AU2013202143A1 - Submersible Lamp Assembly and Method - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The invention provides a submersible lamp assembly suitable for use in aquaculture with a particular cooling system. In one embodiment the invention relates to high powered 5 submersible lamp assembly comprising a substantially cylindrical body with an outer surface having a plurality of LED lights, said assembly made up of an inner sleeve housing a power supply capable of powering said lights and an outer sleeve having a plurality of LED lights spaced apart therefrom, the spacing of said sleeves allowing fluid from a surrounding environment to pass through said body and provide cooling of the lamp 0 assembly. - ------ 20 --- -- - - - -- ---1- - - - - - - - -- - - 10 El D I I.n 0 IIl I r I nI 0 l 1 I1 -- -- -- -vI -- ------I ---- ---- ---- -u ------ -------- I Figurel1

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Submersible Lamp Assembly and Method The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 1 2 Title: Submersible Lamp Assembly and Method Field of Invention [0001]The present invention relates to submersible lamp assemblies for use in aquatic and other commercial or industrial environments where lighting is needed for a particular functional requirement. The invention particularly relates to lamp assemblies used to provide illumination in the aquaculture industry such as in fish farms and the like. Background [0002]Traditional filament based light sources employed in underwater environments are fragile, have short life spans, use a lot of energy and require frequent maintenance. LED technology provides more rugged, energy-efficient alternative to filament based light sources. The technology also provides a more specific spectrum of light which may be useful in aquaculture such as to delay maturation of fish, particularly salmon. [0003] Lamps comprising LED for domestic use cooled with liquid from an internal reservoir such as those in US patent application No. 2011/0018417 in the name of Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Inc. have been disclosed. [0004]A number of submersible lamps have also been proposed in the prior art. These include submersible lamps for domestic use. For example US patent No.7,303, 301 and related US application No.2007/0279900 in the name of Nexxus lighting Inc, disclose lighting fixtures which provide relatively low intensity lighting for use in swimming pools and spas. US Patent Application No. 2009/0027900 in the name of The L D Kichler Co discloses a positional outdoor light which may be used in pools and spas for domestic use. US patent No. 7,575,333 in the name of Vilarrasa also relates to lights for pools. US patent application No. 2006/0176686 in the name of McViker which provides a light for use by swimmers disclose dome or mushroom shaped lighting devices.

3 [0005] International patent application PCT/US 2011/052213 in the name of Deep Sea Power and Light Inc discloses a lamp housing which is partly spherical in nature. This shape is resistant to pressure in deep water and dissipates heat. [0006] International patent application PCT/US2009/031321 in the name of Lights Camera Action LLC discloses a high level illumination device for industrial use such as in the tanks of nuclear power plants. [0007] In relation specifically to aquaculture, US application No. 2009/0109675 in the name of Alvarez discloses a cupola shaped LED for lighting fish pens which relies on the shape of the lamp to overcome a number of disadvantages caused by attenuation of the light waves in the aqueous environment. US application No. 2007/0268702 in the name of McFadden discloses a cylindrical halide lamp which has a port to allow ingress of water to allow heat dissipation. [0008] Further in relation to aquaculture, US Patent Application No. 2012/0129245 in the name of Tendris Solutions BV discloses an algae reactor for use in growing algae in an aqueous environment. [0009]While the above proposals provide various lighting systems including underwater lighting, they have various draw backs. In particular there is a need for a submersible lamp assembly which provides high intensity light having good thermal management which leads longer product life. [0010]The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art.

4 Summary [0011] In one aspect the present invention provides a submersible lamp assembly suitable for use in aquaculture said assembly powerable by a power source and comprising a substantially cylindrical body with an outer surface having a plurality of LED lights, a power supply capable of powering said lights disposed within said body and a fluid passage means interposed between said lights and said power supply which allows fluid from a surrounding environment to pass into said body and provide cooling of the lamp assembly. [0012]The invention is partly predicated on the surprising realization by the inventors that fluid from the surrounding environment can be used to dissipate heat from the two main heat generating components of the lamp assembly at the same time. [0013]The term "power source" refers to an electrical power source such as mains power, generator power or a photovoltaic supply of electricity or a battery. [0014]The term "substantially cylindrical" refers to a cylindrical shape with curved sides but also includes prism like shapes. "Prism like" refers to the shape of the body whose sides is made up of parallel polygons which may be 3 to 12 sided, for example. [0015]The term "power supply" refers to a regulated power supply that supplies the appropriate range required to power the lamp assembly. [0016]The term a "fluid passage means" refers to a channel, conduit, port or the like which allows fluid such as water or in other liquid, or air or another gas present in the surrounding environment to enter the body of the lamp.

