EP1865756A1 - Beleuchtungssystem - Google Patents

Beleuchtungssystem Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1865756A1
EP1865756A1 EP06388040A EP06388040A EP1865756A1 EP 1865756 A1 EP1865756 A1 EP 1865756A1 EP 06388040 A EP06388040 A EP 06388040A EP 06388040 A EP06388040 A EP 06388040A EP 1865756 A1 EP1865756 A1 EP 1865756A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
monitoring unit
time
light sources
time frame
alert
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06388040A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Powersense AS
Original Assignee
Nesa AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nesa AS filed Critical Nesa AS
Priority to EP06388040A priority Critical patent/EP1865756A1/de
Priority to PCT/DK2007/000268 priority patent/WO2007140779A1/en
Publication of EP1865756A1 publication Critical patent/EP1865756A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/20—Responsive to malfunctions or to light source life; for protection
    • H05B47/21—Responsive to malfunctions or to light source life; for protection of two or more light sources connected in parallel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/20—Responsive to malfunctions or to light source life; for protection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/20—Responsive to malfunctions or to light source life; for protection
    • H05B47/21—Responsive to malfunctions or to light source life; for protection of two or more light sources connected in parallel
    • H05B47/22—Responsive to malfunctions or to light source life; for protection of two or more light sources connected in parallel with communication between the lamps and a central unit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/20—Responsive to malfunctions or to light source life; for protection
    • H05B47/24—Circuit arrangements for protecting against overvoltage
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/20—Responsive to malfunctions or to light source life; for protection
    • H05B47/25—Circuit arrangements for protecting against overcurrent

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lighting system, and in particular to a road lighting system suitable for use where access to the lights is difficult or dangerous.
  • the invention relates to a lighting monitoring system and a method of controlling lighting.
  • a road lighting system is known from the publication WO 02/067637 A1 .
  • Reliable lighting at public places or in an environment where many people pass by or stay is also important for reasons of personal comfort and to avoid theft and attack in a else more dark environment. Accordingly, there is a also here a need to monitor and replace light sources when a significant number of them have failed or has a malfunction, e.g. provides too little light.
  • the lamps used in lighting heads of conventional road lights and in public areas have a limited, and variable, life span so there is inevitably a trade-off between replacing failed lamps to maximise road-user and personal safety / comfort and minimising the number of maintenance actions required in order to minimise cost and disruption. It is a known and cumbersome practise that the number of failed lamps within a given stretch of motorway is determined by a manual visual inspection.
  • lamp is taken to mean any lamp, bulb, fluorescent lamp, neon light, Hg lamp, sodium street lamp, light emitting diode or light emitting diodes light source or any other source or sources of light suitable for adequate illumination of areas, e.g. in the evening and/or during night hours.
  • a first aspect of the present invention is a lighting system comprising:
  • the monitoring unit further determining a first time difference between the first and second points of time, and determining a ratio of the load resistance change over time as the difference between the first and second load resistance divided by the determined time difference between the first and second points of time, and provided the ratio of the load resistance over time exceeds a second specific level the monitoring unit generating a second alert message and the communication unit of the monitoring unit sending the second alert message to the alert receiving unit, and the alert receiving unit further acting or alerting in response to the reception of the second alert message.
  • the monitoring unit defining a third time frame and a third point of time during the third time frame, during the third time frame a third steady state situation for the plurality of light sources is achieved, the monitoring unit measuring at the third point of time a third voltage level by means of the voltage measuring circuit, the monitoring unit measuring at the third point of time a third current level by means of the current measuring circuit, the monitoring unit determining a first power level representing the power for the plurality of light sources being active during the third time frame based on the third voltage level and the third current level, the monitoring unit defining a fourth time frame and a fourth point of time during the fourth time frame, during the fourth time frame a fourth steady state situation for the plurality of light sources is achieved, the fourth time frame being defined to take place after the third time frame has expired, the monitoring unit measuring at the fourth point of time a fourth voltage level by means of the voltage measuring circuit, the monitoring unit measuring at the fourth point of time a fourth current level by means of the current measuring circuit, the monitoring unit determining a second
  • the monitoring unit further determining a second time difference between the third and fourth points of time, and determining a ratio of the power level change over time as the difference between the first and second power levels divided by the determined time difference between the third and fourth points of time, and provided the ratio of the power levels over time exceeds a third specific level the monitoring unit generating a fourth alert message, the communication unit of the monitoring unit sending the fourth alert message to the alert receiving unit, and the alert receiving unit further acting or alerting in response to the reception of the fourth alert message.
  • the first and second alert message each indicates one of following alert situations: one light source being defect or malfunctioning, two light sources being defect or malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources has a defect among some of them or being malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources being defect or being malfunctioning, or the supply line being defective.
  • the third and fourth alert message each indicates one of following alert situations: one light source being defect or malfunctioning, two light sources being defect or malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources has a defect among some of them or being malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources being defect or being malfunctioning, the supply line being defective, or current running to ground.
  • the first time frame being identical to the third time frame and the second point of time being identical to the fourth point of time.
  • the electrical power being an AC power
  • the first and second voltage level and the first and second current levels are substantially AC levels.
  • the plurality of light sources being selected among a incandescent lamp, a bulb, a fluorescent lamp, a neon light, a Hg lamp, a sodium street lamp, a light emitting diode or a light emitting diodes light source and other sources of light suitable for illumination of areas.
  • the first time frame representing a period of a learn session.
  • the second time frame representing a period of an operating system with the possibility that one or more of the light sources being defective.
  • the monitoring unit being a lighting controller, a street light station or a client.
  • the alert receiving unit being a server.
  • the alert receiving unit being cellular phone.
  • the lighting system comprising two pairs of power supply lines and two of the voltage and current measurement circuits.
  • the lighting system comprising three pairs of power supply lines and three of the voltage and current measurement circuits.
  • the lighting system further comprising a plurality of the monitoring unit.
  • the communication unit sending the alert messages through the pair of power supply lines.
  • the communication unit sending the alert messages through means of a wireless communication, e.g. via GSM.
  • the alert messages are textual messages, e.g. in the form of a SMS.
  • the communication unit receiving commands through the pair of power supply lines.
  • the commands being instruction to switch on or off the plurality of the light sources.
  • the return line being common for two of the pair of power supply lines.
  • the return line being common for three of the pair of power supply lines.
  • the invention comprises a lighting monitoring system comprising:
  • the monitoring unit further determining the time difference between the first and second points of time, and determining a ratio of the load resistance change over time as the difference between the first and second load resistance divided by the determined time difference between the first and second points of time, and provided the ratio of the load resistance over time exceeds a second specific level the monitoring unit generating a second alert message, the communication unit of the monitoring unit sending the second alert message to the alert receiving unit, and the alert receiving unit further acting or alerting in response to the reception of the second alert message.
