WO2020173539A1

WO2020173539A1 - A modular street lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2020173539A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/054567
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerhard EBERL
Original assignee: 3T International Gmbh
Priority date: 2019-02-25
Filing date: 2019-02-25
Publication date: 2020-09-03

Abstract

The present invention relates to improved embedding communication devices, CCTV technology, sensorics and LED lamps in a modular construction led street lighting wherein: a first module, attachment module, is configured to attach the street light to a vertical support by a mechanical interface between the street light and a wall bracket or lamp post or any equivalent infrastructure; a second module, communication module, is coupled to the first module and has the ability to integrate CCTV technology, communication devices, sensorics, alarm & event lighting applications and edge server hardware; a third module, LED module is coupled to the second module and is configured as a LED engine; the LED power supply for the LED engine is disposed in the first module and therefore mechanically and thermal isolated from the LED engine module three.

Description

A MODULAR STREET LIGHTING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a modular street lighting system embedding communication devices, CCTV technology and sensors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Development in LED technology and Internet of Things (loT) provides a practical opportunity to combine street lighting and network communication with the flexibility and intelligence to control lighting systems.

[0003] The lighting industry has ushered in a new wave of revolution. As an integral part of urban lighting infrastructure, street lighting is at the forefront of the digital transformation. The initiative starts with energy efficiency and sustainability but goes far beyond replacing inefficient high intensity discharge (HID), high pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide (MH) lights. Legacy street lighting systems can provide adequate amounts of lighting to meet the road safety and security lighting requirements but are energy and maintenance intensive due to obsolete light sources, giving an opportunity to the advent of new lighting technologies that offer substantial energy savings, improved reliability, robust functionality and performance. The most recent evolution in solid state lighting based on light emitting diode (LED) technology accelerated the phase-out of inefficient lighting systems and unexpectedly expedited the transition to smart lighting that leverages the Internet of Things (loT) technology to help orchestrate.

[0004] Public lighting systems are known wherein a plurality of roadway, street and area lighting systems are installed to facilitate traffic flow and assure pedestrians' safety. The vast deployment of roadway luminaires forms an extensive and highly penetrative physical network citywide, which establishes a prospective prototype infrastructure for myriad of networking applications. The energy-intensive public lighting systems drove the use of demand-oriented control and monitoring circuits. Street lights are the earliest lighting systems that were equipped with light-sensitive photocells to automatically adjust light levels or turning on/off the multiple lights. Occupancy sensors and passive infrared (PIR) sensors were employed to detect the presence or absence of people in a space for simple on/off switching of individual lights. Adaptive and transition lighting system provide a central control for street lamps, which may be grouped in one or more zones. Such light control systems consist of microcontrollers, dimming circuitry, timing devices, sensors, transceiver, digital inputs, and analog inputs. The initial application of lighting control technology for energy efficiency improvement subconsciously made a step toward intelligent lighting. In addition, street light poles are the ideal carriers for attachment of peripheral devices designed for lighting control. As wireless networks and internet access becomes increasingly commonplace, LED street lighting with network connectivity is poised to play a major role in smart city infrastructures.

[0005] Moving to digital control opens up a new horizon of automation to street lighting systems. However, the real revolution arrives when intelligence is included in LED street lighting systems through the use of networked control performed via a multiplicity of control modules, making it truly smart.

[0006] An intelligent street lighting system is a lighting system with intelligent control and remote communication features. The networked lighting system provides monitoring, measuring and control via wired or wireless communications between the central control system, the communication modules and the street lights. The integration of intelligence into LED street lighting applications enables many intelligent features by means of a bi-directional data exchange.

[0007] Smart lighting provides remote adaptive lighting control by identifying opportunities for improved power usage and optimizing operational efficiency dynamically through the sensors and microcontrollers based on the weather conditions, traffic density, and even naturalistic features.

[0008] Predictive diagnostics can be put into place by alerting abnormal conditions, checking functional defects, locating the malfunctioning lamps, and scheduling preventive maintenance. The predictive monitoring significantly cut down lighting maintenance costs and simplifies asset management. [0009] Smart street lighting systems provide intelligent interfaces to connect, communicate and interact within social, environment and user contexts, which is the core theory of Internet of Things (loT).

