Block, SkipCaptcha, Upload, Automoderated users, Check users, delete, edit, Moderators, move, oversight, protect, ratelimit-exempt, rollback, Administrators
20,275
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 9:
Line 9: + + + Line 16:
Line 19: − − ===Autotransformer dimmer=== − Variable autotransformers (trademark "Variac") are very tolerant and reliable "dimmer" devices. They and not significantly affected by how much power is drawn through them, so they are also very versatile. The work by reducing the amplitude of the A.C. sine wave.<ref name="caseydiers.com">http://www.caseydiers.com/sinewavedimming.htm</ref> However, this reduction converts all of the unwanted power into heat, so it is inefficient. They are also large and somewhat expensive, so they are rarely used for lighting today. Variacs are still used for some other purposes, however. For example, some musicians use them not as much to reduce the voltage as to stabilize it. These help deal with unreliable power sources (which sometimes provide too little voltage) and help remove electromagnetic interference and "noise."<ref name="mindspring.com">http://www.mindspring.com/~atlantatubeamp/id23.html</ref> − + − +
User:DavidB4/workspace (view source)
Revision as of 21:44, September 22, 2016
, 21:44, September 22, 2016progress
This simple system is then installed in a switch, where the user can easily move the adjustable arm. The resulting supply is then connected to some device, usually a light bulb. If the operator wished for a higher power supply, they can simply slide or twist the dimmer control to decrease the amount of semiconductor the energy must pass through. If the operator wishes to reduce the electrical supply, the amount of used semiconductor can be increased, by sliding or twisting the control in the opposite direction.<ref name="howstuffworks p1">http://home.howstuffworks.com/dimmer-switch1.htm</ref><br />
This simple system is then installed in a switch, where the user can easily move the adjustable arm. The resulting supply is then connected to some device, usually a light bulb. If the operator wished for a higher power supply, they can simply slide or twist the dimmer control to decrease the amount of semiconductor the energy must pass through. If the operator wishes to reduce the electrical supply, the amount of used semiconductor can be increased, by sliding or twisting the control in the opposite direction.<ref name="howstuffworks p1">http://home.howstuffworks.com/dimmer-switch1.htm</ref><br />
Unfortunately, while this setup does allow for easy adjustment of the electrical supply, it is inefficient. Much of the energy which would have gone through the controller is instead converted to heat. This causes the output voltage drop desired, but most of the electricity is still being used, as it is converted into heat energy. In some cases, this can also be a safety hazard since the heat can build up and potentially cause fire or other damage.<ref name="howstuffworks p1">http://home.howstuffworks.com/dimmer-switch1.htm</ref>
Unfortunately, while this setup does allow for easy adjustment of the electrical supply, it is inefficient. Much of the energy which would have gone through the controller is instead converted to heat. This causes the output voltage drop desired, but most of the electricity is still being used, as it is converted into heat energy. In some cases, this can also be a safety hazard since the heat can build up and potentially cause fire or other damage.<ref name="howstuffworks p1">http://home.howstuffworks.com/dimmer-switch1.htm</ref>
===Autotransformer dimmer===
Variable autotransformers (trademark "Variac") are very tolerant and reliable "dimmer" devices. They and not significantly affected by how much power is drawn through them, so they are also very versatile. The work by reducing the amplitude of the A.C. sine wave.<ref name="caseydiers.com">http://www.caseydiers.com/sinewavedimming.htm</ref> However, this reduction converts all of the unwanted power into heat, so it is inefficient. They are also large and somewhat expensive, so they are rarely used for lighting today. Variacs are still used for some other purposes, however. For example, some musicians use them not as much to reduce the voltage as to stabilize it. These help deal with unreliable power sources (which sometimes provide too little voltage) and help remove electromagnetic interference and "noise."<ref name="mindspring.com">http://www.mindspring.com/~atlantatubeamp/id23.html</ref><ref>http://www.iawco.com/parlights/Downloads_files/strand/Dimming/Sinewave%20Dimmer%20Technology.pdf</ref>
===Solid state (switching circuit)===
===Solid state (switching circuit)===
A variation of the solid-state dimmer uses insulated-gate bipolar transistors, which are able to reduce some of the waste and much of the RFI of TRIACS by cutting off the end of the sine wave, rather than the beginning.<ref>http://www.strandlighting.com/clientuploads/directory/downloads/Strand_IGBTvsSinewave_Dimming.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.ixys.com/Documents/AppNotes/IXYS_IGBT_Basic_I.pdf</ref>
A variation of the solid-state dimmer uses insulated-gate bipolar transistors, which are able to reduce some of the waste and much of the RFI of TRIACS by cutting off the end of the sine wave, rather than the beginning.<ref>http://www.strandlighting.com/clientuploads/directory/downloads/Strand_IGBTvsSinewave_Dimming.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.ixys.com/Documents/AppNotes/IXYS_IGBT_Basic_I.pdf</ref>
===Coil-rotation transformer===
===Coil-rotation transformer===
===Field effect transistor===
===Field effect transistor===
[http://www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/DimmerSwitch.htm]
[http://www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/DimmerSwitch.htm]
===CFL/LED dimmers===
===CFL/LED dimmers===
[[Fluorescent lightbulb|Fluorescent lights]] as well as LED (Light emitting diode) bulbs cannot be dimmed by a simple voltage reduction. However, this does not mean that it is impossible. In most cases, the bulbs themselves can (and must) control their brilliance. Therefore, variable brightness bulbs or tubes must be installed into a "dimmer" system designed for them. The user can then control brilliance easily, but the switch is simply telling the bulbs or tubes what to do. The actual lights then adjust their output as requested.<ref>http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a3886/how-to-use-a-dimmer-switch-with-cfls-and-leds-15882096</ref>
[[Fluorescent lightbulb|Fluorescent lights]] as well as LED (Light emitting diode) bulbs cannot be dimmed by a simple voltage reduction. However, this does not mean that it is impossible. In most cases, the bulbs themselves can (and must) control their brilliance. Therefore, variable brightness bulbs or tubes must be installed into a "dimmer" system designed for them. The user can then control brilliance easily, but the switch is simply telling the bulbs or tubes what to do. The actual light modules then adjust their output as requested.<ref>http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a3886/how-to-use-a-dimmer-switch-with-cfls-and-leds-15882096</ref> Although this does not help LEDs to last any longer, it can still reduce net power consumption.<ref>http://www.archlighting.com/technology/leds-a-deep-dive-in-dimming_o</ref>
==Purpose==
==Purpose==