US3622838A - Pulsed electric system for operating a gas discharge lamp - Google Patents
Pulsed electric system for operating a gas discharge lamp Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3622838A US3622838A US817912A US3622838DA US3622838A US 3622838 A US3622838 A US 3622838A US 817912 A US817912 A US 817912A US 3622838D A US3622838D A US 3622838DA US 3622838 A US3622838 A US 3622838A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lamp
- electric system
- source
- discharge lamp
- switching means
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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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
- H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
- H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
- H05B41/36—Controlling
- H05B41/38—Controlling the intensity of light
- H05B41/39—Controlling the intensity of light continuously
- H05B41/392—Controlling the intensity of light continuously using semiconductor devices, e.g. thyristor
- H05B41/3921—Controlling the intensity of light continuously using semiconductor devices, e.g. thyristor with possibility of light intensity variations
- H05B41/3924—Controlling the intensity of light continuously using semiconductor devices, e.g. thyristor with possibility of light intensity variations by phase control, e.g. using a triac
-
- 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
- H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
- H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
- H05B41/36—Controlling
- H05B41/38—Controlling the intensity of light
- H05B41/40—Controlling the intensity of light discontinuously
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an electric system including an electric discharge lamp for operation directly connected across a source of alternating current in series with switching means, and to a method of operation thereof.
- the present invention aims to provide improved efficiency over prior electric systems by providing an electric system for the operation of electric discharge lamps in which the capacitances and inductances of the prior art have been dispensed with and in which the lamp is energized at an efficient point in each cycle of alternation of the source.
- this is accomplished by providing an electric system in which a flashtube or gas discharge lamp is operatively connected directly across the alternating current supply source in series with solid-state switching means.
- the flashtube is designed with an operating voltage equal to or less than the voltage of the source with which it is to be used.
- the solid-state switching means is controlled so as to energize the lamp at the desired time during each halfcycle.
- the system in accordance with the invention is advantageous in that it is suitable for operation as a substitute for the conventional system incorporating a step-up transformer, a saturable reactor and storage capacitor mentioned above.
- the system in accordance with the inventions is much less expensive than the step-up transformer-saturable reactorstorage capacitor system in that the step-up transformer, saturable reactor and capacitor are omitted, thus the cost of same is saved together with the space required thereby and the weight thereof.
- a 3000-watt lamp In the saturable reactor-storage capacitor type system a 3000-watt lamp would have an operating voltage of 200-220 volts RMS. The operating current would be l8-20 amperes and the lamp would produce 24-26 lumens per watt, the lamp loading being about 123 watts per inch and the pressure 40 millimeters. Such a lamp requires a starting voltage of about 5000 volts. In an electric system in accordance with the invention a 3000-watt lamp would operate between I55 and 170 volts RMS. The operating current would be l9-2l amperes and thelamp would produce about 24-26 lumens per watt. The watt loading for such a lamp would depend upon its length and gas pressure, and diameter of the tubing.
- the electric system in accordance with the invention in which the discharge lamp is operated in series with a solid state switching device directly from the power lines without the use of conventional energy storage devices such as capacitors or inductor s has many uses including use in the graphic arts lighting field.
- FIG. I shows a schematic circuit of the system in accordance with the invention in which an electric system is shown including a starting circuit.
- FIG. 2 shows a series of curves illustrating the improved operation of an electric system in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a curve showing the relationship between phase angle of operation and luminous efficiency of pulsed operation in comparison to continuous operation.
- FIG. I a schematic circuit of an electric system in accordance with the invention.
- the system includes a pair of terminals 1 and 2 adapted to be connected to a source of alternating current which may vary or fluctuate between and 250 volts.
- a bypass capacitor C Across the terminals 1 and 2 is connected a bypass capacitor C 1, its purpose being solely for passing starting pulses for the ignition of discharge lamp V1.
- the discharge lamp V1 is connected in series with the secondary of a starting transformer T1 and a solid state switching device SR1 across the input terminals I and 2.
- the solid-state switching device SR1 may be any suitable device such as biswitch means, triac. a switching diode or a pair of controlled rectifiers, all of which are adapted to be controlled by means known in the art.
- a suitable control means for operating the system in accordance with the invention includes a diac Dl connected to the gate of the SR1.
- Control means for the diac D1 includes a resistor R2 in series with a variable resistor R9 and a capacitor C5 connected across the switching diode.
