WO2006046264A1

WO2006046264A1 - Device for managing and controlling power supply of an electric apparatus, particularly a gas lamp

Info

Publication number: WO2006046264A1
Application number: PCT/IT2005/000491
Authority: WO
Inventors: Silvano Varesi
Original assignee: Silvano Varesi
Priority date: 2004-10-25
Filing date: 2005-08-12
Publication date: 2006-05-04
Also published as: EP1897421A1; ITRM20040525A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for managing and controlling power supply of an electric apparatus, characterised in that it comprises a supply interface (4) and a logic unit (3) for managing said interface (4), said supply interface (4) being connected between the supply mains and said electric apparatus (2) and comprising a plurality of inductive and/or capacitive elements, connected in such a way to realise a network, and selection means (6, 7) for selecting said inductive and /or capacitive elements, said managing logic unit (3) controlling said selection means (6, 7) varying the total impedance of said network so as to supply current and tension are phased in every operation mode of said electric apparatus (2), thus maximising power transmission to said electric apparatus (2).

Description

DEVICE FOR MANAGING AND CONTROLLING POWER SUPPLY OF AN ELECTRIC APPARATUS, PARTICULARLY A

GAS LAMP

The present invention relates to a device for managing and controlling power supply of an electric apparatus, particularly a gas lamp.

More specifically, the invention concerns a device that can be remote managed, for adjusting supply of electric apparatuses, also avoiding supply current and tension phase difference and allowing the maximum power transmission during different operation phases.

In the following the specification will be addressed to supply of gas lamps, but it is well evident that the same must not be considered as limited to this specific use.

As it is well known, during the lighting step, vapour lamps absorb even 20% of power more than during the regime operation.

At present, lighting of lamps, for example street-lamps, occurs along the whole line by a clock or by crepuscular switches. Once the clock or the light intensity environment measuring device generates the lighting signal, lamp supply is never modified all along the line. For example, it implies that a line would produce the same light intensity at 10:00 p.m. and at 04:00 p.m., while it could be useful that at specific times a reduced illumination is provided particularly in specific zones.

Good quality lamps are available on the market standing tension variations higher than some tens of AC Volts¹ (Alternate Current). However, as time passes, and also in function of the specific use, lamps supplied with tension higher than the nominal tension more quickly ends their useful life. This involves the lowering of the lamp operation temperature. Therefore, in case said lamp is still supplied with a tension equal to or higher than 220 V AC, usually it causes the troublesome phenomenon of continuous switching off and switching on. In other words, when the lamp is almost exhausted even without tension variations, it switches off when a limit temperature is reached. Thus, it would be suitable being able individuating lamps approaching the exhaustion of their useful life, to be replaced. It would in case be possible properly using said lamps avoiding the intermittent switching off and switching on phenomenon if the current absorbed by the same lamp would be reduced until finding the temperature value causing its switching off. This will allow to the service man to more comfortably intervene. Therefore, it is object of the present invention that of providing a device allowing managing the supply of gas lamps, so as to be able to adjust their consumption during the lighting or at steady state.

Another object of the invention is that of allowing the remote control of said device, so as to make a centralised variation of the consumption of each single street-lamp and the total consumption of a whole line.

Further object of the present invention is that of being able applying said device also to the already existing supply mains. Still another object of the present invention is the possibility of allowing an efficient maintenance of lamps.

It is therefore specific object of the present invention a device for managing and controlling power supply of an electric apparatus, characterised in that it comprises a supply interface and a logic unit for managing said interface, said supply interface being connected between the supply mains and said electric apparatus and comprising a plurality of inductive and/or capacitive elements, connected in such a way to realise a network, and selection means, for selecting said inductive and/or capacitive elements, said managing logic unit controlling said selection means varying the total impedance of said network so as supply current and tension are phased in every operation mode of said electric apparatus, thus maximising power transmission to said electric apparatus.

Always according to the invention, phase angle between said supply current and tension can provide a cosine between 0,7 and 1. Still according to the invention, said network can be a T or π network.

Preferably, according to the invention, said selection means can comprise switch means, synchronisation means for said switch means, that can be controlled by said managing logic unit. Advantageously, according to the invention, said switch means can comprise relays and/or SCR and/or opto-switches.

Always according to the invention, said elements can comprise capacitive and/or inductive passive dipoles.

