SE1650127A1 - Add-on unit for a lighting arrangement - Google Patents

Add-on unit for a lighting arrangement Download PDF

Info

Publication number
SE1650127A1
SE1650127A1 SE1650127A SE1650127A SE1650127A1 SE 1650127 A1 SE1650127 A1 SE 1650127A1 SE 1650127 A SE1650127 A SE 1650127A SE 1650127 A SE1650127 A SE 1650127A SE 1650127 A1 SE1650127 A1 SE 1650127A1
Authority
SE
Sweden
Prior art keywords
add
unit
lighting arrangement
control unit
power
Prior art date
Application number
SE1650127A
Other languages
Swedish (sv)
Other versions
SE542169C2 (en
Inventor
Weber Christoffer
Original Assignee
Wiretronic Ab
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 Wiretronic Ab filed Critical Wiretronic Ab
Priority to SE1650127A priority Critical patent/SE542169C2/en
Priority to PCT/SE2017/050076 priority patent/WO2017135870A1/en
Priority to EP17747871.6A priority patent/EP3412119A4/en
Publication of SE1650127A1 publication Critical patent/SE1650127A1/en
Publication of SE542169C2 publication Critical patent/SE542169C2/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F21V23/003—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array
    • F21V23/007—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array enclosed in a casing
    • F21V23/008—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array enclosed in a casing the casing being outside the housing of the lighting device
    • 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
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/105—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
    • 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
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/105—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
    • H05B47/11—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
    • 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
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/185—Controlling the light source by remote control via power line carrier transmission
    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
    • F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
    • F21S9/022—Emergency lighting devices
    • 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
    • G01R31/26—Testing of individual semiconductor devices
    • G01R31/2607—Circuits therefor
    • G01R31/2632—Circuits therefor for testing diodes
    • G01R31/2635—Testing light-emitting diodes, laser diodes or photodiodes
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J9/00—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
    • H02J9/02—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which an auxiliary distribution system and its associated lamps are brought into service
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J9/00—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
    • H02J9/04—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source
    • H02J9/06—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems
    • H02J9/062—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems for AC powered loads
    • H02J9/065—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems for AC powered loads for lighting purposes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to line transmission systems
    • H04B2203/54—Aspects of powerline communications not already covered by H04B3/54 and its subgroups
    • H04B2203/5429—Applications for powerline communications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to line transmission systems
    • H04B2203/54—Aspects of powerline communications not already covered by H04B3/54 and its subgroups
    • H04B2203/5429—Applications for powerline communications
    • H04B2203/5458—Monitor sensor; Alarm systems
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
    • Y02B20/40—Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to an add-on unit (100) for monitoring and controlling the operation of an existing lighting arrangement (101), the lighting arrangement comprising: a light source (103), an input connection port (105) for connecting the light source to the mains (106), and a backup power source (108), the backup power source being adapted as a backup for powering the light source in case of failure of supply of power from the mains to the light source, wherein the add-on unit is adapted to be retrofit with the existing lighting arrangement.For publication: Fig. la

Description

ADD-ON UNIT FOR A LIGHTING ARRANGEMENT TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention generally relates to an add-on unit which can beretrof1tted with e.g. an existing lighting arrangement to control and monitor the operation ofthe existing lighting arrangement. The invention also relates to a system comprising a plurality of such add-on units and to a lighting arrangement comprising such add-on unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Lighting devices installed in for example hospitals, malls, off1ces, schools, andother publicly accessibly places are vast and require frequent monitoring for ensuring reliableoperation. This is particularly important for emergency lights which may be installed for e. g.guiding people in a suitable direction in case of an emergency, or for lighting up signs whichindicate the direction of evacuation routes or exits. An emergency lighting system typicallyincludes battery capacity, a lamp, a transfer switch between the battery and the mains, and acharger for the battery. The operation of emergency lighting systems has to be testedfrequently. One way to monitor such lighting devices is by manual inspection, either throughmaintenance personnel inspecting on-site of the lighting device or e. g. via surveillancecameras. However, this is a time consuming and costly inspection method. Furthermore,testing of the lighting systems may require a simulated loss in main building power.
