Systems for providing emergency power during a power interruption

Provided is a backup power system for providing power to a load when a primary lighting system is disabled. The backup power system includes an energy source configured to supply an amount of power to the backup power system, and a charger connectable to the energy source and a power source of the primary lighting system. The backup power system additionally includes a controller configured to measure a current value of the primary lighting system and determine a backup current value corresponding to an amount of backup current that is a fractional amount of the determined current value. The backup power system include a current source configured to provide the determined backup current.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to backup power systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to initiating the use of backup power systems during a power interruption of primary lighting systems.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Emergency power systems provide an independent source of electrical power that supports important electrical systems during loss of normal power supply. These power systems, also known as backup or standby power systems, may include components such as generators, batteries, or other apparatuses designed to support power to a system for a predetermined period of time.

Conventional backup power systems use a backup luminaire (e.g., light emitting diode (LED) luminaire) that typically produces less light than a main luminaire of an overall lighting system. However, conventional backup lighting sources have a number of drawbacks. For example, in conventional backup lighting systems, the backup luminaire is separate and distinct from the main luminaire. Separate luminaires can limit functionality of the backup lighting system, for example, by not allowing communication between the backup luminaire and the main luminaire. Also, separate luminaires require maintenance for two luminaires instead of one which may increase cost associated with the lighting system.

Additionally, conventional backup lighting systems do not adjust their power output based on system fluctuations, such as a power surge from an energy source. As a result, too much power can be delivered to a particular device, ultimately leading to failure.

Furthermore, conventional backup lighting systems require complex wiring configurations. These complex configurations account for different scenarios where a backup (emergency) driver must be configured to receive inputs from varying scenarios such an ordinary driver or a load.

III. SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Given the aforementioned deficiencies, a need exists for a backup power system that adapts based on fluctuations of a normal power supply from a primary lighting system.

Embodiments of the present invention include a backup power system for providing power to a load when a primary lighting system is disabled. The backup power system includes an energy source configured to supply an amount of power to the backup power system, and a charger connectable to the energy source and a power source of the primary lighting system. The backup power system additionally includes a controller configured to measure a current value of the primary lighting system. The controller also calculates a backup current value corresponding to an amount of backup current that is a fractional amount of the current value of the primary lighting system. Also, the backup power system include a current source configured to provide the load the amount of backup current calculated by the controller.

In some embodiments, the energy source is in electrical connection with the charger and the current source using connection wires. In some embodiments, connection wires are configured to connect with an external portal for programming the controller.

In some embodiments, the power supply is configured to be connectable to a driver of the primary lighting system. In some embodiments, a switch in electrical connection with the driver and the current source, the switch allowing the backup current to flow to the load when the switch is in a closed position.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive the current value required by the primary lighting system to sustain the load.

Also provided is a computer-readable storage device that cause a processor to perform operations, associated with providing backup power using a backup power system to a load when a primary lighting system is disabled. The operations include receiving input data comprising an initial current value corresponding to an amount of energy required by the primary lighting system to sustain a load at a first time. The operations also include calculating, a backup current value that is a fractional amount of the initial current value. The backup current value corresponds to an amount of backup current needed to sustain at least a portion of the load. The operations also include providing, when a power source in connection with the primary system is disabled, the backup current amount to the load using a current source within the backup power system.

In some embodiments, the backup power system provides the backup current amount by closing a switch in connection with the load, a driver of the primary lighting system, and the current source of the backup power system.

In some embodiments, the operations further include deactivating the backup power system where an energy source of the backup power system is depleted.

An advantage of the embodiments is automatic adjusting of the load based on the learning and interpreting the power (e.g., charge) that should be maintained within the backup system.

