter. The sensor can sense a condition related to operation of the light source. The control device is communicatively coupled to the PFC and the sensor, and configured to: (i) receive, from the sensor, a sensor signal indicating an input parameter related to the condition, and (ii) based on sensor signal, provide a feedback signal to the PFC to cause the PFC to adjust, based on the input parameter, the electrical parameter of the supply power.