“Eternal lamp” incandescent with their own hands

Imagine having a source of light that never burns out, a timeless glow that illuminates your home without fail. This concept may seem like a dream in the era of LED bulbs and fluorescent lights, but there"s a nostalgic charm to the warm, comforting glow of incandescent lamps. In our quest for energy efficiency and sustainability, these classic bulbs have fallen out of favor, deemed too wasteful and inefficient. However, what if there was a way to breathe new life into these old-fashioned lights, making them not only sustainable but also a DIY project for enthusiasts? Enter the concept of the "eternal lamp," where we explore how to create an incandescent bulb that lasts indefinitely with a few simple steps.

Allow us to explain the allure of incandescent bulbs for a moment before we get into the how-to of creating your eternal lamp. In contrast to their contemporary equivalents, incandescent lamps produce a cosy, natural light that many people find comforting and recognizable. They cast a soft, gentle glow that can improve the atmosphere of any space, giving them a certain character that LEDs and fluorescents frequently lack. Incandescent bulbs also evoke a feeling of craftsmanship and a bygone era when goods were made to last and could be fixed rather than thrown away at the first sign of damage.

But it’s no secret that conventional incandescent lightbulbs are infamous energy wasters; they only produce light from a small portion of the electricity they use, with the remainder being released as heat. Widespread attempts were made to replace incandescent lightbulbs with more energy-efficient ones as a result of this inefficiency. Although there is no denying the environmental benefits of these initiatives, many people were left yearning for the cozy glow of incandescent light. The desire to bring back the traditional incandescent lightbulb in a more environmentally friendly format has spurred interest, as has a burgeoning do-it-yourself movement focused on sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Aspiring individuals and do-it-yourselfers have started experimenting with ways to make incandescent bulbs last longer, resulting in what fans lovingly call "eternal lamps." The idea is straightforward but brilliant: by using a more resilient filament in place of the typical incandescent bulb and improving the design of the bulb, it is possible to produce a light source that lasts far longer than similar conventional ones. This do-it-yourself method not only revitalizes outdated lightbulbs but also gives people the ability to manage their lighting requirements in a creative and sustainable way.

Principle of operation

Incandescent lights with tungsten filaments can use the soft-start device. This category includes a variety of lamps for use around the house as well as halogen lights, which are utilized in strong floodlights. The device works on the principle of reducing the voltage supply to the filament spiral just as it turns on. This avoids the hundredths of a second spike phase and allows for a smooth coil heating process. We all know that this is the point at which burnout happens most frequently. The device’s electronic circuitry supplies a gradual increase in current over a duration of one to three seconds.

When an incandescent lamp is turned on, its tungsten filament has low resistance at room temperature. This causes high currents to flow through the coil and eventually burn it out.

Livermore, California is home to the world’s longest-burning lamp, which is officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. since the year 1901. This "century-old lamp," as it has come to be called, continues to light the fire station every day. And in all these years, it has only been turned off sparingly and briefly. It is frequently cited by contemporary researchers as evidence in favor of the "planned obsolescence" theory.

The "Centennial lamp" features a carbon spiral and was created by hand.

The soft-start gadget is lightweight and small in size. And as a result, it is installable:

• in the chandelier"s protective chandelier hood at the point where the wires exit;
• in the sub-socket of the switch;
• in the junction box;
• in the space above the suspended or stretch ceiling.

The device’s size permits installation even within the socket cavity.

The ease of installation and accessibility are taken into consideration when choosing the installation location. The option that provides the fixture with adequate natural ventilation is thought to be the best one. The device is connected to the supply cable’s phase or zero break, which is the straightforward connection method.

The soft-start mechanism is inserted into the break in one of the wires that supply power to the light fixture.

When using 12 V incandescent lights for illumination, the UPVL should be installed before the step-down transformer. It’s also important to note that the transformer is protected from adverse network fluctuations with this connection.

Softening the intense, blinding light when a light fixture turns on is one of the side benefits of using soft ignition. It shields the eyes from needless strain, particularly when the light is turned on in total darkness.

Fluorescent and LED luminaires work on different design principles, so the UPVL device is not used with them.

Calculate the total power of consumers in order to determine the UPVL’s capacity. In actuality, this is represented by adding the power ratings of each lamp that the gadget will be connected to. To ensure that the device operates within its capabilities, an additional 20% of power is added to the total. For instance, the total consumer power of the five 100-watt lamps in the scheme will be 500 watts. Add 20% or 100 W to this figure to obtain the required power value, or 600 W, for UPVL.

It is possible to install the soft switching device inside of a junction box.

In the network of stores that sell electrical goods, they are sold UPVL, produced in factory conditions. Among them there are both domestic and foreign models. The names may vary, but in principle it is a plastic container with dimensions smaller than a matchbox. Often the emphasis in the name is placed on the protective function of the device for halogen lamps. But the device is quite applicable and for ordinary incandescent lamps. Another possible name for the device – phase regulator. This is usually referred to as a more powerful UPWL with a slightly modified control system. The price of such a device can vary from 300 to 600 rubles, depending on the rated power.

It is not permitted to use the lamp-smoothing device to soft start power tool and other household appliance motors.

One option is to allow people with a rudimentary understanding of radio electronics to self-manufacture the UPVL. These are some methods that will help you prolong a light bulb’s life significantly.