Still according to the invention, said inductive passive dipoles can comprise inductance and/or autotransformer and/or the secondary of a transformer having a plurality of outlets, primary of said transformer being connected with said supply mains. Furthermore, according to the invention, said managing logic unit can comprise a programmable microprocessor provided with read in means and with a programmable clock.

Advantageously, according to the invention, said clock can comprise a buffer battery.

Always according to the invention, said device can comprise means for sensing tension variation, said variation sensing means sending information concerning the tension variation of said supply mains to said managing logic unit and said logic unit increasing said total impedance of said network by said selection means following an increase of the supply tension.

Furthermore according to the invention, said variation sensing means can comprise a transformer and a tension meter.

Preferably, according to the invention, said device can comprise current absorption sensing means, sending information concerning said device to said managing logic unit, said managing logic unit increasing or reducing said total impedance of said supply means by said selection means or disconnecting the supply.

Still according to the invention, said current absorption sensing means can comprise first and second current absorption sensing means and first and second current absorption metering means; said first current absorption sensing means being connected with said supply means at the inlet of said interface and with said first current absorption metering means; said second current absorption sensing means being connected with said electric apparatus at the outlet of said interface and with said second current absorption metering means; the above, so as:

• if said first current absorption sensing means and said first current absorption metering means sense a current higher than a first set threshold, said managing logic unit increases said total impedance by said selection means and if said current absorption sensing means and said first current absorption metering means sense that current is higher than said set threshold, said managing logic unit disconnects supply of said interface unit sensing a failure of said capacitive elements or of said electric apparatus; • if said first current absorption sensing means and said first current absorption metering means sense a current higher than a first set threshold and said second current absorption sensing means and said second current absorption metering means sense a current lower than a second set threshold, said managing logic unit disconnects supply of said interface unit sensing a failure of said selection means or of the device.

Always according to the invention, said device can comprise means for sensing tension at the ends of said plurality of inductive means, means for sensing current absorbed by said electric apparatus, and comparison means, connected with said managing logic unit for sensing the phase difference between signals of tension at the ends of said plurality of inductive means and said absorbed current; in case of failure of said electric apparatus, said network being a capacitive network, while in case of a failure of said capacitive elements, said network being inductive; and said managing logic unit sensing a failure of said electric apparatus or of said capacitive elements if the phase difference of said signals overcomes one or more of said set thresholds. Still according to the invention, said current sensing means can comprise a transformer, having a winding serially connected with said electric apparatus, connected with an amplifier and a signal squaring device.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said tension sensing means can comprise a transformer, having a winding parallel connected with said plurality of inductive elements, connected with an amplifier and a signal squaring device.

Advantageously, according to the invention, said comparison means can comprise a phase comparison device. Always according to the invention, said electric apparatus can be comprised of a gas lamp that can provide an inductance and a lighting device.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said managing logic unit can comprise connection means that can provide an interface. It is further object of the present invention, a system for managing and controlling supply mains for street lighting, comprising a supply means supplying a plurality of gas lamps provided on a plurality of street-lamps, each lamp being connected to said supply means by a managing and controlling device, characterised in that it provides centralised managing means comprising further connection means for communication with said devices, said further connection means being consistent with said connection means of said devices, said centralised managing means being connected with said devices by said connection means and sending lighting and/or switching off and/or programming controls said lighting and/or switching off and/or programming and receiving information relevant to sensing and/or failure and/or lamp malfunction and/or said supply mains.

Always according to the invention, said centralised managing means can comprise a central managing unit and a plurality line managing units, each one of said line managing unit being connected with a supply line, said central managing unit being connected with and controlling said line managing units.

Still according to the invention, said centralised managing means can program said programmable microprocessor by said connection means.

Preferably, according to the invention, said connection means of said central managing unit and said devices can comprise conveyed wave means and said central managing units transmit and/or receive while said managing logic unit isolates said capacitive means by said selection means.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said connection means of said central managing unit and said devices can comprise at least an antenna and radio frequency transceiving means and/or cables.

The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the managing and controlling device of supply according to the present invention; and

Figure 2 shows a scheme of a managing system for a plurality of devices according to figure 1.