An exemplary implementation for trying to overcome this problem isdisclosed in US20l4/03200l l. US20l4/03200l l provides emergency lighting fixtures thatuse light-emitting diodes (LEDs) having operating life time superior to conventionalincandescent or fluorescent lamps. Furthermore, in order to additionally increase operationdurability and reduce the required battery power during an emergency, special electroniccircuits have been designed, as well as specialized optics. This way, the amount ofmaintenances is reduced. In addition, a central battery system is provided inUS20l4/03200ll which provides backup power and diagnostics of the system which mayreport back to a user.
Even though US20l4/03200ll introduces a possible approach for emergencylighting systems, there appears to be room for further improvement in regards to existinglighting systems in need of upgrading to enable e.g. monitoring of the operation of thelighting system. For example, in most public places there is already lighting systems installed which are intended to be used during normal operation conditions and emergency situations, e.g. as emergency lighting. Such systems would benefit from a cost efficient and straightforward modification to allow eg. monitoring of lighting operation of the systems. Thus, it is desired to avoid replacing the already installed lighting systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of above-mentioned and other drawbacks of the prior art, it is anobject of the present invention to provide an add-on unit for monitoring and controlling theoperation of an already existing lighting arrangement. The add-on unit may be retrofittedwith the existing lighting system.
According to an aspect of the present invention, it is therefore provided an add-on unit for monitoring and controlling the operation of an existing lighting arrangement, thelighting arrangement comprising a light source, an input connection port for connecting thelight source to the mains, and a backup power source, the backup power source being adaptedas a backup for powering the light source in case of failure of supply of power from themains to the light source, the add-on unit being adapted to be retrofit with the existinglighting arrangement, wherein the add-on unit comprises sensing means adapted to determinethe light intensity emitted from the existing lighting arrangement, an input port forconnecting the add-on unit to the mains, a power line communication circuitry connected tothe input port, a power output port connectable to the input connection port of the existinglighting arrangement, a switch unit electrically connected to the input port and to the poweroutput port, the switch unit being configured to adjust an amount of electrical power providedto the power output port from the input port, and a control unit controllable via the input portto control the switch unit to adjust the amount of electrical power, the control unit is furtherconfigured to, in response to the adjusted amount of electrical power provided to the poweroutput port, receive a signal from the sensing means indicative of the light intensity and tosend the signal to the input port to report the light intensity to a user; and a housing foraccommodating the input port, the power line communication circuitry, the power outputport, the switch unit, and the control unit.
The present invention is based upon the realization that existing lightingarrangement may in a simple way be provided with controlling and monitoring means by anadd-on unit which may be retrof1t to any existing lighting arrangement.
The term "retrof1t" should be interpreted as that the add-on unit may beimplemented to the function of any existing lighting arrangement without substantial modification of the existing lighting arrangement.
Existing lighting arrangements may for example be of different types ormodels throughout a building and may also have different types of backup power sources, forexample a backup power source in the form of a battery or an uninterruptible power source(UPS) of some kind. The present invention provides a means of controlling and monitoringthe existing lighting arrangements in e. g. a hospital, regardless of the backup power source ortype of existing lighting arrangement, without replacing the entire existing lightingarrangement. Thus, the add-on unit is a stand-alone unit which may be integrated with theexisting lighting arrangement which may already be operational at a site. The amount ofelectrical power provided to the existing lighting arrangement may be provided from themains power through the power lines of the building or site where the lighting arrangement isinstalled. Furthermore, the add-on unit advantageously provides a means of communicationbetween the existing lighting arrangement and a user via the power lines of the e. g. buildingor site. In addition, the add-on unit provides a functionality of testing the backup powersource and thereby the backup lighting fi1nctionality of the existing lighting arrangementsystem.
In accordance to the invention, the sensing means deterrnines the lightintensity emitted from the existing lighting arrangement. This includes deterrnining ameasure related to the actual light intensity, or to measure the actual light intensity itself, or arelative light intensity relative to e.g. a previously deterrnined light intensity. The existinglighting arrangement comprises a suitable light source such as an LED, fluorescent,incandescent light source, etc.
