EP2232278A1 - Method and apparatus for monitoring ultraviolet lamps - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for monitoring ultraviolet lamps

Info

Publication number
EP2232278A1
EP2232278A1 EP07869888A EP07869888A EP2232278A1 EP 2232278 A1 EP2232278 A1 EP 2232278A1 EP 07869888 A EP07869888 A EP 07869888A EP 07869888 A EP07869888 A EP 07869888A EP 2232278 A1 EP2232278 A1 EP 2232278A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
voltage
fault signal
test voltage
lamp
comparator
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Withdrawn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
EP07869888A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2232278A4 (en
Inventor
Brian Inman
Robert P. Dolan
Peter J. Pellenz
Douglas C. Lynn
Steven M. Palermo
Anthony G. Russo
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.)
Carrier Corp
Original Assignee
Carrier Corp
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 Carrier Corp filed Critical Carrier Corp
Publication of EP2232278A1 publication Critical patent/EP2232278A1/en
Publication of EP2232278A4 publication Critical patent/EP2232278A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/44—Testing lamps

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to the field of Ultra Violet (UV) lamps. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring UV lamps.
  • UV Ultra Violet
  • Ultraviolet light treatment systems are used in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, water purification and other treatment systems.
  • HVAC Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
  • the systems have applications in various domestic, industrial and commercial areas. Examples of the systems include, but are not limited to, fan-coil units, refrigeration systems, air-conditioning systems, chillers, air handlers, variable air volume terminal units, water filtration units and food processing plants.
  • UV lamps to control the quality of the indoor air or water circulating through them, which may contain bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms that may affect the normal functioning of these systems.
  • UV lamps can be used for killing bacteria on fruits, vegetables and in milk and to treat human blood based products or bacteria in waste treatment systems.
  • UV lamps are used, since exposure to UV light kills or eliminates them.
  • the time of exposure to the UV light is limited due to the circulation of air or water. As a result, the intensity of the UV lamps needs to be maintained above a minimum level in order for this elimination to occur.
  • a UV lamp emits light in the UV range, which has a wavelength that is shorter than that of the visible light, and is therefore invisible to the human eye. Therefore, it is not possible to visually detect whether the UV lamp is operating. Moreover, exposure to UV light is harmful for the immune system, skin and eyes. Therefore, visual inspection of UV lamps is discouraged and undesirable. As a result, to ensure lamps are always working, UV lamps can be changed periodically, and old lamps can be replaced with new lamps. However, this method can cause wastage of lamps, as a lamp can be replaced after a certain period even though it is in working condition. For example, the operator of an HVAC system may change the UV lamp every month, even if the lamp is working properly.
  • the method should enable a UV lamp to be checked, without direct visual inspection, to determine whether it is functioning properly.
  • the apparatus should be easy to implement and should not be expensive to install or maintain.
  • An embodiment of the invention provides a method for monitoring devices such as, but not limited to, UV lamps.
  • a test voltage that is proportional to the current flowing in the UV lamp is determined by a current detection device, such as a current transformer.
  • the test voltage is then compared with a preset voltage by a comparator.
  • a fault signal is indicated when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage.
  • the apparatus includes a current transformer, a comparator and a fault signal indicator.
  • the current transformer provides a test voltage that is proportional to the current flowing in the UV lamp.
  • the comparator compares the test voltage with a preset voltage, and the fault signal indicator indicates a fault signal when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus for monitoring a UV lamp that is connected to a primary circuit, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for monitoring a UV lamp, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus 100 for monitoring a UV lamp 102 that is connected to a primary circuit 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • UV lamp 102 is connected to primary circuit 104 by electrical line 106.
  • electrical line 106 include, but are not limited to, copper electrical cables and aluminum electrical cables.
  • apparatus 100 includes a current transformer 108, a comparator 110, a feedback circuit 112, an output terminal 114 and a fault signal indicator 116.
  • primary circuit 104 can be any circuit that interconnects a number of electrical elements, for example, resistors, capacitors, inductors, switches, etc.
  • primary circuit 104 is an electrical circuit for a Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system.
  • HVAC Heating, ventilation, air conditioning
  • primary circuit 104 is an electrical circuit for a fluid filtration and purification system.
  • Primary circuit 104 acts as a source of current for UV lamp 102.
  • p2rimary circuit 104 sends a current to UV lamp 102, which uses the energy from this current to dissipate in the form of heat and UV (ultraviolet) light.
  • current transformer 108 is coupled to electrical line 106 and amplifies the current flowing in electrical line 106, to generate a test voltage.