  • the monitoring unit defining a third time frame and a third point of time during the third time frame, during the third time frame a third steady state situation for the plurality of light sources is achieved, the monitoring unit measuring at the third point of time a third voltage level by means of the voltage measuring circuit, the monitoring unit measuring at the third point of time a third current level by means of the current measuring circuit, the monitoring unit determining a first power level representing the power for the plurality of light sources being active during the third time frame based on the third voltage level and the third current level, the monitoring unit defining a fourth time frame and a fourth point of time during the fourth time frame, during the fourth time frame a fourth steady state situation for the plurality of light sources is achieved, the fourth time frame being defined to take place after the third time frame has expired, the monitoring unit measuring at the fourth point of time a fourth voltage level by means of the voltage measuring circuit, the monitoring unit measuring at the fourth point of time a fourth current level by means of the current measuring circuit, the monitoring unit determining a second
  • the monitoring unit further determining a second time difference between the third and fourth points of time, and determining a ratio of the power level change over time as the difference between the first and second power levels divided by the determined time difference between the third and fourth points of time, and provided the ratio of the power levels over time exceeds a third specific level the monitoring unit generating a fourth alert message, the communication unit of the monitoring unit sending the fourth alert message to the alert receiving unit, and the alert receiving unit further acting or alerting in response to the reception of the fourth alert message.
  • the first and second alert message each indicates one of following alert situations: one light source being defect or malfunctioning, two light sources being defect or malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources has a defect among some of them or being malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources being defect or being malfunctioning, or the supply line being defective.
  • the third and fourth alert message each indicates one of following alert situations: one light source being defect or malfunctioning, two light sources being defect or malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources has a defect among some of them or being malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources being defect or being malfunctioning, the supply line being defective, or current running to ground.
  • the first time frame being identical to the third time frame and the second point of time being identical to the fourth point of time.
  • the electrical power being an AC power
  • the first and second voltage level and the first and second current levels being substantially AC levels.
  • the plurality of light sources being selected among a incandescent lamp, a bulb, a fluorescent lamp, a neon light, a Hg lamp, a sodium street lamp, a light emitting diode or a light emitting diodes light source and other sources of light suitable for illumination of areas.
  • the first time frame representing a period of a learn session.
  • the second time frame representing a period of an operating system with the possibility that one or more of the light sources being defective.
  • the monitoring unit being a lighting controller, a street light station or a client.
  • the alert receiving unit being a server.
  • the alert receiving unit being a cellular phone.
  • the monitoring unit having two pairs of input connectors and two pairs of output connectors for connecting two pairs of power supply lines to respective two of the voltage and current measurement circuits.
  • the monitoring unit having three pairs of input connectors and three pairs of output connectors for interconnecting three pairs of power supply lines to respective three of the voltage and current measurement circuits.
  • the communication unit sending the alert messages through the pair of power supply lines.
  • the communication unit sending the alert messages through means of a wireless communication, e.g. via GSM.
  • the alert messages being textual messages, e.g. in the form of a SMS.
  • the communication unit receiving commands through the pair of power supply lines.
  • the received commands being instructions to switch on or off the plurality of the light sources.
  • the invention comprising a method of controlling a lighting system comprising:
  • the method further comprising determining by the monitoring unit the time difference between the first and second points of time, and determining a ratio of the load resistance change over time as the difference between the first and second load resistance divided by the determined time difference between the first and second points of time, and provided the ratio of the load resistance over time exceeds a second specific level generating by the monitoring unit a second alert message, sending by the communication unit the second alert message to the alert receiving unit, and the alert receiving unit further acting or alerting in response to the received second alert message.
  • the method further comprising defining in the monitoring unit a third time frame and a third point of time during the third time frame, during the third time frame a third steady state situation for the plurality of light sources is achieved, measuring in the monitoring unit at the third point of time a third voltage level by means of the voltage measuring circuit, measuring in the monitoring unit at the third point of time a third current level by means of the current measuring circuit, determining in the monitoring unit a first power level representing the power for the plurality of light sources being active during the third time frame based on the third voltage level and the third current level, defining in the monitoring unit a fourth time frame and a fourth point of time during the fourth time frame, during the fourth time frame a fourth steady state situation for the plurality of light sources is achieved, the fourth time frame being defined to take place after the third time frame has expired, measuring in the monitoring unit at the fourth point of time a fourth voltage level by means of the voltage measuring circuit, measuring in the monitoring unit at the fourth point of time a fourth current level by means of
  • the monitoring unit further determining a second time difference between the third and fourth points of time, and determining a ratio of the power level change over time as the difference between the first and second power levels divided by the determined time difference between the third and fourth points of time, and provided the ratio of the power levels over time exceeds a third specific level the monitoring unit generating a fourth alert message, the communication unit of the monitoring unit sending the fourth alert message to the alert receiving unit, and the alert receiving unit further acting or alerting in response to the reception of the fourth alert message.
  • the first and second alert message each indicates one of following alert situations: one light source being defect or malfunctioning, two light sources being defect or malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources has a defect among some of them or being malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources being defect or being malfunctioning, or the supply line being defective.
  • the third and fourth alert message each indicates one of following alert situations: one light source being defect or malfunctioning, two light sources being defect or malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources has a defect among some of them or being malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources being defect or being malfunctioning, the supply line being defective, or current running to ground.
  • the first time frame being identical to the third time frame and the second point of time being identical to the fourth point of time.
  • the electrical power being an AC power
  • the measured first and second voltage level and the measured first and second current levels being substantially AC levels.
  • the plurality of light sources being selected among a incandescent lamp, a bulb, a fluorescent lamp, a neon light, a Hg lamp, a sodium street lamp, a light emitting diode or a light emitting diodes light source and other sources of light suitable for illumination of areas.
  • the first time frame representing a period of a learn session.
  • the second time frame representing a period of an operating system with the possibility that one or more of the light sources being defective.
  • the monitoring unit being a lighting controller, a street light station or a client.
  • the alert receiving unit being a server.
  • the alert receiving unit being a cellular phone.
  • the method of controlling a lighting system applying two pairs of power supply lines and respective two of the voltage and current measurement circuits.
  • the method of controlling a lighting system applying three pairs of power supply lines and respective three of the voltage and current measurement circuits.
  • the method of controlling a lighting system applying a plurality of the monitoring unit applying a plurality of the monitoring unit.
  • the method of controlling a lighting system sending by the communication unit the alert messages through the pair of power supply lines.
  • the method of controlling a lighting system sending by the communication unit the alert messages through means of a wireless communication, e.g. via GSM.
  • the alert messages being textual messages, e.g. in the form of a SMS.
  • the method of controlling a lighting system receiving by the communication unit commands through the pair of power supply lines.
  • the received commands being instructions to switch on or off the plurality of the light sources.
  • the invention as will be discussed in the following may equally well be applied in an airport, e.g. for the lights on the runways or for the airport building.
