EP2256404B1 - Light emitting assembly with lighting elements - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an arrangement for emitting light with luminous elements, in particular LEDs, and a cooling system coupled to the luminous elements.

In addition to the pure generation of visible light, variable light color or the influence on brightness distribution and radiation properties addition, the arrangement with light elements, especially with LEDs, a steadily increasing importance in the spatial aesthetic design of buildings. Above are large-scale arrangements for lighting are used, which include so-called area lights, light tiles, ceiling lights, light walls and strip lights. In the aforementioned type of surface lights, the individual LED light sources move close together for the viewer. A homogeneous coherent and areal light impression in the sense of a light or luminous surface is present.

In office buildings, rooms, sales halls and production halls, it is often necessary to provide a high light output, depending on the volume converted, in order to ensure the desired brightness. Especially in the case of goods displays, it is necessary to dimension very considerable light outputs for illumination.

The operation of an LED light, in which in the above manner high luminous fluxes are to be achieved, now requires that significant amounts of heat are dissipate effectively, quickly and reliably to ensure the operation of the lights or bulbs.

In the case of LED light emitting devices, the generated heat can be conducted away from the heat source mainly only by heat conduction. Most of the heat is from a heat sink that is thermally connected to the LED array coupled and often should be best invisible, more or less radiated into the environment.

A small, flat and compact design often obstructs the required spatial oversizing of heat sinks taking into account safety factors. In addition, it may happen that the heat is distributed only indirectly or uncontrolled in the room.

For LEDs, there is a strong temperature dependence of the light output, especially since the efficiency in the implementation of the electrical supply energy in light emission in terms of small-scale dimensions can be improved.

From the EP 0 423 920 A2 An arrangement for cooling a lamp is known in which the heat of the lamp is removed by means of a liquid. The warmed up liquid further passes through a heat exchanger, which can be used for the use of space.

As a result, it is problematic how or where to work with conventional approaches targeted dissipation of heat loss in large-scale light bands. However, the above becomes even more difficult if the requirements for the light intensity or a luminance over a surface are to be further increased, the embedded LEDs are dimensioned correspondingly more powerful and a whole room is to be illuminated uniformly bright.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an arrangement such that a light output can be increased by low operating temperatures and the heat output can be effectively improved while avoiding the above-mentioned disadvantages.

This object is achieved by an arrangement for emitting light with luminous elements according to claim 1 solved. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Accordingly, according to a first aspect, an arrangement for emitting light with luminous elements is provided, in particular LEDs, and a thermally with at least one lighting element coupled cooling system. The arrangement for emitting light and the cooling system are designed such that the waste heat of the lighting elements of an arrangement for space heating and / or for the preparation of hot water is available or is provided.

By virtue of the cooling system being suitably thermally coupled to the LED and, for example, an array of channels, cooling channels or cooling coils passing through the LED array for heat dissipation (taking into account the type of luminaire arrangement and the size of LEDs or LED arrays used), a reliable option becomes available the provision of the heat loss for use in a space heating arrangement allows.

Furthermore, it is possible to reliably dissipate the waste heat of the LED, which is initially punctiform, directed and concentrated, safely and as quickly as possible. When using heat transferable cooling fluids, including compressible media or liquids, the performance of each element of the lighting assembly increases significantly. The risks of a strong temperature drift are eliminated. The dimensioning of the cooling succeeds reliable and durable.

Furthermore, the heat dissipation can also be done in a conventional manner on the circuit board or board via metallizations and flanged heat sink having liquid channels or pipes or are thermally connected to corresponding lines of the cooling system and pull through the arrangement for light output.

The PCB, which carries the LEDs and has to accomplish extensive tasks, is relieved of their high thermal responsibility for the arrangement with lighting elements and simplified in their manufacture. The particularly good cooling by circulating cooling media makes it possible to increase the achievable light fluxes per unit area considerably, while maintaining the usual reliability and safety deductions. The above LED arrangement thus has in every respect a high availability and operational capability and can be produced cheaply and easily with a large radiation power.

With regard to the installation depth of the arrangement for emitting light, it is possible to achieve flat structural dimensions in which the efficiency of the arrangement can discreetly appear. Furthermore, the compatibility with conventional manufacturing processes of printed circuit board and electronics manufacturing is guaranteed.

According to the above first aspect of the invention is remarkably dissipated by the LED unit, possibly very high power dissipation in the thermal spectral range and kept away from other assemblies such as the light exit element or optics, especially when alternative optics are used with flexible materials who prefer lower temperatures. High light outputs can be safely provided, transmitted and effectively controlled, e.g. dimmed.

As a result, accordingly, the operation of the array of luminescent elements by the cooling system can be improved so that a synergistic effect across multiple system levels occurs in optimizing the overall energy balance.

