Power saving voltage reduction system for high intensity discharge lighting systems
OwnerJames M. Archdekininventor
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Abstract
A small package voltage reduction system which is especially adapted for easy installation into a conventional high intensity discharge light, such as a street light having a receptacle for receiving a standard ambient light sensor. The invention permits extremely easy and thus inexpensive installation and maintenance and yet provides a significant reduction in energy use which may save significant expenditure for energy by a municipality or other user of high intensity discharge lights.
Claims4
In combination with a street light having a lamp structure with a receptacle receiving an ambient light sensor for automatically activating the light upon a reduction in ambient light, a voltage reduction apparatus interposed between said light sensor and said lamp structure and comprising:
- a receptacle receiving said light sensor;
- a plug mating said apparatus and said light sensor with said lamp structure receptacle;
- and
- means for reducing the voltage applied to said light upon said automatic activation, to a level below line voltage after a selected period of time;
- wherein said voltage reducing means comprises an autotransformer having a series winding and a common winding, said series winding being connected at its input to said line voltage and at its output to said light;
- said common winding being selectively connected between said output of said series winding and common for reducing the voltage applied to said light.
In combination with a plurality of street lights activated by a common power source, a voltage reduction apparatus interposed between said lights and said power source;
- said apparatus comprising:
- an autotransformer having a series winding and a common winding, said series winding being connected at its input to said line voltage and at its output to said lights;
- said common winding being selectively connected between said output of said series winding and common for reducing the voltage applied to said lights;
- said voltage reducing means further comprising a switch for connecting and disconnecting said common winding to and from said series winding;
- an automatic timer for switching said switch from being open to being closed after said selected period of time;
- and
- a bucking coil switched in parallel with said common winding when said common winding is disconnected from said series winding.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.