  • the test voltage generated by current transformer 108 is proportional to the current flowing in electrical line 106.
  • current transformer 108 is a step-up transformer with a turn ratio of 1 :2 and X mA current flowing in electrical line 106
  • current transformer 108 generates a test voltage proportional to the current of 2X mA.
  • current transformer 108 provides the test voltage to comparator 110.
  • comparator 110 is an operational amplifier. The test voltage from current transformer 108 enters the positive terminal of comparator 110. The negative terminal of comparator 110 is connected to output terminal of feedback circuit 112.
  • Feedback circuit 112 is used to generate a preset voltage that is lower than the test voltage generated by current transformer 108, when UV lamp 102 is in working condition. For example, if a current of X mA is flowing in UV lamp 102, and current transformer 108 generates a test voltage proportional to the current of 2X mA, feedback circuit 112 may generate a voltage that is lower than the voltage proportional to 2X mA. In this example, feedback circuit 112 feeds the preset voltage to the negative terminal of comparator 110.
  • Output terminal 114 of comparator 110 is connected to the input terminal of feedback circuit 112.
  • feedback circuit 112 generates the preset voltage based on the output voltage at output terminal 114. For example, if the output voltage at output terminal 114 is 'high', feedback circuit 112 may provide a voltage proportional to a current of 1.5X mA to the negative terminal of comparator 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the output voltage at output terminal 114 is considered to be high when the output voltage at the terminal is equal to the source voltage V cc of comparator 110.
  • the functioning of comparator 110 and feedback circuit 112 can be better understood with the help of the following example.
  • comparator 110 When a test voltage proportional to the current of 2X mA is provided to the positive terminal of comparator 110 by current transformer 108, the test voltage is compared with the preset voltage provided by feedback circuit 112 to the negative terminal of comparator 110. Assuming that initially the output voltage at output terminal 114 is high and the feedback current is 1.5X mA. Comparator 110 compares the test voltage with the preset voltage and sets the output voltage at output terminal 114 high, since the test voltage is higher than the preset voltage. To set the output voltage high, comparator 110 sets a first voltage, i.e., the source voltage V cc , at output terminal 114. For example, if the value of V cc is + 5 V, comparator 110 sets the first voltage as + 5 V.
  • V cc the source voltage
  • UV lamp 102 operates in three possible states. The first state is when it is in the ON state and is working properly; the second state is when it is in the ON state and is not working properly; the third state is when it is in the OFF state.
  • the first state is when it is in the ON state and is working properly; the second state is when it is in the ON state and is not working properly; the third state is when it is in the OFF state.
  • UV lamp 102 When UV lamp 102 is in the OFF state, it draws zero current from primary circuit 104. However, when UV lamp 102 is in the ON state, and is not working properly, it draws a current that is lower than the current drawn when it is in the ON state and is working properly.
  • UV lamp 102 draws more than T mA from primary circuit 104 when it is in the ON state and is working properly, it may draw a current that is much lower than T mA when it is in the ON state and is not working properly.
  • UV lamp 102 draws a current of more than 200 mA when it is the ON state and is working properly.
  • the current drawn by it is less than 75 mA when it is in the ON state and is not working properly.
  • UV lamp 102 When UV lamp 102 is in the ON state but is not working properly, current drawn by it can be assumed to be, for example, 50 mA. Further, the test voltage provided by current transformer 108 can be, for example, 10 V, which may be proportional to 100 mA. Assuming that the output voltage at output terminal 114 is high initially, and hence, the preset voltage provided by feedback circuit 112 can be assumed to be 30 V. When comparator 110 compares the test voltage of 10 V with the preset voltage of 30 V, it changes the output voltage at output terminal 114 from high to low. In one embodiment of the invention, comparator 110 sets a second voltage, for example, 0 V, at output terminal 114, to change the output from high to low.
  • a second voltage for example, 0 V
  • Output terminal 114 is also coupled to fault signal indicator 116, which indicates a fault signal when it is activated.
  • Fault signal indicator 116 can be, for example, an alarm, an LED, or any other audio or visual device.
  • Fault signal indicator 116 can also be a microprocessor that is connected to the Internet or to a service department.
  • fault signal indicator 116 is activated when the output voltage at output terminal 114 is low. In other words, whenever the preset voltage is higher than the test voltage, fault signal indicator 116 is activated and a fault signal is indicated to a user or an operator of UV lamp 102. For example, when the preset voltage becomes higher than the test voltage, fault signal indicator 116 may send an e-mail to the service department that UV lamp 102 is not working properly.