Another advantage of the embodiments is providing for easy replacement of existing backup systems within because the primary lighting systems. Any backup systems within the primary lighting systems can be replaced using existing wiring within the primary lighting system. Configurable to connect to existing backup power systems

Yet another advantage of the illustrious embodiments is the replaceability of the backup power source. For example, backup power source can be disconnected and can be replaced with any number of power sources including mobile batteries.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While illustrative embodiments are described herein with illustrative embodiments for particular implementations, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art with access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof, and additional fields in which the lighting systems described herein would be of significant utility.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the applications and uses disclosed herein. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description.

In some instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are therefore not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure.

The embodiments address concerns associated with the use of backup power systems when a primary power system goes offline. The described embodiments are associated with backup lighting systems. However, one of skill in the art would recognize the backup system can be used for any number of applications.

FIG. 1is an illustration of a primary lighting system100and a backup lighting system126. The backup lighting system126is enabled when the primary lighting system100is disabled, such as during a power outage. The primary lighting system100is powered by a power source102and operated by a driver106in connection to a load118(e.g., luminaire).

The power source102is a high current source used to provide energy to the load118. The power source102is typically an alternating current (AC), but can also be a direct current (DC).

The driver106is a self-contained power supply which has outputs matched to the electrical characteristics of the load118.

In some embodiments, the driver106is a constant current driver whose power supply varies voltage across an electronic circuit within the driver106, thus allowing the driver106to maintain a constant electric current regardless of variation in voltage. Constant current drivers are suitable for applications where power (e.g., light emitted) without variations intended across a surface (e.g., a lens or display).

In some embodiments, the driver106is a constant voltage driver that maintains a constant voltage. Constant voltage drivers are suitable for applications where variances in power are acceptable.

In other embodiments, the driver106is retrofitted for connection with the backup lighting system126. The backup lighting system126may be integrated into a primary lighting system not equipped with a backup system. Alternatively, the backup lighting system126may replace a pre-existing backup power system (not illustrated) in situations where the backup lighting system126consumes less energy than the pre-existing backup power system. For example, to retrofit the backup lighting system126where a pre-existing backup power system exists, a negative port120of the driver106remains in electrical connection with the load118. At the same time, a positive port122of the driver106is disconnected from the pre-existing backup system and connected to the backup lighting system126, more particularly to a switch124.

In the embodiments, the driver106is connectable to a dimmer108that allows reduction of light produced by the primary lighting system100. The dimmer108can operate, for example, by means of pulse width modulation circuits or analog dimming.

Unlike conventional backup systems that power a backup load separate and distinct from a load of a primary lighting system, the backup lighting system126provides power to the load118(e.g., luminaire) of the primary lighting system100. In other words, the backup lighting system provides power to the same load as the primary lighting system. Additionally, the backup lighting system126, using a current source (e.g., programmable current source112), is configured to operate with the driver106to support any number of loads (e.g., any number of luminaires).

The backup lighting system126is used to provide a steady flow of energy to emergency devices (e.g., exit signs), electronic devices (e.g., computers), communication networks, and other equipment (e.g., elevators) that may be required during a power interruption. The backup lighting system126is intended to operate for a specified amount of time during a power interruption (e.g., outage) of the power source102. By way of example only, and not limitation, the backup lighting system126can operate between 60 minutes and 180 minutes during a power outage.

When a power interruption occurs, the backup lighting system126maintains a portion of energy to power to the load118. In other words, the backup lighting system126provides the primary lighting system100with a fractional amount of the power as compared to the power source102and the driver106. The fractional amount of power may be dependent on factors such as, but not limited to, a load current of the primary lighting system100or the designated amount of time the backup lighting system126is intended to operate during a power outage. For example, since the backup lighting system126provides power to the load118, proving a one half (½) load current to the load118will discharge a backup lighting system power source (e.g., energy source116) quicker than providing a one fourth (¼) load current to the load118.

Where the backup lighting system126is added to the primary lighting system100or replaces a pre-existing backup power system, the backup lighting system126may be installed by disconnecting the positively charged wire output from the driver106to the load118(e.g., LED luminaire) and connecting this wire to the backup lighting system126. The negatively charged wire output from the drive106remains in connection with the load118.

