Networkable power controller

Abstract

A networkable power controller includes a mode selector for selectively conducting one of a plurality of input signals to an output of the networkable power controller, where the input signals and the output signals satisfy the same signaling protocol. The networkable power controller may be networked with other networkable power controllers, lighting ballasts and other building automation control devices, and user-controlled voltage selectors to provide a lighting control network. A power controller may include a mode selector that may be used in combination with other control devices or components, including a rotary dimmer control, a digital slide dimmer control, a demand load shedder component, a photometer component, and a communications interface. The communications interface allows digital control of the networkable power controller.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 123,899, filed Mar. 11, 1999, entitled "Networking Controls For Power Controlling Ballast".[0002] The present application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 982,975, filed Dec. 2, 1997, entitled "Frequency Controlled, Quick and Soft Start Gas Discharge Lamp Ballast and Method Therefor" U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 982,974, filed Dec. 2, 1997, entitled "Frequency Controller with Loosely Coupled Transformer Having A Shunt With A Gap And Method Therefor", and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 315,395, filed May 20, 1999, entitled "Light Sensing Dimming Control System for Gas Discharge Lamps".[0003] The invention relates generally to building control systems, and more particularly to networkable power controllers used to control electrical or electro-mechanical systems in buildings.BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART[0004] A building control system generally allows a building ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a networkable power controller that can be used to control electrical devices, such as ballasts for lighting, in building control systems. The controller can be powered by a central control station or by individual ballasts, and can be controlled through a network of multiple power controllers. The controller can be powered by the same power source as other devices in the network, and can control the power provided to or by the devices without directly controlling their operation. The power controller can also be powered by the output of the ballasts. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a flexible and cost-effective solution for controlling power in building control systems, allowing for individual override control and demand reduction, as well as providing a network of lighting subsystems that can be installed easily throughout a building and powered conveniently by an available energy source.

Problems solved by technology

Modern building control systems, however, do not commonly accommodate personal overrides of the centrally controlled settings.

As such, an employee working on a weekend may be left without adequate air conditioning on a hot summer day.

In addition, even with the cooperation of the central control station, many building control systems lack the precision to override the scheduled temperature settings on merely an individual office basis.

Such imprecision diminishes the energy saving effect of the scheduled thermostat settings.

Individualized control of lighting systems and other building systems is also desirable, although not adequately addressed by existing solutions.

Without individual override control, an employee working late may be left in the dark and be unable to continue working without contacting the building operator to turn the lights back on.

In addition, existing lighting control systems typically entail considerable costs and provide limited flexibility in configuring and powering a control network.

A problem exists in providing an inexpensive network of lighting subsystems that can be installed easily throughout a building and powered conveniently by an available energy source, while providing flexible control from a central or remote control station with the convenience of individual overrides.

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