Direct current power distribution in control systems

Abstract

A control system can include a direct current (DC) power bus for charging (e.g., trickle charging) internal energy storage elements in control devices of the control system. For example, the control devices can be motorized window treatments configured to adjust the position of a covering material to control the amount of daylight entering a space. The system can include a DC power source that can generate a DC voltage on the DC power bus. For example, the DC power bus can extend from the DC power source around the perimeter of a building floor and can be connected to all of the motorized window treatments on the floor (e.g., in a daisy chain configuration). Wiring the DC power bus in this manner can significantly reduce installation labor and the cost of installed wiring, as well as reduce the likelihood of wiring errors.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 813,552, filed March 4, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Typical blinds, such as roller blinds, curtains, Roman blinds, and / or Venetian blinds, are installed in front of windows or openings to control the amount of light that may enter the user's environment and / or provide privacy. The covering material (e.g., curtain fabric) on the blinds can be adjusted to control the amount of daylight entering the user's environment and / or provide privacy. The covering material can be manually controlled and / or automatically controlled using a motorized drive system to save energy and / or increase occupant comfort. For example, the covering material can be raised to allow light into the user's environment and allow for reduced use of lighting systems. The covering material can also be lowered to reduce the occurrence of solar glare. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A control system may include a direct current (DC) power bus for charging (e.g., trickle charging) internal energy storage elements in the control unit of the control system. For example, the control unit may be motorized blinds configured to adjust the position of the covering material to control the amount of daylight entering the space. The system may include a DC power supply capable of generating a DC voltage on the DC power bus. For example, the DC power bus may extend from the DC power supply around the perimeter of the building floor and may be connected to all motorized blinds on the floor (e.g., in a daisy-chain configuration). Wiring the DC power bus in this manner can significantly reduce installation labor and wiring costs, as well as the possibility of wiring errors.

[0005] Each control device can be configured to control when the internal energy storage element is charged from the DC bus voltage. For example, each control device can be configured to determine when to charge the internal energy storage element from the DC bus voltage in response to a message received via a communication circuit. Each control device can be configured to transmit a message including the storage level of the internal energy storage element. The storage level of the internal storage element can be a certain percentage of the maximum capacity (e.g., 60% of the maximum storage capacity) or a certain percentage of the maximum voltage, or a preset voltage level of the internal storage element. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 It is a simplified block diagram of a load control system with a load control device and motorized curtains.

[0007] Figures 2A to 2C It is a floor plan of a DC power distribution system used in control systems.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the motor drive unit for an example of an electric curtain.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of an example supplemental energy storage element.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an example motion tracking control program that can be executed by the control circuit of the load control device.

[0011] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of an example internal storage device charging control program that can be executed by the control circuit of the load control device.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an example low-power mode control program that can be executed by the control circuit of a load control device.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an example precharge control program that can be executed by the control circuit of the load control device. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram of an example load control system 100 for controlling the amount of power delivered from an alternating current (AC) power source (not shown) to one or more electrical loads. The load control system 100 may include a system controller 110 (e.g., a load controller or central controller) that can be used to transmit and / or receive digital messages via wired and / or wireless communication links. For example, the system controller 110 may be coupled to one or more wired control devices via a wired digital communication link 104. The system controller 110 may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signals 106) to communicate with one or more wireless control devices. The load control system 100 may include multiple control source devices and / or multiple control target devices for controlling electrical loads. Control source devices may be input devices that can be used to transmit digital messages, configured to control electrical loads via control target devices. For example, control source devices may transmit digital messages in response to user input, occupancy / vacancy status, measured changes in light intensity, or other input information. Control target devices may be load control devices that can be used to receive digital messages and control the corresponding electrical load in response to the received digital messages. A single control device in the load control system 100 can function as both a control source device and a control target device. The system controller 110 can be configured to receive digital messages from the control source device and, in response to the digital messages received from the control source device, transmit digital messages to the control target device. The control source device and the control target device can also, or alternatively, communicate directly.

[0015] The load control system 100 may include a load control device, such as a dimmer switch 120, for controlling the lighting load 122. The dimmer switch 120 may be adapted for wall mounting in a standard electrical box. The dimmer switch 120 may include a desktop or plug-in load control device. The dimmer switch 120 may include a toggle actuator 124 (e.g., a push-button) and / or an intensity adjustment actuator 126 (e.g., a rocker switch). Continuous actuation of the toggle actuator 124 may toggle (e.g., turn off and on) the lighting load 122. Actuation of the upper or lower portion of the intensity adjustment actuator 126 may increase or decrease the amount of power delivered to the lighting load 122, respectively, and increase the intensity of the lighting load from a minimum intensity (e.g., approximately 1%) to a maximum intensity (e.g., approximately 100%) or decrease it from a maximum intensity (e.g., approximately 100%) to a minimum intensity (e.g., approximately 1%). The dimmer switch 120 may also include a plurality of visual indicators 128, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which may be arranged in a linear array and / or illuminated to provide feedback on the intensity of the lighting load 122. The dimmer switch 120 may be configured to receive digital messages from the system controller 110 via an RF signal 106 and control the lighting load 122 in response to the received digital messages. The dimmer switch 120 may also, or alternatively, be coupled to a wired digital communication link 104. Examples of wall-mounted dimmer switches are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,248,919, filed September 28, 1993, entitled “LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE,” and U.S. Patent No. 9,679,696, filed June 13, 2017, entitled “WIRELESS LOAD CONTROL DEVICE,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0016] The load control system 100 may also include one or more remotely located load control devices, such as LED drivers 130 for driving the corresponding light-emitting diode (LED) light source 132 (e.g., an LED light engine). The LED driver 130 may be remotely located, for example, in a lighting fixture containing the corresponding LED light source 132. The LED driver 130 may be configured to receive digital messages from the system controller 110 via a digital communication link 104 and control the corresponding LED light source 132 in response to the received digital messages. The LED driver 130 may be coupled to a separate digital communication link, such as... Alternatively, a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) communication link may be used, and the load control system 100 may include a digital lighting controller coupled between the digital communication link 104 and a separate communication link. The LED driver 132 may include internal RF communication circuitry or be coupled to external RF communication circuitry (e.g., mounted externally to the lighting fixture, such as to the ceiling) for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals 106. The load control system 100 may also include other types of remotely positioned load control devices, such as electronic dimming ballasts for driving fluorescent lamps.

[0017] The load control system 100 may also include multiple daylight control devices, such as motorized blinds (e.g., motorized roller blind 140), to control the amount of daylight entering a building where the load control system can be installed. The motorized roller blind 140 may include a covering material (e.g., curtain fabric 142). The covering material may be wound around a roller for raising and / or lowering the curtain fabric 142. The motorized roller blind 140 may include a motor drive unit 144 (e.g., an electronic drive unit). The motor drive unit 144 may be located within the roller of the motorized roller blind. The motor drive unit 144 may be coupled to a digital communication link 104 for transmitting and / or receiving digital messages. The motor drive unit 144 may include control circuitry. The control circuitry may be configured to adjust the position of the curtain fabric 142, for example, in response to digital messages received from the system controller 110 via the digital communication link 104. Each of the motor drive units 144 may include a memory for storing association information for association with other devices and / or instructions for controlling the motorized roller blind 140. The motor drive unit 144 may include internal RF communication circuitry. The motor drive unit 144 may also be coupled to an external RF communication circuit (e.g., located outside the roller tube) for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals 106. The load control system 100 may include other types of daylight control devices, such as pleated blinds, valances, Roman blinds, Venetian blinds, veil blinds, pleated blinds, tension roller blind systems, electrochromic or smart windows, and / or other suitable daylight control devices.