  • the invention may be applied for light-sources applied to lit up supermarket stores and storage areas as well. It may be applied for other building complexes such as apartments e.g. for staircases or other access areas, where for maintenance or for security reasons there is a need to know if a light source or more light sources has/have malfunction.
  • an application of light sources may be diode lights in a green house use to enhance growth of plant, alternatively or additionally light of different wave length may be use to warm up the greenhouse. Furthermore light from various light source may also be applied to provide warm to animals e.g. in a farm.
  • fig. 1 is a system overview of an alert receiving unit and three monitoring units and examples of the communication there between.
  • the communication between the alert receiving unit and any monitoring unit is handled by means of a build in communication unit, e.g. a modem integral to the monitoring unit.
  • the monitoring unit 30 is a device measuring on one, two or three 230V AC lines used for lighting, e.g. street light. It measures on the power line or lines, and can detect if one or more bulbs of e.g. the street light just has blown or e.g. was blown the day before.
  • the monitoring unit 30 is measuring the voltage and current, and calculates the resistance on the one, two or three 230V AC lines, and the power used. In general, depending on the changes on the resistance and power over time, the monitoring unit 30 can detect if one or more bulbs has/have blown or is/are defective.
  • the monitoring unit 30 is typical in Europe supplied by a 230V AC line, alternatively the monitoring unit 30 is in USA supplied by a 110V AC line.
  • a communication unit e.g. a GSM modem is used. Data is send to a phone number predefined in the modem. It is also possible for the user to control the monitoring unit 30 through this data channel.
  • An extra CAN port is added for service use. A technician can used this port instead of using the modem connection.
  • the alert receiving unit may be a server and is denoted 40, whereas the three monitoring units each individually is denoted 30.
  • the monitoring unit 30 may be seen as a client served by the server.
  • the network of the alert receiving unit 40 and monitoring units 30 is build as a distributed master slave network with the server as master. However, this does mean that the slave or the monitoring unit 30 may perform their own task for longer periods without communicating with the master, server or the alert receiving unit. SMS messaging is e.g. chosen as communication form and/or medium.
  • the monitoring units 30 each is provided with a communication unit 32 (see figure 2), which e.g. is a GSM modem.
  • the communication unit 32 communicates, i.e. sends e.g. alert messages and receives commands through a pair of power supply lines 14, which supplies the monitoring unit 30 and on which lines the monitoring unit 30 measures the voltage across and current flowing through the lines.
  • alert receiving unit 40 may be a server and the monitoring unit 30 may be a client.
  • the alert receiving unit 40 communicating with a plurality of monitoring units 30 may be considered as a network.
  • the monitoring unit or units 30 communicate(s) with the alert receiving unit 40, e.g. the server system through a protocol converter, i.e. the communication unit as denoted 32 in figure 2.
  • the communication medium between the server system and the monitoring unit or units 30 is/are transparent, why a new communication medium easily can be implemented by simply exchanging the communication unit.
  • the monitoring unit 30 communicates via a CAN network to the communication unit 32.
  • the network is build as a distributed master slave network with the server as master and the client as the slave.
  • SMS messaging is in a preferred embodiment of the invention chosen as communication medium, why the communication unit 32 is equipped with a GSM modem.
  • the communication unit is transparent for the server, i.e. the alert receiving unit 40.
  • the network is addressed with the actual phone number and the CAN ID for the unit.
  • the protocol for the system implements the Physical Layer the Data Link Layer and the Application Layer.
  • the other layers of the OSI model as well known in the art is not discussed for the application.
  • the physical layer carrying the communication between the server 40 and the monitoring unit or monitoring units 30 is based on SMS messaging in the first generation of the system.
  • the Data Link layer handles all acknowledging between the server 40 and the monitoring unit or monitoring units 30.
  • All packages from the monitoring unit or monitoring units 30 to the server 40 need to be acknowledged by the server 40. If acknowledge has not been received in 2 minutes the package is transmitted once again. This is repeated 3 times before the package is flushed.
  • the sending unit is responsible for retransmission and keeps track on the different acknowledges.
  • All server requests initiates a response from the requested unit, why an acknowledge is not necessary.
  • the server 40 also retransmits packages on no response 3 times with 2 minutes interval.
  • the Application layer handles the protocol conversion from server messages to CAN packages and vice versa. This is done due to the fact that a CAN package only carries e.g. 8 bytes of data.
  • All server messages is repacked in the communication unit 30 and in the receiving unit 40 or server 40.
  • the application layer handles the address checking and generation when sending and receiving server messages.
  • the communication unit 32 flushes messages from other phone numbers than these of the server system. Equally, all messages from the monitoring unit 32 is send to a specific phone number.
  • All messages between the server 40 and the monitoring unit or monitoring units 30 are transferred as raw binary data or ASCII characters. All numbers is presented by means of little endian except timestamps or points of time, which is presented by means of big endian.
  • a server message should not be deleted before an acknowledgement or a response has been received. If this ack or response has not been received within 2 minutes the server message is retransmitted.
  • An alarm-message has priority over a response-message, therefore if an alarm occurs and response on a request is to be sent, the response is deleted and the alarm is transmitted instead. There are no message-queue, if a request-message is received before the last one is handled the last request is not processed.
  • serv12 Set Power Thresholds Set alarm threshold for Power alarm serv13 Power Threshold Status Response on serv12 message including actual threshold.
  • serv14 Communication Error Communication error sent from Communication Unit.
  • serv15 Set watch intervals Message setting the ON/OFF intervals for the watch functionality.
  • serv16 Watch Interval status Response on serv15 message including actual settings.
  • serv17 Single Lamp Fail Send on single lamp fail occurrences
  • Voltage Line Fault SERV19 & SERV11 Line voltage is low on the indicated line. Fault is only detected, if the line is detected active during the last Learn session. Message is only send on the first occurrence.
  • a new measurement scenario is started after a Initiate Learn or a Reset Command. Message is acknowledged by the server.
  • Light Sensor Fault SERV20 & SERV11 Light Sensor Fault is send when one of the following situations arises: 1. Light Sensor is ON - Output Voltage is OFF. 2. Light Sensor is OFF - Output Voltage is ON. Message is only send on the first occurrence.
  • a new measurement scenario is started after a Initiate Learn or a Reset Command. Message is acknowledged by the server.
  • a SERV14 message indicates that the module has detected several recurring SMS messages which is aborted before transmission. Module is probably defect and must be send to service. Operational Messages ON/OFF Relay SERV5 & SERV6 Command operating the ON/OFF relay. Relay is set according to command, but automatically turns OFF next time either the Light Sensor or the Watch turns lamps OFF. Status is responded as acknowledge. Watch Control SERV3 & SERV4 Command enabling/disabling the internal Watch steering. If Watch Steering is enabled the Watch relay is operated according to the actual time and the programmed ON/OFF times. Command is acknowledged with the actual status. Reset alarms SERV7 & SERV8 Resets the different alarm flags allowing the module to transmit a new alarm message when an alarm threshold is exceeded next time.