The input port of the add-on unit enables power from the mains to beconnected to the existing lighting arrangement. Thus, the power provided to the existinglighting arrangement runs via the add-on unit with the add-on unit is installed with theexisting lighting arrangement. The mains may be the e.g. 230/1 l0 V mains of the site orbuilding of the existing lighting arrangement. The control unit may is controllable via theinput port and thereby via the power lines of the building or site. Thus, a power linecommunication protocol may be used to communicate with the add-on unit from a remotelocation.
The switch unit enables adjustment of the power from the primary powersource to the existing lighting arrangement. Such switch units may be e.g. a mechanical relay,an electronic relay (e.g. transistor type relays), a potentiometer, etc.
The adjustment of the electrical power may relate to e. g. an increase or decrease of the electrical power relative to a first level of power, for example the normal operation power from the mains, or from a low power operation in a stand-by mode of the existinglighting arrangement, or from a predeterrnined threshold level of power.
The control unit may be controllable via the input port by an electricalconnection between the control unit and the input port. The electrical connection may be viathe power line communication circuitry, thus the control unit may be electrically connectedwith the power line communication circuitry. The control unit may receive the signal fromthe sensing means via an electrical connection by means of e. g. a wire, or by wirelesscommunication.
The power line communication circuitry may include electrical componentssuch as AC/DC converters, filters, passive or active electrical components, etc.
In one embodiment of the invention, the switch unit is configured to(completely) break the electrical connection between the power output port and the inputport. In other words, the switch unit is configured to break the electrical connection betweenthe existing lighting arrangement and the mains. Thereby, the backup power source of theexisting lighting system is activated to provide backup power to the existing lighting systemto power the light source. Thus, breaking the electrical connection simulates a loss in mainbuilding power which causes the backup power to power the existing lighting system. Thesensing means may measure the light intensity emitted from the existing lighting systempowered by the backup power so that the control unit may receive a signal indicative of themeasured the light intensity in this situation. In this way, according to an embodiment of theinvention, the signal from the sensing means provides an indication of the status of thebackup power source. For example, if the deterrnined light intensity is deterrnined to be"low", it may be concluded that the status of the backup source is inadequate, or if thedeterrnined light intensity is deterrnined to exceed a threshold indicative of properfunctioning; the status may be that the backup source is "OK".
According to an embodiment of the invention, the sensing means is a lightsensor mountable to measure the light intensity emitted from the lighting arrangement. Thelight sensor may be mountable on an outer side of the existing lighting arrangement. It isthereby provided an advantageous installation procedure by being able to simply mount thelight sensor on the existing lighting arrangement so that the light sensor may measure thelight emitted from the existing lighting arrangement. The light sensor may be any suitabletype of photodetector or even a video camera. Furthermore, the add-on unit may comprisemeans for deterrnining the temperature (e. g. therrnometer) in the vicinity of the add-on unit or on the add-on unit itself. For example the means for deterrnining the temperature may e.g. determine the temperature of the existing lighting arrangement or the surroundings of theexisting lighting arrangement.
In an embodiment of the invention, the sensor means is integrated with thehousing and facing outside of the housing. The sensor means may thus an integral part of thehousing, e.g. mounted in a hole or cavity of the housing. Thereby, a more compact add-onunit is provided. This is advantageous for example if the add-on unit may be placed close theexisting lighting arrangement.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the sensor means is arrangedextemal to the housing and electrically connected with the control unit via a wire extendingaway from the housing. Thus, the sensor means may relatively freely be positioned withrelation to the existing lighting arrangement. For example, the housing may be placed somedistance from the existing lighting arrangement due to space or interior design restrictions,and the sensing means may nevertheless be arranged so that it may determine the lightintensity or the light emitted from the existing lighting arrangement.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is remotelycontrollable from a central control unit via the input port. This provides remote access to theadd-on unit and thereby to monitor and control the existing lighting systems from a remotelocation. For example, testing of the backup power source may be done without the need formaintenance personnel to be at the site of the existing lighting system. The control unit maybe in communication with the central control unit via a power line communication protocol,the power lines being the power lines of the building or site where the add-on unit isinstalled.
