PT106926A - LIGHTING OF LIGHT-EMITTING DIGITS FOR AQUARIOFILIA WITH INCORPORATED WATER CIRCUIT AND EQUIPMENT AND OPERATING PROCESS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a luminaire for aquariums or exhibitors of aquatic flora and fauna, and is referred to a luminaire of emitting diodes, which are known to be light-emitting diodes, in which the water flows in a continuous circuit through the interior of the structure supporting the luminaire, THEREFORE, THERE IS AN ENERGY EXCHANGE: WATER, WHEN FLOWING BY AN INTERNAL PROFILE OF CIRCULATION (8) ADJACENT TO THE PLATE OF EMBODIMENT DIGITAL LIGHTING (11), REFRIGERATE THEM, WHICH POWER THEIR LIGHTNESS; OTHERWISE, TO THE CIRCULAR IN CONTACT WITH THE LED PLATE, HEATS LIGHTLY, WHICH MAKES THE USE OF AQUARIUM HEATERS DISPENSABLE. The inner flow profile is enveloped by an outer covering profile (3), overlapped by a cover of the top (4) and the entire structure is longitudinally assembled on the aquila (1) and the flow of water driven by a motor (13). ).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF LIGHT-EMITTING DIVIDES FOR AQUARIOFILIA WITH INCORPORATED WATER CIRCUIT AND RESPECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND OPERATING PROCESSES "

Technical domain

It is a luminaire for aquariums that, instead of resorting to the usual fluorescent lamps, uses light-emitting diodes and uses a hollow profile in aluminum or similar material, mounted on the surface of the aquarium or exhibitor, where water circulates , in continuous circuit.

In the invention, the water will run in a continuous circuit along the luminaire structure, cooling the light-emitting diodes and simultaneously warming the water slightly so as to provide an environment conducive to the fauna and flora of the aquarium or exhibitor without the need for heaters .

Using a common electromagnetic motor known as the pump in most aquariums, water enters one end of the structure adjacent the luminaire and is expelled from the other end, ensuring uninterrupted flow. 1/13

Since the structure through which the water circulates is aluminum - indicatively, and may be of another material of similar conductivity - and that circulates in a zone in direct contact with the light board composed of light emitting diodes - the known LEDs - said water cools them and, in turn, the continuous flow of water passes a slight but constant heating thereof.

That is, the water heats up slightly, which makes its temperature adequate, without the traditional need to use dedicated heaters and, on the other hand, the continuous flow adjacent to said diodes cools them, which allows the maintenance of the amount of light emitted.

This invention arose from the need to create a luminaire with light emitting diodes for the aquarium market that was clearly different from existing lighting systems.

In this sense, one of the main novelties resulting from this invention is the development of new lighting systems which incorporate a cooling system distinct from the others already existing in the market and which fulfill the requirements intrinsic to aquarium in order to fulfill the characteristics necessary for the reproduction of the natural habitat of fish, plants and corals. 2/13

These are lighting systems that are easily installed or disassembled by the average user.

For the development of this project, the inventor developed knowledge regarding: - Study of methodologies to effect the cooling of the lighting system;

Study of the evolution of light emitting diodes and development of a combination particularly suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

State of the art

There are a few factors that are essential in aquarium lighting: namely, color temperature, chromatic restitution rate, and luminous flux. The lighting market in general is going through another revolution in the way of the emission of electric light, enabling new applications and new ways of illuminating environments and objects, namely through light generated by electronic components called LED - Light Emitting Diode.

The said diodes or leds have several advantages over other light sources: 3/13

Longer service life (approximately 50,000 hours) and consequent low maintenance; - Low consumption;

High energy efficiency (around 50 lumen / Watt);

Resistance to impacts and vibrations, due to the use of solid state technology, therefore, without filaments and without glass, which increases its robustness.

However, initially, this technology also had some drawbacks with respect to the other light sources, which were: - High cost of acquisition; - The color rendering index (IRC) might not be the most appropriate; - The reduction of the amount of light emitted by the led with the increase of the temperature.

Currently, some of these disadvantages have already been eliminated by the manufacturers of the light-emitting diodes resisting, however, one: the amount of light emitted by said diode decreases with increasing temperature.

Some manufacturers of LED lighting systems have overcome this problem by creating mechanical cooling systems, such as the usual incorporation of 4/13 ventilation systems (fans) which, in addition to being noisy, increase the energy consumption of the system.

Thus, the challenge posed to the inventor was to develop a lighting system that could be adapted to the different requirements of freshwater or saltwater aquariums, which fulfilled the intrinsic characteristics of aquarium (factors inherent to the illumination of an aquarium), but to reduce the temperature of the light emitting diodes through a cooling system with dedicated channels, allowing the passage of water through the structure of the luminaire itself, which will cool the system and thus ensure for much longer the amount of light emitted by said diodes.