5 [0017]The term "cooling" refers to heat dissipation which results in a decrease in temperature. [0018] Preferably the wattage used by the lamp assembly is in the range of 1 to 2000 watts, more preferably 30 to 600 watts, even more preferably 400 to 600 watts. The lamp assembly may even use in the range of 30 to 100 watts for example. [0019] In another aspect the invention provides a high powered submersible lamp assembly for use in the aquaculture industry said assembly powerable by a power source and comprising a substantially cylindrical body with an outer surface having a plurality of LED lights, said assembly made up of an inner sleeve housing a power supply capable of powering said lights and an outer sleeve having a plurality of LED lights spaced apart therefrom, the spacing of said sleeves allowing fluid from a surrounding environment to pass through said body and provide cooling of the lamp assembly. [0020]The term "high powered" means 400 to 2000 watts. Preferably the range is 400 to 1000 watts, even more preferably 400 to 600 watts. [0021]The invention also relates to a method of manufacture of the lamp assemblies. [0022] Further the invention provides a method of treating fish with artificial light of a specified wavelength to alter maturation rates or elicit another useful effect by providing the lamp assemblies of the present invention, exposing the fish to light emanating from the lamp assemblies for a suitable period under suitable conditions to produce the desired effect.

6 Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments of the Invention [0023]The invention will now be described with reference to the following non limiting illustrative drawings. [0024] Figure 1 is a front view of one embodiment the lamp assembly. [0025] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the lamp assembly as shown in Figure 1. [0026] Figure 3 is a top view of the lamp assembly as shown in Figure 1. [0027] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the lamp assembly as shown in Figure 1. [0028] Figure 5 is an isometric view of the heat sink assembly of the lamp assembly as shown in Figure 1. [0029] Figure 6 is an isometric view at line A- A of the heat sink assembly as shown in Figure 5. [0030] Figure 7 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the lamp assembly. [0031] Figure 8 is an isometric view of a transverse section through the heat sink assembly of the alternative embodiment of the lamp assembly.

7 [0032] Figure 9 is a schematic representation of the electronic components of the lamp assembly. [0033] Lamp assembly 10 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has top end 20 with handle assembly 25 and bottom end 30. Disposed between top end 20 and bottom end 30 is outer surface 45 which comprises 12 facets or sides, substantially in the form of a dodecahedron. Light emanates from LEDs 50 adjacent outer surface 45 when the lamp assembly is in operation. [0034] Referring to Figures 1 to 5 lamp assembly 10 is powered by a power source delivered by a cable (not shown) which enters via a water tight cable entry gland or wet-mateable submersible connector located in handle 25 and where it penetrates through to heat sink assembly body 70 and delivers power to power supply units 60 (in this case are back-to-back power units) which regulate the power supply. Power supply units 60 are potted with appropriate material inside heat sink assembly body 70. [0035] In the first embodiment heat sink assembly 70 is an integral unit composed of a suitable type of plastic polymer, optionally with heat-conductive properties and is a substantially cylindrical enclosure made up of two concentric sleeves or casings. These are inner sleeve or casing 72 and an outer sleeve or casing 75. Outer sleeve or casing 75 has closed top end 70a on which handle portion 71 is mounted and open bottom end 70b. [0036]When assembled handle covers 25a and handle portion 71 are filled with appropriate resin or silicone to prevent water ingress. [0037] Open bottom end 70b of heat sink assembly 70 has radially disposed legs 70f which engaged with bottom cover 120. Open bottom end 70b enables power supplies 8 60 to be placed in internal chamber 70c and secured to supports 70d. Internal chamber 70c is filled with appropriate resin. [0038] Outer sleeve 75 is joined to, and spaced apart from, inner sleeve 72 by ribs 70e which extend at right angles from inner wall 72 and run the length of heat sink assembly 70. [0039] The inside of outer sleeve 75 has fluted portions 76 which together with ribs 70e form a fluid passage means in the form of passages 77 to allow flow of fluid such as water through lamp assembly 10 when submerged. Fluted portions 76 and ribs 70e may be coated with copper so as to prevent fouling when lamp assembly 10 is to be used in marine environments. [0040]The outside of outer sleeve 75 comprises recesses 78 and adjacent ridge members 79 which allow LED PCB assembly strips 80 to be slidingly engaged on heat sink assembly 70 and covered by lenses 90 which may be convex to disperse the light in a desired manner. Despite the possible convex nature of lenses 90 the bulk of the profile is facetted. The arrangement of LED allows light to be radiated 3600 about a long axis of body 70. [0041] Lenses 90 are made of PMMA (Poly(methyl methacrylate), a transparent thermoplastic which is a shatter resistant material. [0042] Driver unit 100 is in the form of an annular ring which houses the 12 drivers required for the 12 LED PCB assembly strips 80 and sits below power supplies 60. Driver unit 100 is mounted on base plate 110. These are held in place and made water tight by bottom cover 120.