- a resistor R5 is connected between the junction of the variable resistor R9 and the capacitor C5 to the diac DI, a filtering capacitor C6 being connected from the diac end of resistor R5 to terminal 2.
- This circuit is well known in the art and is described in General Electric, SCR Manual, 4th edition, Chapter 9, pages I73 through 189 and in particular FIG. 9. I 5 on page 189, subchapter 9.4.2.
- Triggering means for igniting the discharge lamp VI includes a primary for the transformer T1 connected in series with a capacitor C2 and a resistor R7 and a switch S1 across the terminals 1 and 2.
- Discharge means for the capacitor C2 through the secondary of the transformer T1 includes a solidstate switch SR2 connected thereacross.
- the control means for the solid-state switch SR2 is the same as for the control of the solid-state switch SRI, but different resistance values are set out because of the lower capacity of the system. It will be noted that the variable resistors R8 and R9 are ganged for simultaneous operation which is necessary for proper operation.
- the starting voltage for the discharge lamp V1 is higher than the voltage of the source thereby requiring the use of a starting circuit.
- the characteristics of the discharge lamp V! are such that the lamp would operate continuously in overloaded condition across the terminals 1 and 2 after being ignited. Such operation is not as advisable as a pulsed operation as will be seen by referring to the curves shown in FIG. 2, as the lamp would have shortened life or would be destroyed at higher input voltages.
- Curve 3 illustrates continuous operation of a discharge lamp V1 directly connected across the line terminals 1 and 2 and on which the voltage has been varied by means of a variac, the corresponding voltage being shown in curve 4.
- Curve 5 illustrates the characteristics obtained by pulsed operation of the discharge lamp V1 with a lOO-volt input while curve 6 shows a corresponding operation with the input voltage maintained at 250 volts.
- curve 7 illustrates the relationship between luminous efficiency of pulsed operation over continuous operation and the degree of phase angle operation for 200-volt input operation.
- Curve 8 of FIG. 2 illustrates the percentage gain of relative foot candles by pulsed operation with a 200- volt input as shown in curve 5 as compared with continuous operation as shown in curve 3. it will be noted that a considerable gain is achieved for pulsed operation over continuous operation, particularly for the lower lamp loadings.
- the impedance R1 shown connected across the switch SR1 is termed a keep-alive resistor and is preferably incorporated to maintain ionization in the lamps with comparatively higher pressure. For example, no impedance is required for a discharge lamp of 20-35 millimeter pressure.
- a 40-millimeter lamp preferably requires a 500-ohm resistor.
- a 70-millimeter lamp might preferably require a 200-ohm resistor.
- the resistors provide ionizing current for the discharge lamp during the period in which the solid state switch SR] is not conductmg.
- an electric system in accordance with the invention it is connected to a suitable source of alternating current,
- a suitable source of alternating current For example, in using an electric system of the constants set.out herein, the electric source could operate from power sources varying in voltage from about 190 to 250 volts.
- the gas discharge lamp V1 is ignited by closing the time delay switch S1 for 2-3 seconds which causes the triggering capacitor C2 to be charged through the primary winding of the transformer T1 and R7. Then, as determined by the constants of the starting circuit, the diac D2 is triggered causing the triac SR2 to be turned on. The capacitor C2 is then discharged through the primary of the transformer T1 producing one or more high frequency pulses across the discharge lamp V1 and through the bypass capacitor C1. Simultaneously, with the triggering of the triac SR2, the triac SR1 is also triggered, thereby completing the path for the high frequency pulses passed through the lamp Vl, the bypass capacitor C1, and the secondary of the transformer T1.
- variable resistors R8 and R9 are ganged so that the control circuits for the triacs SR] and SR2 are triggered simultaneously.
- the lamp V1 will become ignited within a few seconds and the switch S1 is automatically opened at the end of its time delay period thereby deenergizing the starting circuit and rendering the biswitch SR3 inoperative.
- the operation of the lamp is continued by the switching of the triac SR1 under the action of the diac D1 and its control circuit.
- the variable resistor R9 is manually adjusted to provide the desired wattage loading for the lamp Vl depending upon the voltage at the input.
- variable resistor R9 may be associated with the adjustment of the variable resistor R9 so that the wattage output of the lamp V1 is maintained constant regardless of input voltage variations.
- General Electric PXAM 3000 watts. l8V4-inch arc length. 2P4 inches overall length. outside diameter 10 millimeters. inside diameter it millimeters. envelope quartz. filling pressure 40 millimeter xenon gas 2 mfd.. 300 v.