[0018] The load control system 100 may include one or more other types of load control devices, such as screw-in luminaires including dimmer circuits and incandescent or halogen lamps; screw-in luminaires including ballasts and energy-saving lamps; screw-in luminaires including LED drivers and LED light sources; electronic switches, controllable circuit breakers, or other switching devices for turning electrical appliances on or off; plug-in load control devices, controllable electrical outlets, or controllable power boards for controlling one or more plug-in loads; motor control units for controlling motor loads (e.g., ceiling fans or exhaust fans); drive units for controlling motorized curtains or projection screens; and motorized internal or external load control devices. Louvers; thermostats for heating and / or cooling systems; temperature control devices for controlling setpoint temperatures in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; air conditioners; compressors; electric baseboard heater controllers; controllable dampers; variable air volume controllers; fresh air intake controllers; ventilation controllers; hydraulic valves for radiators and radiant heating systems; humidity control units; humidifiers; dehumidifiers; water heaters; boiler controllers; pool pumps; refrigerators; freezers; television or computer monitors; cameras; audio systems or amplifiers; elevators; power supplies; generators; chargers, such as electric vehicle chargers; and / or alternative energy controllers.

[0019] The load control system 100 may include one or more input devices, such as a wired keyboard device 150, a battery-powered remote control device 152, an occupancy sensor 154, a daylight sensor 156, and / or a shadow sensor 158. The wired keyboard device 150 may be configured to transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via a digital communication link 104 in response to actuation of one or more buttons on the wired keyboard device. The battery-powered remote control device 152, the occupancy sensor 154, the daylight sensor 156, and / or the shadow sensor 158 may be wireless control devices (e.g., RF transmitters) configured to transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via an RF signal 106 (e.g., directly to the system controller). For example, the battery-powered remote control device 152 may be configured to transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via an RF signal 106 in response to actuation of one or more buttons on the battery-powered remote control device 152. Occupancy sensor 154 can be configured to transmit a digital message to system controller 110 via RF signal 106 in response to the detection of occupancy and / or vacancy in a space where load control system 100 may be installed. Sunlight sensor 156 can be configured to transmit a digital message to system controller 110 via RF signal 106 in response to the detection of varying amounts of natural light intensity. Shade sensor 158 can be configured to transmit a digital message to system controller 110 via RF signal 106 in response to the detection of external light intensity from outside the space where load control system 100 may be installed. System controller 110 can be configured to transmit one or more digital messages to a load control device (e.g., dimmer switch 120, LED driver 130, and / or motorized roller blind 140) in response to digital messages received, for example, from wired keypad device 150, battery-powered remote control device 152, occupancy sensor 154, sunlight sensor 156, and / or shade sensor 158. Although the system controller 110 can receive digital messages from the input device and / or transmit digital messages to the load control device to control the electrical load, the input device can communicate directly with the load control device to control the electrical load.

[0020] The load control system 100 may include a wireless adapter device 160 that can be coupled to a digital communication link 104. The wireless adapter device 160 may be configured to receive an RF signal 106. The wireless adapter device 160 may be configured to transmit a digital message to the system controller 110 via the digital communication link 104 in response to a digital message received from a wireless controller via the RF signal 106. For example, the wireless adapter device 160 may retransmit the digital message received from the wireless controller on the digital communication link 104.

[0021] Occupancy sensor 154 can be configured to detect occupancy and / or vacancy in a space where load control system 100 can be installed. Occupancy sensor 154 can transmit a digital message via RF signal 106 to system controller 110 in response to detecting occupancy and / or vacancy. System controller 110 can be configured to turn on and off one or more of lighting loads 122 and / or LED light sources 132 in response to receiving occupancy and vacancy commands, respectively. Occupancy sensor 154 can operate as a vacancy sensor, causing the lighting load to turn off in response to detecting vacancy (e.g., not turning on in response to detecting occupancy). Examples of RF load control systems with occupancy sensors and idle sensors are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,009,042, filed August 30, 2011, entitled “RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH OCCUPANCY SENSING”; U.S. Patent No. 8,199,010, filed June 12, 2012, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A WIRELESS SENSOR”; and U.S. Patent No. 8,228,184, filed July 24, 2012, entitled “BATTERY-POWEREDOCCUPANCY SENSOR”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0022] The daylight sensor 156 can be configured to measure the total light intensity in the space where the load control system is installed. The daylight sensor 156 can transmit a digital message including the measured light intensity to the system controller 110 via RF signal 106. The digital message can be used to control electrical loads (e.g., the intensity of lighting load 122, motorized curtains 140 for controlling the level of covering material, and the intensity of LED light source 132) via one or more load control devices (e.g., dimmer switch 120, motor drive unit 144, LED driver 130). Examples of RF load control systems with daylight sensors are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,410,706, filed April 2, 2013, entitled “METHOD OF CALIBRATING A DAYLIGHT SENSOR”; and U.S. Patent No. 8,451,116, filed May 28, 2013, entitled “WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED DAYLIGHT SENSOR”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0023] The shadow sensor 158 can be configured to measure the intensity of external light from outside the space where the load control system 100 can be installed. The shadow sensor 158 can be mounted on the facade of a building, such as the exterior or interior of a window, to measure the intensity of external natural light based on the sun's position in the sky. The shadow sensor 158 can detect when direct sunlight shines directly into the shadow sensor 158, when it is reflected back onto the shadow sensor 158, or when it is blocked by external objects such as clouds or buildings, and can send a digital message indicating the measured light intensity. The shadow sensor 158 can transmit the digital message including the measured light intensity to the system controller 110 via an RF signal 106. The digital message can be used to control electrical loads (e.g., the intensity of lighting load 122, motorized curtains 140 for controlling the level of covering material, and / or the intensity of LED light source 132) via one or more load control devices (e.g., dimmer switch 120, motorized curtains 140 for controlling the level of covering material). The shadow sensor 158 can also be referred to as a window sensor, a cloudy sensor, or a sun sensor.

[0024] The load control system 100 may include other types of input devices, such as: temperature sensors; humidity sensors; radiometers; pressure sensors; smoke detectors; carbon monoxide detectors; air quality sensors; motion sensors; safety sensors; proximity sensors; snap-on sensors; zone sensors; keyboards; kinetic or solar-powered remote controls; key fobs; mobile phones; smartphones; tablet computers; personal digital assistants; personal computers; laptop computers; clocks; audio-visual controls; security devices; power monitoring devices (e.g., electricity meters, energy meters, public utility sub-meters, public utility rate meters); central control transmitters; residential, commercial, or industrial controllers; or any combination of these input devices. These input devices may transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via RF signal 106. The digital messages may be used to control electrical loads (e.g., the intensity of lighting load 122, motorized curtains 140 for controlling the level of covering material, and / or the intensity of LED light sources 132) via one or more load control devices (e.g., dimmer switch 120, motor drive unit 144, and / or LED driver 130).

[0025] System controller 110 can be configured to control load control devices (e.g., dimmer switch 120, LED driver 130, and / or motorized roller blind 140) according to a clock schedule. The clock schedule can be stored in memory within the system controller. The clock schedule can be defined by a user of the system controller (e.g., a system administrator using the programming mode of system controller 110). The clock schedule can include multiple clock events. Clock events can have event times and corresponding commands or presets. System controller 110 can be configured to track the current time and / or date. System controller 110 can transmit appropriate commands or presets at the corresponding event time for each clock event. An example of a load control system for controlling one or more motorized blinds according to a clock schedule is described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,288,981, filed October 16, 2012, entitled “METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING A MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT WHILE MINIMIZING OCCUPANTDISTRACTIONS”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0026] The load control system 100 may be part of an automatic curtain control system. The system controller 110 can control the curtains based on automatic curtain control information. For example, automatic curtain control information may include solar angle, sensor information, cloud cover, and / or weather data, such as historical and real-time weather data. For example, throughout the calendar day, the system controller 110 of the automatic curtain control system may adjust the position of the curtain fabric multiple times based on calculated solar position or sensor information. The automatic curtain control system can determine the position of the curtains to affect performance metrics. The automatic curtain system can command the system controller 110 to adjust the curtains to a determined position to affect performance metrics. The automatic curtain control system can operate according to a clock schedule. Based on the clock schedule, the system controller can change the position of the curtains throughout the calendar day. The clock schedule can be set to prevent sunlight penetration distance from exceeding the maximum distance into the interior space (e.g., workspace, transition space, or social space). The maximum sunlight penetration distance can be set to the user's workspace. The system controller 110 can adjust the position of the curtains based on collected sensor information.