Thyristor scheme

Simple and easily accessible components are used in the thyristor circuit. A rectifier bridge with four diodes (VD1 to VD4) connected to it and a thyristor (VS1) form the basis. Furthermore, resistors R1 (with variable capacitance) and R2 are required, along with a 10 µF capacitor C1.

In the thyristor scheme, the variable resistance R1 sets the time after which the voltage is applied to the lamp.

Electric current flows through the lamp coil and is rectified in a diode bridge when voltage is applied. The capacitor begins to charge after it passes through the resistor. The lamp current passes through the thyristor when it opens when the threshold voltage is reached. The tungsten filament subsequently becomes progressively more energized. This variable capacitance resistor R1 allows the lamp’s "run-up" time to be adjusted.

Triac circuit

The circuit uses fewer components because the power switch is a triac VS1.

The triac circuit operates on a similar principle to the thyristor circuit, but with fewer specifics.

In the event that the power key is unlocked, choke element L1 suppresses interference. Generally speaking, it can be removed from the plan if needed. The resistance R2 and capacitor C1 in the circuit that sets the time are fed through the diode VD1. The current on the control electrode VS1 is decreased by resistance R1. The circuit works on a similar principle as the previous one: current flows through the triac, opening it and creating a brief pause for the capacitor to fill in capacity. This allows current to supply the EL1 lamp.

Because there are fewer parts in the device, which is based on the triac regulator scheme with a variable capacitance capacitor, its dimensions are compact.

The circuit is based on a specialized microcircuit

The circuit is built around a specialized chip called KR1182PM1 (or DIP8 in the version imported from elsewhere), which has two thyristors and two control systems for them. Resistance R2 and capacitance C3 control how long an object stays on or off. The resistance R1 controls the current flowing through the control electrode, and the triac VS1 is used to separate the power and control components. The external capacitances C1 and C2 are configured to control how the internal circuit of the microcircuit’s thyristors operate. For interference protection, capacitor C4 and resistor R4 are utilized.

By using a specialized microcircuit, the UPVL extends the life of the lamp by smoothly turning it on and off with a slight delay.

The contacts of the switch SA1 must be in the closed position when the device is connected to the lamp voltage supply line. When the SA1 contacts are opened, capacitor C3 becomes more capacitant. Lamp EL1 and triac VS1 connected in series start smoothly when the current gradually increases through resistance R1, which controls the power key at the IC’s output.

It’s interesting to note that this circuit delays the coil’s extinguishment as well as its heating during on. The lamp extinguishes with the same ease that it ignites. At the device assembly stage, the delay duration is adjusted by choosing the capacitance of capacitor C3. The lamp start delay can be increased by up to 10 seconds if preferred. Resistance R2 controls how smoothly the switchoff occurs.

A lamp dimmer and a dimmer switch are not the same thing. An automatic regulator called UPVL gradually raises the lighting device’s current when it turns on. A dimmer is a tool used to manually change the lighting’s brightness.

One of the distinguishing features of phase regulators and UPVLs is that they lower the output voltage to the lamp (from 230 to 200 V). This prolongs its service life even further.

Video: device of soft switching on the lamp on field-effect transistors

In this article, we"ll delve into the concept of creating an "eternal lamp" using incandescent technology. Despite the widespread shift towards LED lighting for energy efficiency, there"s still nostalgia and practicality in reviving the traditional incandescent bulb. By understanding how to construct a long-lasting incandescent lamp, homeowners can tap into the warmth and ambiance these bulbs offer while minimizing the need for frequent replacements. We"ll explore the basic principles behind incandescent lighting, discuss materials and techniques for extending the lifespan of these bulbs, and offer step-by-step instructions for crafting your own enduring light source. With a blend of innovation and tradition, DIY enthusiasts can bring a touch of timeless glow into their homes while embracing sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Although making your own "eternal lamp" incandescent lightbulb at home may seem like a throwback do-it-yourself project, the implications for energy efficiency and sustainability in today’s world are profound. Homeowners can revive outdated technology and cut down on energy use by repurposing old incandescent bulbs and retrofitting them with LEDs and other components.

Customizing its features to fit your needs and preferences is one of the main advantages of making your own "eternal lamp." Incorporating smart technology for automation and remote control, as well as customizing the LEDs’ brightness and color temperature, allows do-it-yourself enthusiasts to express their creativity while maximizing energy efficiency.

Furthermore, using this do-it-yourself method to revive incandescent bulbs encourages ingenuity and environmental awareness. People can reduce their environmental impact and prolong the life of these materials by doing the following instead of throwing away old bulbs and adding to the waste generated by electronics.

But it’s crucial to prioritize safety and approach this project cautiously. There are always risks involved when working with electricity, so doing your homework and following the right procedures are essential. Furthermore, guaranteeing the caliber and suitability of the parts is essential to the durability and efficiency of the "eternal lamp."

In summary, the idea of the "eternal lamp" combines innovation and tradition to provide a workable way to improve home lighting’s sustainability and energy efficiency. By taking on this do-it-yourself project, homeowners can lower their carbon footprint and discover the allure of traditional incandescent light bulbs in a contemporary, environmentally beneficial setting.

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"Eternal" incandescent light bulb with your own hands. How to extend the life of an incandescent lamp

Eternal incandescent light bulb with your own hands