In order to better understand the present invention, the operation modes are described in the following for the preferred embodiments of the device, similar modes being valid for other embodiments. Making reference to figure 1 , it is possible observing an embodiment of the device 1 according to the present invention. Said device 1 is placed between the supply means R (220 - 230 V AC) and the lamp block 2. it provides a managing logic unit 3 and an impedance control unit 4. said managing logic unit 3, on the basis of a set program or on the basis of remote instructions, adjusts impedance between supply means R and lamp block 2, thus allowing an optimum adaptation of impedance during lighting, during steady operation and in case the lamp

2"' deteriorates, by a control and sizing of impedance by suitable selection and combination of passive dipoles.

Examining more deeply the figure, it is possible observing that the lamp block provides an inductance 2', a lighting device 2" and the gas lamp 2"'. Inductance is provided in order to limit absorption. At present, a condenser is provided before the inductance 2' in order to limit the phase difference, maintaining at regime the cosine of the angle between tension and alternate current higher than 0.7. During lighting the situation is even more difficult. In fact, in this step, lamp 2'" has a different impedance and therefore phase difference is even bigger. This obliges, in order to lighting the lamp, providing more power, thus creating design problems for the line, as mentioned in the above.

It is evident the needing of differentiating impedance of lamp 2'" during the lighting phase.

Coming beck to figure 1 , managing logic unit 3 comprises a microprocessor 5 connected with a control device 6 and a plurality of switches 7 and 8.

Microprocessor 5 is connected with a clock 9, provided with a buffer battery 10, allowing its operation in case supply is interrupted. Clock

9 sends the time to the microprocessor 5. microprocessor 5 thus activates, even remotely, the lighting procedure at the programmed time in its programmable memory.

By clock 9 it is possible adjusting the luminous flow at different times and with different intensities for each street-lamp or for groups of street-lamps at set hours and according the specific needing. At set intervals, microprocessor 5, by control device 6, closes switches 7', 8', selecting condenser Ci and inductances L₁.._.4, that, being serially connected, have a total inductance corresponding to their sum. Then, after a subsequent interval, microprocessor opens switch T ad at the same time closes switch 7". Contemporaneous closure and opening of switches 7', 7" occurs close to the passage at zero value of current signal, preventing tension peaks on the inductive dipoles. After this activation, total inductance of device 1 is equal to the sum L2...4. In other words, Li is excluded. After the reduction of total inductance interposed, total impedance would displace the phase the tension signal from the current signal. In other words, cosine of the angle between said two signals on the lamp would diminish. Therefore, when the suitable switch 7 is closed, for example after the closure of 7'" and the opening of 7", also switch 8" would be closed, parallel connecting C2 with C1 , thus putting in parallel to the supply mains of said lamb block 2 a capacity corresponding to Ci + C₂.

Substantially, device 1 controls capacity and inductance of a RLC network, conforming the total impedance in such a way to obtain a behaviour as more resistive as possible.

At steady state, the condition is obtained with switches closed 7^V, 8' and 8", thus ensuring maximum light conditions. Condensers Ci and C₂ replace compensation capability that is provided in parallel in the lamp block 2.

L₀ is a compensation inductance, in order to take into consideration value of 2'. This is necessary in case the device is applied to the present supply mains. In the future it could be possible producing an element integrating the lamp block 2 and the control device 1. Thus, it is possible obtaining saving s also under the manufacturing point of view.

Switches 7 and 8 can be of different kind. Among the most known variations, it is possible mentioning Solid State Components (SCR), electro-mechanical relays or optical switches.

Device 1 also provides systems allowing power saving and control of malfunctioning. For example, in the following particular conditions. For example, in the following particular conditions: a. wear of the lamp; b. failure of the lamp; c. failure of re-phasing condensers; d. supply variation. As to points a, b and c, two control circuits are provided for absorptions 11' and 12'. Said control absorption control circuits 11 are realised in such a way that:

• absorption control circuit 11 ' senses an unwished increase of the supply current, and in this case sends a signal to an absorption meter 12', which is connected to the microprocessor 5;

• absorption control circuit 11" senses a possible lack of current, sending a signal to a further absorption meter 12", connected to the microprocessor 5.

Thus, some different sensing cases are individuated. Both absorption circuits 11 sense a malfunctioning

This case corresponds to the failure of the lamp or of a switch. In fact, device 1 absorbs more current than is necessary, but said current does not reach lamp 2"'.