The power line communication circuitry and the control unit areadvantageously a single component.
The existing lighting arrangement may for example be an emergency exit signcomprising a light source.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is further provided a lightingarrangement comprising the add-on unit according to any one of the above-mentionedembodiments provided as an integrated component of the lighting arrangement.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a systemcomprising a plurality of add-on units according to the preceding embodiments, the systemfurther comprises a central control unit conf1gured to be in communication with the plurality of add-on units via the mains power lines.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the central control unit isconf1gured to control the control unit of each of the add-on units, wherein the signalindicative of the light intensity deterrnined by the respective sensing means is receivable bythe central control unit.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the central control unit isconfigured to communicate with the add-on units using a power line communicationprotocol.
This aspect of the invention provides similar advantages as discussed above inrelation to the previous aspects of the invention.
Within the context of the invention, the expression "control unit" should be understood to include any type of computing device, such as an ASIC, a micro-processor, etc.
It should also be understood that the actual implementation of such a processing circuitrymay be divided between a plurality of devices/circuits.
It should be understood that the expression terminal may be usedinterchangeably with the expression port throughout the description, symbolizing aconnection point for receiving/providing mains (e. g. 230 VAC).
Advantages of the invention includes the possibility of testing the status of thebackup power source without the need to break the main power to other electrical devicesconnected to the same mains, for example other lighting arrangements in the building.Furthermore, testing of the existing lighting arrangement may be performed without the needfor maintenance personnel to be at the site of the existing lighting system. In addition,monitoring of the overall operation and testing of the existing lighting arrangement may beperformed remotely. In particular, the present invention advantageously provides a means ofcontrolling and monitoring the existing lighting arrangements regardless of the backup powersource or type of existing lighting arrangement, without replacing the entire existing lightingarrangement.
Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will becomeapparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilledaddressee realize that different features of the present invention may be combined to createembodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various aspects of the invention, including its particular features andadvantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and theaccompanying drawings, in which: Figs. 1a schematically exemplify an add-on unit according to the presentinvention arranged with an existing lighting arrangement in the forrn of an emergency exitsign; Fig. lb schematically shows the add-on unit shown in Fig. la; and Fig. 2 conceptually illustrates a system comprising a plurality of add-on units according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of theinvention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope ofthe invention to the skilled person. Like reference characters refer to like elementsthroughout.
Tuming now to the drawings and to Fig 1a in particular, there is schematicallyillustrated an add-on unit 100 according to the present invention which has been retrofittedwith an existing lighting arrangement 101 in the forrn of an emergency exit sign 101 having alight source 103 and a backup power source 108, for example in the forrn of a battery. Thebackup power source 108 may be integrated with the existing lighting arrangement 101 ormay be arranged extemal from the existing lighting arrangement 101 without compromisingthe functionality of the add-on unit 100. In the shown example embodiment, the add-on unit100 is retrofitted with the existing lighting arrangement 101 by electrically connecting aninput port 114 of the add-on unit 100 with the mains 106. A power output port 118 of theadd-on unit is electrically connected with an input connection port 105 of the existinglighting arrangement 101. The input connection port 105 may be the otherwise used powerinput port 105 for connecting the light source 103 of the existing lighting arrangement 101 tothe mains power 106. Thus, the add-on unit 100 is electrically arranged between the main106 and the power input port 105 of the existing lighting arrangement 101. A sensing means 110 in the forrn of a light sensor 110 is arranged to determine the lighting intensity of the light emitted by the light source 103 of the existing lighting arrangement 101. In this exampleembodiment, the light sensor 110 is mounted on an outer side 124 of the existing lightingarrangement 101. The light sensor 110 is further electrically connected to the add-on unit 100via a wire 126. The wire 126 may be replaced by wireless communication.