This significant added value is combined with another of equal importance: The possibility of using aquarium water to feed the circuit and at the same time reduce the need for heating through heaters in the aquarium, which results in a reduction energy consumption. The present state of the art does not know a solution identical or close to the invention: in this, through the circulation of water in a dedicated channel adjacent to the luminaire and incorporated into the same structure of the same, running through it longitudinally, cooling the diodes - prolonging their luminous efficiency - and slightly warms the water in a continuous manner, which dispenses the heaters at all. 5/13

In today's solutions, there is an internal water circuit driven by a motor with an adjacent filter ensuring continuous water filtration. Such filtration does not interfere with the water temperature nor with the lighting system: they are two autonomous systems, with non-intercepting purposes and operation.

Description of Figures

Explanatory note: Figures 1, 2 and 3 show, in particular, components particularly suitable for aquariums where the technical zone is in a hidden zone, either in a dedicated area or under the aquarium itself or in the display, for example, in a Support. Thus: Figure 1 shows an aquarium (1) with the outer covering profile (3) - which houses the luminaire - superimposed on the upper zone, in which the section of said outer covering profile (3) is cut away, the angular tubular water circulating segment (6) and the top cover (4) of said outer covering profile; Figure 2 shows an aquarium (1) with its luminaire mounted without the outer covering profile (3), the water circuit being shown through the inner circulation profile (8), adjacent to the luminaire and the ring (9) and the conductive profile (9-1), the water-carrying pipe (10), the top cover (9) and the connecting piece (2) and the connecting piece (5). 4) of the outer covering profile and the angular tubular segment (6); Figure 3 shows in detail the various components of the water circulation and illumination system: The connecting collar (2) of the two profiles, a connecting piece (5), the outer covering profile (3) and the profile (9) of the tube carrying the water (1), a conductive profile (9-1) of said tube, the top cover (4) of said cover profile, a connecting piece (5) (9), the angular tubular segment (6) connecting said water-carrying pipe (10), the inner circulation profile (8) and (7), the light emitting diode plates (11) and the closure cap (12) of the luminaire.

Explanatory note: Figures 4, 5 and 6 show, in particular, the components applicable to various types of aquariums or exhibitors. Thus: Figure 4 shows an aquarium (1) with the luminaire mounted and, in detail, the motor (13) and its concealment box (14) is highlighted, the outer covering profile (3) in section with the (4) and the inner circulation profile (8) is shown in cross-section through which the water circulates; Figure 5 shows the aquarium (1), the outer covering profile (3), the respective top covers (4) of said profile as well as the motor (13) and the direction of water circulation through inner circulation profile (8); Figure 6 shows in detail the various components of the aquarium water circulation and illumination system: the outer covering profile (3) and respective tops (4) caps, the angular tubular segment (6), the tops of the profile (7), the inner circulation profile (8), the water-carrying tube (10), the light-emitting diode plates (11), the closure cap (12) of the luminaire, the motor ) and respective concealment box (14); Figure 7 shows some possibilities of combinations of light-emitting diode plates, larger or smaller, depending on the size of the aquarium or exhibitor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The invention - essentially translating into a technical solution which allows a continuous flow of water to pass through the entire luminaire area of light emitting diodes (commonly known as leds) of a aquarium or exhibitor, cools them and simultaneously allows the heating of the water and dispenses any type of heater - it can be applied to aquariums or exhibitors of the most varied designs, such as those in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, where the engine is housed in a dedicated technical area, or aquariums and displays such as those of Figs. 4, 5, and 6, with the motor adjacent to the end of the luminaire. The proposed invention, which will be claimed, has created a new luminaire concept for aquariums or exhibitors of aquatic fauna and flora. Thus, instead of resorting to a motor or pump which ensures the circulation of water by said aquarium and, at another point of the equipment, a luminaire (usually through a longilinea fluorescent lamp), which provides illumination, the invention described herein innovated in the concept: it causes the water to circulate through the metallic structure where the LED luminaire is lodged, and an advantageous energy exchange takes place.

On the one hand, the water cools the LEDs, preventing the loss of luminosity that the heating would trigger in this type of devices; On the other hand, the luminaire slightly warms the water, which allows dispensing of traditional aquarium heaters and offering a suitable habitat.

As shown in detail in Figs. 4 and 6 (whose slight 9/13 justify with component changes only if minor conceptual changes of the aquarium type), the fundamental elements of the invention lie in the following components: the inner circulation profile ( 8) through which the water circulates and the light emitting diode (11) plate, or leds. It should be noted that said inner circulation profile is hollow and, instead of having a conventional channel of the tubular type in the interior, for example, it is itself a water flow conduit, with a flat bottom and an expanded area. The reason is simple: said profile being in aluminum or another equivalent metal alloy, the passage of the water cools it to a greater extent.The light emitting diode board (11) is placed immediately under and in contact with said inner circulation profile (8), the lighting system being closed and hermetically secured with the closure cap (12) of the luminaire.