  • Initiate Learn SERV9 & SERV10 Command initiates a learn-session forcing the module to use the actual situation as full load and to evaluate which lines is active. Lamps must be turned on during the Learn Session. When the learn-session ends the result is returned as acknowledge. The learn-session takes 30 minutes.
  • Configuration Messages Set Power Thresholds SERV12 & SERV13 Used to program the threshold levels for detection of Single Lamp Fail and Multi Lamp Fail. Message is acknowledged with the programmed levels.
  • Set Watch Intervals SERV15 & SERV16 Message used to program the ON and OFF times in the internal Watch. Command is acknowledged with the actual settings. Status Messages System status SERV1 & SERV2 System status message is used to poll the unit for the actual status just now. Response includes status for all inputs, outputs and calculations.
  • Multilamp and singlelamp fails indicate that two or more light sources and one light source, respectively possibly have a fail.
  • the communication between the alert receiving unit 40, e.g. the server and the monitoring unit 30, e.g. the client is implemented:
  • ASCII IL - Encoding - > No alarm S > Single Lamp fail detected M > Multi Lamp Fail detected I1,I2,I3 2 Average RMS current value. Averaged over 30 sec. Binary - Range: 0 - 650A - Resolution: 0,01A - Presentation: unsigned 16 bit Amp with 2 decimal places little endian Example: - 6, 5A > 028Ah U1,U2,U3 2 Average RMS voltage value. Averaged over 30 sec. Binary - Range: 0 - 650V - Resolution: 0,01 V - Presentation: unsigned 16 bit Volt with 2 decimal places little endian Example: - 225V -> 57E4h US1,US2 1 Learn Status per line - One character per line.
  • ASCII US3 - encoding A - Line is Active I - Line is Inactive L - Line is in Learn Mode ULF1, 1 Voltage line fault indication. One byte per phase.
  • ASCII ULF2, - Encoding: - > No alarm ULF3 A > line fault present LSS 1 Light sensor status.
  • EXT_MSG -> Ack is lost Status is interfaced for SCADA system.
  • EXT_MSG ⁇ - After 2 min. and still no ack, the status-sms is retransmitted. Acknowledge on serv2 message serv11 -> SMS to CAN conversion.
  • EXT_MSG -> Unit #y returns Bay Status is interfaced for SCADA system.
  • EXT_MSG ⁇ - Alarm occurs in unit #y and the response is dropped and alarm-sms is transmitted instead Acknowledge on serv8 message serv11 -> SMS to CAN conversion.
  • EXT_MSG -> Unit #y returns Bay Status is interfaced for SCADA system.
  • EXT_MSG ⁇ - status for server system. Acknowledge on serv2 message serv11 -> SMS to CAN conversion..
  • Monitoring unit units 30 are registered manually at the server. Only the phone number and the CAN ID are used as the identification.
  • fig. 2 is a block diagram of the monitoring unit. As can be seen in the figure the monitoring unit 30 is provided with a communication unit - denoted 32 - equipped with a GSM modem.
  • one or more sets of power supply lines 14 is/are provided.
  • three sets of AC power supply lines 14 are provided, denoted R, S and D.
  • two sets of AC power supply lines 14 are provided or only one set of AC power supply lines 14 is provided.
  • the corresponding common return line is not shown. It may alternatively be the case that the return line is not common, or it is common for two or three sets of power supply lines.
  • the electrical power supply provides electrical power, e.g. 230 V or 110 VAC power to - as an exemplary embodiment to a string of 6 light sources 16, typically the light sources are connected in parallel along the pair of the two supply lines.
  • any other connection e.g. a series connection of two or more light sources are equally well possible, moreover the series connection may be combined with one or more parallel couplings of light sources.
  • the AC electrical power may alternatively be a DC power or a combination of the AC and the DC power.
  • the monitoring unit 30 may be supplied with a light sensor which controls a relay to make it possible to switch on the light sources 16 during evening and night hours.
  • fig. 3 is another block diagram of the monitoring unit.
  • the monitoring unit 30 has a build in / integral communication unit 32 denoted "modem".
  • the modem communicates with the monitoring unit 32 by means of a CAN bus as well known in the art.
  • the modem 32 is provided with an internally generated 5 VDC of the monitoring unit 30.
  • Figure 5 shows how the CAN bus is protected, e.g. against overvoltage.
  • fig. 4 is a block diagram of a CAN bus connection of the monitoring unit. It shows a block diagram of the CAN bus connection of the monitoring unit 30.
  • the protection circuit denoted “protection” can be seen in the next figure.
  • the CAN bus connection is connected to the integral communication unit 32 denoted "modem” of the monitoring unit 30.
  • Light diodes "3 x LED” are applied to show status information from the modem.
  • the CAN block is used for converting data from a SPI bus to a CAN bus.
  • the SPI bus is used for communication between the communication unit 32 , e.g. a modem and the CAN controller.
  • a protection circuit must be placed on its outputs. This circuit must protect against incorrect wire connections, ESD and over current.
  • fig. 5 is a diagram of protection of the CAN bus connector of the monitoring unit 30. The figure shows how the CAN bus of the monitoring unit 30 from figure 3 is protected. D25 and D26 each works as an over voltage protection in connection with the coil L5 on the CAN bus lines: CANH and CANL.
  • the CAN connector is used for service purpose.
  • the service employee can connect to this port, instead of communication to the monitoring unit 32 by using a GSM modem.
  • CAN bus signals Before the CAN bus signal can be used, they have to be converted to logic level signals. A CAN driver may do this.
  • a CAN controller To convert the CAN protocol to a SPI protocol, a CAN controller must be used. The CAN controller is supplied by the same 4VDC supply as the modem. This is done to ensure that the CAN controller and the Modems i/o's have the same voltage level. 5VDC supply the rest of the system.
  • the modem is used for wireless communication between the monitoring unit 30 and the alert receiving unit 40, e.g. a GSM server.
  • fig. 6 is a diagram of a modem of the monitoring unit.
  • the modem 32 is an example of the communication unit of the monitoring unit 30.
  • the circuit exemplifies how the applicant has implemented the modem 32, the chips in the middle of the figure has the function of an UART, which is well known in the art.
  • the circuit consists of the following:
  • the modem can be connected to connector J12.
  • a connector J 8 is connected to the modem, and is used for debugging purpose.
  • a CAN controller called MCP2515 from Microchip, is used for converting the SPI protocol to a CAN protocol.
  • MCP2551 for level converting the CAN signals a driver called MCP2551, also from Microchip, is used. Because the signal RXCAN on the controller and the RXD on the driver isn't compatible, an AND gate is applied as a level converter. The two devices are not compatible since they are supplied at two different DC voltage levels.
  • the SPI bus from the modem could be connected directly to the controller.
