Contribuições ao uso de diodos emissores de luz em iluminação pública

Abstract

In order to present contributions to the use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in public lighting systems, covering gaps on the national scenario, this work encompasses abroad analysis related to this issue. Basic concepts of classical photometry are presented and so a study of photometry’s adaptations for low luminance levels. It is proposed the use of scotopic metrics for street lighting systems, since they can better represent the actual visual sensation (when compared to the classical one – photopic metrics) on its typical nighty conditions. General aspects of street lighting and the history of the national’s public lighting system are briefly presented as well as a discussion about the current situation of the Brazilian system and technologies adopted. The work also brings a study of mechanical, electrical and optical characteristics of LEDs and an analysis of the two different types of commonly used white LEDs (HB – High Brightness – and HP – High Power - LEDs). Some standards and recommendations related to the use of LEDs in street lighting are analyzed and criticized, with the aim of show some gaps not yet covered by the existent standards. An unprecedented analysis regarding laboratory and field test benchmarking, taken for some luminaires available in commerce, is also presented. A study of LED driving is presented, covering equalization techniques for parallel LEDs strings and different types of LED driving circuits. It was proposed, analyzed and implemented a novel and low cost structure for current equalization and an LED driver, based on the integration of two non-isolated dc dc converters. This proposed two stages topology is composed by a boost converter, on the first stage, employed to the power factor correction and a buck converter, on the second stage, to control the LED’s current. Finally, the process of monitoring the installation and the performance, during ten months, of the LEDs public lighting pilot project, on the roadway belt of Engineering Faculty of UFJF is presented.