Said inner circulation profile (8) being placed over the aquarium (1) or the display (Fig. 1, 2, 4 and 5) longitudinally, it is covered with an outer covering profile (3), topped with a (4) at respective ends, said profile having a dual function: aesthetic and protection against temperature dissipation. 10/13

In order to ensure the circulation of the water in a continuous circuit, at the ends of said profile, ends of the profile (7) which, in turn, are coupled to angular tubular segments (6) . These, in turn, secure the connection to the tube which carries water (10) to the motor (13). The light emitting diode board 11 may have a different configuration and size.

Thus, as is shown in Fig. 7, said plate may accommodate more or less number of leds according to the size of the aquarium or exhibitor. The motor 13 may either be housed in an autonomous technical zone or, in the case of Fig. 6, be adjacent the top of the inner circulation profile 8. The invention is applicable to different design options: thus, Figs. 1, 2 and 3 enable the water to rise through a tube which carries it (10) to the engine. The latter, by way of example, placed under the aquarium itself and said tubing concealed by a conductive profile (9-1) and an outer concealing profile (9). The water rises through said tube and flows through the interior of the inner circulation profile (8) and precipitates, in continuous flow, through the other end of said profile into the aquarium (1).

The outer profile (3) and outer concealment (9) are suitably attached to each other by means of a connecting ring (2) and a corner profile (5) to ensure solidity.

Likewise, Figs. 4, 5 and 6 show the inner circulation profile (8) showing the detail of the circulation channel within said profile in Fig. 4.

In both cases, the same fundamental technical solution: the water circulates through the very structure that supports the luminaire and promotes the exchange of temperature - cooling the diodes and warming slightly - which provides a suitable environment for aquatic flora and fauna and ensures not negligible energy saving.

At the end of the project, three typologies of lighting systems (size and exterior variants) were conceived, all with the same initial principle: water circulation system of the aquarium through the interior of the lighting system.

This solution led to the cooling of the light-emitting diodes, produced a significant temporal increase in the amount of light emitted by said diodes and gave a clear 12/13 decrease in the overall energy consumption of the system.

After analysis of results it was concluded that the lighting systems fulfilled all the requirements that had initially been proposed and the capital gains could be synthesized:

Longer life (compared to traditional lighting systems with T5 / T8 fluorescent lamps) and consequent low maintenance;

Low consumption (compared to lighting systems with T5 / T8 fluorescent lamps); - Resistance to impacts and vibrations: It uses solid state technology, therefore, without filaments and without glass, increasing its robustness; - Good cost / quality of the product; - the color rendering index (IRC) of 80; - Reduction of the temperature of the led so as to maintain for a longer time the amount of light emitted by the led. - Optimization of color temperature; - luminous flux suitable for the purpose for which it is intended; - Attractive look.

Porto, June 9, 2013. 13/13

Claims (12)

A luminaire of light-emitting diodes for aquarium with built-in water circuit and its equipment, characterized in that it has an internal circulation profile (8) made of aluminum or substitute material, placed longitudinally on the aquarium (1) where the water circulates in a continuous circuit. An aquarium light-emitting diode with a built-in water circuit and its apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the inner circulation profile (8) is hollow without any internal tubular structure. Light emitting diode for aquarium with built-in water circuit and its equipment, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner circulation profile (8) has at each end tops of the profile (7) which connect and terminate the connection between said profile and the angular tubular segment (6) connecting the water-carrying tube (10). 1/3 Light emitting diode for aquarium with built-in water circuit and its equipment, according to the previous claims, characterized in that the inner circulation profile (8) is surrounded by an outer covering profile (3). A light emitting diode luminaire with built-in water circuit and its apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a light emitting diode plate (11) placed under the lower surface of the inner flow profile ( 8). Light emitting diode luminaire with built-in water circuit and its equipment, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the light emitting diode board (11) is fixed to the luminaire structure by means of a cover (12) of said luminaire. A method of operating the light emitting diode luminaire for aquariums characterized in that the water enters through one of the tops of the inner circulation profile (8) in a continuous circuit and out of the other top of said profile. A method of operating a light emitting diode luminaire according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the water in its path along the inner circulation profile (8) cools the board of the light emitting diodes (11). ); 2/3 A method of operating a light emitting diode luminaire according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the water in its path along the inner circulation profile (8) slightly increases its temperature as a result of the contact with the light emitting diode plate (11). A method of operating a light emitting diode luminaire according to the previous claims, characterized in that the continuous water circuit through the inner circulation profile (8) is driven by a motor (13). A method of operating a light emitting diode luminaire according to the previous claims, characterized in that the water flow follows a tube carrying the water (10) connected to the motor (13), and enters the (8) through angular tubular segments (6) and said segments being secured to said inner circulation profile by tops of the profile (7). A method of operating a light emitting diode luminaire according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating of the water of the aquarium or the display unit without the need for the use of heaters is provided. Porto, July 9, 2013. 3/3