With reference to Fig. lb, there is conceptually illustrated an add-on unit 100according to an embodiment of the invention. The add-on unit 100 comprises a sensingmeans 110, a housing 112 (here represented by the dashed line, see also Fig. la), a power linecommunication circuitry 116, an input port 114, a power output port 118, a switch unit 120,and a control unit 122. The sensing means 110 which may be in the form of a light sensor iselectrically connected with the control unit 122 via a wire 126. The sensing means 110 isadapted to measure a light intensity (described with reference to Fig. la) so that the controlunit 122 can receive a signal via the wire 126 from the sensing means indicative of thedeterrnined light intensity. The wire 126 may be provided through a hole (not shown) of thehousing 112 and may extend away from the housing 112 to allow the sensing means 110 toplaced some distance from the housing 112. The input port 114 and the power output port118 may be mounted in a hole or cavity (not shown) in the housing 112, thus to provideconvenient connection joints. The input port 114 may be connected to the mains 106 via e.g.a cable 128 or the input port 114 may be directly plugged in to the mains via a power plug.Similarly, the power output port 118 is adapted to be electrically connected to the inputconnection port 105 of the existing lighting arrangement 101 via e. g. a cable 130, the mains106 being the typical 230/110 VAC and the cables 128, 130 suitable for carrying suchvoltages and the corresponding powers.
Furthermore, a switch unit 120 is arranged in the housing 112 and iselectrically connected to the input port 114 and to the power output port 118. Thus, theswitch unit 120 is electrically connected between the input port 114 and the power outputport 118. The switch unit 120 may adjust the electrical power provided to the power outputport 118 from the input port 114. In this particular embodiment, the switch unit is in the formof a relay 120 which may be e.g. a mechanical or electrical relay. The switch unit 120 mayfor example break the electrical connection between the input port 114 and the power outputport 118 so that the mains 106 are disconnected from the existing lighting arrangement 101.In such case, the backup power source 108 of the existing lighting arrangement 101 providesbackup power to the existing lighting arrangement 101 so that the light source 103 may stillemit light. The sensing means 110 may then measure the light intensity emitted by the light source 103 when powered by the backup power source 108. The measured light intensity is communicated to the control unit 122 which may send a signal indicative of the lightintensity to the input port 114 to report the light intensity to a user. The input port 114 maythus serve as a port for a power line communication protocol so that the control unit 122 cancommunicate with e.g. a central control unit (not shown, see Fig. 2) via the mains power lines204 of the building or site. In case of breaking the electrical connection between the inputport 114 and the power output port 118, the backup power source 108 powers the light source103, and the signal indicative of the light intensity of the light emitted by the light source 103is also indicative of the status of the backup power source 108.
There is further shown in Fig. lb a power line communication circuitry 116connected to the input port 114. The power line communication circuitry 116 may compriseelectrical components such as AC/DC converters, filters, passive or active electricalcomponents, etc. for receiving and converting the mains power suitably for processing by thecontrol unit 122. Although depicted as two separate units in Fig. lb, the power linecommunication circuitry 116 and the control unit 122 may be arranged as a singlecomponent.
Fig. 2 conceptually illustrates a system 200 comprising a plurality of add-onunits 100 and a central control unit 202 according to an embodiment of the invention. Thecentral control unit 202 is in communication with the add-on units 100 via the mains powerlines 204 through a power line communication protocol (e.g. G3PLC standard). The centralcontrol unit 202 may serve as a gateway for the system 200. The central control unit mayreceive the signal indicative of the deterrnined light intensity from each of the add-on units100 and may thus perform remote monitoring of the existing lighting arrangements of eachadd-on unit 100. For example, each of the add-on units 100 may be arranged to monitor andcontrol the operation of a respective existing lighting arrangement located in different roomsor locations of a building. In Fig. 2, the add-on units are connected in parallel with eachother. However, more than one (e.g. two, or three, or four, or five, or six, etc) add-on unit 100may be connected in series which is often the case.
The control unit 122 may each include a microprocessor, microcontroller,programmable digital signal processor or another programmable device. The control unit 122may also, or instead, each include an application specific integrated circuit, a programmablegate array or programmable array logic, a programmable logic device, or a digital signalprocessor. Where the control unit 122 includes a programmable device such as the microprocessor, microcontroller or programmable digital signal processor mentioned above, the processor may further include computer executable code that controls operation of theprogrammable device.