The backup lighting system126includes charger110, a programmable current source112, and a controller114. The backup lighting system126is powered using an energy source116.

The energy source116can be any energy source that provides power to the backup lighting system126. In some embodiments of the present invention, the energy source116can be positioned internal to the backup lighting system126. In other embodiments, the energy source116can be positioned external from the backup lighting system126.

Energy is provided to and from the energy source116by way of one or more connection wires117. In the embodiments, the connection wires117allow the energy source116to be disconnected from the backup lighting system126, for example during maintenance.

Additionally, the connection wires117can be used for pairing the backup lighting system126to an external device programming or testing. For example, the connection wires117can be connected to an external device (e.g., a computer) configured to communicate information to the controller114. Utilizing the connection wires117for programming eliminates the need for programming terminals within the backup lighting system126.

The charger110receives power (e.g., AC power) from the power source102, and when the power source102is unavailable (e.g., a power outage), the charger110stops charging. In the embodiments, the charger110can provide a small charge (e.g., 10-15 watts) to the energy source116when power received from the power supply102(e.g., AC power) is acceptable.

As an example, when the power source102is operational, the charger110provides energy to the energy source116. However, when the power source102fails (e.g., during a power outage), the energy stored within the energy source116is supplied to the backup lighting system126. When the power source102recovers (e.g., power resumes), the load current is again provided by the driver106and the energy source116receiving charge from the charger110.

In an exemplary embodiment, the charger110is implemented as a fly back configuration or using one or more components such as, but not limited to, rectifiers, transistors (e.g., field-effect transistors, bipolar junction transistors, junction field-effect transistors, metal oxide field effect transistors), transformers, resistors, and storage devices (e.g., capacitors), and the like.

The programmable current source112provides energy to the load118during a power outage. Specifically, the programmable current source112receives, from the controller114, a backup current value (Ibackup), and as a result, provides current to the load118. The backup current value is determined based on a load current of the primary lighting system100. By obtaining the load current of the primary lighting system100, cumbersome and complex wiring found in the conventional backup power systems can be reduced or eliminated. Determination of the backup current value is described in greater detail in association withFIG. 3.

In an exemplary implementation, the programmable current source112is implemented as a boost stage electrical configuration including one or more components such as, but not limited to, inductors (e.g., iron core), transistors, directional diodes, resistors, and storage devices.

The controller114is used to communicate information (e.g. the backup current value (Ibackup)) to the programmable current source112. The controller114can schedule periodic diagnostic testing of the energy source116or other components of the backup lighting system126. As an example, where the energy source116is positioned external to the backup lighting system126, the connection wires117are used to connect to another energy source, such as a battery.

Additionally, the controller114can provide a port for additional options for operating the energy source116. For example, the port can provide add-on features such as wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth) or visible light communications (VLC).

FIG. 2is an illustration an exemplary controller114. The controller114is an adjustable hardware developed through the use of code libraries, static analysis tools, software, hardware, firmware, or the like. The controller114includes a memory212. The memory212can include several categories of software and data used in the controller114, including, an application204, a database206, an operating system208, and I/O device driver210.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the operating system208can be any operating system for use with a data processing system. The I/O device driver210may include various routines accessed through the operating system208by the application204to communicate with devices and certain memory components.

The application204can be stored in the memory212and/or in a firmware (not shown in detail) as executable instructions and can be executed by a processor202.

The processor202can be formed of multiple processors, which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in a single machine or multiple machines. The processor202can be used in supporting a virtual processing environment. The processor202may be a microcontroller, microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic controller (PLC), complex programmable logic device (CPLD).

The processor202can also be a programmable gate array (PGA) including a Field PGA, or the like. References herein to processor executing code or instructions to perform operations, acts, tasks, functions, steps, or the like, could include the processor202performing the operations directly and/or facilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or component) perform the operations.