[0027] System controller 110 can be coupled to a network, such as a wireless or wired local area network (LAN), via a network communication bus 162 (e.g., an Ethernet communication link), for example, to access the Internet. System controller 110 can be connected to a network switch 164 (e.g., a router or Ethernet switch) via the network communication bus 162 to allow system controller 110 to communicate with other system controllers to control other electrical loads. System controller 110 can connect to the network wirelessly, for example, using Wi-Fi technology. System controller 110 can be configured to communicate with one or more network devices, such as smartphones (e.g., mobile phones), via the network. Smartphone Smartphone Smartphone, or Smartphones), personal computers, laptops, tablet computers (e.g., The network device may be a handheld computing device, a Wi-Fi or wireless communication-enabled television, and / or any other suitable wireless communication device (e.g., an Internet Protocol-enabled device). The network device may be used to transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 in one or more Internet Protocol packets. Examples of a load control system that can communicate with a network device on a network are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0030589, co-assigned and entitled “Load Control Device Having Internet Connectivity,” published January 31, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0028] The operation of the load control system 100 can be programmed and / or configured using a personal computer 166 or other network device. The personal computer 166 can execute graphical user interface (GUI) configuration software to allow a user to program the load control system 100 in a manner that allows it to operate. The configuration software can generate load control information (e.g., a load control database) that defines the operation and / or performance of the load control system 100. For example, the load control information may include information about different load control devices of the load control system (e.g., dimmer switch 120, LED driver 130, and / or motorized roller blind 140). The load control information may include information about the association between the load control devices and input devices (e.g., wired keypad device 150, battery-powered remote control device 152, occupancy sensor 154, daylight sensor 156, and / or shadow sensor 158), and / or how the load control devices can respond to input received from the input devices. Examples of configuration procedures for load control systems are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 7,391,297, filed June 24, 2008, entitled “HANDHELD PROGRAMMER FOR LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM”; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0092075, published April 17, 2008, entitled “METHOD OF BUILDING A DATABASE OF A LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM”; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0123390, published May 4, 2017, entitled “COMMISSIONING LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMS”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0029] System controller 110 can be configured to automatically control motorized blinds (e.g., motorized roller blinds 140). Motorized blinds can be controlled to save energy and / or improve the comfort of occupants in buildings where load control system 100 can be installed. For example, system controller 110 can be configured to automatically control motorized roller blinds 140 in response to a clock schedule, a daylight sensor 156, and / or a shadow sensor 158. Roller blinds 140 can be manually controlled by a wired keypad device 150 and / or a battery-powered remote control 152.

[0030] Figures 2A to 2C It can be installed in building 202 for use as a control system (e.g., Figure 1The diagram shows a plan view of a DC power distribution system 200 for a load control system 100. The control system may include one or more motorized curtains 240 (e.g., Figure 1 The motorized roller blind 140 shown is used to control the amount of daylight entering the building 202 through the corresponding window 204. Each motorized blind 240 may include a corresponding roller and a corresponding covering material (not shown), such as... Figure 1 The curtain fabric 142 of the motorized roller blind 140 shown. The motorized blind 240 may also include a corresponding motor drive unit 244 (e.g., Figure 1 The motor drive unit 244 shown is configured to adjust the position of a corresponding covering material. Each motor drive unit 244 may include an internal energy storage element, such as one or more rechargeable batteries and / or supercapacitors (e.g., as will be described in more detail below).

[0031] DC power distribution system 200 may include a DC power supply 290 (e.g., a Class 2 power supply) that may be electrically coupled to motor drive units 244 of motorized curtain 240 via a DC power bus 292. The DC power supply 290 may be electrically coupled to an alternating current (AC) mains power supply to receive AC mains line voltage. The DC power supply 290 may be configured to generate a DC bus voltage on the DC power supply 292 (e.g., from the AC mains line voltage) to charge (e.g., trickle charge) the energy storage elements of the motor drive units 244. The DC power bus 292 may be daisy-chained (e.g., in parallel) electrically coupled to the motor drive units 244. For example, each motor drive unit 244 may include two power connectors (e.g., a power input connector and a power output connector) to allow each motor drive unit to be daisy-chained. The DC power supply 290 may be configured to adjust (e.g., temporarily adjust) the magnitude of the DC bus voltage under certain conditions (e.g., in response to the number of motor drive units 244 currently requiring charging of their internal energy storage elements). DC power supply 290 can be configured to perform the functions of a system controller (e.g., system controller 110) (e.g., any of the example functions described herein). Furthermore, in some instances, DC power supply 290 may include a system controller (e.g., system controller 110).

[0032] like Figure 2AAs shown, the DC power bus 292 may be a single cable (e.g., a single connection) that extends around the perimeter of an entire floor of building 202 (e.g., in a near-complete loop) to charge the energy storage elements of all motor drive units 244 on the floor. The cable of the DC power bus 292 may include at least two or more wires (e.g., electrical conductors) for distributing DC bus voltage from DC power supply 290 to the motor drive units 244 of the DC power distribution system 200. For example, the building may include multiple floors and the DC power distribution system 200 may include multiple corresponding power buses 292, with one power bus 292 on each floor of the building. AC mains power may be coupled to the DC power bus 292 on each floor of the building via a single circuit breaker 294 on each floor.

[0033] The energy storage element of the motor drive unit 244 may have a limited capacity for moving the covering material of the corresponding motorized curtain 240 (e.g., a capacity to power the movement of the covering material). For example, the energy storage element of the motor drive unit 244 may have a capacity to power a predetermined number of movements (e.g., complete movements) of the covering material, wherein a complete movement of the covering material may be a movement from a fully open position to a fully closed position, or a movement from a fully closed position to a fully open position. The motor drive unit 244 may be configured to limit, for example, the number of movements (e.g., complete movements) within a certain time period (e.g., a day) (e.g., to prevent future movements at or after the limit has been exceeded), and / or the total amount of movement (e.g., the number of rotations of the roller). For example, the motor drive unit 244 may be configured to calculate the number of movements (e.g., complete movements) in a day and prevent future movements of the covering material after the number of movements (e.g., a predetermined number) exceeds a movement threshold (e.g., less than or equal to ten complete movements, e.g., approximately five to ten complete movements). Additionally, the motor drive unit 244 can be configured to store the total amount of movement in a day (e.g., in units of linear distance traveled by the rotation of the motor and / or the movement of the lower edge of the cover material), and to prevent future movement of the cover material after the total amount of movement exceeds a distance threshold (e.g., a predetermined amount of movement). For example, the distance threshold could be a value representing four complete movements of the cover material between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The motor drive unit 244 can also be configured to limit the frequency of movement. The motor drive unit 244 can allow the cover material to move again at the end of the day, at the end of a predetermined period after movement has ceased, and / or when the internal energy storage element has been charged to an acceptable level.

[0034] The motor drive units 244 can be configured to communicate with each other via a communication link (not shown), such as a wired or wireless communication link. For example, if the motor drive units 244 are configured to transmit and receive wireless signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals, the DC power bus 292 may consist of only two electrical conductors for supplying voltage and current to the motor drive units. Alternatively, the DC power bus 292 may be encapsulated with a wired digital communication link (e.g., an RS-485 digital communication link) to allow the motor drive units 244 to communicate via the wired communication link. Furthermore, the motor drive units 244 can be configured to communicate with each other by transmitting signals via the two electrical conductors of the DC power bus 292, for example, using power line communication (PLC) technology.