The control functionality of the present disclo sure may be implemented usingexisting computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriatesystem, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardWire system. EmbodimentsWithin the scope of the present disclo sure include program products comprising machine-readable medium for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structuresstored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine With aprocessor. By Way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM,EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or any other medium Which can be used to carry or store desiredprogram code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and Whichcan be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine With aprocessor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardWired, Wireless, or a combination of hardWired orWireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readablemedium. Thus, any such connection is properly terrned a machine-readable medium.Combinations of the above are also included Within the scope of machine-readable media.Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data Which cause ageneral purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machinesto perform a certain function or group of functions.
Additionally, even though the invention has been described With reference tospecific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and thelike Will become apparent for those skilled in the art.
In addition, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood andeffected by the skilled addressee in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of thedraWings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Furthermore, in the claims, the Word"comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims (15)

1. An add-on unit (100) for monitoring and controlling the operation of an existinglighting arrangement (101), the lighting arrangement comprising: - a light source (103), - an input connection port (105) for connecting the light source to the mains(106), and - a backup power source (108), the backup power source being adapted as abackup for powering the light source in case of failure of supply of power from the mains tothe light source,wherein the add-on unit is adapted to be retrof1t with the existing lighting arrangement, theadd-on unit comprising: - sensing means (110) adapted to deterrnine the light intensity emitted from saidexisting lighting arrangement; - an input port (114) for connecting the add-on unit to the mains; - a power line communication circuitry (116) connected to the input port; - a power output port (118) connectable to the input connection port of theexisting lighting arrangement; - a switch unit (120) electrically connected to the input port and to the poweroutput port, said switch unit being configured to adjust an amount of electrical powerprovided to the power output port from the input port; - a control unit (122) controllable via said input port to control the switch unitto adjust said amount of electrical power, the control unit is fiarther configured to, in responseto the adjusted amount of electrical power provided to the power output port, receive a signalfrom said sensing means indicative of said light intensity and to send the signal to the inputport to report the light intensity to a user; and -a housing for accommodating the input port, the power line communication circuitry, the power output port, the switch unit, and the control unit.
2. The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch unitis configured to break the electrical connection between the power output port and the input port. 12
3. The add-on unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal from said sensing means provides an indication of the status of the backup power source.
4. The add-on unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein thesensing means is a light sensor mountable to measure the light intensity emitted from said lighting arrangement.
5. The add-on unit according to claim 4, wherein the light sensor is mountable on an outer side (124) of the existing lighting arrangement.
6. The add-on unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor means is integrated with the housing and facing outside of the housing.
7. The add-on unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensormeans is arranged extemal to the housing and electrically connected with the control unit Via a wire (126) extending away from the housing.
8. The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is remotely controllable from a central control unit (202) Via the input port.
9. The add-on unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch unit is a relay.
10. The add-on unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the existing lighting arrangement is an emergency exit sign.
11. The add-on unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power line communication circuitry and the control unit are a single component.
12. A lighting arrangement comprising the add-on unit according to any one of the preceding claims. 13
13. A system (200) comprising a plurality of add-on units according to any one ofthe preceding claims, the system fiarther comprises a central control unit (202) conf1gured to be in communication With the plurality of add-on units Via the mains power lines (204).
14. The system according to claim 13, Wherein the central control unit is conf1guredto control the control unit of each of said add-on units, Wherein the signal indicatiVe of thelight intensity deterrnined by the respective sensing means is receivable by said central control unit.
15. The system according to any one of claims 13 or 14, Wherein the centralcontrol unit is configured to communicate With the add-on units using a power line communication protocol.