  • output terminal 114 is connected to an inverting circuit (not shown), which inverts the output voltage at output terminal 114. For example, if the output at output terminal 114 is high, the inverting circuit inverts it to low, and if the output at output terminal 114 is low, the inverting circuit inverts it to high. Thereafter, the output of the inverting circuit is fed to fault signal indicator 118, which indicates the fault signal when the input fed to it is high.
  • Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for monitoring UV lamp 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • UV lamp 102 is connected to primary circuit 104 by electrical line 106, which is connected to current transformer 108 that amplifies a current flowing in UV lamp 102 over electrical line 106.
  • a test voltage that is proportional to the current flowing in UV lamp 102 is generated by current transformer 108.
  • current transformer 108 is a step-up transformer with a turn ratio of 1 :2, and X mA is flowing in UV lamp 102, current transformer 108 generates a test voltage proportional to the current of 2X mA. This test voltage is then provided to the positive terminal of comparator 110.
  • the test voltage is compared with the preset voltage provided by feedback circuit 112.
  • the preset voltage is fed to the negative terminal of comparator 110 by feedback circuit 112.
  • the value of the preset voltage is based on the output voltage at output terminal 114 of comparator 110. For example, if the output voltage at output terminal 114 is high, feedback circuit 112 may provide a voltage of 10 V to the negative terminal of comparator 110.
  • the concept of a preset voltage and functioning of feedback circuit 112 has already been explained in conjunction with Fig. 1.
  • a first voltage is set at output terminal 114 by comparator 110 when the test voltage is higher than the preset voltage. For example, if the test voltage is 20 V and the preset voltage is 15 V, comparator 110 sets the output voltage at output terminal 114 at the first voltage, which is equal to the source voltage V cc connected to comparator 110.
  • the steps of determining the test voltage, comparing the test voltage with the preset voltage and setting the first voltage is performed iteratively till the test voltage becomes lower than the preset voltage.
  • a second voltage is set at output terminal 114 by comparator
  • fault signal indicator 116 when the second voltage is set at output terminal 114.
  • fault signal indicator 116 can be an alarm, an LED, an audio or video device, or a microprocessor connected to the Internet or a service department.
  • Various embodiments of the invention provide a method for monitoring a UV lamp.
  • the method enables a user or operator of the UV lamp to detect a fault in the lamp without having to look directly into it.
  • Various embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for monitoring a UV lamp, which is simple in design and implementation.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)

Abstract

A method and apparatus for monitoring UV lamps (102) is provided. The method includes generating (202) a test voltage that is proportional to the current flowing in the UV lamp. Thereafter, the test voltage is compared (204) with a preset voltage. A fault signal is indicated (210) when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING ULTRAVIOLET LAMPS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to the field of Ultra Violet (UV) lamps. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring UV lamps.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ultraviolet light treatment systems are used in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, water purification and other treatment systems. The systems have applications in various domestic, industrial and commercial areas. Examples of the systems include, but are not limited to, fan-coil units, refrigeration systems, air-conditioning systems, chillers, air handlers, variable air volume terminal units, water filtration units and food processing plants.
Typically, these systems use UV lamps to control the quality of the indoor air or water circulating through them, which may contain bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms that may affect the normal functioning of these systems. Moreover, UV lamps can be used for killing bacteria on fruits, vegetables and in milk and to treat human blood based products or bacteria in waste treatment systems. To reduce or eliminate the count of certain micro-organisms, UV lamps are used, since exposure to UV light kills or eliminates them. Typically, the time of exposure to the UV light is limited due to the circulation of air or water. As a result, the intensity of the UV lamps needs to be maintained above a minimum level in order for this elimination to occur.
A UV lamp emits light in the UV range, which has a wavelength that is shorter than that of the visible light, and is therefore invisible to the human eye. Therefore, it is not possible to visually detect whether the UV lamp is operating. Moreover, exposure to UV light is harmful for the immune system, skin and eyes. Therefore, visual inspection of UV lamps is discouraged and undesirable. As a result, to ensure lamps are always working, UV lamps can be changed periodically, and old lamps can be replaced with new lamps. However, this method can cause wastage of lamps, as a lamp can be replaced after a certain period even though it is in working condition. For example, the operator of an HVAC system may change the UV lamp every month, even if the lamp is working properly.