[0035] The motor drive unit 244 can be configured to know the storage level of the energy storage element of other motor drive units 244 in the DC power distribution system 200 (e.g., a certain percentage of the maximum storage capacity of the energy storage element and / or the voltage level of the energy storage element). Furthermore, each motor drive unit 244 can periodically transmit the storage level of its respective energy storage element.

[0036] Each motor drive unit 244 can be configured to control when it charges its internal energy storage element. Multiple motor drive units 244 can charge their internal energy storage elements simultaneously. Alternatively, a finite number of motor drive units 244 (e.g., one at a time) can be configured to charge their internal energy storage elements simultaneously. The motor drive units 244 can be configured to coordinate when each of them charges its internal energy storage element. The motor drive units 244 can be configured to arbitrate with each other via a communication link to determine which motor drive unit should currently charge its internal energy storage element. The motor drive units 244 can be configured to prioritize which motor drive unit should charge its internal energy storage element based on its power demand. For example, the motor drive unit 244 with the lowest storage level among all motor drive units in the DC power distribution system 200 can be configured to charge its energy storage element before the other motor drive units.

[0037] For example, another device, such as a system controller (e.g., system controller 110) and / or DC power supply 290, can communicate with motor drive units 244 to manage which of the motor drive units 244 is currently charging its internal energy storage element (e.g., based on the storage level of the internal energy storage element). The system controller can be configured to know when multiple curtains need to move simultaneously (e.g., as part of a clock schedule, closing all motorized curtains at the end of the day). For example, the system controller can store the movement history of the motorized curtains 240 and can be configured to determine which motor drive unit 244 should charge its internal energy storage element based on determining which motorized curtain is expected to move next (e.g., the most likely motorized curtain to move). Thus, the motor drive units 244 can be configured to control the charging of their internal energy storage elements (e.g., reaching a specific storage level) based on the past and / or expected use of the motorized curtains 240.

[0038] Motor drive units 244 can be configured to operate in a normal power mode. In normal power mode, motor drive units 244 can be configured to rotate their motors at normal speeds. Furthermore, in normal power mode, motor drive units 244 can be configured to charge their internal energy storage elements to maximum capacity, or in some instances, to less than maximum capacity, such as 60% of maximum capacity. Motor drive units 244 can be configured to operate in a low power mode during high power demand events and / or during energy depletion events. High power demand events can be periods of high energy usage by multiple load control devices, such as when many (e.g., more than one or most) motorized curtains need to move simultaneously and / or when many (e.g., more than one or most) internal energy storage elements of motor drive units 244 are charging. Energy depletion events can be, for example, when the DC power distribution system 200 operates under conditions where many (e.g., most) internal energy storage elements of motor drive units 244 are depleted (e.g., below a threshold storage level, such as 20%). When operating in low-power mode, the motor drive unit 244 can be configured, for example, to control the motor to rotate at a slower speed (e.g., to reduce the power consumption of the motor).

[0039] The system controller and / or DC power supply 290 can cause the motor drive unit 244 to enter a low-power mode by transmitting a message to the motor drive unit 244 (e.g., to the control circuitry of the motor drive unit 244). For example, the system controller and / or DC power supply 290 can be configured to transmit a digital message to the motor drive unit 244 (e.g., via RF signal 106) to cause the motor drive unit to enter a low-power mode. Alternatively or additionally, the DC power supply 290 can be configured to detect high-power demand events (e.g., by measuring the magnitude of the output current of the DC power supply) and send a signal to the motor drive unit 244 by generating a pulse on the DC power bus 292. For example, the DC power supply 290 can generate the pulse by temporarily increasing the magnitude of the DC bus voltage and / or temporarily decreasing the magnitude of the DC bus voltage (e.g., to approximately zero volts). The motor drive unit 244 can be configured to enter a low-power mode in response to detecting a pulse in the magnitude of the DC bus voltage.

[0040] In some cases, one motorized curtain 240 may need to move more frequently than another. If one of the motor drive units 244 is determined to have a larger storage level in its internal energy storage element (e.g., compared to the storage levels of one or more other motor drive units), then the motor drive unit 244 may be configured to share the charge from its internal energy storage element with one or more other motor drive units (e.g., the internal energy storage elements of the other motor drive units). Alternatively, multiple motor drive units 244 may be configured to share charge with multiple other motor drive units.

[0041] like Figure 2BAs shown, the DC power distribution system 200 may further include a supplementary energy storage element 296 (e.g., an external energy storage element) that may be coupled to the DC power bus 292 between the two motor drive units 244. The supplementary energy storage element 296 may be configured to charge from the DC power supply 292, for example, when the internal energy storage element of the motor drive unit 244 is charged to an appropriate level. For example, during an energy depletion event, the supplementary energy storage element 296 may be configured to charge the internal energy storage element of the motor drive unit 244 downstream of the supplementary energy storage element 296 on the DC power bus 292 (e.g., a subset of motor drive units electrically coupled to the DC power bus 292 after the supplementary energy storage element 296). At this time, the supplementary energy storage element 296 may be configured to disconnect from the DC power supply 290 and the motor drive unit 244 upstream of the supplementary energy storage element 296 on the DC power bus 292 (e.g., a subset of motor drive units electrically coupled to the DC power bus 292 between the supplementary energy storage element 296 and the DC power supply 290). For example, the supplemental energy storage element may include an internal switching circuit, such as a relay, for disconnecting from the DC power supply 290. The DC power distribution system 200 may include more than one supplemental energy storage element 296.

[0042] The system controller can be configured to determine the existence of an energy depletion event (e.g., when the DC distribution system 200 operates under conditions where most of the internal energy storage elements of the motor drive unit 244 are depleted). For example, supplemental energy storage element 296 can be configured to log into memory and / or report to the system controller when supplemental energy storage element 296 is needed to charge the internal energy storage elements of the downstream motor drive unit 244. The system controller can be configured to optimize when the motor drive unit 244 moves and / or charges its internal energy storage elements to avoid further energy depletion events. For example, personal computer 166 can be configured to send an alarm to a building administrator to indicate that the DC distribution system 200 is operating under conditions where most of the internal energy storage elements of the motor drive unit 244 are depleted.

[0043] like Figure 2CAs shown, the DC power supply 290 may include two outputs 298a, 298b connected to two DC power bus branches 292a, 292b extending around the floors of building 202 (e.g., two cables electrically coupled to motor drive units 244). For example, the DC power supply 290 may include: a first output 298a, electrically coupled via a first cable of the DC power bus 292a to a first subset of motor drive units for a plurality of motorized curtains; and a second output 298b, electrically coupled via a first cable of the DC power bus 292b to a second subset of motor drive units for a plurality of motorized curtains. The two DC power bus branches 292a, 292b reduce the distance between the DC power supply 290 and the motor drive units 244 at the ends of the DC power bus branches 292a, 292b.

[0044] Figure 3 An example of an electric curtain is the motor drive unit 300 (e.g., Figure 1 One and / or one of the motor drive units 144 of the electric roller blind 140 Figures 2A to 2C This is a block diagram of one of the motor drive units 244 in an electric blind 240. The motor drive unit 300 may include a motor 310 (e.g., a DC motor) that can be coupled for raising and lowering the covering material. For example, the motor 310 may be coupled to the roller of the electric blind to rotate the roller to raise and lower the covering material (e.g., a flexible material, such as blind fabric). The motor drive unit 300 may include load control circuitry, such as motor drive circuitry 320 (e.g., an H-bridge drive circuit), which can generate a pulse width modulation (PWM) voltage V. PWM Drive motor 310 (e.g., to move the covering material between a fully open position and a fully closed position).