  • the modem is connected to 3 different LED. They are used for indication. Two of the LED's are a double diode. It has a red and a green led. If both of the LED is turned on, the colour is yellow. The third LED is green, and is used for indicating when the modem is communicating, and is online. When the modem is online, the LED it turned on. When the modem is communicating, the LED is flashing.
  • fig. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the monitoring unit.
  • the monitoring unit 30 which is designed to measure on three pairs of the power supply lines 14, the monitoring unit 30 is thus provided with three sets of the current measurement circuit 36 and the voltage measurement circuit 34.
  • Each set of a current measurement circuit 36 and a voltage measurement circuit 34 measures the current flowing to the light sources 16 and the voltages across the light sources 16, respectively.
  • the I/O is used for connect to external signals.
  • the following i/o's be available:
  • the 4 - 20mA input is a temperature sense input, used for connecting an external temperature sensor.
  • the temperature sensor is used for measuring the temperature inside the monitoring unit 30.
  • the input signal has to be converted from a current signal to a voltage signal, before is can be used.
  • the 230VAC input is used for detecting the status on a light detector.
  • the light detector is used for detecting if the light source, e.g. the street light has to be turned on or off.
  • the 230VAC input must be galvanic isolated from the rest of the electronics.
  • 3 different analogue inputs must be available. These inputs must be able to measure on 3 x 0.4kV lines, in the interval 200VAC to 260VAC, with the resolution of 1mVAC. The inputs must be able to measure the phase on a voltage line, with the accuracy of ⁇ 200 ⁇ s.
  • Each the inputs must be protected against ESD, and transformed to a lower voltage before it can be used.
  • the 230VAC must also be galvanic isolated from the rest of the electronics.
  • the AC signal must be send through a band pass filter, to correct the shape of the AC signal. This must be done, because the AC signal can contain a lot of harmonic noise.
  • the AC signals must be sent through a band pass filter, to correct the shape of the AC signal. This must be done, because the AC signal can contain a lot of harmonic noise.
  • the current measurements must have an accuracy of 1mAAC. The range must be from 30mAAC to 50AAC.
  • a relay output must be available to activate or deactivate light source, e.g. the street light lamp.
  • the relay is used for handling an external relay and must be able to handle 250VAC / 10A.
  • 230VAC input PARAMETERS SYMBOL MIN TYP MAX UNITS Voltage V 230VAC 200 230 250 VAC ESD protection V ESD,230 - - 8 kV Frequency f 230 - 50 - Hz
  • Relay output PARAMETERS SYMBOL MIN TYP MAX UNITS Voltage V Relay - 230 300 VAC Current l Relay - 10 12 AAC ESD protection V ESD,230 - - 8 kV
  • fig. 8 is a temperature sensor input circuit of the monitoring unit.
  • the monitoring unit 30 is provided with a temperature sensor, which can be seen in the figure.
  • the 4 - 20 mA input is used for measuring the temperature using an external temperature sensor.
  • the temperature sensor has to be placed inside the monitoring unit 30.
  • the 5VDC output is used as supply for the temperature sensor. It is protected against over current by e.g. the 62mA fuse F4.
  • the sense input is protected against wrong polarisation by using the diode D8.
  • a current represents the temperature from 4mA to 20mA. This current is converted to a voltage so it's possible to measure the value with an Analogue to Digital Converter. A 5V supply is available for the temperature sensor. It can deliver 62mA.
  • fig. 9 is a electrical power detection diagram of the monitoring unit.
  • the monitoring unit 30 need know when there is electrical power provided. To this end the diagram shown is applied.
  • the power is galvanic separated by means of the opto coupler D24. From D24 a digital signal "Dig input" is generated indicating whether or not 230 V AC electrical power is present.
  • a circuit detecting 110 V AC e.g. for USA is possible to implement, e.g. by selecting for example a lower resistor value for R81 and/or another type for the opto coupler D24.
  • the 230 VAC input is used for detecting the state on an external relay.
  • the input is galvanic separated by an opto coupler.
  • the opto coupler also works as a level converter.
  • the 3 x 230 VAC inputs are used for measuring the voltage on e.g. 3 different street light voltage lines.
  • Each of the 230VAC, zero and ground inputs is protected against spikes. If a spike larger than 4kV occurs between zero and ground, a protection circuit is protecting the inputs. The protection circuit is shown on the figure. If a spike larger than e.g. 4kV occurs, a spark will appear between the PCB tracks at the air gab and the resistor R59 then transfers it to ground. The air gab is drawn as two triangles with a rectangle between them on the schematic of the figure.
  • the spark gab works as an over-voltage protection in connection with the fuse F1.
  • fig. 10 is a diagram of the protection circuit for the electrical power supplied.
  • the protection circuit may be used to individually protect the current measurement circuit 36 and the voltage measurement circuit 34 of figure 7.
  • the two circuits 36 and 34 measure the current flowing to the light sources 16 and the voltages across the light sources 16, respectively.
  • fig. 11 is a diagram of electrical power conversion into current and voltage signal levels.
  • the lines “Current” and “Voltage” to the right in the figure is the result of the measurement of current and voltage by means of the current measurement circuit 36 and the voltage measurement circuit 34, respectively.
  • These twp circuits are integral to the monitoring unit 30.
  • the monitoring unit In case the monitoring unit is to measure on two pairs of power supply lines, it is provided with respective two current measurement circuits 36 and two voltage measurement circuits 34. Accordingly, as an alternative when the monitoring unit is to measure on three pairs of power supply lines it is provided with respective three current measurement circuits 36 and three voltage measurement circuits 34.
  • the voltages of three supply lines - of three corresponding 230 V AC electrical power sources connected to the connector J13 - are converted to the lower AC voltages by means of three respective transformers or set of coils, L2, L3 and L4 respectively.
  • three respective transformers or set of coils In series with the three respective transformers or set of coils is three respective over voltage protective circuits connected to a common ground or return line.
  • each of the 230VAC inputs is converted to a lower voltage with e.g. a 19:1 transformer.
  • the transformer is also used as a galvanic isolator.
  • Each output on the secondary sides of the transformers has a protection diode to protect against voltage spikes.
  • a capacitor is used for changing the DC offsets to 2,048V DC. This is done to generate a zero crossing value for all AC measurements.
  • a multiplexer is used for selecting which input is being measured. The multiplexer has been selected in order to for minimising the amount of used components. In this way only one filter is needed for 3 voltage measurements, and accordingly only one AD converter is needed.
  • fig. 12 is a diagram of band pass filter filtering the electrical power supplied.
  • the voltage output on the multiplexer is connected to the band pass filter.
  • the band pass filter is used to limit the input frequency band. This is done to remove unwanted frequency information from the input.
  • fig. 13 is a schematic showing the band pass filter characteristic. Here the band pass filter characteristics from the foregoing figure is shown graphically.
  • fig. 14 is a schematic showing a current transformer.