[0010] It is known a technical solution from European patent application EP3018977 A1 from 2016/05/1 1 with respect to a control module for a street light which is mounted on the street light and provides a control output for controlling the operation of the light. The control module has a circuit board on which a controller is mounted, the controller being connected to a long-distance communication module, a short-distance communication module and a geocoordinate module. A network can be formed by the control modules in which a central server uses long-distance communication for communicating with the control modules at start up and with a group controller after start up, the group controller using short-distance communication for communicating with control modules within its group. A sensor may be provided in the control module for modifying the normal operation of the light in accordance with sensed changes in its local.

[001 1 ] Also, from application US20161 16152 A1 2016/04/28 is known A MODULAR STREET LIGHTING SYSTEM comprising an attachment structure, power circuitry positioned, a support structure, and a lighting component comprising a body member comprising a light source housing section and a center component, the center component comprising a plurality of vertically-oriented heat dissipating structures, a circuit housing, circuitry, a rear attachment section, a lighting element in thermal communication, and an optic positioned within the light source housing section. The circuitry is configured to provide power for and control the operation of the lighting element. The lighting element is configured to emit light in the direction of the optic. The optic is configured to reflect light so as to be emitted by the lighting component. The plurality of heat dissipating structures is positioned in thermal communication with the back wall.

[0012] Belonging to the technical field of the control of illumination lamps and lanterns, is known, from the utility model CN207766621 U U 2018/08/24, an intelligent street light controller, which include processor module, reach the environment monitoring module, control output module, clock module, street lamp detection module, storage module, communication module and the power module that are connected with processor module, environment monitoring module includes body induction circuit and photo induction circuit, communication module includes wired communication circuit or wireless communication circuit, does control output module include supply circuit, PWM pulse width modulation circuit and friendship straight conversion module. The utility model aims at providing an intelligent street light controller, simple structure, modern design, scientific and reasonable, maintenance is simple, realize the intelligent control to the street lamp.

[0013] Korean patent KR101290938B B1 2013/07/29 describes an INTELLIGENT TYPE OF SYSTEM FOR MANAGING STREET LIGHT HAVING AUTOMATIC REGULATION provided to automatically control lighting according to a daily time period and the surrounding environment, thereby improving maintenance of a street light. A lighting module comprises a fuel-sensitized solar cell module and multiple LED units. A sensor module (comprises an ultrasonic sensor and an illuminance sensor which is capable of detecting illumination of a lighting region. A comparator compares a value which is measured by the sensor unit with a predetermined value, and delivers a compared value to a control unit. A communication module delivers the predetermined value of the comparator to an external server. An electric power module stores electric power which is generated from the fuel-sensitized solar cell module.

[0014] The problem solved by the invention consists in the achieving of a street lamp that reflects the same structure communication devices, CCTV technology, sensors and LED lamps, which can be changed whenever necessary, without affecting the functioning of the non-changing part.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention relates to improved embedding communication devices, CCTV technology, sensorics and LED lamps in a modular construction led street lighting wherein: a first module, attachment module, is configured to attach the street light to a vertical support by a mechanical interface between the street light and a wall bracket or lamp post or any equivalent infrastructure; a second module, communication module, is coupled to the first module and has the ability to integrate CCTV technology, communication devices, sensorics, alarm & event lighting applications and edge server hardware; a third module, LED module is coupled to the second module and is configured as a LED engine; a passive air flow channel is disposed between the first module and the second and between the second module and third module and is configured to force passive air flow from beneath the street light to the top of the street light; the LED power supply for the LED engine is disposed in the first module and therefore mechanically and thermal isolated from the LED engine module three.

[0016] According of the invention, modular street lighting system provides remote adaptive lighting control by identifying opportunities for improved power usage and optimizing operational efficiency dynamically through the sensors and microcontrollers based on the weather conditions, traffic density, and even naturalistic features. Also, predictive diagnostics can be put into place by alerting abnormal conditions, checking functional defects, locating the malfunctioning lamps, and scheduling preventive maintenance. The predictive monitoring significantly cut down lighting maintenance costs and simplifies asset management. Also, the modularity allows the customization of the streetlight system construction in different variations. The modular street lighting system may be installed with various numbers of lighting components in a variety of positions and orientations. The flexibility in installation may reduce the need for manufacturing lighting components tailored to meet the needs of specific lighting tasks, allowing for a single type of lighting component to be installed to accomplish a wide variety of lighting tasks. Moreover, some embodiments of the invention will enable the street lighting system to be installed on existing infrastructure, such as existing street light poles and utilizing existing electrical power sources.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a modular street lighting systems in accordance with this invention. [0018] FIG. 2 is a sideways plan view of one embodiment of a modular street lighting systems in accordance with this invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 a, b, c is a perspective view of three embodiments of a modular street lighting systems in accordance with this invention.

