EP1135006A1 - Method, system and detection module to monitor remotely faults in a gas lamp lighting system for preventive maintenance - Google Patents

Abstract

A series of discharge lamps (L) typically used for street lighting have observation units (M) connected to their ballast circuits (B). The observation units measure the frequency of the lamp supply and if it departs from a threshold a signal is sent to a central management unit (SG) module (MC) which generates maintenance data. Alternatively the maintenance data may be directly generated by the observation units (M).

Description

The present invention relates to a centralized management system for faults for a set of discharge lamps. It also targets a process implemented in this system, as well as a local module detection used in this system.

These are more particularly discharge lamps fitted to a lighting network and powered by electronic ballasts comprising a high frequency generator connected to a network of direct or alternating current distribution.

Efficient maintenance of a lighting network is a condition essential for the safety of goods and people. Indeed, the failure of one or more discharge lamps along a track traffic can significantly worsen the driving conditions of motorists. It is therefore important to ensure preventive maintenance lighting networks.

Besides the classic solution of replacing at intervals of regular times all the lamps of an installation there are systems to detect an anomaly on a lamp, for example its blink, and send fault information to a central site.

Furthermore, a known method for detecting the aging of a discharge lamp is to measure the voltage across the lamp because this increases slightly with aging. However, this relationship between voltage variation and aging is not sufficiently discriminating to make this process convincing, in particular fact that the voltage across the lamp may vary for other reasons that the aging of the lamp, for example due to fluctuations in the mains supply voltage or drifts of the components of the high frequency generator.

The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a centralized fault management system for a set discharge lamps, which allows for anticipated or anticipated maintenance really effective in a context of centralized network management lighting.

• pour chaque lampe à décharge alimentée par des moyens de ballast électronique, des moyens locaux pour observer le fonctionnement de ladite lampe et pour générer des informations indicatives du fonctionnement observé, et des moyens locaux pour transmettre ces informations vers un centre de gestion,
• au sein d'un centre de gestion, des moyens centraux pour recevoir les informations transmises depuis chaque lampe à décharge, et des moyens centraux pour traiter lesdites informations et fournir des données de maintenance.

The above objectives are achieved with a centralized fault management system for a set of discharge lamps for anticipated maintenance, comprising:

• for each discharge lamp powered by electronic ballast means, local means for observing the operation of said lamp and for generating information indicative of the observed operation, and local means for transmitting this information to a management center,
• within a management center, central means for receiving the information transmitted from each discharge lamp, and central means for processing said information and providing maintenance data.

According to the invention, the local means of observation of the operation of a discharge lamp include means for measuring the period of supply of said discharge lamp and the means processing centers are arranged to analyze the drift of the period power supply so as to generate, for said discharge lamp, a signal early or predictive maintenance when this drift exceeds one predetermined threshold.

It has indeed been observed that the electronic ballasts supplying a discharge lamp have a frequency response which is a function of the state of the lamp. The observed frequency ratio thus varies from 1 to 5 between the frequency of an empty electronic ballast - corresponding by example of a defective lamp - and the frequency of the same ballast when it is short-circuited.

In normal operation, the frequency response of the assembly ballast - lamp is a function of the impedance of the arc of the discharge lamp which varies over time. This variation results in an elongation of the feeding period. The measurement of this period and its comparison with a predetermined threshold makes it possible to detect aging situations of the lamp and trigger early maintenance operations.

In other words, the frequency drift relative to the frequency initial is analyzed on the basis of a data table. Frequency initial may vary with the lamp manufacturer, this is the analysis of this drift which makes it possible to determine the state of aging of the lamp.

It thus becomes possible, as part of a management system centralized faults, to detect for each lamp of a sound network working condition and obsolescence.

For a system according to the invention implemented for a network lighting including a continuous supply network to which the electronic ballasts supplying discharge lamps, means transmission rooms are arranged to transmit the information indicative of the operation of a discharge lamp on this network continuous feed.

But the system according to the invention can just as easily be implemented for a lighting network supplied by a current distribution network alternative, the local means of transmission then being designed to transmit indicative information on this type of network operation of a lamp.