9 [0043] Similarly top cover 130 holds LED PCB strips 80 and lenses 90 in place at top end 20. [0044]The LEDs 50 are chosen to have the appropriate light spectrum for the intended application capable of peaking at a single or multiple wavelenghts. In the example shown there are 14 LEDs in each LED PCB strip 80 giving a total of 168 which provides an equivalent of 600W of LED power. The high powered nature of the lamp assembly makes it extremely suitable to fish farming where high light intensives are required particularly at the lower latitudes where fish such as salmon are commonly farmed. [0045] Further a soft start for illumination of the LEDs is contemplated. This avoids startling the fish and leads to better production rates. [0046]Although the submersible lamp assembly is intended for use in aqueous environments, its use is not so limited. The lamp assembly may be used in terrestrial environments particularly Antarctic and Arctic environments where the surrounding air is cold and can be drawn up via convection through passages 77 to provide cooling when in operation. [0047]A general outline of the electronic componentry is provided in Figure 9. Active thermal management of lamp assembly 10 is achieved as follows: mains power source of 240V is converted to a lower voltage (-48V) by power supply units 60. LED drivers 100 convert this into a constant current supply for LED PCB assembly strips 80. Inside the LED drivers 100 is a control system which regulates the output of the LED drivers (i.e. varies the constant current supply). The temperature of LED PCB assembly strips 80 is monitored by a thermal sensor which is converted to a pulse width modulated signal which is interpreted by the control system in LED driver 100. The output of the LED driver is regulated such that if the temperature exceeds pre- 10 determined set-points the output will reduce or the output will be proportional to the temperature of LED PCB assembly strips 80. [0048]ZigBee and DALI standard protocols may be used to control illumination levels in lamp assembly 10. For example, a ZigBee radio chip containing an appropriate microcomputer and an ISM band radio transceiver and antenna may be incorporated to control on/off operation of the LED and brightness. A remote computer may be used to transmit signals and control the lamp assembly. Using ZigBee and DALI also allows remote monitoring the status of the light, i.e. the status of the LEDs (temperature, faults, etc). Alternatively a propriety protocol may be utilized. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that ZigBee uses the ISM band which differs from region to region. In Australia this is predominantly 915 MHz, in Europe 868 MHz, and 2.4 GHz in the most other regions. [0049]The physical design of lamp assembly 10 shown in the embodiment described above make it extremely suitable in aquaculture environments, particularly fish pens. Specifically, the compact design makes it easy to handle, the dimensions of the handle allows for the unit to be easily picked up whilst wearing diving gloves. While prior art lamps incorporate fragile materials such as glass the present invention provides a unit which is far more rugged than traditional lamps. The top, central mounting point allows the lamp assembly to naturally hang straight and orient better in the fish pen. The fact that the lamp emits light radially, rather than as a beam is also beneficial in the aquatic environment. The compactness of the unit also allows for reduced storage size requirements. [0050] A different configuration for the heat sink assembly is contemplated in an alternative embodiment of the lamp assembly 210 shown in Figures 7 and 8.

