SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING HIGH-MAST LIGHTING

• US 20150008829A1
• Filed: 07/03/2014
• Published: 01/08/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Phoenix Products, LLC
• Original Assignee: Bright Light Systems, Inc. (Phoenix Products Company, Inc.)
• Inventors: LURIE, BRADLEY D., CHALMERS, JOHN PARKER, GRAHAM, PHILLIP DANIEL
• Granted Patent: US 9,801,261 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 315/153
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/086 with lighting device attached sideways of the standard, e.g. for roads and highways
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/103 of streets or roads
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/10 Controlling the light source
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/175 by remote control
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/19 via wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/196 characterised by user interface arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/198 Grouping of control procedures or address assignation to light sources
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/1985 Creation of lighting zones or scenes
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/199 Commissioning of light sources
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/72 in street lighting

Abstract

Systems and methods of providing illumination may be provided in accordance with the invention. A lighting unit may be provided comprising a plurality of light sources, each light source of the plurality being at least partially surrounded by an optical element, and a support assembly configured to support the light source above a surface. The light sources may be radio frequency (RF) coupled electrodeless plasma sources, and the support assembly may be a high-mast support assembly. In some embodiments, the optical element directs light toward the surface. In some configurations, each light source of the plurality may have one or more independently controllable and/or adjustable lighting characteristics. A lighting unit may communicate with a controller, which may provide instructions for controlling the light sources. A lighting system may be provided with a host controlling a plurality of lighting units, which may be organized into networks, and/or zones. The networks, zones, lighting units, and/or light sources may be independently controllable and/or adjustable. In some embodiments, management software may provide functionality for monitoring, reporting, controlling and/or interacting with the lighting system.

Claims

1. A lighting unit comprising:

one or more radio frequency (RF) coupled electrodeless plasma light sources, each light source being at least partially surrounded by an optical element, wherein the light source is configured to be rotatable along an axis parallel to a selected axis of the light source while the light source is providing illumination; and

a high-mast support assembly configured to position the light source above a surface.

2. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the light source is configured to be rotatable through a restricted range that includes the light source pointing directly downward towards nadir.

3. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the high-mast support assembly positions the light source above the surface at a height of 60 feet or greater.

4. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein each light source is independently adjustable.

6. The lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising a communication unit capable of communicating as a host, gateway, and/or controller.

7. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein one or more lighting characteristics of each light source is adjusted based on software-generated signals or instructions from a controller, hardware-generated signals or instructions from a controller, or a combination thereof.

9. The lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising a housing having a bird deterrent assembly.

16. The lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising a thermal management system comprising a venturi or orifice plate capable of promoting fluid flow driven by convection.

17. The lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising a housing;

and an electronic indicator or transducer on an external portion of the housing, the electronic indicator or transducer providing information about an operational status or identification of the lighting unit.

18. The lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising an integrated wireless controller having a mechanism that enables non-wireless control of the lighting unit, wherein the integrated wireless controller is configured to receive a remote signal to activate the integrated wireless controller and enter a state of wireless control.

22. The lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising an integrated optical assembly configured to attenuate RF emissions from the one or more light sources.

23. The lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising a housing;

and a wireless controller antenna mechanically integrated within the surface of the housing, wherein once or more lighting characteristics of each light source is adjustable based on proximity to a transponder in communication with the lighting unit.

25. A lighting system comprising a plurality of the lighting units of claim 1, wherein the lighting system comprises a sensor configured to collect sensor data relating to one or more characteristics or parameters relating to a light source, a lighting unit, the lighting system, environment, the lighting system, or any combination thereof.

27. The lighting system of claim 25, wherein the sensor data are relayed by an external controller disjoined from at least a portion of the plurality of lighting units.

30. A lighting system comprising a plurality of the lighting units in claim 1, wherein an individual lighting unit is configured to compensate for an event in one or more neighboring lighting units, wherein the event includes one or more of:

light unit turned off, light unit malfunctioning, and light unit experiences lumen degradation.

32. The lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising a reserve light source, wherein the reserve light source provides reserve lumen capacity to compensate for desired light output.

37. The lighting unit of claim 7, wherein the software-generated signals or instruction are based on scheduling.

38. The lighting unit of claim 7, wherein the hardware-generated signals or instructions are based on a real-time sensor reading.

40. A lighting system comprising a plurality of the lighting units of claim 32, wherein the plurality of lighting units are organized into networks or zones, and wherein each lighting unit is independently controllable and/or adjustable.

41. The lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising an internal control system, wherein the internal control system is bridged with an external control system, wherein the external control system comprises a security system, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCAD) systems, or enterprise resource planning/enterprise resource management (ERP/ERM) system.

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