The method mentioned above for replacing UV lamps after regular intervals of time, without checking their working condition, may result in unnecessary waste of resources and increase in expenditure. Moreover, a faulty UV lamp may not be replaced in time due to lack of indications that it is not functioning properly.
In light of the foregoing, there exists a need for a method and apparatus for monitoring UV lamps. The method should enable a UV lamp to be checked, without direct visual inspection, to determine whether it is functioning properly. Moreover, the apparatus should be easy to implement and should not be expensive to install or maintain. SUMMARY
An embodiment of the invention provides a method for monitoring devices such as, but not limited to, UV lamps. A test voltage that is proportional to the current flowing in the UV lamp is determined by a current detection device, such as a current transformer. The test voltage is then compared with a preset voltage by a comparator. A fault signal is indicated when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage.
Another embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for monitoring devices, like UV lamps. The apparatus includes a current transformer, a comparator and a fault signal indicator. The current transformer provides a test voltage that is proportional to the current flowing in the UV lamp. The comparator compares the test voltage with a preset voltage, and the fault signal indicator indicates a fault signal when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus for monitoring a UV lamp that is connected to a primary circuit, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for monitoring a UV lamp, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus 100 for monitoring a UV lamp 102 that is connected to a primary circuit 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. UV lamp 102 is connected to primary circuit 104 by electrical line 106. Examples of electrical line 106 include, but are not limited to, copper electrical cables and aluminum electrical cables. For one embodiment, apparatus 100 includes a current transformer 108, a comparator 110, a feedback circuit 112, an output terminal 114 and a fault signal indicator 116.
According to various embodiments of the invention, primary circuit 104 can be any circuit that interconnects a number of electrical elements, for example, resistors, capacitors, inductors, switches, etc. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, primary circuit 104 is an electrical circuit for a Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, primary circuit 104 is an electrical circuit for a fluid filtration and purification system. Primary circuit 104 acts as a source of current for UV lamp 102. For example, p2rimary circuit 104 sends a current to UV lamp 102, which uses the energy from this current to dissipate in the form of heat and UV (ultraviolet) light. In one embodiment of the invention, current transformer 108 is coupled to electrical line 106 and amplifies the current flowing in electrical line 106, to generate a test voltage. The test voltage generated by current transformer 108 is proportional to the current flowing in electrical line 106. For example, assuming that current transformer 108 is a step-up transformer with a turn ratio of 1 :2 and X mA current flowing in electrical line 106, current transformer 108 generates a test voltage proportional to the current of 2X mA. Thereafter, current transformer 108 provides the test voltage to comparator 110. For one embodiment of the invention, comparator 110 is an operational amplifier. The test voltage from current transformer 108 enters the positive terminal of comparator 110. The negative terminal of comparator 110 is connected to output terminal of feedback circuit 112. Feedback circuit 112 is used to generate a preset voltage that is lower than the test voltage generated by current transformer 108, when UV lamp 102 is in working condition. For example, if a current of X mA is flowing in UV lamp 102, and current transformer 108 generates a test voltage proportional to the current of 2X mA, feedback circuit 112 may generate a voltage that is lower than the voltage proportional to 2X mA. In this example, feedback circuit 112 feeds the preset voltage to the negative terminal of comparator 110.
Output terminal 114 of comparator 110 is connected to the input terminal of feedback circuit 112. Typically, feedback circuit 112 generates the preset voltage based on the output voltage at output terminal 114. For example, if the output voltage at output terminal 114 is 'high', feedback circuit 112 may provide a voltage proportional to a current of 1.5X mA to the negative terminal of comparator 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the output voltage at output terminal 114 is considered to be high when the output voltage at the terminal is equal to the source voltage Vcc of comparator 110. The functioning of comparator 110 and feedback circuit 112 can be better understood with the help of the following example.
When a test voltage proportional to the current of 2X mA is provided to the positive terminal of comparator 110 by current transformer 108, the test voltage is compared with the preset voltage provided by feedback circuit 112 to the negative terminal of comparator 110. Assuming that initially the output voltage at output terminal 114 is high and the feedback current is 1.5X mA. Comparator 110 compares the test voltage with the preset voltage and sets the output voltage at output terminal 114 high, since the test voltage is higher than the preset voltage. To set the output voltage high, comparator 110 sets a first voltage, i.e., the source voltage Vcc, at output terminal 114. For example, if the value of Vcc is + 5 V, comparator 110 sets the first voltage as + 5 V.