For each discharge lamp, the local means of observation of the frequency or period of operation and the means of transmission are advantageously included in a local module connected to a part to the electronic ballast supplying the said lamp and secondly to the DC or AC distribution network.

This local module also includes means for generating a synchronous logic signal of the alternating output voltage of the ballast electronic and galvanically isolated from the output of said ballast electronic.

The local transmission means are preferably arranged to further transmit fault information from the means of electronic ballast.

Central means for receiving and processing information from all local measurement and transmission means, include, in a particular embodiment, means for display of signals indicative of the operation of each lamp dump.

We can also provide that these central means of reception and processing include means for transmitting said information towards a higher level management system.

• pour chaque lampe à décharge alimentée par des moyens de ballast électronique, une observation du fonctionnement de ladite lampe, une génération des informations indicatives du fonctionnement observé, et une transmission de ces informations vers un centre de gestion,
• au sein d'un centre de gestion, une réception des informations transmises depuis chaque lampe à décharge, et un traitement desdites informations en vue de fournir des données de maintenance.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of centralized fault management is proposed for a set of discharge lamps for anticipated maintenance, implemented in a system according to the invention, comprising:

• for each discharge lamp powered by electronic ballast means, an observation of the operation of said lamp, a generation of information indicative of the observed operation, and a transmission of this information to a management center,
• within a management center, reception of the information transmitted from each discharge lamp, and processing of said information with a view to providing maintenance data.

According to the invention, this method comprises a measurement of the period supply of said discharge lamp and a comparison of the drift of this period at a predetermined threshold, exceeding this threshold triggering an advance maintenance operation.

When implemented in a centralized management system comprising a central module and a set of local modules connected to electronic ballasts, this process can include a interrogation by the central module of each local module according to a predetermined periodicity.

But it can also be provided that the method according to the invention include, within a local module, information processing of measurement of the period or frequency of operation to generate a early maintenance signal which is then transmitted to the central module.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a local early maintenance module, implemented in the centralized fault management of a set of discharge lamps according to the invention, this module being connected to an electronic ballast supply of a discharge lamp. This local module is characterized by what it includes means to measure the period or frequency of operation of said electronic ballast and means for transmitting maintenance information generated from period measurements or frequency to a central module for receiving and processing maintenance information.

• la figure 1 illustre la structure générale d'un système de gestion centralisée des défauts selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 illustre un exemple de structure d'un module local mis en oeuvre dans un système selon l'invention ;
• la figure 3 représente un exemple simplifié de réalisation d'une face avant d'un module central utilisé dans le système selon l'invention ; et
• la figure 4 illustre les étapes essentielles du procédé de gestion centralisée des défauts selon l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below. In the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples:

• FIG. 1 illustrates the general structure of a centralized fault management system according to the invention;
• FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the structure of a local module implemented in a system according to the invention;
• FIG. 3 represents a simplified embodiment of a front face of a central module used in the system according to the invention; and
• FIG. 4 illustrates the essential steps of the centralized fault management method according to the invention.

We will now describe, with reference to FIG. 1, the structure overview of an example of an S centralized management system according to the invention. This S system includes a central MC module placed in a box and placed within the central SG network management site RE, and a set of local modules ML, ..., MLi connected to each electronic ballast B, ..., Bi supplying a discharge lamp L, ..., Li equipping a candelabra C, ..., Ci.

The RE lighting network considered here is associated with an RC network DC voltage supply (for example 250 Volt DC) between a CPU central unit and high frequency generators supplying locally each an L discharge lamp, according to a disclosed technical principle in particular in document FR2761564.

The central module MC, produced for example in the form of a housing modular snap-on DIN rail, includes processor circuit master who is configured to interrogate at regular time intervals (for example of the order of a minute) all local modules and for analyze the IF, ..., IFi information collected on each local module ML, ..., MLi, as shown in Figure 4.