[0020] FIGs. 4, 5 is an exploded top perspective views of system from FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of module I in accordance with the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the module II in accordance with the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the module II in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] FIG.9 is a communication diagram;

[0025 FIG. 10 is a functional diagram;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] FIGS. 1 - 9 illustrate a modular street lighting system embedding communication devices, CCTV technology and sensors, in accordance with this invention. Common or similar parts are given the same numbers in the drawings of both embodiments.

[0027] With the above in mind, a first embodiment of the present invention is directed to a modular street lighting system, according a first embodiment, containing a first module, attachment module MODULE I, which is configured to attach the street light to a vertical support by a mechanical interface between the street light and a wall bracket or lamp post or any equivalent infrastructure; a second module, communication module MODULE II, which is coupled to the first module I and has the ability to integrate CCTV technology, communication devices, sensors, alarm & event lighting applications and edge server hardware; a third module, LED module MODULE III which is coupled to the second module II and is configured as a LED engine; a passive air flow channel IV disposed between the first module I and the second II and between the second module II and third module III and configured to force passive air flow from beneath the street light to the top of the street light.

[0028] A second embodiment of the present invention are directed to a modular street lighting system, containing a first module, attachment module MODULE I, which is configured to attach the street light to a vertical support by a mechanical interface between the street light and a wall bracket or lamp post or any equivalent infrastructure and has the ability to integrate CCTV technology, communication devices, sensors, alarm & event lighting applications and edge server hardware; a second module, LED module MODULE III which is coupled to the first module I and is configured as a LED engine; a passive air flow channel IV disposed between the first module I and the second II and between the second module II and third module III and configured to force passive air flow from beneath the street light to the top of the street light.

[0029] According the first embodiment, the attachment module I have an attachment structure 2 configured to attach to a street lamp pole 3, a support structure 5 extending outwardly from the attachment structure 2 that may be configured for attaching to the communication module II.

[0030] According the second embodiment, the support structure 5 may be configured for attaching to the LED module III, communication

[0031] The attachment structure 2 may be configured to be attachable to a street lamp pole 3. The attachment structure 2 may be configured to facilitate any means or method of attachment to the street lamp pole 3 as is known in the art, including, but not limited to, fasteners, welding, interference fits, adhesives, tab and slot, and the like, and any combinations thereof. Furthermore, the attachment of the attachment structure 2 to the street lamp pole 3 may be weather-resistant, thereby prolonging the attachment there between as well as providing shelter from environmental factors surrounding the modular street lighting system to elements of the modular street lighting system positioned within the attachment structure 2. Additionally, the attachment between the attachment structure 2 and the street lamp pole 3 may be such that enables the connection between electrical elements of the modular street lighting system and electrical elements associated with the street lamp pole 3.

The attachment structure 3 may have any geometry as is desired.

[0032] First module (MODULE I) can be connected via fiber optical communication wire to a power network. The power circuitry may be configured to electrically connect to an electrical power supply associated with the street lamp pole 3. Such an electrical power supply may be a power grid. The power circuitry may be configured to receive electrical power from the electrical power supply and convert, condition, and otherwise alter the electrical power received from the electrical power supply for use by the various electrical elements of the modular street lighting system. For example, the power circuitry may be configured to convert AC power to DC power. Such devices include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic (PV) devices, wind turbines, and the like. The power generating component may be electrically connected to at least one other electrical element of the modular street lighting system such that electrical power generated thereby may be used in the operation of the modular street lighting system.

[0033] The LED power supply circuits for the LED engine is disposed in the first module I inside the support structure 5 and therefore mechanically and thermal isolated from the LED engine module III.

[0034] According invention, circuits for supply of communication devices, CCTV technology and sensors can be mounted inside the support structure 5 and therefore mechanically and thermal isolated from the communication module II. On the upper side of the support structure 5 is mounted a wireless sensor node 6. The wireless sensor node 6 is for providing wireless access, monitoring and control of the streetlight electrical power supply.