Absorption circuit 11' senses a malfunctioning, while absorption circuit 11" does not sense said malfunctioning

This case indicates the malfunctioning or exhaustion of lamp 2"' or of one of the re-phasing condensers. Particularly, the known phenomenon of light intermittence occurs and the following effects are noted:

• lamp switches on and off when a set gas temperature is reached;

• due to the above, lamp is continuously in a switching on phase and a stable steady condition is never reached, thus increasing the average consumption;

• lighting device quickly deteriorates, being it frequently actuated.

In order to avoid the above drawbacks, absorption control circuit 11 ', due to the increase of current flowing through, due to the uniform lighting condition of the lamp block 2, sends a signal to the absorption meter 12', that sends a signal to the microprocessor 5. the latter ends the lighting phase of the lamp, not closing the last switch, indicated by reference number 7^V, but with one of the previous switches, e.g. 7^IV. In this way a higher impedance is obtained diminishing the supply current for lamp 2"'. At the same time, microprocessor 5 can send a signal by a data transmission unit 13 to a central data collection and managing unit, informing that lamp 2"' is almost failing.

Reduction of supply current to the lamp has the following effects: • reduction of average delivered current;

• increase of the residual duration of the lamp;

• increase of the duration of the average life of the lighting device;

• energy saving. Absorption circuit 11' does not sense a malfunctioning, while absorption circuit 11" senses said malfunctioning

The above situation can reveal the failure of a switch. In fact, in this case, not closure of a switch permits the absorption of current but does not permit supply of lamp block 2'". Said absorption control circuits 11 can be realised in different ways. An embodiment of said circuits according to the present invention provides the use of a diode and of a photodiode inversely provided. Photodiode controls a phototransistor, thus realising an opto-switch. In parallel with said diodes a resistance is present for the absorption control circuit 11 ' or an inductance for the absorption control circuit 11".

Following an increase of alternate current intensity, tension reduction increases at the ends of the resistance, activating phototransistor. While in case of a sudden interruption of current, impedance ate the ends of the inductance is zero, thus interrupting phototransistor activation.

Finally, as far as supply variation is concerned, often occurring in the distribution supply mains (point d), a transformer 14 is provided in device 1. said transformer 14 has the 220V AC supply mains R on its primary winding while on its secondary winding a tension adjuster 15 is provided, suitable to supply low power logic circuits, with a tension ranging between 5 and 6 Volts, and a tension meter 16. The latter analyses variations at the outlet of the transformer 12, that are proportional to those of the supply. If the tension variation overcomes a set threshold, tension meter 16 sends a signal to the microprocessor 5 adjusting current absorbed by the lamp block 2, thus stabilising the same on optimum values and reducing absorption. Adjustment occurs through the opening of the switch 7^V and closure of switch 7^IV, increasing total impedance of device 1 , always maintaining phase angle within a set range, i.e. maintaining cosine of angle between tension and current signals higher than 0.7. It must be taken into consideration that device 1 provides at steady state a phase angle cosine higher than 0.9, thus ensuring a high power transmission, thus reducing the absorption.

As already said, device 1 provides a data transmission unit 13, interfaced with microprocessor 5 through interface means 17. Said data transmission unit 13 comprises transceiving means

(not shown in the figures) that can comprise conveyed wave systems or cables or radio frequency devices.

Particularly, in case of conveyed wave systems, transmission can occur when switches 8 isolate 8 (switches open) the re-phasing condensers Ci and C₂. It should be noted that microprocessor 5 can carry out opening of switches 8 while it transmits and it can be controlled and stimulated to open the same when receiving.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided the replacement of the plurality of inductances L₁._..4, with the secondary of a transformer or self-transformer, provided with a plurality of outlets with a different tension. Transformer primary would connected with the supply mains R. embodiment providing the transformer is particularly suitable for High Tension series lighting systems needing a tension transformation. In this way, it is possible introducing device 1 replacing the junction box employed for adapting High Tension to 220 V

AC.