The application204include various programs and software logic that, when executed by the processor202, process data received by the backup lighting system126.

The application204can be applied to data stored in the database206, along with data, e.g., received via I/O data ports214. The database206represents the static and dynamic data used by the application204, the operating system208, the device driver106and other software programs that may reside in the memory212.

While the memory212is illustrated as residing proximate the processor202, it should be understood that at least a portion of the memory212can be a remotely accessed storage system, for example, a server on a communication network, a remote hard disk drive, a removable storage medium, combinations thereof, and the like. Thus, any of the data, applications, and/or software described above can be stored within the memory212and/or accessed via network connections to other data processing systems (not shown) that may include a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), or a wide area network (WAN), for example.

It should be understood thatFIG. 2and the description above are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in which the various aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. While the description refers to computer-readable instructions, embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software in addition to, or instead of, computer readable instructions.

The term “application,” or variants thereof, is used expansively herein to include routines, program modules, programs, components, data structures, algorithms, and the like. Applications can be implemented on various system configurations including single-processor or multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based programmable consumer electronics, combinations thereof, and the like.

FIG. 3is a flow diagram of an illustration of an exemplary learning sequence300of an executed by the controller114. The learning sequence300may be stored as an application204within the controller. The learning sequence300represents functions performed by the processor202executing software for producing the deliverables described.

It should be understood that the steps of the methods are not necessarily presented in any particular order and that performance of some or all the steps in an alternative order, including across these figures, is possible and is contemplated.

The steps have been presented in the demonstrated order for ease of description and illustration. Steps can be added, omitted and/or performed simultaneously without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It should also be understood that the illustrated method or sub-methods can be ended at any time.

In certain embodiments, some or all steps of this process, and/or substantially equivalent steps are performed by a processor, e.g., computer processor, executing computer-executable instructions, corresponding to one or more corresponding algorithms, and associated supporting data stored or included on a computer-readable medium, such as any of the computer-readable memories described above, including the remote server and vehicles.

In some embodiments, the controller114performs one or more of the functions in response to a trigger, such as upon determination of existence of one or more of a predetermined set of parameters. The parameters may consider initiating the learning sequence300, for example when a power interruption occurs.

The learning sequence300begins by initiating the software through the controller114as illustrated at start301.

At block305, the controller114measures and receives input data associated with a load current of the primary lighting system100. In some embodiments, the controller114may measure the input data using sensors or ports103configured to receive readings from the power source102directly into the controller114.

The controller114may be configured to receive inputs where changes occur to the parameters of the primary lighting system100. For example, the load current may be received when there is a change to the load current. Inputs may be received at predetermined intervals of time. For example, the load current measured time may be received as an input to the controller114every minute or every hour. Where inputs are continually received, the first measurement received by the controller114is an initial measurement, for example an initial current measurement (I0).

It is recognized that the controller114may receive inputs other than or in addition to current measurements. For example, the controller114may receive voltage measurements or other quantifiable metrics.

As illustrated at block310, the controller114calculates power associated with the load of the primary lighting system100. Once the load current is received as an input, the power is determined by multiplying the current by the voltage of the system. Where the voltage is received as the input, the power is determined by multiplying the voltage by the current.

At decision315, the controller114determines if the load current has changed since a previous input of measurement. For example, where the controller114determines the initial current measurement (I0) differs from a subsequent current measurement (I1), e.g., path317, the controller114will re-measure the load current at block320and provide an updated current measurement (Iupdate) for use within the sequence300. The updated current measurement (Iupdate) is the measured data input that will be used to calculate a backup current value (Ibackup).

Back at decision315, if the controller114determines the current has not changed since a previous input of measurement or where the load current has been re-measured, e.g., path318, the sequence300will use the last measurement as the measurement to calculate the backup current value (Ibackup).

