A Novel Scheme for Energy Saving in Public Lighting Systems

This paper deals with a system which was designed having the aspect of energy conservation in mind. This system either turns-off or reduces the power consumption of a gas discharge lamp after a given time has elapsed. In order to achieve time delays of up to several hours, extensive use of digitalintegra- ted circuitry was made. An interface circuit allows the timer signal to actuate the main power control de vice. Both types of systems (turn-off and power reduction) were designed, laboratory and field-tested and redesigned many times so that a highly reliable product did result. It is both lightweight and compact and it is sealed into a special container so that it will not be affected by extreme ambient conditions. Its Installation is simple and straight-forward and it will fit into any place, despite the usually cramped spaces found in modern luminaires. Finally, a few typical applications are surveyed.