It is possible evaluating a further failure sensing circuit. Said circuit provides:

• a tension sensing device, for example realised, by a transformer having a winding provided at the ends of the inductive elements of said impedance control unit 4;

• a current sensing device, for example realised by a transformer having a winding provided in series with said lamp 2 or other electric apparatus. An amplifier and a signal squaring device are connected to each one of said sensing devices. Signal from the signal squaring devices is compared by a phase comparing device. In case of failure of lamp 2 or of the re-phasing ca pability, supply means will have a capacitive or inductive character. Therefore, it is possible individuating a possible failure from the phase difference of the above two signals revealed by said tension and current sensing devices. In this case, phase comparison device sends a signal proportional to the phase difference of said tension and current signals to said managing logic unit 3, revealing a failure if said signal overcomes a set threshold. On the basis of the above, said managing logic unit 3: a. senses the failure and memorises the same; b. if so programmed, interrupts supply, limiting unnecessary power absorption.

On the basis of the above, device can be realised according to the following preferred embodiments, providing: a. serial inductive dipoles and SCR as switch means 7 and 8; b. serial inductive dipoles and relays as switch means 7 and 8; c. transformer and self-transformer and SCR- as switch means 7 and 8; d. transformer and self-transformer and relays as switch means 7 and 8.

By the data transmission unit 13, it is possible introducing said device 1 in a supply line managing system, for example publi c street lighting supply mains. In fact, making reference to figure 2, it is possible observing two independent supply mains Ri and R₂ for street-lamps 18. a device 1 is provided on each street-lamp 18. The data transmission unit 13 wi th a line managing unit 19 connects said devices 1.

Managing logic unit 3 transmits to said line managing unit 19 information relevant to the lamp block 2, signalling failures or malfunctioning.

Said line managing unit 19 are connected to a central managing unit 20. By said central managing unit 20, electric supply mains manager can centrally make different adjustments, and acquiring different data, such as:

• programming street-lamp switching on and switching off time; • programming microprocessor 5;

• be aware of lamps to be replaced;

• monitoring if some lines often have overloading. In this way, device 1 is particularly useful not only for maintenance of lamp blocks2 of street-lamps 18, but also for maintenance of some failures of the whole supply mains.

As already said, data transmission can occur by conveyed waves, cables, or by radio transceiver systems, or by hybrid systems. On the basis of the above description, it can be noted that the basic feature of the present invention is that of obtaining a saving when supplying gas lamps.

An advantage of the present invention is that of allowing a longer life of lamps and of the relevant operation devices, thus allowing savings both at the supply mains level and at the single street-lamp level.

A further advantage of the present invention is that of allowing both remote control and monitoring of street-lamps, thus obtaining a more efficient and quick maintenance.

The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. Device for managing and controlling power supply of an electric apparatus, characterised in that it comprises a supply interface (4) and a logic unit (3) for managing said interface 4), said supply interface (4) being connected between the supply mains and said electric apparatus (2) and comprising a plurality of inductive and/or capacitive elements, connected in such a way to realise a network, and selection means (6, 7), for selecting said inductive and/or capacitive elements, said managing logic unit (3) controlling said selection means (6, 7) varying the total impedance of said network so as supply current and tension are phased in every operation mode of said electric apparatus (2), thus maximising power transmission to said electric apparatus (2).

2. Device according to claim 1 , characterised in that phase angle between said supply current and tension can provide a cosine between 0,7 and 1.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said network is a T or π network.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said selection means comprise switch means (7).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that said selection means comprise synchronisation means for said switch means (7, 8), that are controlled by said managing logic unit (3).

6. Device according to one of the claims 4 or 5, characterised in that said switch means (7) comprise relays and/or SCR and/or opto- switches.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said elements comprise capacitive and/or inductive passive dipoles.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterised in that said inductive passive dipoles comprise inductance.

9. Device according to one of the claims 7 or 8, characterised in that said inductive passive dipoles comprise an autotransformer or the secondary of a transformer having a plurality of outlets, primary of said transformer being connected with said supply mains.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said managing logic unit (3) comprises a programmable microprocessor (5) provided with read in means.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said managing logic unit comprises a clock, said clock being programmable.

12. Device according to claim 11 , characterised in that said clock (9) comprises a buffer battery (10).

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said device comprises means for sensing tension variation (14, 15), said variation sensing means (14, 15) sending information concerning the tension variation of said supply mains to said managing logic unit and said logic unit (3) increasing said total impedance of said network by said selection means following an increase of the supply tension.

14. Device according to claim 13, characterised in that said variation sensing means can comprise a transformer (14) and a tension meter (15).