Above, the arrangement of the lighting elements in the energy cycle of the building as an active component is integrated harmoniously into an overall system for a pleasant room climate. In the foregoing, therefore, the case can be avoided that an air conditioner would have to work against the thermal power dissipated by the lighting elements. Instead, there are rectified interests. Thus all costs for the sink Energy consumption and also for cooling noticeably. The light source, in particular each individual LED, is kept well-tempered in the optimum working range. The waste heat can be used particularly advantageously for space heating, for hot water treatment, for process water or sanitary purposes.

According to the invention, the present arrangement for emitting light is characterized in that the cooling system has at least one heat exchanger and is configured such that the heat exchanger is coupled to a coolant circuit and a hot water circuit.

First, the heat exchanger, in a conventional manner, a unit to understand in which two separate circuits are thermally coupled, for example, an array of co-axial or coaxial pipes. Thermal energy changes from one circle to the other, in an effort to create a thermal equilibrium. The heat exchangers can also be embodied as two ends of cooling bodies which correspond to one another and which are interlaced or cohesively abutting one another, which in turn have coolant channels through which coolant flows. The distance between the engaged ends of the heat sink can be varied, between them there may be a coolant (variant coupling).

In a pressure exchanger, pressures are transferred from one fluid to another. In the present case, the pressure prevailing in the cooling circuit pressure in the heat cycle can be transmitted.

According to a third aspect, the arrangement for emitting light according to the second aspect is characterized in that the coolant circuit comprises a coolant and is configured such that the coolant between at least one arrangement for emitting light and the heat exchanger is movable.

The heat-carrying agent or the cooling liquid is transported by the temperature differences between the source and sink and by gravity in a circle. Water, oil, special liquid or condensed coolants, mixtures or hydrocarbons are typically used as the cooling liquid. However, a gaseous coolant such as CO ₂ can be used or a plasma such as air.

According to a fourth aspect, the arrangement for emitting light according to the second to third aspects is characterized in that the cooling circuit comprises a pump for the coolant. The pump thus drives the coolant through the cooling circuit and can determine the degree of cooling at the feed points of the heat loss from the LEDs arrangement on the regulation of the flow rate.

According to a fifth aspect, the arrangement for emitting light according to the second to fourth aspect, characterized in that the hot water circuit is part of a heating system with a circulating hot or hot water, wherein the heating system at least one arrangement for space heating for heat dissipation, in particular a radiator, having. In the context of a heating system, it makes sense to integrate the LED array in a heating or cooling system for the room temperature and provide convectors in a conventional manner to direct the heat directed, defined and controlled by the LED elements and later or deliver elsewhere in the desired manner.

According to a sixth aspect, the arrangement for emitting light according to the second to fifth aspect, characterized in that the heat exchanger has a hot water flow for the removal of hot water and a service water flow is provided. The heat exchanger can be constructed by a plurality of circuits or chambers, so that the waste heat of the LED array for hot water treatment or the heating of process water can be used.

According to a seventh aspect, the arrangement for emitting light according to the sixth aspect, characterized in that the heating system or arrangement for space heating in combination with a floor heating, ceiling heating or air conditioning is formed. As part of the heating systems, in which the LED array is integrated as a heat source, instead of radiators, which are typically mounted under a sill also, another type of heat dissipation or a mixture of different types may be provided, depending on local conditions. For example, a radiator can be realized in a soil in which cooling fins are attached to pipes that emit the heat areally.

According to an eighth aspect, the arrangement for emitting light according to the seventh aspect is characterized in that the cooling system consists of a cooling circuit with a coolant and a heat sink having a space heating arrangement, in particular a radiator or heat exchanger having a surface profiling or cooling fins.

In the LED arrangement of the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, the thermal coupling of the LEDs is provided with a space heater in the broadest sense. As already mentioned in the first aspect above, the integration of the lighting into the heating and vice versa, at first glance completely different parts of the infrastructure of a building, allows advantages in the distribution of energy.

Fig. 1

die Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung zur Lichtabgabe mit verbundenem Kühlsystem.

As a result, the LED array for light output with lighting elements is enabled to implement high light outputs without causing an accompanying uncontrollable heating of the building. The LED array is even more reliable, over a long period of maintenance-free and preserved from premature aging and sudden breakdown due to overheating. The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

the view of an inventive arrangement for light output with connected cooling system.

In Fig. 1 an arrangement for emitting light 10 with light elements, in particular LEDs 1, according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown from the side, which is coupled to a cooling system 100.

In the context of the source circuit as the cooling circuit 30 are adjacent to the arrangement for light emission 10, in Fig. 1 shown as a surface light or large-scale lighting arrangement, more surface lights 10a and 10b as next neighbors.

Incidentally, the illuminating assemblies 10, 10a and 10b may be a portion of a large light-emitting assembly, such as a sequential array of dimmable elements that form a luminous ceiling of LED tiles in a department store.