At block325, the backup current value (Ibackup) is calculated. Since the backup lighting system126is designed to maintain a portion of the load118during a power outage, only a portion of the original current is needed. The backup current value is directly related to the load current. Specifically, the backup current value is any fractional amount of the load current that would support a desired load during a power outage. Typical backup current values range from one-twentieth ( 1/20) to one-half (½) of the current of the primary system100. For example, the backup current value can be one tenth ( 1/10) of the I0or the Iupdate. Furthering the example, where the load current is 1.0 amperes (A) the Ibackupwould be 0.1 A.

The backup current value (Ibackup) can depend on the designated time the backup lighting system126is designed to operate during a power outage. For example, where the backup lighting system126is intended to operate for 60 minutes, Ibackupmay be a lower value than where the backup lighting system126is intended to operate 180 minutes during a power outage.

At block330, after the backup current value is calculated, Ibackupis stored internal to the controller114(e.g., in a memory) or external to the controller114(e.g., in a repository). For example, Ibackupis stored in a non-volatile portion of the memory212. Storing Ibackupallows the controller114to later access the value for use. For example, Ibackupcan be retrieved during a subsequent power outage.

At decision335, the controller114determines if a power outage has occurred. A power outage is determined to have occurred where there is an interruption to the power source102. Specifically, a power outage occurs where the power source102no longer provides sufficient energy to carry the load118.

Where the controller114determines a power outage has not occurred, e.g., path337, the controller114will ensure the backup lighting system126is not activated at block340. The controller114can verify the backup lighting system126is not activated by verifying the switch124is deactivated. Specifically, that the switch124is in an open position.

Once the controller114verifies the backup lighting system126is not activated, the sequence300returns to block305where the current load is measured.

Back at decision335, where the controller114determines a power outage has occurred, e.g., path338, the controller114retrieves Ibackupat block345. The backup current value is retrieved from its stored location, for example, from the non-volatile portion of the memory212.

At block350, the controller114activates the backup lighting system126. The controller114activates the backup lighting system126by energizing the switch124. Specifically, the controller114sends a signal to move the switch124from an open position to a closed position.

At block355, the controller114provides a signal allowing the backup lighting system126to provide the Ibackupto the load118. For example, the Ibackupis provided using the energy source116.

As described above, when the power source102is operational, the charger110provides energy to the energy source116. However, when the power source102fails (e.g., during a power outage), the energy stored in the energy source116, as supplied by the charger110, is supplied to the backup lighting system126. When the power source102recovers (e.g., power resumes), the load current is again provided by the driver106and the energy source116receiving charge from the charger110.

At decision360, the sequence300determines if the energy source116is completely discharged (e.g., empty). During an outage, the energy source116is discharged during operation of the backup lighting system126, thus discharging the energy source116.

Where the energy source116has not been completely discharge, e.g., path362, the sequence300returns to decision335where the controller114determines if a power outage has occurred.

Once the energy source116is completely discharged, e.g., path363, the sequence300deactivates the backup lighting system126at block365. The controller114can deactivate the backup lighting system126by de-energizing the switch124(e.g., sending a signal to move the switch124from a closed position to an open position).

Where the energy source116becomes depleted while a power outage still exists, the controller114will deactivate the backup lighting system126so as to not damage the backup lighting system126(e.g., depletion to a damage-level). For example, where a power outage lasts for 90 minutes, but the predetermined period of time for the energy source116is only 60 minutes, the backup lighting system126will be deactivated by the controller114after 60 minutes to prevent damage.

At end370, the sequence300concludes by disengaging the software through the controller114. The sequence300may conclude according to any of various timing protocols, such as reinstating energy from the power source102(e.g., conclusion of a power outage), for example.

CONCLUSION

Those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings, may make alternative embodiments, examples, and modifications that would still be encompassed by the technology. Further, it should be understood that the terminology used to describe the technology is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the preferred and alternative embodiments described above can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the technology. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.