- control means is operative between 30 and 150 of each half cycle of alternation of said source.
- said starting means includes current limiting means.
- a pulse transformer having primary and secondary windings, a triggering capacitor connected in series with said primary winding and said current limiting means across said source, solid-state switching means connected across said triggering capacitor and said primary winding operative to discharge said capacitor through said primary winding.
- said secondary winding connected to said discharge lamp, and adjustable RC means connected across said source to said solid-state switching means for the control thereof.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
- Discharge-Lamp Control Circuits And Pulse- Feed Circuits (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (6)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US81791269A | 1969-04-21 | 1969-04-21 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3622838A true US3622838A (en) | 1971-11-23 |
Family
ID=25224184
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US817912A Expired - Lifetime US3622838A (en) | 1969-04-21 | 1969-04-21 | Pulsed electric system for operating a gas discharge lamp |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3622838A (en) |
CA (1) | CA935865A (en) |
DE (1) | DE2019255A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2046239A5 (en) |
GB (1) | GB1299523A (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4410837A (en) * | 1980-08-20 | 1983-10-18 | Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Discharge lamp lighting device |
US5350976A (en) * | 1991-05-31 | 1994-09-27 | Compania Kelmas S.A. | Fluorescent lamp starter |
US6650070B1 (en) | 2002-07-25 | 2003-11-18 | Varon Lighting, Inc. | Point of use lighting controller |
US20140053437A1 (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2014-02-27 | Michael Shipman | Illuminated vehicular sign |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2870379A (en) * | 1958-08-13 | 1959-01-20 | Engelhard Ind Inc | Operating circuit for compact type arc lamps |
US3344311A (en) * | 1965-05-24 | 1967-09-26 | Gen Electric | Compensating control circuit |
-
1969
- 1969-04-21 US US817912A patent/US3622838A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1970
- 1970-02-24 GB GB8697/70A patent/GB1299523A/en not_active Expired
- 1970-04-03 CA CA079153A patent/CA935865A/en not_active Expired
- 1970-04-21 DE DE19702019255 patent/DE2019255A1/en active Pending
- 1970-04-21 FR FR7014374A patent/FR2046239A5/fr not_active Expired
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2870379A (en) * | 1958-08-13 | 1959-01-20 | Engelhard Ind Inc | Operating circuit for compact type arc lamps |
US3344311A (en) * | 1965-05-24 | 1967-09-26 | Gen Electric | Compensating control circuit |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4410837A (en) * | 1980-08-20 | 1983-10-18 | Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Discharge lamp lighting device |
US5350976A (en) * | 1991-05-31 | 1994-09-27 | Compania Kelmas S.A. | Fluorescent lamp starter |
US6650070B1 (en) | 2002-07-25 | 2003-11-18 | Varon Lighting, Inc. | Point of use lighting controller |
US20140053437A1 (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2014-02-27 | Michael Shipman | Illuminated vehicular sign |
US9916781B2 (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2018-03-13 | Michael Shipman | Illuminated vehicular sign |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2046239A5 (en) | 1971-03-05 |
DE2019255A1 (en) | 1970-10-22 |
CA935865A (en) | 1973-10-23 |
GB1299523A (en) | 1972-12-13 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PAKO CORPORATION Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:BERKEY PHOTO, INC.;REEL/FRAME:003869/0642 Effective date: 19810520 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MINNEAPOLIS, FIRST BANK PLA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:PAKO CORPORATION, 6300 OLSON MEMORIAL HWY., MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440 A DE CORP.;REEL/FRAME:004404/0382 Effective date: 19850206 Owner name: CONTINENTAL ILLINOIS NATINAL BANK AND TRUST COMPAN Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:PAKO CORPORATION, 6300 OLSON MEMORIAL HWY., MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440 A DE CORP.;REEL/FRAME:004404/0382 Effective date: 19850206 Owner name: NORWEST BANK MINNEAPOLIS, FORMERLY NORTHWESTERN NA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:PAKO CORPORATION, 6300 OLSON MEMORIAL HWY., MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440 A DE CORP.;REEL/FRAME:004404/0382 Effective date: 19850206 Owner name: PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA, P.O. BOX Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:PAKO CORPORATION, 6300 OLSON MEMORIAL HWY., MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440 A DE CORP.;REEL/FRAME:004404/0382 Effective date: 19850206 |