LUMINAIRE SYSTEM WITH THERMAL CHIMNEY EFFECT
First Claim
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1. A LED based lighting fixture comprising:
- an elongated substantially vertical LED support arm;
a cooling channel formed by a substantially vertical elongated shaft extending from a first opening through said support arm to a second opening through said support arm, said first opening being in flow communication with said second opening and being positioned vertically above said second opening;
at least one LED panel coupled to said elongated shaft exteriorly of said elongated shaft, said at least one LED panel externally sealed from said elongated shaft and substantially sealed from external contaminants, said LED panel positioned adjacent to said elongated shaft and being positioned entirely between said first opening and said second opening, wherein said LED panel is not in fluid communication with said elongated shaft while maintaining thermal conductivity with said elongated shaft;
whereby a natural unforced cooling convection flow of air passes into said second opening and through said cooling channel to exit at said first opening, thereby cooling said at least one LED panel when said at least one LED panel is in operation.
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Abstract
A luminaire system having an elongated throughway utilizing a thermal chimney effect. The thermal chimney effect within the throughway circulates air to remove heat generated from the electrical components of the system. Dissipating heat into the throughway from the electrical components can increase the life expectancy of the lamp and the output of the lamp. The electrical components of the system being entirely sealed and isolated from the throughway results in a permanent air, dust, and water tight seal. The seal can minimize damage to the electrical components of the system as well as prevent the build up of moisture and dust within these sealed components.
84 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A LED based lighting fixture comprising:
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an elongated substantially vertical LED support arm; a cooling channel formed by a substantially vertical elongated shaft extending from a first opening through said support arm to a second opening through said support arm, said first opening being in flow communication with said second opening and being positioned vertically above said second opening; at least one LED panel coupled to said elongated shaft exteriorly of said elongated shaft, said at least one LED panel externally sealed from said elongated shaft and substantially sealed from external contaminants, said LED panel positioned adjacent to said elongated shaft and being positioned entirely between said first opening and said second opening, wherein said LED panel is not in fluid communication with said elongated shaft while maintaining thermal conductivity with said elongated shaft; whereby a natural unforced cooling convection flow of air passes into said second opening and through said cooling channel to exit at said first opening, thereby cooling said at least one LED panel when said at least one LED panel is in operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A LED based lighting fixture comprising:
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a LED support arm having a first opening proximate a first end of said support arm and a second opening proximate a second opposite end of said support arm; a cooling channel formed by a chimney extending within said support arm and connecting said first opening to said second opening; a plurality of LEDs adjacent and external to said chimney and positioned entirely between said first opening and said second opening of said support arm, wherein said LEDs are in thermal contact with said chimney but not in fluid communication with said chimney, and wherein said LEDS are substantially sealed from an external environment and substantially sealed from said chimney; and a heatsink in thermal contact with said plurality of said LEDs and said chimney, said heatsink including at least one fin projecting inside said cooling channel; an electrical housing in thermal contact with said chimney but not in fluid communication with said chimney, said electrical housing enclosing at least one LED driver electrically coupled to said LEDs; whereby a cooling convection flow of air passes into said second opening and through said cooling channel to exit at said first opening when said plurality of LEDs are in operation, thereby passing over said at least one fin and cooling said plurality of LEDs. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A LED based lighting fixture comprising:
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a support arm having an elongated cooling channel connecting a first opening adjacent an upper end of said support arm to a second opening adjacent a lower end of said support arm; an illumination region having a plurality of LEDs externally sealed from and adjacent to said elongated cooling channel, wherein said LEDs are not in fluid communication with said elongated cooling channel while being thermally connected to said elongated cooling channel;
wherein said LEDs directly or indirectly illuminate an illumination area;an electrical component housing powering said LED panel and sealed from and exterior to said elongated cooling channel, wherein said electrical component housing encloses at least one LED driver and is not in fluid communication with said elongated cooling channel while being thermally connected to said elongated cooling channel; whereby a cooling convection flow of air passes into said second opening and through said elongated cooling channel and exits at said first opening, thereby cooling said LEDs and said electrical component housing that are thermally connected with said elongated cooling channel when said LEDs are in operation. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification