Method and apparatus for retrofitting HID lamps with system to periodically adjust operating wattage
AssigneeMusco Corporation
InventorsMyron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method, apparatus, and system for increasing usable light from a high intensity lighting fixture to a target area without an increase in energy use. In one aspect, the circuit is retrofitted into an existing lamp circuit that allows selective change in operating power or wattage to the lamp, over a substantial period of operation time, to save energy. In one aspect operating wattage of the lamp would be reduced. In another aspect of the invention, reduction in operating wattage is accomplished by a switchable capacitance in electrical communication with the lamp circuit.
Claims15
A method of reducing lighting fixture count for a sports lighting system comprising:
- a. determining minimum light intensity and uniformity requirements for compositely lighting a target area with a lighting system comprising at least one elevated lighting fixture, each lighting fixture comprising an HID lamp having a rated operating wattage and a lumen depreciation characteristic over a rated operating life;
- b. determining number of the lighting fixtures needed to meet the determined minimum light intensity and uniformity requirements if operated over the rated operating life at rated operating wattage;
- c. determining a reduced number of the lighting fixtures needed to meet the determined minimum light intensity and uniformity requirements if operated during a period of time at or relatively early in operating time at a lower wattage than the rated operating wattage;
- d. at least once during remaining operating time increasing operating wattage to the lighting fixtures to compensate for lumen depreciation.
A method of reducing glare and/or spill light for a sports lighting system which includes a plurality of elevated lighting fixtures, each lighting fixture comprising an HID lamp having a rated operating wattage and rated operating life, the method comprising:
- a. determining minimum light intensity and uniformity requirements for compositely lighting a target area with the lighting system;
- and
- b. operating the lighting fixtures during a period of time at or relatively early in rated operating life at a lower wattage than rated operating wattage but still meeting the minimum intensity and uniformity requirements, and subsequently increasing operating wattage;
- c. such that intensity from each fixture is reduced during at least a period of operating time;
- d. at least once during remaining operating time increasing operating wattage to the lighting fixtures to compensate for lumen depreciation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.