The arrangements 10, 10a and 10b are connected to each other via connections, for example via flexible and detachable means such as pipes 33, 33a and 33b, connected in series in the present case. The area lights and the connections are part of the cooling circuit 30.

In the pipes 33 ff. Is a liquid or gaseous coolant is located. Illustratively, the movement of the coolant within the cooling circuit 30 is shown by the arrows on the interconnections of the assemblies 10, 10a and 10b. For orientation in the cooling circuit 30 shows the example of the pipe 33, the tip of the arrow at point 34 in the flow direction, ie downstream. The arrow end lying above point 34 is upstream with respect to the tip 34. The movement of the coolant takes place along the direction of the arrow through the cooling circuit 30.

For the temperature of the coolant, it is simplified to assume (also assuming equal power dissipation of the assemblies 10, 10a and 10b initially) that the coolant temperature is at a point upstream, say at point 34, from a point downstream, say at point 34b, behind the assembly 10b is lower. Conversely, the coolant downstream has already flowed through more area lights or lighting elements and added more heat loss, the temperature of the coolant downstream is correspondingly higher than upstream.

The area lights can also be supplied via a common feed, so be connected in parallel. In addition, there may also be a mixture or combination of parallel and series connection. The arrangements 10, 10a and 10b can therefore also be arranged in a network. The above may become relevant if, in a modification of one of the above assumptions, there are different area lights, different or different levels of heat loss are generated. For example, if the in Fig. 1 left-handed arrangement 10 gives off much heat loss, the other two area lights 10a, 10b but give little heat loss, either a parallel circuit can be displayed, that is, all arrangements for light output are fed from a supply split, or may be provided, first or upstream to arrange the surface lights 10a and 10b with the low heat loss and then let the assembly 10 follow.

Furthermore, a heat exchanger 20 is arranged in the cooling circuit 30. In the present case, the heat exchanger 20 is constructed by a boiler or hot water storage tank shown in simplified form as a cylinder. In the heat exchanger is required for the heat exchange liquid, here to be heated water as a medium ready, which belongs to the target circuit or the hot water circuit 40. Next in the cooling circuit 30 extends in or through the heat exchanger 20, a coil 35. The coil 35 may be a kind of stack of folded or as an electrical coil winding or mechanical spring (both way inductive energy storage) thread-like radially rising tubes with a preferably extended surface be additional fins for heat exchange. The coil 35 is surrounded by the medium of the hot water circuit 40, or immersed in the medium.

Finally, for a circulation of the cooling medium in the cooling circuit 30, an apparatus for conveying fluid media, a general pump 32 is installed. The pump 32 can be used in addition to the pressurization of the cooling medium in the cooling circuit 30 in the case of a compressible cooling medium and for compression. The pump may also be involved in a pressure exchange (outside the drawing) where it is converted between thermal, mechanical and hydraulic energy.

In the arrangement 10 as a surface light there are a plurality of light elements 1. As light bulbs in addition to the preferred LEDs, a mixture with elongated or circular Gasendladungsröhren, fluorescent tubes or -ringröhren with a filament, tube lamps, light bulbs, head mirror bulbs, halogen bulbs, multi-walled Bulbs with built-in halogen incandescent bulbs or incandescent bulbs with built-in light emitting diodes in standard versions, which are socketed for a print mounting and thermally coupled suitable. The light-emitting elements 1 are mounted on a support, for example, on a circuit board or printed circuit board 3, for example, soldered.

In addition to the power supply, the printed circuit board 3 assumes the dissipation of the thermal power loss or waste heat of the arrangement for emitting light. In order to supply the waste heat to the cooling circuit 30, at least one copper pipe or a combination of lines are attached to the printed circuit board 3. About the coolant, in the thermally coupled to the circuit board 3 tubes is fluidly moved, so extends into the assembly 10 and through, the removal of heat is accomplished quickly and reliably.

The arrangement for emitting light 10 is thus extended according to the present invention on components such as housing, light exit element and luminaire grid or reflector grid, mounting for the bulbs addition. To the circuit board 3 with the light-emitting elements 1 is a device for a cooling device, which communicates with the circuit board in a thermally coupling, mechanically releasable connection added.

As a result, there is a light emitting device 10 which, in addition to the power supply electrical connections, also has connections for incorporation into the refrigeration circuit 30, an inlet 12 and an outlet 14 for tubes 33, 33a and 33b for transporting the refrigerant through the device for light emission.