[0045] The motor drive unit 300 may include control circuitry 330 for controlling the operation of the motor 310. Control circuitry 330 may include, for example, a microprocessor, programmable logic device (PLD), microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any suitable processing device or control circuit. Control circuitry 330 may be configured to generate a drive signal V. DRV This is used to control the motor drive circuit 320 to control the speed of the motor 310. For example, the drive signal V DRV The control circuit 330 may include a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, and the rotational speed of the motor 310 may depend on the duty cycle of the PWM signal. Additionally, the control circuit 330 may be configured to generate a direction V. DIR This is used to control the motor drive circuit 320 to control the rotation direction of the motor 310. The control circuit 330 can be configured to control the motor 310 to be in the fully open position P.OPEN With fully closed position P CLOSED Adjust the current position P of the curtain fabric of the motorized blinds. PRES .

[0046] The motor drive unit 300 may include a rotational position sensing circuit, such as a Hall effect sensor (HES) circuit 340, which may be configured to generate a Hall effect sensor (HES) signal V that can indicate the rotational position and direction of rotation of the motor 310. HES1 V HES2 The HES circuit 340 may include two internal sensing circuits for generating a corresponding HES signal V in response to a magnet that may be attached to the drive shaft of the motor. HES1 V HES2 For example, the magnet can be a circular magnet with alternating north and south poles. For instance, the magnet can have two opposing north poles and two opposing south poles, such that during a full rotation of the motor's drive shaft, each sensing circuit of the HES circuit 340 is passed through both north and south poles. Each sensing circuit of the HES circuit 340 can generate a corresponding HES signal V when the sensing circuit approaches the north pole of the magnet. HES1 V HES2 Drive to high state, and transmit the corresponding HES signal V when the sensing circuit approaches Antarctica. HES1 V HES2 Drive to low state. Control circuit 330 can be configured to respond to the HES signal V generated by HES circuit 340. HES1 V HES2 This confirms that motor 310 is rotating. Additionally, control circuit 330 can be configured to respond to HES signal V. HES1 V HES2 The rotational position and direction of the motor 310 are determined.

[0047] The motor drive unit 300 may include a communication circuit 342 that allows the control circuit 330 to transmit and receive communication signals, such as wired communication signals and / or wireless communication signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals. For example, the motor drive unit 300 may be configured to transmit and receive communication signals via an external control device (e.g., Figures 2A to 2CThe motor drive unit 244 shown transmits signals. The motor drive unit 300 may also include a user interface 344 having one or more buttons that allow the user to provide input to the control circuitry 330 during the setting and configuration of the motorized curtains. The control circuitry 330 may be configured to control the motor 310 to control the movement of the covering material in response to a curtain movement command received from a communication signal received via communication circuitry 342 or from user input via the buttons of the user interface 344. The user interface 344 may also include a visual display, such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which may be illuminated by the control circuitry 330 to provide feedback to the user of the motorized curtain system. The motor drive unit 300 may include a memory (not shown) configured to store the current position P of the curtain fabric. PRES and / or restrictions (e.g., fully open position P) OPEN and fully closed position P CLOSED The memory can be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as internal circuitry of the control circuit 330.

[0048] The motor drive unit 300 may include one or more power connectors, such as two power connectors 350a and 350b (e.g., each including two power terminals, such as a positive terminal and a negative terminal), for receiving an input voltage V from, for example, an external power source (e.g., DC power supply 292) via a DC power bus (e.g., DC power bus 292). IN For example, one of the two power connectors 350a and 350b can be a power input connector connected to an upstream motor drive unit, while the other of the two power connectors 350a and 350b can be a power output connector connected to a downstream motor drive unit. This allows for easy wiring of the motor drive units (e.g., in a daisy-chain configuration). The motor drive unit 300 may also include a charging circuit 352 (e.g., receiving the input voltage V via a diode D354). IN The energy storage element 355 may include one or more supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries, or other suitable energy storage devices. The supercapacitor of the motor drive unit may have a capacitance of approximately 12 to 26 J / cm². 3 The energy storage capacity is within a certain range. In contrast, electrolytic capacitors can have an energy storage capacity of approximately 1 J / cm². 3 The energy storage capacity of batteries is greater than approximately 500 J / cm³ (e.g., in the range of about 1 / 10 to 1 / 30 of that of supercapacitors). 3 The energy storage capacity (for example, about 15 to 50 times (or more) the energy storage capacity of a supercapacitor).

[0049] The charging circuit 352 can be configured to charge from the input voltage V IN The energy storage element 355 is charged (e.g., trickle-charged) to generate a storage voltage V across the energy storage element. S Storage voltage V S The scaling circuit 356 can be coupled to the control circuit 330, and the scaling circuit can generate a scaling storage voltage V. SS The control circuit 330 can be configured to respond to the scaling storage voltage V. SS The storage voltage V is determined by the value of the quantity. S The value of.

[0050] The motor drive unit 300 may further include a power supply 358, which receives a stored voltage V. S And generate a first power supply voltage V for powering the motor 310. CC1 (For example, approximately 40 volts) and a second power supply voltage V for powering the control circuit 330 of the motor drive unit 300 and other low-voltage circuits. CC2 (For example, approximately 3.3V). When control circuit 330 controls motor drive circuit 320 to rotate motor 310, power supply 358 conducts current from energy storage element 355. Charging circuit 352 is configured to conduct an average current from DC power bus, which is much smaller than the peak current required by motor drive circuit 320 to rotate motor 310. The storage level of energy storage element 355 can decrease as motor 310 rotates and can gradually increase as charging circuit 352 charges energy storage element (e.g., trickle charging). For example, energy storage element 355 of motor drive unit 300 may have a capacity to power a predetermined number of full movements of covering material (e.g., less than or equal to 10 full movements, such as approximately 5 to 10 full movements).

[0051] Control circuit 330 can be configured to periodically transmit storage levels (e.g., storage voltage V) including energy storage element 355 via communication circuit 342. S The control circuit 330 can be configured to learn, via messages received through the communication circuit 342, the storage level of the energy storage elements of other motor drive units coupled to the DC power bus in the DC power distribution system. The control circuit 330 can be configured to communicate with other motor drive units to coordinate when each of the charging circuits 352 charges its energy storage element 355. The control circuit 330 can generate a charging enable signal V for enabling and disabling the charging circuits 352. CHRG (For example, charging the energy storage element 355 based on communication with other motor drive units).

[0052] The motor drive unit 300 may further include a controllable switching circuit 360 coupled between the energy storage element 355 and the power connectors 350a and 350b via a diode D362. The control circuit 330 can generate a switching control signal V. SW This allows the controllable switching circuit 360 to be conductive and deconductive. The control circuit 330 can be configured to make the controllable switching circuit 360 conductive to bypass the charging circuit 352 and diode D354, and to allow the energy storage element 335 to charge the energy storage elements of other motor drive units coupled to the DC power bus. The control circuit 330 can allow the energy storage element 335 to charge the energy storage elements of other motor drive units coupled to the DC power bus based on: the storage level of the energy storage element of the other motor drive unit (e.g., if the storage level of the energy storage element of the other motor drive unit is low), a message received from the system controller, a message received from another motor drive unit, determining that the other motor drive unit is charging from the DC power bus, the other motor drive unit is using / moving the motor, determining that the other motor drive unit has an upcoming energy usage event, and / or a high power demand event of the other motor drive unit. Furthermore, in some instances, the motor drive unit 300 may include a boost converter (not shown) connected in series with or replacing the switch 360. In such instances, control circuitry 330 may be configured to increase the voltage across energy storage element 335 (e.g., boost the voltage) when energy storage element 335 is connected to a DC power bus (e.g., when power is supplied from energy storage element 335 to the DC power bus). For example, it may be advantageous to include a boost converter in motor drive unit 300 when the internal storage element 335 has a low rated voltage.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of an example supplemental energy storage element 400 (e.g., supplemental energy storage element 296 of a DC power distribution system 200). The supplemental energy storage element 400 may include two power connectors 450a and 450b (e.g., a power input connector and a power output connector, respectively) for receiving an input voltage V from, for example, an external power source (e.g., DC power supply 290) via a DC power bus (e.g., DC power bus 292). IN The supplemental energy storage element may include a controllable switching circuit 460 coupled between power connectors 450a and 450b via diodes.