  • the first configuration for the inductor, used for measuring the current was to use an inductor made on a flexible PCB, with a PCB layout as a Rogowski inductor known in the art.
  • the applicant chose to drop the first configuration due to a large deviation in the measurement at the connection point between the edges of the PCB.
  • the schematic shows the original layout.
  • the inputs have a resistor in parallel.
  • the resistor on each input is e.g. 0.5 ⁇ / 2W. This means that when the coil is measuring 10A, the voltage on the resistor is 50mV.
  • a multiplexer is used for selecting which current input is being measured.
  • the multiplexer is added for minimizing the amount of used components. This way only one filter is needed for all 3 current measurements, and only one AD converter is needed.
  • the current output on the multiplexer is connected to a band pass filter.
  • the band pass filter is used to limit the input frequency band. This is done to remove unwanted frequency information from the input.
  • the output of the band pass filter is connected to an amplifier.
  • the amplifier has two different gains. The first gain is 1.83, see figure 16 for the current filter with the low gain. The second gain is 11.83, see figure 17 for the current filter with the high gain. The gain can be selected on a multiplexer. These gain values is not calculated, but defined by testing. The amplifier is inserted to increase the resolution at lower current measurements.
  • the filter is with the high gain.
  • the gain difference between the two filters should be 6.45, according to the 3 resistors R17, R18 and R19 in the last gain shift.
  • the simulations confirm that the gain difference is identical to the calculated.
  • a MOSFET are used on each relay. This is done to operate the relays at TTL level.
  • a 250V/10A fuse protects each of the outputs.
  • fig. 19 is an AD converter block diagram.
  • the AD converter is user for measuring the voltages and current. To make sure that the phase accuracy on a 50Hz voltage or current measurement 1 , the AD converter must be able to sample more than 5000 smpl/sec. The AD converter must be able to measure from the 3 voltage and the 3 current inputs. To read from the AD converter a SPI bus must be used. A controller handles the SPI bus.
  • Analogue inputs PARAMETERS SYMBOL MIN TYP MAX UNITS Input voltage range Va,in 0 - V supply,5 V Input current la,in,max - - 1 mA
  • SPI bus PARAMETERS SYMBOL MIN TYP MAX UNITS Voltage range V SPI 0 - V d V I/O current I SPI -10 - 10 mA
  • fig. 20 is an AD converter circuit diagram. The figure is an implementation of the previous figure.
  • a 16 bit AD converter with 2 inputs is chosen. An input is for the voltage measurement, and the other one is for the current measurement. Since the 3 current- and the 3 voltage measurements are multiplexed only 2 inputs is needed on the AD converter.
  • the 16 bit AD converter can not meet the 1mVAC demands for the voltage resolutions it self. A gain shift has to be made, or an AD converter with a higher resolution has to be used.
  • AD converter with a higher resolution could be chosen, but the 16bit is selected because of price and speed, and the voltage resolution is then compromised.
  • fig. 21 is a controller block diagram.
  • the controller equals the CPU shown in e.g. figure 3.
  • the main CPU in the monitoring unit 30 handles all the digital and analogue I/O's and accordingly computes thereon.
  • a PIC18F8585 micro controller from microchip is used. This is selected because of its high speed and large memory, and especially because it has a CAN bus. A controller with a fewer I/O's and a smaller memory may be used.
  • fig. 22 is a diagram showing use of the controller. The figure is an implementation of the previous figure.
  • a PIC18F8585 is chosen a controller. On the schematic above is written PIC18F8X20 but should read PIC18F8585.
  • the reset circuit holds the reset input on the ⁇ Controller, until the digital power (+5) is stable.
  • the LED D17 is turned off when the ⁇ Controller is being reset.
  • the connector ICSP1 is used for debugging and programming the ⁇ Controller.
  • System OK/Fail Red/Green (Double LED) 2.
  • Light sensor Green 3.
  • Time / Sensor Green 4.
  • L1 Active Red 5.
  • L2 Active Red 6.
  • L3 Active Red 7.
  • SMS Relay Green 8.
  • Timer Relay Green
  • the ⁇ Controller is measuring the voltage level on the output on the DC/DC converter, the +5V and +4V supply. This is done to be able to indicate if something is wrong with the supply.
  • a temperature sensor (R52) is also mounted on the PCB. This is done to be able to measure the temperature in the box in which the monitoring unit is located.
  • an output driver MCP2551 is used to communicate on the CAN bus. It is used for communication to the modem.
  • An external CAN port is available on the connector J11. It may be used for service purpose.
  • fig. 23 is a power supply block diagram.
  • the supply and reference delivers supply voltages and references voltages.
  • the input is protected against ESD, over current, over voltage and by a fuse.
  • the 230VAC may be converted to 12VAC by a 38:1 transformer; this also works as a galvanic isolation.
  • the AC is rectified to DC witch is converted to a 4VDC and 5VDC.
  • the 4V DC is for the communication unit, e.g. the modem and the 5 VDC is for the rest of monitoring unit.
  • the 4.096VDC reference is used because the ADC has a resolution of 2 16 bits (The reference must be dividable by 2 16 bits, to produce a simple LSB), which gives a LSB of 63 ⁇ V
  • This reference is used to remove the negative part of the AC signal by creating a DC- offset. This is selected as the half of the 4.096V reference, which is 2.048V.
  • fig. 24 is a diagram showing implementation of the power supply.
  • the figure is an implementation of the previous figure.
  • the monitoring unit is supplied by 230 VAC when implemented in most European countries. Alternatively, for the United States 230 VAC supply the monitoring unit.
  • the supply input may have 4 different inputs:
  • Zero 1 is the zero for the 230VAC supply.
  • the zero 2 input is the zero line for the 3 x 230VAC inputs, connected to the transformers. Earth is used for protection. It is only used for protecting against voltage spikes higher than 4kV.
  • a 1.6A fuse is connected in series with the phase, e.g. a power supply line.
  • a resistor and a Varistor are used for protecting against higher voltages between the phase and zero, e.g. a power return line. If the input voltage gets too high, the resistance in the Varistor decreases and the input voltage on the transformer is limited.
  • the transformer may be used for transforming the 230VAC voltage to a 6VAC voltage.
  • the AC voltage is send through a rectifier, and 3 electrolytic capacitors are used for smoothing the ripple voltage.
  • Two different voltage regulators are used for converting the rectified AC voltage into two different DC voltage supplies.
  • the first voltage supply is a 5V DC supply.
  • the other is a 4V Dc supply.
  • the 5V Dc supply is used by the electronic in the monitoring unit.
  • the 4V DC supply is used by the modem. Because the 4V DC supply has to be very stable, 4 electrolytic capacitors with a low ESR are used.
  • a LM4120AIM5-4.1 U12
  • U12 LM4120AIM5-4.1
  • the system is using another reference voltage that is exact the half of this voltage. This voltage is generated by means of two identical resistors.
  • a buffer B1 is used, to be able to deliver enough current on the output.
