Explosion-Proof Solid State Lighting Fixture for Extreme Environments

Efficient shipboard naval lighting is important for numerous reasons. There is also a need for efficient explosion-proof lighting coupled with reliable dimmable driver electronics for shipboard naval environments. Important considerations for such an efficient and dimmable light include ensuring long service life and the ability to withstand high-temperature operation under consistently high levels of continuous mechanical shock and vibration. Certain types of lighting aboard Naval vessels, an example being the Symbol 48.2 incandescent lamp fixture, are required to operate continuously in high temperature, high vibration environments in the presence of inflammable vapors. The extreme operating environment causes the lamps in these fixtures to fail frequently resulting in high maintenance costs. To address the issues with conventional incandescent lights, we propose to develop ultrahigh reliability, truly dimmable, ultra-compact, long life solid state lighting (SSL) light emitting diode (LED) driver electronics that shall be capable of long-lived operation under such high temperature, high vibration, inflammable vapors and harsh condition environment. We will also employ and further develop current advances in SSL components and systems including heat transfer and thermal management together with the use of advanced coupling and luminaire optics to offer a robust, reliable and dimmable product replacement to current fixtures.