[0054] The supplementary energy storage element 400 may include a charging circuit 452 and an energy storage element 455. The energy storage element 455 may include one or more supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries, or other suitable energy storage devices. The charging circuit 452 may receive an input voltage V via a diode D454.IN The charging circuit 452 can be configured to draw power from the input voltage V. IN The energy storage element 455 is charged (e.g., trickle-charged) to generate a storage voltage V across the energy storage element. S The supplemental energy storage element 400 may include control circuitry 430 for controlling the charging circuitry 452. Control circuitry 430 may include, for example, a microprocessor, programmable logic device (PLD), microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any suitable processing device or control circuitry. Storage voltage V S It can be coupled to the control circuit 430 via the scaling circuit 456, which can generate the scaling storage voltage V. SS The control circuit 430 can be configured to respond to the scaling storage voltage V. SS The storage voltage V is determined by the value of the quantity. S The quantity value. The supplementary energy storage element 400 may further include a power supply 458, which receives the stored voltage V. S And it generates a power supply voltage V for powering the control circuit 430 of the supplemental energy storage element 400 and other low-voltage circuits. CC (For example, approximately 3.3V).

[0055] Control circuit 430 can generate switch control signal V SW1 The control circuit 430 is used to make the controllable switching circuit 460 conductive and deconductive (e.g., in response to a message received from an external device, such as a power supply, system controller, and / or load control device). The control circuit 430 can be configured to make the controllable switching circuit 460 conductive to bypass the charging circuit 452 and allow the energy storage element 455 to charge the energy storage element of a drive circuit (e.g., a motor drive unit) coupled to a DC power bus. The supplementary energy storage element 400 may also include the controllable switching circuit 462. The control circuit 430 can generate a switching control signal V. SW2 This is used to make the controllable switching circuit 462 conductive and deconductive (e.g., in response to a message received from an external device such as a power supply, system controller, and / or load control device). The control circuit 430 can be configured to make the controllable switching circuit 462 conductive to allow the energy storage element 455 to draw energy from the input voltage V. IN Charge.

[0056] The supplementary energy storage element 400 may also include a controllable switching circuit 464. The control circuit 430 can generate a switching control signal V. SW3The control circuit 430 is configured to make the controllable switch circuit 464 conductive and non-conductive (e.g., in response to a message received from an external device, such as a power supply, system controller, and / or load control device). The control circuit 430 may be configured to make the controllable switch circuits 462 and 460 non-conductive and make the controllable switch circuit 464 conductive, for example, thereby charging the internal energy storage elements of one or more devices (e.g., motor drive units) connected to a DC power bus.

[0057] The supplemental energy storage element 400 may include communication circuitry 442, which allows control circuitry 430 to transmit and receive communication signals, such as wired and / or wireless communication signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals. For example, the supplemental energy storage element 400 may be configured to transmit signals via external control devices, such as those connected to a DC power bus. The supplemental energy storage element 400 may receive messages from other devices (e.g., those connected to a DC power bus, such as power supplies, system controllers, and / or load control devices) and may control one or more internal switches, such as controllable switch circuits 460, 462, and / or 464, in response to the received messages.

[0058] Furthermore, in some instances, the supplementary energy storage element 400 may include a boost converter (not shown) connected in series with or replacing switch 464. In such instances, control circuitry 430 may be configured to increase the voltage across energy storage element 455 (e.g., boost the voltage) when energy storage element 455 is connected to a DC power bus (e.g., when power is supplied from energy storage element 455 to the DC power bus). For example, including a boost converter in the supplementary energy storage element 400 may be advantageous when the internal storage element 455 has a low rated voltage.

[0059] Figure 5This is a flowchart of an example motion tracking control program 500 that can be executed by the control circuitry of a load control device (e.g., the control circuitry of motor drive unit 144, motor drive unit 244, control circuitry 330 of motor drive unit 300, etc.). At 510, the control circuitry can receive a command (e.g., a command to move the covering material of a curtain). At 512, the control circuitry can determine whether a motion tracking limit has been reached. For example, the control circuitry can store motion tracking data indicating, for example, the number of times the covering material moves within a certain time period (e.g., the number of complete movements between a fully open position and a fully closed position), and / or the amount of movement of the covering material (e.g., in units of motor rotation and / or linear movement distance of the lower edge of the covering material). For example, the time period can be a static time period, such as a day, or the time period can be a rolling cycle, such as 12 hours or 24 hours. The control circuitry can reset the motion tracking data when the time period expires (e.g., at the end of a day). The control circuitry can be pre-configured with motion tracking limits and / or can receive motion tracking limits from a system controller. At point 512, the control circuit can determine whether the motion tracking limit has been reached by comparing the motion tracking data with the motion tracking limit.

[0060] If the control circuit determines at 512 that the movement tracking limit has been reached, the control circuit may ignore the received command (e.g., by not moving the covering material in response to the received command) and exit control procedure 500. Therefore, in some instances, in response to determining at 512 that the movement tracking limit has been reached, for example, for the remainder of a static time period (e.g., for the remainder of the day) and / or for part or all of a rolling time period, the control circuit will not generate drive signals for controlling the motor drive circuit based on commands received after the limit has been reached or exceeded.

[0061] If the control circuit determines at 512 that the movement tracking limit has not been reached, the control circuit can determine at 514 whether the commanded position (e.g., the position the cover material will be in after executing the received command) can be reached without exceeding the movement tracking limit. For example, the command may indicate the number of times the cover material will move and / or the amount of movement. The control circuit can compare the movement tracking data and the combination of the number of moves and / or the amount of movement indicated by the command with the movement tracking limit. At 514, if the control circuit determines that moving to the commanded position would exceed the movement tracking limit, the control circuit may ignore the received command (e.g., move the cover material without responding to the received command), and the control circuit may exit control program 500. If the control circuit determines at 514 that the commanded position can be reached without exceeding the movement tracking limit, the control circuit can execute the received command at 516 (e.g., rotate the motor to move the cover material to the commanded position). At 518, the control circuit may update the movement tracking data based on the command, for example, by adding the number of moves or rotations to the movement tracking data, and exit control program 500. Although described as a control circuit executing control program 500, control program 500 can be executed by the system controller alone or in conjunction with the control circuit of the load control device.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an example internal storage device charging control program 600 that can be executed by the control circuitry of a load control device (e.g., the control circuitry of motor drive unit 144, motor drive unit 244, control circuitry 330 of motor drive unit 300, etc.). The control circuitry can be configured to receive and / or store the storage level of internal energy storage elements of other devices (e.g., load control devices, such as motor drive units) in a DC power distribution system (e.g., DC power distribution system 200). For example, the control circuitry can periodically execute the control program 600. Additionally, the control circuitry can initiate the control program 600, for example, in response to a clock event / timetable and / or in response to the internal energy storage of the load control device or supplementary energy storage element reaching a pre-configured level.