SE1650127A 2016-02-03 2016-02-03 Add-on unit for monitoring and controlling a lighting arrangement with a backup power source SE542169C2 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1650127A SE542169C2 (en) 2016-02-03 2016-02-03 Add-on unit for monitoring and controlling a lighting arrangement with a backup power source
PCT/SE2017/050076 WO2017135870A1 (en) 2016-02-03 2017-01-30 Add-on unit for monitoring and controlling a lighting arrangement
EP17747871.6A EP3412119A4 (en) 2016-02-03 2017-01-30 Add-on unit for monitoring and controlling a lighting arrangement

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1650127A SE542169C2 (en) 2016-02-03 2016-02-03 Add-on unit for monitoring and controlling a lighting arrangement with a backup power source

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
SE1650127A1 true SE1650127A1 (en) 2017-08-04
SE542169C2 SE542169C2 (en) 2020-03-03

Family

ID=59499933

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
SE1650127A SE542169C2 (en) 2016-02-03 2016-02-03 Add-on unit for monitoring and controlling a lighting arrangement with a backup power source

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3412119A4 (en)
SE (1) SE542169C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2017135870A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2658010B1 (en) * 1990-02-08 1994-08-26 Sgs Thomson Microelectronics EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR INSTALLATIONS POWERED BY AN ELECTRICAL NETWORK.
GB9109996D0 (en) * 1991-05-03 1991-07-03 Protec Fire Detection Plc Lighting
IT1275272B (en) * 1995-05-29 1997-08-05 Beghelli Srl CENTRALIZED SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROL OF THE FUNCTIONALITY OF PERIPHERAL LUMINAIRES, IN PARTICULAR FOR EMERGENCY LIGHTING LAMPS
GB0116655D0 (en) * 2001-07-07 2001-08-29 Breen Paul A Testing emergency lighting units
GB2404474B (en) * 2003-07-29 2007-03-07 Cooper Lighting And Security L Lighting system
US7321302B2 (en) * 2004-12-10 2008-01-22 Beghelli S.P.A Central test radio frequency system for emergency lighting
EP2194762B1 (en) * 2008-12-05 2013-06-26 CEAG Notlichtsysteme GmbH Method and device for controlling and monitoring an emergency or safety lighting system
GB2501770B (en) 2012-05-04 2016-03-16 Litonics Ltd Lighting device
CA2850682C (en) 2013-04-29 2023-09-26 Signtex, Inc. Emergency lighting monitoring and reporting system
US9520742B2 (en) 2014-07-03 2016-12-13 Hubbell Incorporated Monitoring system and method
US10129958B2 (en) * 2014-07-31 2018-11-13 Cisco Technology, Inc. Light fixture emergency power system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3412119A4 (en) 2019-08-14
WO2017135870A1 (en) 2017-08-10
EP3412119A1 (en) 2018-12-12
SE542169C2 (en) 2020-03-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
TWI389063B (en) Emergency exit indicator and emergency exit indicating system
US9626847B2 (en) Systems and methods for emergency egress and monitoring system
WO2013125803A1 (en) Led lighting device and led lighting system having same
KR100985505B1 (en) Led lighting apparatus
US20120086576A1 (en) Multifunctional emergency lighting device
JP2012015076A (en) Lighting control system
KR101529563B1 (en) Power Equipment Monitoring system using Mesh Network-Smart Sensor.
US20220159808A1 (en) Luminaire System with SPD
KR20080102559A (en) Emergency lighting with smoke detection and smoke control
KR101410551B1 (en) Failure diagnosis apparatus for led lamp
WO2014173245A1 (en) Intelligent fire-fighting direction guiding device
US20180130338A1 (en) Light fixtures with sensor network
SE1650127A1 (en) Add-on unit for a lighting arrangement
JP5870310B2 (en) Lighting control system and control unit used therefor
JP2007157391A (en) Luminaire with automatic fire alarm system
KR101053645B1 (en) Emergency Induction Device
RU97181U1 (en) EMERGENCY LED LIGHTING SYSTEM
KR20160004745A (en) Guide apparatus of emergency exit route
US4712051A (en) Adapter for switching from primary to standby device upon failure of primary device
KR100690402B1 (en) Power supply checking device using RF system
JP6706794B2 (en) Lighting equipment
KR200432455Y1 (en) Emergency lamp remote control check system
JP7339606B2 (en) load controller
CN213746470U (en) Sensor-based LED lamp device for fire fighting emergency
CN218772503U (en) Fire control centralized control system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
NUG Patent has lapsed