  • An operational amplifier U4 is used for regulating the output buffer, because the input and output on the buffer, is not totally identical.
  • the invention may be applied in a lighting monitoring system having two basic elements: the monitoring unit 30 and the alert receiving unit 40.
  • the monitoring unit 30 has the build in communication unit 32, which transfers alerts via SMS to the alert receiving unit 40.
  • the alert receiving unit 40 can transfer commands back to the monitoring unit 30 via the communication unit 32.
  • the invention may also be applied in a bigger system - the lighting system - using the lighting monitoring system as discussed above.
  • the lighting monitoring system is connected to one, two or three pairs of power supply line and to the plurality of light sources, which thereby may be monitored.
  • the monitoring unit 30 has at least two pairs of connectors.
  • the two pair of connectors constitutes a pair of input connectors and a pair of output connectors.
  • a respective pair of power supply lines constituting a supply line and a return line may be connected to the pair of input connectors.
  • the supply line provides 230 V AC, where the return line may be denoted 0 V AC.
  • the monitoring unit 30 then is provided with four pairs of connectors.
  • the four pair of connectors then constitutes two pair of input connectors and two pair of output connectors.
  • a respective 230 V AC with its return line 0 V AC is connected to each pair of input connectors.
  • the 230 V AC with its return line 0 V AC is connected to respective light sources.
  • the light sources may be connected between the two phases or some of them between the first phase and a corresponding return line, and correspondingly other light sources being connected between the second phase and the return line associated with the second phase.
  • the return line or the two return lines may be common for the two phases.
  • the monitoring unit 30 then may be provided with six pairs of connectors.
  • the six pair of connectors then constitutes three pair of input connectors and three pair of output connectors.
  • To the three pair of the input connectors three respective set of 230 V AC with their return lines, 0 V AC are connected. Accordingly, from every of the three pair of output connectors the 230 V AC with its respective return line 0 V AC is connected to respective light sources.
  • R denotes a supply line with it return line
  • S and T each also denotes the respective supply line and return line.
  • the three return lines may be common for the three supply lines.
  • the applicant has provided the monitoring unit 30 with four input connectors for the three phases, 3 x 230 VAC and the common return line. Accordingly, the applicant has provided the monitoring unit 30 with output connectors for the three phases having the same common return line wired through the monitoring unit. It is hereby an advantage that a technician in the field can choose to apply one, two or three phases to the input connectors. Accordingly, one, two or three phases leaves the output connectors, which may be connected to a desired number of light sources, which are to be monitored by means of the monitoring unit.
  • the monitoring unit 30 has a voltage measuring circuit 34 measuring the voltage, e.g. AC voltage across the pair of power supply lines connected to it. The measurement takes place either across the pair of input connectors or across the pair of output connectors used.
  • a voltage measuring circuit 34 measuring the voltage, e.g. AC voltage across the pair of power supply lines connected to it. The measurement takes place either across the pair of input connectors or across the pair of output connectors used.
  • the monitoring unit is provided with a current measuring circuit 36.
  • the circuit measures the current flowing through the supply line or the return line in response to the electrical power, e.g. 230 V AC or 110 V AC, which is provided to the plurality of light sources connected to the output connectors.
  • the monitoring unit has a microcontroller/ ⁇ Controller or a CPU.
  • ⁇ controller or the CPU are discussed in terms of the monitoring unit, since the steps are perform within this unit.
  • the monitoring unit controls the following steps aiming to detect whether light sources are defect::
  • the monitoring unit defines a first time frame and a first point of time during the first time frame. Measurements during the first time frame are e.g. used for learning how the impedance, in particular the resistance is of the light sources. It is thus assumed that measurements during the first time frame represent the status of the light sources at that time. For example if all light sources at that time work properly, i.e. they all draw current to lit up, the status from the first time frame then represents a set of error free and properly working light sources. In practice the status for the light sources is obtained by measuring the voltage over the lines powering the light sources and the current flowing through the line. From these two factors, the total power consumption in the line may be determined. The power consumption can be separated into an active and reactive part, where the reactive part is an expression of the load of the light sources in terms of the resistance.
  • the monitoring unit measures at the first point of time a first voltage level by means of the voltage measuring circuit and measures at the same point of time, i.e. at the first point of time a first current level by means of the current measuring circuit.
  • the monitoring unit determines a first load resistance representing the active load resistance for the plurality of light sources being active, i.e. turned on during the first time frame of the learn session.
  • the first load resistance is determined and based on the measured first voltage level and the measured first current level.
  • the power consumption in terms of the current be separated into an active and reactive part, where the reactive part is an expression of the load of the light sources in terms of the first load resistance.
  • the monitoring unit defines a second time frame and a second point of time during the second time frame in which measurements are to take place.
  • Measurements during the second and later time frame are e.g. used for determining how the impedance, in particular the resistance is of the light sources - and possible also including the resistance of the connection between the light sources - when powered also in a steady state situation. It is assumed that measurements during the second time frame represent the status of the light sources at the time of an operating system, e.g. an operating lighting system.
  • the status from the second time frame then represents a set working light sources having a faulty light source. Accordingly, more faulty light sources may be detected.
  • the monitoring unit measures at the second point of time a second voltage level by means of the voltage measuring circuit as used before. Moreover, the monitoring unit measures at the second point of time a second current level by means of the current measuring circuit used to measure during the first time frame.
  • the monitoring unit may determine a second load resistance representing the active load resistance for the plurality of light sources being powered and active during the second time frame.
  • the second load resistance is based on the second voltage and current level.
  • the monitoring unit has information about the first and second load resistance from the measured voltages and current, i.e. the load resistance from the learn session and another load resistance from the later period of the operating lighting system.
  • the latter may have errors or defects on the light sources powered.
  • the monitoring unit computes the difference between the first and second load resistance, and in case the difference exceeds a specific threshold, i.e. the difference is too big and thus could represent an increase in the load resistance between the two time frames, e.g. due to a non connected or blown bulb in a light source, the monitoring unit generates a first alert message. Subsequently, the monitoring unit sends or transmits e.g. by means of a SMS the first alert message through means of the communication unit to the alert receiving unit. For example if the difference exceeds a specific threshold, it may indicate an increased load resistance, it may be due to an open circuit and / or circuit parts leading to that too small current runs.
  • the difference exceeds a specific threshold it may additionally be due to a poor connection to or among light sources, or du to that one, too, three, etc light sources do/does not draw current since it or they are burned off and/or has/have malfunction(s).
  • the alert receiving unit acts, e.g. breaks a power line or more power lines and /or provides another alert message.
  • the another alert message is e.g. provided by means of a pictogram indicating a malfunctioning light source or light sources, a text message or in the form of LEDS being powered, e.g. on a panel in which the LEDS are mounted close to a supporting text.