[0063] At 612, the control circuit can receive and / or store the storage level of other devices (e.g., load control devices, such as motor drive units). At 614, the control circuit can, for example, control the storage voltage level of the internal energy storage element (e.g., scaling the storage voltage V). SSThe control circuit performs sampling to determine the storage level of the internal energy storage element of the load control device. At 616, the control circuit can determine whether the storage level of its internal energy storage element is the lowest among all internal energy storage elements of devices within the DC power distribution system (e.g., based on a comparison of the storage levels received by other devices in the DC power distribution system with the storage level of the load control device). If the control circuit determines at 616 that the storage level of its internal energy storage element is the lowest, the control circuit can charge its internal energy storage element at 618 and can deconduct the controllable switching circuit of the load control device (e.g., controllable switching circuit 360) at 620. After deconducting the controllable switching circuit, the control circuit can exit control program 600.

[0064] If the control circuit determines at 616 that the storage level of its internal energy storage element is not minimum, the control circuit may not charge its internal energy storage element at 622. At 624, the control circuit may determine whether the load control device should charge the energy storage element of another device in the DC power distribution system. When determining whether to charge another device in the DC power distribution system, the control circuit may consider, for example, the storage level of the other device, which other device has the minimum storage level, messages received from the system controller, messages received from the other device, whether the other device is charging from the DC power bus, whether the other device is in use (e.g., whether the other device is experiencing a high power demand event), clock schedules, and / or the history of usage events of other devices (e.g., whether the other device has an upcoming energy usage event).

[0065] If the control circuit determines at 624 that the load control device should not charge the energy storage element of another device in the DC power distribution system, the control circuit can de-conduct the controllable switch circuit at 620 and exit control program 600. If the control circuit determines at 624 that the load control device should charge another device in the DC power distribution system, the control circuit can conduct the controllable switch circuit of the load control device at 626 (e.g., for a predetermined amount of time). By conducting the controllable switch circuit, the control circuit can bypass the charging circuit (e.g., charging circuit 352 and diode D354) and allow its internal energy storage element to charge the energy storage element of other devices coupled to the DC power bus. After the control circuit conducts the controllable switch circuit at 626, the control circuit can exit control program 600.

[0066] Although described as a control circuit executing control program 600 of a load control device, control program 600 can be executed by a control circuit of a supplementary energy storage element (e.g., a control circuit of supplementary energy storage element 296, a control circuit 430 of supplementary energy storage element 400, etc.). The supplementary energy storage element may have a first controllable switching circuit (e.g., controllable switching circuit 460), a second controllable switching circuit (e.g., controllable switching circuit 462), and a third controllable switching circuit (e.g., controllable switching circuit 464). The control circuit of the supplementary energy storage element can generate a switching control signal V. SW1 V SW2 V SW3 This allows each of the controllable switching circuits to be conductive and non-conductive. If control program 600 is executed by the control circuit of the supplementary energy storage element, instead of deconducting the controllable switching circuit of the load control device at 620, the control circuit can deconduct the third controllable switching circuit of the supplementary energy storage element at 620 and conduct the second controllable switching circuit of the supplementary energy storage element (e.g., to allow the supplementary energy storage element to charge). Furthermore, instead of conducting the controllable switching circuit of the load control device at 626, the control circuit can conduct the third controllable switching circuit, deconduct the first controllable switching circuit, and deconduct the second controllable switching circuit 462 (e.g., to allow the supplementary energy storage element to charge the energy storage element of the motor drive unit coupled to the DC power distribution system).

[0067] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an example low-power mode control program 700 that can be executed by the control circuitry of a load control device (e.g., the control circuitry of motor drive unit 144, motor drive unit 244, control circuitry 330 of motor drive unit 300, etc.). The control circuitry can execute control program 700 periodically or based on a clock schedule / event. At 712, the load control device can operate in normal power mode. In normal power mode, the control circuitry can be configured to control the drive circuitry according to normal operating conditions. For example, if the load control device is an electric curtain, the control circuitry can be configured to control the motor drive unit (e.g., motor drive unit 244) to make the motor (e.g., motor 310) rotate at a normal speed. Furthermore, in normal power mode, the control circuitry can be configured to charge its internal energy storage element to its maximum capacity, or in some instances, to less than the maximum capacity, such as 60% of the maximum capacity.

[0068] At 714, the control circuitry can determine whether a high-power demand event is occurring, for example, based on received messages (e.g., from the system controller, one or more other load control devices, and / or DC power supply 290), the magnitude of the DC bus voltage, and / or clock schedules / events. In some instances, the control circuitry can receive messages based on measurements of the magnitude of the output voltage of the DC power supply (e.g., DC power supply 290). The control circuitry can receive messages via wireless communication (e.g., RF signals) and / or via wired communication (e.g., pulses on the DC bus voltage and / or power line communication (PLC)). For example, a high-power demand event might occur when many motorized curtains need to move simultaneously, and / or when the DC power distribution system (e.g., DC power distribution system 200) operates under conditions where many (e.g., most) of the internal energy storage elements of the motor drive unit are depleted. If the control circuitry determines at 714 that a high-power demand event is occurring, the load control device can operate in a low-power mode at 718. When operating in low-power mode, the control circuitry can be configured to control the drive circuitry using operating conditions that require less power than in normal mode. For example, if the load control device is an electric curtain, the control circuit can be configured to control the motor drive unit to rotate the motor at a slower speed than used during normal power mode (e.g., to reduce motor power consumption), and / or may delay control of the motor drive unit when operating in low power mode. The load control device can operate in low power mode until a high power demand event ends within a predetermined amount of time, and / or until a message is received (e.g., from the system controller, power supply, and / or other load control device). After operating in low power mode at 718, the control circuit can exit control procedure 700 (e.g., based on the received message / command).

[0069] If the control circuit determines at 714 that no high-power demand event has occurred, the control circuit can determine at 716 whether an energy depletion event is occurring (e.g., determining whether the internal energy storage elements of many (e.g., most) load control devices in the DC power distribution system are depleted). The control circuit can determine the presence of an energy depletion event based on received messages / commands (e.g., from the system controller, power supply, and / or other load control devices). For example, the control circuit can determine whether the internal energy storage elements of many load control devices are below a threshold power (e.g., less than 20% of maximum capacity). If the control circuit determines at 716 that an energy depletion event is occurring, the load control devices can operate in low-power mode at 718. After operating in low-power mode at 718, the control circuit can exit control procedure 700 (e.g., if the depleted internal energy storage elements now exceed the power threshold). If the control circuit determines at 716 that the internal energy storage elements of many load control devices are not depleted, the control circuit can exit control procedure 700.

[0070] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an example pre-charge control program 800 that can be executed by the control circuitry of a load control device (e.g., the control circuitry of motor drive unit 144, motor drive unit 244, control circuitry 330 of motor drive unit 300, etc.). For example, the control circuitry can execute control program 800 periodically. Additionally, the control circuitry can execute control program 800, for example, in response to a message received from a system controller and / or based on a clock schedule / event. At 810, the control circuitry can identify an upcoming energy usage event (e.g., based on a clock schedule and / or past usage). Examples of upcoming energy usage events may include, for example, the movement of a motor (e.g., motor 310) (e.g., to move covering material), turning on a lighting load, or adjusting the intensity of a lighting load.

[0071] At point 812, the control circuit can charge its internal energy storage element (e.g., to an elevated level) to prepare for an upcoming energy usage event. In some instances, the load control device can maintain the internal energy storage element at a power level below the maximum power level (e.g., at 60% of the maximum energy storage capacity of the internal energy storage element). In such instances, and to prepare for an upcoming energy usage time, the control circuit can charge its internal energy storage element to the maximum power level, thus preparing for the upcoming energy usage event (e.g., before driving the motor to rotate the roller of an electric curtain). Furthermore, in some cases, the control circuit may not charge its internal energy storage element because it is allowing other load control devices in the system to charge their respective internal energy storage elements. And thus, for example, the internal energy storage element of a load control device may be at a power level below the maximum power level. In this case, the control circuit can begin charging its internal energy storage element in response to receiving an indication of an upcoming energy usage event, and can, for example, stop charging the internal energy storage elements of other load control devices.