The example above was explained by assuming that UV lamp 102 is in the ON state and is working properly. Typically, UV lamp 102 operates in three possible states. The first state is when it is in the ON state and is working properly; the second state is when it is in the ON state and is not working properly; the third state is when it is in the OFF state. When UV lamp 102 is in the OFF state, it draws zero current from primary circuit 104. However, when UV lamp 102 is in the ON state, and is not working properly, it draws a current that is lower than the current drawn when it is in the ON state and is working properly. For example, if UV lamp 102 draws more than T mA from primary circuit 104 when it is in the ON state and is working properly, it may draw a current that is much lower than T mA when it is in the ON state and is not working properly. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, UV lamp 102 draws a current of more than 200 mA when it is the ON state and is working properly. On the other hand, the current drawn by it is less than 75 mA when it is in the ON state and is not working properly. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will appreciate that the values of 20OmA and 75 mA are exemplary in nature and vary, depending on the type of UV lamp used.
When UV lamp 102 is in the ON state but is not working properly, current drawn by it can be assumed to be, for example, 50 mA. Further, the test voltage provided by current transformer 108 can be, for example, 10 V, which may be proportional to 100 mA. Assuming that the output voltage at output terminal 114 is high initially, and hence, the preset voltage provided by feedback circuit 112 can be assumed to be 30 V. When comparator 110 compares the test voltage of 10 V with the preset voltage of 30 V, it changes the output voltage at output terminal 114 from high to low. In one embodiment of the invention, comparator 110 sets a second voltage, for example, 0 V, at output terminal 114, to change the output from high to low.
Output terminal 114 is also coupled to fault signal indicator 116, which indicates a fault signal when it is activated. Fault signal indicator 116 can be, for example, an alarm, an LED, or any other audio or visual device. Fault signal indicator 116 can also be a microprocessor that is connected to the Internet or to a service department. In one embodiment of the invention, fault signal indicator 116 is activated when the output voltage at output terminal 114 is low. In other words, whenever the preset voltage is higher than the test voltage, fault signal indicator 116 is activated and a fault signal is indicated to a user or an operator of UV lamp 102. For example, when the preset voltage becomes higher than the test voltage, fault signal indicator 116 may send an e-mail to the service department that UV lamp 102 is not working properly.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, output terminal 114 is connected to an inverting circuit (not shown), which inverts the output voltage at output terminal 114. For example, if the output at output terminal 114 is high, the inverting circuit inverts it to low, and if the output at output terminal 114 is low, the inverting circuit inverts it to high. Thereafter, the output of the inverting circuit is fed to fault signal indicator 118, which indicates the fault signal when the input fed to it is high.
Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for monitoring UV lamp 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As explained in Fig. 1 , UV lamp 102 is connected to primary circuit 104 by electrical line 106, which is connected to current transformer 108 that amplifies a current flowing in UV lamp 102 over electrical line 106. At step 202, a test voltage that is proportional to the current flowing in UV lamp 102 is generated by current transformer 108. For example, if current transformer 108 is a step-up transformer with a turn ratio of 1 :2, and X mA is flowing in UV lamp 102, current transformer 108 generates a test voltage proportional to the current of 2X mA. This test voltage is then provided to the positive terminal of comparator 110.
At step 204, the test voltage is compared with the preset voltage provided by feedback circuit 112. As explained above, the preset voltage is fed to the negative terminal of comparator 110 by feedback circuit 112. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the value of the preset voltage is based on the output voltage at output terminal 114 of comparator 110. For example, if the output voltage at output terminal 114 is high, feedback circuit 112 may provide a voltage of 10 V to the negative terminal of comparator 110. The concept of a preset voltage and functioning of feedback circuit 112 has already been explained in conjunction with Fig. 1.
At step 206, a first voltage is set at output terminal 114 by comparator 110 when the test voltage is higher than the preset voltage. For example, if the test voltage is 20 V and the preset voltage is 15 V, comparator 110 sets the output voltage at output terminal 114 at the first voltage, which is equal to the source voltage Vcc connected to comparator 110. After step 206, the steps of determining the test voltage, comparing the test voltage with the preset voltage and setting the first voltage is performed iteratively till the test voltage becomes lower than the preset voltage.
At step 208, a second voltage is set at output terminal 114 by comparator
110 when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage. For example, if the test voltage is Y V and the preset voltage is 1.5Y V, comparator 110 sets the output voltage at output terminal 114 at the second voltage, which can be 0 V for one embodiment of the invention. At step 210, a fault signal is indicated by fault signal indicator 116 when the second voltage is set at output terminal 114. As already mentioned, fault signal indicator 116 can be an alarm, an LED, an audio or video device, or a microprocessor connected to the Internet or a service department.
