High efficiency lighting system

• US 7,224,131 B2
• Filed: 12/08/2004
• Issued: 05/29/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nextek Power Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Nextek Power Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Wilhelm, William George
• Primary Examiner(s): Vo; Tuyet
• Assistant Examiner(s): VU, JIMMY T
• Application Number:
  US11/007,965
• Publication Number:
  US 20050099138A1
• Time in Patent Office: 902 Days
• Field of Search: 307/66, 307/64, 307/62, 307/65, 307/82, 307/85, 315/312, 315/86, 315/209.R, 315/224, 363/56, 363/79
• US Class Current: 315/312
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/006 the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/02 Arrangements for reducing harmonics or ripples
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/06 Two-wire systems
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/10 Parallel operation of dc sources
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/32 using batteries with converting means
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 4/00 Circuit arrangements for mains or distribution networks not specified as ac or dc
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/34 Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering H02J7/14 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/35 with light sensitive cells
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/06 with automatic change-over , e.g. UPS systems
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/061 for DC powered loads
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/065 for lighting purposes
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/70 Hybrid systems, e.g. uninterruptible or back-up power supplies integrating renewable energies
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/56 Power conversion systems, e.g. maximum power point trackers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 70/30 Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin

Abstract

A high efficiency lighting system maintains normal lighting conditions by lighting fixtures requiring DC electrical power. A power control device receives AC electrical power from a public utility converts AC power to DC power and delivers low voltage DC electrical power to lighting fixtures. A standby battery is provided to maintain power during power outages. Optionally, a photovoltaic DC electrical power source may be connected to the power control device, to provide alternate DC electrical power. In a further embodiment, a gas driven cogenerator unit may supply DC electrical power.

Claims

1. A power sharing system in a DC load environment comprising:

a primary source of AC;

an alternative primary source of DC;

a power controller capable of inputting voltage regulated DC power simultaneously from said primary sources, said alternative primary source of DC making a shared contribution of power selected by said power controller, and having a power junction means for delivering a regulated voltage DC to at least one DC compatible load at an output of said power sharing system;

said power controller controlling supply side power sharing to a DC load side;

said power controller having a converter converting AC inputted electrical power into a defined DC-regulated voltage to provide and manage power to said DC compatible load;

said power controller producing voltage regulated power controlling response of said alternative primary source of DC power; and

,

said power controller capable of altering the input voltages of said power junction means for directing power from said alternate primary source of DC power to limit peak power supplied from said primary source of AC power to said at least one DC compatible load in accordance with a pre-set threshold of power from said primary source of AC power in order to minimize peak power surcharges.

2. The power system of claim 1 wherein said DC compatible load is a lighting system.

3. The power system of claim 1 wherein said alternative primary source of DC power is an energy storage medium.

4. The power system of claim 1 wherein said alternative primary source of DC is a photo voltaic energy source.

5. The power system of claim 1 wherein said alternative primary source of DC is a cogenerator.

6. The power system of claim 1 wherein said alternative primary source of DC is a wind energy/electric energy conversion system.

7. The power system as in claim 1 in which said power controller contains circuitry for providing power to said at least one DC compatible load from said alternative primary source of DC in the absence of power from said primary source of AC.

8. A power controller for use in a high efficiency lighting system for maintaining normal lighting conditions through lighting fixtures requiring DC electrical power comprising:

an AC connection for receiving AC electrical power from a grid source and an output connection for delivering required DC electrical power to said lighting fixtures;

a power controller capable of converting and outputting voltage regulated DC power simultaneously from said AC grid source, at least one alternative source of DC power making a shared contribution of power selected by said power controller, said controller influencing the amount of power coming from each respective source by adjusting the DC output voltage of each respective source directed to a power junction means for delivering said required DC electrical power to said lighting fixtures at an output of said power sharing system;

said power controller voltage influencing the proportion of power coming from multiple sources to said lighting fixtures;

a converter converting said AC electrical power to DC electrical power; and

,

said power controller delivering said required DC electrical power from said at least one alternate source of DC to said lighting fixtures during an AC electrical power outage to maintain without interruption normal lighting by said lighting fixtures.