[0072] At point 814, the control circuit can execute an energy usage event. For example, if the load control device is an electric curtain, the control circuit can control a motor drive unit (e.g., motor drive unit 320) to drive the motor to move the covering material (e.g., consuming stored charge, thereby preparing for the energy usage event). After the control circuit has executed the energy usage event, the control circuit can exit control program 800.

Claims

1. A load control system for controlling multiple electrical loads, the load control system comprising: DC power bus; Multiple load control devices, wherein each load control device includes: A power connector configured to receive a DC bus voltage from the DC power bus; An internal energy storage element configured to be charged from the DC bus voltage; A power source configured to conduct current from the internal energy storage element and generate a power supply voltage; A load control circuit, configured to receive the power supply voltage and control the power delivered to the electrical load; and Control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: Control the load control circuit to control the power delivered to the electrical load; Controls when the internal energy storage element is charged from the DC bus voltage; Send an indication of the storage level of the internal energy storage element; Receives an indication of the storage level of the internal energy storage element of the second load control device among the plurality of load control devices; and Based on the comparison between the storage level of the internal energy storage element and the received storage level of the internal energy storage element of the second load control device, it is determined that the internal energy storage element should be charged.

2. The load control system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of load control devices is a motor drive unit for an electric curtain; Each of the plurality of load control devices includes a load control circuit comprising a motor drive circuit for a motor configured to control the movement of the covering material of the motorized curtains to control the amount of daylight entering the space; and The motor drive circuit is powered by the power supply voltage.

3. The load control system of claim 2, wherein the motor drive unit is configured to determine whether to charge the internal energy storage element based on the storage level of the internal energy storage element and the storage level of the internal energy storage element of the second motor drive unit for the second electric curtain.

4. The load control system of claim 3, wherein the motor drive unit is configured to charge its internal energy storage element in response to determining that the storage level of its internal energy storage element is the smallest among all internal energy storage elements of the plurality of load control devices.

5. The load control system of claim 2, wherein the motor drive unit is configured to receive the storage level of the internal energy storage element of each of the plurality of load control devices.

6. The load control system of claim 2, wherein the motor drive unit is configured to determine that the second motor drive unit is charging the internal energy storage element of the second motor drive unit, and in response, supply power from the internal energy storage element of the motor drive unit to the DC power bus.

7. The load control system of claim 2, wherein the motor drive unit is configured to conduct the controllable switching circuit of the motor drive unit to allow the internal energy storage element to supply power to the DC power bus.

8. The load control system as described in claim 2, further comprising: A system controller configured to monitor the storage level of the internal energy storage element of each of the motor drive units and determine, based on the storage level of the internal energy storage element of each of the motor drive units, to charge the internal energy storage element of the motor drive unit.

9. A load control device for controlling electrical loads in a load control system, the load control system having multiple load control devices for controlling multiple electrical loads, the load control devices comprising: A power connector configured to receive a DC bus voltage from a DC power bus; An internal energy storage element configured to be charged from the DC bus voltage; A power source configured to conduct current from the internal energy storage element and generate a power supply voltage; A load control circuit configured to receive the power supply voltage and control the power delivered to the electrical load; as well as Control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: Control the load control circuit to control the power delivered to the electrical load; Controls when the internal energy storage element is charged from the DC bus voltage; Send an indication of the storage level of the internal energy storage element; Receives an indication of the storage level of the energy storage element of another load control device; as well as Based on a comparison between the storage level of the internal energy storage element and the received storage level of the energy storage element of the other load control device, it is determined that the internal energy storage element should be charged.

10. The load control device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the load control device is a motor drive unit for electric curtains; The load control circuit includes a motor drive circuit for a motor configured to control the movement of the covering material of the motorized curtains to control the amount of daylight entering the space; and The motor drive circuit is powered by the power supply voltage.

11. The load control device of claim 10, wherein the control circuitry is configured to charge the internal energy storage element in response to determining that the storage level of the internal energy storage element is the smallest among all internal energy storage elements of the plurality of load control devices.

12. The load control device of claim 10, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive the storage level of the internal energy storage element of each of the plurality of load control devices.

13. The load control device of claim 10, further comprising: A charging circuit configured to charge the internal energy storage element from the DC power bus to generate a storage voltage across the energy storage element.

14. The load control device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: A controllable switching circuit is coupled between the internal energy storage element and the power connector; and The control circuit is configured to conduct the controllable switching circuit to bypass the charging circuit and allow the internal energy storage element to supply power to the DC power bus, thereby charging the internal energy storage element of the other load control device coupled to the DC power bus.

15. The load control device of claim 13, further comprising: A boost converter configured to increase the stored voltage across the energy storage element when the energy storage element is connected to the DC power bus to charge the internal energy storage element of another load control device coupled to the DC power bus.

16. The load control device of claim 10, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine that different motor drive units are charging their internal energy storage elements, and in response, supply power from the internal energy storage elements of the motor drive units to the DC power bus.

17. The load control device of claim 13, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive a message from a system controller, the system controller causing the control circuitry to charge the internal energy storage element or to cause the internal energy storage element to supply power to the DC power bus, thereby charging the internal energy storage element of the other load control device coupled to the DC power bus.

18. A method for controlling electrical loads in a load control system, the load control system having a plurality of load control devices for controlling a plurality of electrical loads, the method comprising: Receive DC bus voltage from the DC power bus; Controls when the internal energy storage elements are charged from the DC bus voltage; A load control circuit is used to control the power delivered to the electrical load using the current conducted from the internal energy storage element. Send an indication of the storage level of the internal energy storage element; Receives an indication of the storage level of the energy storage element of another load control device; as well as Based on a comparison between the storage level of the internal energy storage element and the received storage level of the energy storage element of the other load control device, it is determined that the internal energy storage element should be charged.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: Receives the storage level of the internal energy storage element of each of the plurality of load control devices; as well as In response to determining that the storage level of the internal energy storage element is the smallest among all the internal energy storage elements of the plurality of load control devices, the internal energy storage element is charged.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: The controllable switching circuit is made conductive to allow the internal energy storage element to supply power to the DC power bus, thereby charging the internal energy storage element of the other load control device coupled to the DC power bus.

21. A system controller for controlling multiple motorized curtains, each motorized curtain including an internal energy storage element and a motor drive unit, the system controller comprising: Memory; A communication circuit configured to receive messages via a wireless or wired link; as well as Control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: Monitor the storage level of the internal energy storage element in each of the motor drive units of the plurality of electric curtains; as well as Based on a comparison of the storage levels of the internal energy storage elements of each of the motor drive units, it is determined that the internal energy storage element of one of the plurality of electric curtains should be charged. as well as A message is sent to the plurality of motorized curtains, the message managing the plurality of motorized curtains, thereby causing one of the motorized curtains to charge its internal energy storage element.

22. The system controller of claim 21, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: Messages are received via the communication circuit; and In response to the message or clock schedule, control the movement of the covering material of multiple motorized curtains.

23. The system controller of claim 22, wherein the system controller is configured to be electrically coupled to the plurality of motorized curtains via a DC power bus, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to transmit the message via the DC power bus to control the movement of the covering material of the plurality of motorized curtains.

24. The system controller of claim 21, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: The movement history of the plurality of motorized curtains is stored in the memory; and Based on the movement history used to determine the motorized curtains that are expected to move next, it is determined which motor drive unit should charge its internal energy storage element.

25. The system controller of claim 21, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: A message is sent to the motorized curtains to cause them to change from normal power mode to low power mode.

26. The system controller of claim 21, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to send a message indicating an upcoming energy usage event to the motorized curtains.

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