11 [0051] Heat sink assembly 270 comprises inner sleeve or casing 272 and outer sleeve 275. Inner sleeve or casing 272 is made up of two halves which slot together and house power supply 260 which supplies about 600 watts of power to LEDs 250. [0052]Threaded rods 2112 are used to fix inner sleeve or casing 272, top cover 2130 and bottom casing 2120 together and retain nuts located on the ends of casing 272. [0053] Outer sleeve or casing 275 made up of rectangular modules 276, the long sides of which have tongues and grooves which slot together with neighbouring modules 276 to form a sleeve. Rectangular modules 276 comprise LED PCB assembly strips 280 which house LEDs 250 and lenses 290 (made of PMMA). During manufacture, LED PCB assembly strips 280 are assembled into a sleeve and then covered with transparent lenses 290 and thus form modules 276. The lower ends of rectangular modules 276 are held in place by bottom cover 2110. [0054] LED driver units (not shown) are housed within the cavity of bottom casing 2110 and bottom cover 2120. Cabling from the LED PCB assembly strips 280 passes through a penetration (not shown) in bottom cover 2110 to connect with LED driver units which are then connected to the power supply 260 by cabling fed via the bottom cable gland of the sealed power supply enclosure. The bottom cover 2110 is sealed by encapsulating with the bottom cover 2120 and filling with resin. The fact that the power supply is potted and utilizes heat transferring materials prolongs component lifetime. [0055]A watertight junction box 2132 is used to provide connection from the power supply cabling passing through the top cable entry to mains supply cabling. [0056]When submerged, water passes through apertures 2131 in top cover 2130 and vents 2111 in bottom cover 2110 and into fluid passage means in the form of annular 12 passage 277. Annular passage 277 is disposed between the internal power supply 260 and heat sink assembly 270. [0057] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the surface area of the cooling surfaces will be determined the maximum output of the LEDs. Optionally, a low power (30W-100W) model, which simply uses less LEDs or in which the power used to drive the LEDs is reduced is also contemplated. [0058] In the examples illustrated heat sink assemblies 70 and 270 are made of thermally conductive polymer CoolPoly* E5101, a thermally conductive polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). CoolPoly* is a proprietary composition of Cool Polymers, Inc. The other various casings and covers, including the power supply casings are made of high density polyethylene (HDPE). [0059] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiment illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. [0060]Throughout this specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise the words "comprise", "comprises", "comprising" will be understood to mean the inclusion of the stated integer, step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any of other integer, step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (14)

1. A submersible lamp assembly suitable for use in aquaculture said assembly powerable by a power source and comprising a substantially cylindrical body with an outer 5 surface having a plurality of LED lights, a power supply capable of powering said lights disposed within said body and a fluid passage means interposed between said lights and said power supply which allows fluid from a surrounding environment to pass into said body and provide cooling of the lamp assembly. 0

2. The lamp assembly of claim 1 wherein the substantially cylindrical body comprises inner sleeve housing said power supply and an outer sleeve substantially concentric therewith on which the LED lights are mounted.

3. The lamp assembly of claim 2 wherein said sleeves form an integral unit. 5

4. The lamp assembly of claim 1 wherein the LED are disposed along its long axis.

5. A high powered submersible lamp assembly for use in the aquaculture industry said assembly powerable by a power source and comprising a substantially cylindrical body 0 with an outer surface having a plurality of LED lights, said assembly made up of an inner sleeve housing a power supply capable of powering said lights and an outer sleeve having a plurality of LED lights spaced apart therefrom, the spacing of said sleeves allowing fluid from a surrounding environment to pass through said body and provide cooling of the lamp assembly. 25

6. The lamp assembly of claim 5 wherein the LED lights are mounted on strips which engage to form said outer sleeve.

7. The lamp assembly of claim 5 wherein the LED are disposed along its long axis. 30 FP0065AUFinalClaims 14

8. The lamp assembly of claim 5 having a mounting point at one end of the body allowing the assembly to hang substantially vertically when mounted.

9. The lamp assembly of claim 5 wherein power provides for 400 to 2000 watts of 5 lighting.

10. The lamp assembly of claim 5 wherein power provides for 400 to 600 watts of lighting. 0

11. The lamp assembly of claim 5 wherein the light spectrum is capable of peaking at a single or multiple specific wavelengths.

12. A method of manufacturing the lamp assembly of claim 1 comprising the steps of assembling a power source within a substantially cylindrical body and mounting a plurality 5 of LED lights on an outer surface of said body such that a fluid passage means is interposed between said lights and said power supply which when in use, allows fluid from a surrounding environment to pass into said body and provide cooling of the lamp assembly. 0

13. A method of treating fish with artificial light of a specified wavelength to alter maturation rates or elicit another useful effect by providing the lamp assembly of claim 4, exposing the fish to light emanating from the lamp assembly for a suitable period under suitable conditions to produce the desired effect. 55

14. The lamp assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9 or the method of claim 12 substantially as hereinbefore described with or without reference to the drawings. ELR Australia Pty Ltd Dated this 28th day of March 2013 60 By Their Attorneys Tasmanian Patent Services FP0065AUFinalClaims