• une version aveugle, sans face avant, comprenant un deuxième port de communication qui lui permet de dialoguer avec un équipement hiérarchiquement supérieur, par exemple un ordinateur central,
• une version pourvue d'une face avant, comportant deux touches de défilement TD+, TD-, un afficheur A, et un ensemble de voyants V1-V5, comme représenté en figure 3.

The central module MC can have several external configurations, in particular:

• a blind version, without front panel, comprising a second communication port which allows it to communicate with hierarchically superior equipment, for example a central computer,
• a version provided with a front face, comprising two scroll keys TD +, TD-, a display A, and a set of indicators V1-V5, as shown in FIG. 3.

The set of LEDs V1-V5 includes for example a LED communication fault V1, an insulation fault indicator V2, a V3 lamp wire short-circuit fault indicator, detection of a lamp out of service V4 and a V5 lamp indicating a lamp to replace for obsolescence.

Display A, controlled by the scroll keys TD +, TD-, is intended to display the number of the selected local module. The indicator of communication fault V1 is arranged to flash when one or more several local MLi modules do not respond and to remain fixed when this is the local module selected for display.

It should be noted that in this version with front panel, the display of faults by the indicators disappears as soon as said faults disappear. A one of these lights flashing indicates that one or more lights indicate the fault mentioned.

A local module ML comprises, with reference to FIG. 2, a µC microcontroller, for example of the 68HC705K1 / MOTOROLA type, of which a logic output is programmed in communication port P, one stage EM formatting between communication port P and the network DC continuous power supply, and an opto-isolator Ol or other mounting disposed between the high frequency output of the generator of ballast B and a INT interrupt input of the microcontroller. In the assembly shown in FIG. 2, the optoisolator Ol has an input stage connected between a generator output line and the bottom line of the supply network continues RC.

This local module ML is preferably coated with resin and placed at inside a plastic box placed in the immediate vicinity of the ballast electronic B.

Communications between the central MC module and the local modules ML are thus carried out using the two continuous supply wires of the RE lighting network, according to a communication protocol such as JBUS protocol.

The TC communication frames include, for example, send and receive, two bytes for the address of the local module, one byte for status and one byte for Checksum. Number of local modules controllable as slaves is for example limited to 99, the length of the network being able to reach 800 meters.

The central module periodically executes a sequence of interrogation and analysis S1, ..., Si, Si + 1, ..., SN on each local module ML1, ..., MLi, ..., MLN which executes a measurement and transmission SL1, ..., SLi, ..., SLi + 1, ..., SLN.

Each interrogation and analysis sequence Si includes a step of interrogation, a step of analyzing the information received relating to the period or at the measured frequency, a period value test followed, in fault detection, display step and possibly a step of transmission to level equipment hierarchically superior.

Each SLi measurement and transmission sequence includes, in response to a query from the central module, a step of measuring the period or frequency of operation at generator output and a step of transmitting period or frequency information and fault information, for example insulation fault.

Each local MLi module questioned responds to a request from the module central MC by transmitting the value of the frequency or the period of operation of the electronic ballast, and possibly signals other faults such as an insulation fault at the level of the candelabrum equipped with this ballast.

The central processor analyzes the frequency or period value transmitted and activates if necessary the lighting of a maintenance indicator V1-V5 with display of the number of the local module concerned. A non-response of a local module in a given time causes the ignition of a dedicated light.

It should be noted that other methods of collecting information generated in local modules can be considered. We can thus provide that a local module detecting a local fault or a state of dilapidated of the lamp with which it is associated, take the initiative to call the central module and transmit fault information to it.

It is also important to note that the stages of the centralized management which have just been described may well be implemented in the case of a lighting network supplied by a network of distribution in alternating current. The technical nature of this network of distribution only has a practical impact on the construction of the floor transmission of local modules. On this subject we can usefully refer to conventional information transmission techniques on energy networks.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. So other protocols for communication can be used. In addition, the central module can present many other front panel configurations than the one that comes to be described.