  • alert messages each may indicate one of following alert situations: one light source being defect or malfunctioning, two light sources being defect or malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources has a defect among some of them or being malfunctioning, the plurality of light sources is defect or is malfunctioning, or the supply line or even the return line is somehow defective, e.g. wrongly connected or misconnected.
  • the monitoring unit may further determine the time difference between the first and second point of time. This is used to determine the relative load resistance change over time, and is expressed as a ratio of the load resistance change over time. It is computed as the difference between the first and second load resistance divided by the determined time difference between the first and second point of time.
  • the ratio of the load resistance change over time reveals as compared to difference between the first and second load resistance whether the load resistance changes rapidly up and down. Since the first and second load resistance in both cases expresses a steady state situation for the light sources a resistance change - in e.g. ohm/sec - for an increasing load resistance and a decreasing load resistance as well indicate a malfunction somehow among the light sources and/or in the circuitry and lines connecting the light sources.
  • a rapidly decreasing load resistance may indicate a short circuit and / or that a current erroneously, e.g. due to moist, water, etc. runs to ground instead of running properly back in the return line from the supply line.
  • a rapidly increasing load resistance could indicate that e.g. a circuit of the return line and the supply line somewhere has a burnt over connection, a burnt off igniter, poor or missing connection and / or that a filament of a bulb of a light source is off.
  • the monitoring unit In all cases when the ratio of the load resistance over time exceeds a second specific level the monitoring unit then generates a second alert message.
  • the communication unit e.g. the modem embedded in the monitoring unit sends the second alert message to the alert receiving unit.
  • the alert receiving unit acts accordingly, i.e. it presents an alert or alarm or does something to avoid further errors, e.g. switches off a power line or power lines etc.
  • the alert or alarm in the form of an alert message may e.g. be provided by means of a pictogram on a display or a screen, where the pictogram indicates a malfunctioning light source or light sources or a malfunctioning circuitry.
  • the message is e.g. provided in the form of a text message or in the form of LEDS being powered.
  • the method of controlling the lighting system or lighting monitoring system may perform the following steps:
  • a set-up in the monitoring unit may be made to combine the computations which resulted in respective first, second and third alert messages, if e.g. all three are determined it may indicate severe faults in light sources powered.
  • the method of controlling the lighting system or lighting monitoring system may further perform the following steps:
  • the monitoring unit further determines a time difference between the third and fourth points of time, and then determines the ratio of the power level change over time as the difference between the above computed first and second power levels divided by the time difference between the third and fourth points of time, and in case the computed ratio of the power levels over time exceeds a third specific level the monitoring unit in turn generates a fourth alert message which message subsequently the communication unit of the monitoring unit sends to the alert receiving unit, and the alert receiving unit then further acts or alerts in response to its the reception of the fourth alert message.
  • a rapidly increasing power level may indicate a short circuit and / or that a current erroneously, e.g. due to moist, water, etc. runs to ground instead of running properly back in the return line from the supply line, moreover the rapidly increasing power consumption may indicate that an active ballast or other circuitry controlling lamps or bulbs, etc attempts to counter react an decreasing voltage - measured by active ballast or other circuitry - by providing or allowing excessive currents to flow with the inevitable result that the power consumption is increased over time and also a total measure.
  • the alert messages as discussed may each indicate one of following alert situations: one light source being defect or malfunctioning, two, three, four, etc light sources being defect or malfunctioning, said plurality of light sources has a defect among some of them or being malfunctioning, said plurality of light sources being defect or being malfunctioning, or said supply line being defective.
  • the measurements taking place prior to the generation of the first, second, third and fourth alert message may be applied to detect the same types of malfunctions and/or defects.
  • one of the four ways (with corresponding resulting first, second, third and fourth alert messages) of interpreting current and voltage data e.g. the load resistance change and the relative load resistance change (load resistance change over time) turns out to be the fastest or most reliable one to detect a certain malfunction or defect.
  • the applicant over time compiles current and voltage data these data may be subject to advanced analyses in order to spot certain malfunctions or defects rather early in the data gathering process
  • phase or supply line provides electrical power such as AC power, consequently the voltage levels being measured along with the current levels also being measured are substantially AC levels in terms of volt and amperes.
  • the plurality of light sources or just a single light source is to be selected among a incandescent lamp, a bulb, a fluorescent lamp, a neon light, a Hg lamp, a sodium street lamp, a light emitting diode or a light emitting diodes light source and other sources of light suitable for illumination of areas.
  • the monitoring unit in a street light application being, a street light station, alternatively a lighting controller or a client.
  • the alert receiving unit may be a server or a cellular phone.
  • the communication unit may transmit or send the discussed alert messages through means of the pair of power supply lines, e.g. by superimposing a communication signal in the sinus wave of 50 or 60 cycles per second.
  • the communication unit may alternatively or additionally send the alert messages through means of a wireless communication, e.g. via a GSM network for example by means of textual messages, e.g. SMS messages.
  • a wireless communication e.g. via a GSM network
  • textual messages e.g. SMS messages.
  • the communication unit may receive commands from the alert receiving unit through means of the one or two of the pair of power supply lines or by means of a textual message, e.g. a SMS message.
  • a textual message e.g. a SMS message.
  • the implemented way of communicating forth and back between the alert receiving unit and the monitoring unit is chosen to be identical.
  • the commands may be instructions to the monitoring unit to switch on or off one, two, three, etc or all of the light sources connected to the monitoring unit.
  • commands may be instructions to the monitoring unit to switch completely on or off one, two, three of the phases connected to light sources powered via the monitoring unit.

Landscapes

  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
EP06388040A 2006-06-06 2006-06-06 Beleuchtungssystem Withdrawn EP1865756A1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06388040A EP1865756A1 (de) 2006-06-06 2006-06-06 Beleuchtungssystem
PCT/DK2007/000268 WO2007140779A1 (en) 2006-06-06 2007-06-06 Lighting system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06388040A EP1865756A1 (de) 2006-06-06 2006-06-06 Beleuchtungssystem

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1865756A1 true EP1865756A1 (de) 2007-12-12

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EP06388040A Withdrawn EP1865756A1 (de) 2006-06-06 2006-06-06 Beleuchtungssystem

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EP (1) EP1865756A1 (de)
WO (1) WO2007140779A1 (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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EP2572558A4 (de) * 2010-05-19 2014-07-02 Lsi Industries Inc Verfahren und system für beleuchtungssteuerung und -überwachung
EP2950421A1 (de) * 2014-06-01 2015-12-02 Ifotec Vorrichtung zur Kontrolle der elektrischen Parameter, die mit dem Internet verbunden ist
CN104994665A (zh) * 2015-07-31 2015-10-21 中达电通股份有限公司 一种针对集中式直流路灯实现分区控制的方法及系统
US11762039B2 (en) 2019-03-11 2023-09-19 Crouzet Automatismes Electrical installation comprising a monitoring module
US11914002B2 (en) 2019-03-11 2024-02-27 Crouzet Automatismes Electrical installation comprising a monitoring module

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