Various embodiments of the invention provide a method for monitoring a UV lamp. The method enables a user or operator of the UV lamp to detect a fault in the lamp without having to look directly into it.
Various embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for monitoring a UV lamp, which is simple in design and implementation.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited only to these embodiments. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A method for monitoring an Ultraviolet (UV) lamp comprising: generating a test voltage proportional to a current flowing in the UV lamp; comparing the test voltage with a preset voltage; and indicating a fault signal when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein comparing the test voltage with the preset voltage comprises setting a first voltage at an output terminal of a comparator when the test voltage is greater than the preset voltage.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein comparing the test voltage with the preset voltage comprises setting a second voltage at an output terminal of a comparator when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the fault signal is indicated when the second voltage is set.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein generating the test voltage comprises amplifying the current flowing through the UV lamp by a current transformer.
6. An apparatus for monitoring an Ultraviolet (UV) lamp, the apparatus comprising: a current transformer configured to provide a test voltage proportional to a current flowing in the UV lamp; a comparator configured to compare the test voltage with a preset voltage; and a fault signal indicator configured to indicate a fault signal when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, whθrein the comparator is further configured to: set a first voltage at an output terminal when the test voltage is greater than the preset voltage; and set a second voltage at the output terminal when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the fault signal indicator indicates the fault signal when the second voitage is set.
9. The apparatus according to claim 6 further comprising a feedback circuit configured to provide the preset voltage to the comparator.
10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fault signal indicator is a Light Emitting Diode (LED).
1 1. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fault signal indicator is an audio alarm.
12. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fault signal indicator is an audio- video alarm.
13. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fault signal indicator is a microprocessor connected to the Internet.
14. An apparatus for monitoring an Ultraviolet (UV) lamp in a Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system, the apparatus comprising: a current transformer configured to provide a test voltage proportional to a current flowing in the UV lamp; a comparator configured to compare the test voltage with a preset voltage; and a fault signal indicator configured to indicate a fault signal when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the comparator is further configured to: set a first voltage at an output terminal when the test voltage is greater than the preset voltage; and set a second voltage at the output terminal when the test voltage is lower than the preset voltage.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the fault signal indicator indicates the fault signal when the second voltage is set.
17. The apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising a feedback circuit configured to provide the preset voltage to the comparator.
18. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the fault signal indicator is a Light Emitting Diode (LED).
19. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the fault signal indicator is an audio alarm.
20. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the fault signal indicator is an audio-video alarm.
21. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the fault signal indicator is a microprocessor connected to the Internet.
EP07869888A 2007-12-26 2007-12-26 Method and apparatus for monitoring ultraviolet lamps Withdrawn EP2232278A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2007/088804 WO2009082408A1 (en) 2007-12-26 2007-12-26 Method and apparatus for monitoring ultraviolet lamps

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2232278A1 true EP2232278A1 (en) 2010-09-29
EP2232278A4 EP2232278A4 (en) 2012-12-05

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GB2587574B (en) * 2016-06-14 2021-11-03 Finsen Tech Limited A method of monitoring failure of an ultraviolet emitter in an ultraviolet disinfecting apparatus
CN111693805A (en) * 2020-05-28 2020-09-22 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Detection circuit and detection method for detecting operating state of sterilization device

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ITMI20011405A1 (en) * 2001-07-02 2003-01-02 Kover S R L GERMICIDAL EQUIPMENT EQUIPPED WITH ULTRAVIOLET ACTION LAMPS AND A SYSTEM TO CONTROL THE ACTIVITY OF THESE LAMPS
US6667623B2 (en) * 2001-11-07 2003-12-23 Gelcore Llc Light degradation sensing led signal with visible fault mode
CA2417360A1 (en) * 2002-05-01 2003-11-01 Philip Whiting Method and system for monitoring water treatment and water quality
US6819060B2 (en) * 2002-11-26 2004-11-16 Honeywell International Inc. Power line monitor and interrupt arrangement for averting premature lamp mortality in low voltage conditions
US7274973B2 (en) * 2003-12-08 2007-09-25 Invisible Service Technicians, Llc HVAC/R monitoring apparatus and method
US6972570B2 (en) * 2004-02-11 2005-12-06 Schriefer Jay R Quick-connect ballast testing and monitoring method and apparatus
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EP2232278A4 (en) 2012-12-05
BRPI0722324A2 (en) 2014-04-08
WO2009082408A1 (en) 2009-07-02

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