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said device comprises current absorption sensing means (11 , 12), sending information concerning said device to said managing logic unit (3), said managing logic unit (3) increasing or reducing said total impedance of said supply means by said selection means or disconnecting the supply.

16. Device according to claim 15, characterised in that said current absorption sensing means comprise first and second current absorption sensing means (11, 11") and first and second current absorption metering means (12', 12"; said first current absorption sensing means (11') being connected with said supply means at the inlet of said interface (4) and with said first current absorption metering means (12¹); said second current absorption sensing means (11') being connected with said electric apparatus (2) at the outlet of said interface (4) and with said second current absorption metering means (12"); the above, so as:

• if said first current absorption sensing means (11') and said first current absorption metering means (12') sense a current higher than a first set threshold, said managing logic unit (3) increases said total impedance by said selection means (6, 7) and if said current absorption sensing means (11') and said first current absorption metering means (12') sense that current is higher than said set threshold, said managing logic unit (3) disconnects supply of said interface unit (4) sensing a failure of said capacitive elements or of said electric apparatus (2); • if said first current absorption sensing means (11') and said first current absorption metering means (12') sense a current higher than a first set threshold and said second current absorption sensing means (11") and said second current absorption metering means (12") sense a current lower than a second set threshold, said managing logic unit (3) disconnects supply of said interface unit (4) sensing a failure of said selection means (6, 7) or of the device (1).

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said device comprises means for sensing tension at the ends of said plurality of inductive means, means for sensing current absorbed by said electric apparatus, and comparison means, connected with said managing logic unit (3) for sensing the phase difference between signals of tension at the ends of said plurality of inductive means and said absorbed current; in case of failure of said electric apparatus (2), said network being a capacitive network, while in case of a failure of said capacitive elements, said network being inductive; and said managing logic unit (3) sensing a failure of said electric apparatus or of said capacitive elements if the phase difference of said signals overcomes one or more of said set thresholds.

18. Device according to claim 17, characterised in that said current sensing means comprise a transformer, having a winding serially connected with said electric apparatus, connected with an amplifier and a signal-squaring device.

19. Device according to one of the claims 17 or 18, characterised in that said tension sensing means comprise a transformer, having a winding parallel connected with said plurality of inductive elements, connected with an amplifier and a signal squaring device.

20. Device according to one of the claims 17 or 18, characterised in that said comparison means comprise a phase comparison device.

21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said electric apparatus is comprised of a gas lamp.

22. Device according to claim 21 , characterised i n that said gas lamp (2"') comprises an inductance (2¹) and a lighting device (2").

23. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said managing logic unit (3) comprises connection means (13).

24. Device according to claim 23, characterised in that said connection means provide an interface (17).

25. System for managing and controlling supply mains for street lighting, comprising a supply means supplying a plurality of gas lamps (2"') provided on a plurality of street-lamps (18), each lamp (2'") being connected to said supply means by a managing and controlling device (1 ) as defined in claims 1 - 20, characterised in that it provides centralised managing means (19, 20) comprising further connecti on means for communication with said devices (1), said further connection means being consistent with said connection means of said devices (1), said centralised managing means (19, 20) being connected with said devices (1) by said connection means and sending lighting and/or switching off and/or programming controls and receiving information relevant to sensing and/or failure and/or lamp malfunction and/or said supply mains.

26. System according to claim 25, characterised in that said centralised managing means can comprise a central managing unit (20) and a plurality line managing units (19), each one of said line managing unit (19) being connected with a supply line, said central managing unit (20) being connected with and controlling said line managing units (19).

27. System according to one of claims 25 or 26, comprising managing and controlling devices as defined in clai ms 10 - 20, characterised in that said centralised managing means (1 9, 20) program said programmable microprocessor (5) by said connection means.

28. System according to one of claims 25 - 26, characterised in that said connection means of said central managing unit and said devices comprise conveyed wave means.

29. System according to claim 28, characterised in that said central managing units (19, 20) transmit and/or receive while said managing logic unit (3) isolates said capacitive means by said selection means.

30. System according to one of claims 25 - 29, characterised in that said connection means of said central managing unit (19, 20) and said devices (1) comprise at least an antenna a nd radio frequency transceiving means.

31. System according to one of claims 25 - 30, characterised in that said connection means of said central managing unit (19, 20) and said devices (1 ) comprise cables.

32. Device and system according to each one of the preceding claims, substantially as illustrated and described.