The terminals 12 and 14 may be provided with a screw thread and a liquid-tight seal or a coupling with a tap. Above, a simple insertion or removal of the arrangement for emitting light 10 from the cooling circuit 30 should be made possible. In the maintenance of an arrangement for light output should also be provided a way to be able to flush the pipes in the array, especially in coils. The suitable design of the connections with suitable pipe cross-sections ensures reliable serviceability and a long service life of the pipelines, prevents a loss of function of the LED units and avoids considerable costs for new pipe connections or pipes. In many ways, even thin-walled copper tubes, as they are common in heating or air conditioning, can be used and connected by releasable connections in the cooling circuit 30 inserting each other.

In the target circuit or the hot water circuit 40, an arrangement for space heating 42 is provided. As a space heater arrangement is used after Fig. 1 one Radiator with fins 44 as an example. The heat exchanger 20 is connected to the radiator via lines in the usual way.

In the hot water circuit 40, a pump 46 is further provided, by means of which the water is circulated and circulated in the hot water circuit 40. In addition to the pump can in turn, in addition to venting of the lines, be provided a way to clean the lines to avoid that the pipe diameter over time by deposits on the inner walls such as lime or sludge is less.

The heat exchanger 20, the lines for the hot water circuit 40 and the radiator form a heating system 50 or are part of a heating system.

Alternatively, in addition to the circuit for space heating or heating purposes, a run (such as a heat exchanger as a countercurrent cooler or a normally off flow heater) may be provided for the production and provision of hot water for sanitary purposes.

During operation of the system, the cooling circuit 30 transmits the waste heat from the light elements to the hot water circuit 40 through the respective carrier media circulating in both circuits 30 and 40, wherein the heat exchange via the heat exchanger between the circuits can alternatively be mediated with a variable degree of coupling.

According to the present invention, therefore, the waste heat from the lighting (surface lights, light tiles, ceiling lights, rooflights, etc.) is transferred via a heat exchanger to the utility or heating water system to use this energy for hot water and / or heating purposes. At the same time there is the advantage of better light output, through better cooled LED light sources. In addition, the components can be sunk into the ceiling, installed in the walls or hidden in the floor. Of the occurring temperatures ago even offers the application in combination with a floor heating, which usually has a low flow temperature. Another advantage is the timely fit of heat energy, namely just when the heating power is needed most in the dark season. In addition, the necessary installations already exist in such buildings, or are created anyway, and so can such arrangements for light output and lights, which are designed according to the above invention for a Kühlmitteldurchfluß be inserted particularly favorable in the existing system.

The present invention thus provides a simple, elegant and effective way to promote a well-tempered area of an LED array, in particular a luminaire with individual LED lighting elements of an LED luminaire, to produce a visually aesthetic overall appearance for the viewer, the costs for cooling or heating the building and, in addition, to contribute to the protection of the climate and resources.

In addition, the possibilities in the light output of the LED array by the planar lighting arrangements are so good even under high light fluxes that LED units operated due to the low cost well dimensioned cooling reserves even at high ambient temperatures and maximum light output at optimum temperatures and in their properties in associations as an array of LED arrays can be optimally organized. Impressively, just by means of the coolant circuit, the LED arrangement can be cooled down as far as the application or the user demands.

Finally, by the delivery of heat by means of a radiator for space heating a controlled heat dissipation, which relieves the LED array suitable for increased light output and creates after all an optimized building for the better of the whole.

Claims (7)

1. An arrangement for light-emission (10) having lighting elements, in particular LEDs, and a cooling system (100) thermally coupled to the lighting elements (1), wherein the cooling system (100) has an arrangement for space-heating and/or for water-heating (42), to which the waste heat of the lighting elements (1) is supplied,
   wherein the cooling system has at least one heat exchanger (20),
   characterised in that
   the cooling system is configured in such a way that the heat exchanger (20) couples a coolant circuit (30) and a hot-water circuit (40).
2. An arrangement for light-emission (10) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the coolant circuit (30) has a coolant and is configured in such a way that the coolant can be moved between at least one arrangement for light-emission (10) and the heat exchanger (20).
3. An arrangement for light-emission (10) claim 1 or 2, characterised in that
   the coolant circuit (30) has a pump (32) for the coolant.
4. An arrangement for light-emission according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that
   the hot-water circuit (40) is part of a heating system (50) having circulating hot water, wherein the heating system (50) has at least one arrangement for space-heating (42) for heat-emission, in particular a radiator.
5. An arrangement for light-emission (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that
   the heat exchanger (20) has a hot-water flow path for the removal of hot water, and a service-water flow path is provided.
6. An arrangement for light-emission (10) according to claim 4,
   characterised in that
   the heating system (50) or arrangement for space-heating (42) is formed in combination with a floor-heating, a ceiling-heating or an air-conditioning system.
7. An arrangement for light-emission (10) according to claim 6,
   characterised in that
   the cooling system (100) consists of the coolant circuit (30) having a coolant and a cooling element that has an arrangement for space-heating (42), in particular a radiator (42) or heat exchanger (20) that has surface-profiling or cooling fins (44).

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