Also, inside the support structure 5 is provided a dimming interface 7 of the LED driver 8 (mounted also inside module I), means for switching the electrical load 10 via relays and optional means for the electrical load of the second module (module II) 11 via a second relay. [0035] The wireless sensor node a GPS device is integrated for autonomous operation of the street light system construction even if wireless communication for control and monitoring fails.

Inside the support structure 5 is provided a surge protection device SPD 12 for protecting the apparatus electrical devices from voltage spikes.

First module (module I) have a connection box 13 for interfacing all relevant wiring inside the street light system construction.

[0036] An active coal filter 14 is mounted on the bottom part of the support structure 5 for utilizing air pressure equalization generated by temperature shifts between inside and outside temperature of the street light system construction but preventing the system in breathing air from the outside to the inside.

First module (module I) can integrate a motion detection sensor 16 for detection motion in the apparatus nearby area for triggering an alarm and switch on light or any other device embedded inside the apparatus.

First module (module I) can integrate a seismic detection sensor 17, for detection earth quake, abnormal seismic activities or a mechanical impact on the apparatus itself.

[0037] Second module, communication module (module II) has the role of processing and transmitting information that comes from sensors, protection devices or LED lamps. Also, communication module II commands;

- Measurement of air pollution, temperature-, wind-, humidity-,

- air pressure-

- rain sensorics.

- Measurement of seismic activities.

- Measurement of motion detection.

- Triggering of advanced metering data of wireless connected meters.

Triggering of data of an embedded RFID reader. [0038] Communication module II is built around a processor on which dedicated software is implemented to perform different functions. It can integrate an IP camera 18 directed toward the area beneath the street light system construction.

The Second module (module II) can integrate an edge server device 19 for computing data procedures at the edge of urban, industrial, military or other infrastructural environments.

Second module II (module) has a wireless antenna 20 for broadband communication on top of the module.

Second module (module II) has an integrated wireless router board 21 with up to radios a LAN connect and a fiber connect for providing public, private or any dedicated WiFi network.

Second module (module II) can integrate an outdoor speaker 22 for any audio transmission.

Second module (module II) can integrate an LED spotlight 23 for illuminating exterior objects or projecting logos or any kind of graphical information on exterior surfaces surrounding the apparatus.

Second module (module II) can integrate a 5G small cell 24 for mobile cell net communication.

Bottom part of second module (module II) made of radio neutral plastic cover 25 to be opened without dismounting third module (module III).

[0039] The communication module II may be operably connected to LED engine 26 of the modular street lighting system, so as to control the operation thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, the communication module II may be positioned within the support structure 5. Accordingly, through electrical connections between communication module II (processor), electrical connectors in the support structures 5, and electrical elements of the LED engine 26, the processor may control the operation of LED engine 26.

[0041 ] Third module, LED module (module III) dimensions (length) can be customized according to LED engine 26 demands on wattage, LED source and LED optics. Third module (module III) the light distribution surface position is higher comparison the second module (module II) to provide glare reflected into the CCTV optics 27 from the LED engine 26.

[0042] LED engine 26 may be a light-emitting device as is known in the art, including, but not limited to, light-emitting semiconductors, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent, gas-discharge lamps, arc lamps, and the like. In the present embodiment, the LED engine 26 may comprise a plurality of LEDs. The LED engine 26 may be configured to emit light having varying characteristics, including, but not limited to, brightness, color, color temperature, color rendering index, luminosity, and the like. Moreover, the LED engine 26 may be configured to emit light having a desired spectral power distribution. Furthermore, the LED engine 26 may be configured to emit light configured to cause or avoid biological affects in humans and fauna that may perceive light emitted thereby.

[0043] In omitting or integrating the second module (module II) different variations are used for different applications beyond the illumination of the area beneath the streetlight system construction generated by the LED engine 26 of the LED module (module III).

The clamping between the Modules is mechanically fixed by screws and bolts whereas the cooling rips between the modules are typically increasing the cool off surface which is cooled down by the natural airflow from bottom to top

[0044] It aims for demand-oriented control and monitoring of individual luminaires or column infrastructure from medium to large scales of lighting infrastructure or equal applications.

[0045] It creates a wireless network consisting of intelligent wireless sensor nodes using sensors which work corporately to monitor physical or environmental conditions at different locations.

[0046] The system automation is based on time-control, GPS-control and time-GPS control of each intelligent controller device.

[0047] The design of the intelligent system does not only achieve energy-saving but also extend the service life of lighting equipment and beyond. [0048] The system maximizes energy saving and minimizes unwanted light such as light pollution, but takes account of the environment and safety standards needed in all infrastructure conditions.