Claims (18)

Centralized fault management system (5) for a set of discharge lamps (L, Li) for anticipated maintenance, comprising: for each discharge lamp (L, Li) supplied by electronic ballast means (B, Bi), local means (ML, Mli) for observing the operation of said lamp and for generating information indicative of the observed operation, and local means to transmit this information to a management center, within a management center (SG), central means for receiving the information transmitted from each discharge lamp (L, Li), and central means for processing said information and providing maintenance data, characterized in that the local means for observing the operation of a discharge lamp comprise means for measuring the period of supply of said discharge lamp (L, Li) and in that the central processing means are arranged for analyzing the drift of the supply period so as to generate, for said discharge lamp, an early maintenance signal when this drift exceeds a predetermined threshold. System according to claim 1, implemented for a lighting network (RE) comprising a power supply network (RC) to which the electronic ballasts for supplying discharge lamps are connected, characterized in that the local means of transmission are arranged to transmit information indicative of the operation of a discharge lamp (L, Li) on this power supply network (RC). System according to claim 2, characterized in that , for each discharge lamp (L, Li), the local means for observing the operating frequency or period and the transmission means are included within a module room (ML) connected on the one hand to the electronic ballast supplying said lamp and on the other hand to the electrical supply network. System according to claim 3, characterized in that a local module further comprises means for generating a signal in synchronous slots of the alternating output voltage of the electronic ballast and galvanically isolated from the output of said electronic ballast. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the means for generating the isolated synchronous signal comprise an opto-isolator whose input is connected to the output of the electronic ballast and whose output is connected to an interrupt input of a microcontroller programmed to deliver information representative of the period or frequency of the output voltage of said ballast. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the local transmission means are arranged to further transmit fault information originating from the electronic ballast means. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central means for receiving and processing information coming from all of the local measuring and transmission means, comprise means for displaying signals indicative of the operation of each discharge lamp. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central means for receiving and processing information coming from all of the local measurement and transmission means, comprise means for transmitting said information to a management system of higher hierarchical level. System (S) according to any one of Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the electrical supply network is a direct current distribution network (RC). System according to any one of Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the electrical supply network is an alternating current distribution network. Method for centralized fault management for a set of discharge lamps for anticipated maintenance, implemented in a system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: for each discharge lamp (L, Li) supplied by electronic ballast means (B, Bi), an observation of the operation of said lamp, a generation of information indicative of the observed operation, and a transmission of this information to a management, within a management center, reception of the information transmitted from each discharge lamp, and processing of said information with a view to providing maintenance data, characterized in that it comprises a measurement of the supply period of said discharge lamp and a comparison of the drift of this period to a predetermined threshold, exceeding this threshold triggering an anticipated maintenance operation. Method according to claim 11, implemented in a centralized management system comprising a central module (MC) and a set of local modules (ML, MLi) connected to electronic ballasts, characterized in that it comprises interrogation by the central module of each local module according to a predetermined periodicity. Method according to claim 11, implemented in a centralized management system comprising a central module (MC) and a set of local modules (ML, MLi) connected to electronic ballasts, characterized in that it comprises within a local module processing information measuring the period or the operating frequency to generate an early maintenance signal which is then transmitted to the central module. Local early maintenance module (ML), implemented in the centralized fault management system of a set of discharge lamps according to any one of claims 1 to 10, this module being connected to an electronic ballast (B) supplying a discharge lamp (L), characterized in that it comprises means for measuring the period or the frequency of operation of said electronic ballast and means for transmitting maintenance information generated from the period measurements or frequency to a central module for receiving and processing maintenance information. Module (ML) according to claim 14, characterized in that it is connected to an electronic ballast (B) and supplied from said electronic ballast (B). Module (ML) according to one of claims 14 or 15, implemented in a lighting network using a direct current distribution network (RC), characterized in that the transmission means are arranged to transmit the information of maintenance on said direct current (RC) distribution network. Module according to one of claims 14 or 15, implemented in a lighting network using an AC distribution network, characterized in that the transmission means are arranged to transmit the maintenance information on said distribution network in alternating current. Module (ML) according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the transmission means are arranged to transmit fault information from the electronic ballast.

Images