[0049] The energy saving is achieved by driving each light source to the minimum illumination, needed for specific time and infrastructure conditions. Planned settings can be overruled by environmental conditions such as heavy rain, visibility, frost, traffic density, security alerts and much more if related and necessary sensors are applied. Each wireless sensor node operates independent to decide about the activation of light.

[0050] While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the description of the invention. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited.

Claims

1. A modular street lighting systems embedding communication devices, CCTV technology and sensors containing:

an attachment module (MODULE I), which is configured to attach the street light to a vertical support by a mechanical interface between the street light and a wall bracket or lamp post or any equivalent infrastructure;

a communication module (MODULE II), which is coupled to the first module I and has the ability to integrate CCTV technology, communication devices, sensors, alarm & event lighting applications, a camera and edge server hardware;

a third module, LED module MODULE III which is coupled to the second module II and is configured as a LED engine;

a passive air flow channel IV is disposed between the first module I and the second II and between the second module II and third module III and is configured to force passive air flow from beneath the street light to the top of the street light.

2. A modular street lighting systems embedding communication devices, CCTV technology and sensors containing:

a first module, attachment module (MODULE I), which is configured to attach the street light to a vertical support by a mechanical interface between the street light and a wall bracket or lamp post or any equivalent infrastructure and has the ability to integrate CCTV technology, communication devices, sensors, alarm & event lighting applications and edge server hardware; a second module, LED module (MODULE III) which is coupled to the first module (I) and is configured as a LED engine; a passive air flow channel (IV) disposed between the first module (I) and third module (III) and configured to force passive air flow from beneath the street light to the top of the street light.

3. The modular street lighting systems, according claim 1 or 2, characterized by that, the attachment module (I) have an attachment structure (2) configured to attach to a street lamp pole (3), a support structure (5) extending outwardly from the attachment structure (2) that may be configured for attaching to the communication module (II) or LED module (III).

4. The modular street lighting systems, according claim 1 or 2, characterized by that on the upper side of the support structure (5) is mounted a wireless sensor node (6) which is providing wireless access, monitoring and control of the streetlight electrical power supply.

5. The modular street lighting systems, according claim 1 or 2, characterized by that inside the support structure (5) is provided a dimming interface (7) of the LED driver (8), mounted also inside first module (I), means for switching the electrical load 10 via relays and optional means (11) for the electrical load of the second module (MODULE II) via a second relay.

6. The modular street lighting systems, according claim 1 , characterized by that a wireless sensor node a GPS device is integrated for autonomous operation of the street light system construction even if wireless communication for control and monitoring fails.

7. The modular street lighting systems, according claim 1 or 2, characterized by that inside the support structure (5) is provided a surge protection device SPD 12.

8. The modular street lighting systems, according claim 1 or 2, characterized by that an active coal filter (14) is mounted on the bottom part of the support structure (15) for utilizing air pressure equalization generated by temperature shifts between inside and outside temperature of the street light system construction but preventing the system in breathing air from the outside to the inside.

9.The modular street lighting systems, according claim 1 , characterized by that first module (MODULE I) integrates a motion detection sensor (16) and a seismic detection sensor (17),

10-The modular street lighting systems, according claim 1 , characterized by that communication module (MODULE II) is built around a processor on which dedicated software is implemented to perform different functions and integrates a IP camera (18) directed toward the area beneath the street light system construction, an edge server device (19) for computing data procedures at the edge of urban, industrial, military or other infrastructural environments, a wireless antenna (20) for broadband communication on top of the module, a wireless router board (21) with up to radios a LAN connect and a fiber connect.

11. The modular street lighting systems, according claim 1 , characterized by that second module (module II) integrates an outdoor speaker (22), an LED spotlight (23), a 5G small cell (24) for mobile cell net communication.

12. The modular street lighting systems, according claim 1 , characterized by that the communication module (II) may be operably connected to LED engine (26) of the modular street lighting system so as to control the operation thereof.

13. The modular street lighting systems, according claim 1 , characterized by that LED engine (26) may be a light-emitting device as is known in the art, including, but not limited to, light-emitting semiconductors, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent, gas-discharge lamps, arc lamps, and the like.

14. The modular street lighting systems, according claim 2, characterized by that technical features of communication module (II) of claims 10 - 12 are integrated in first module (I).