Altered AC Power Load Control via Zero-Cross Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting and power technologies face challenges in energy efficiency, heat management, and effective control of power consumption, particularly in the lighting industry, where existing solutions often consume excessive energy and produce heat, making it difficult to achieve desired power usage and control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that utilizes altered alternating current (AC) power to communicate messages by inserting delays at zero cross points, allowing for customized load control and communication, which enables efficient energy use and eliminates the need for heat sinks through integrated heat removal methods like aluminum substrates, and allows control via communication networks like the Internet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional lighting devices are used to provide illumination, then lighting function is achieved, but energy consumption is excessive and heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of LED lighting devices by implementing pulse-width modulation (PWM) and dimming controls that adjust the duty cycle of power delivery. This allows the lighting system to operate at lower average power levels while maintaining illumination functionality, thereby reducing both energy consumption and heat generation. The controller modifies the electrical parameters (voltage, current, pulse width) to optimize performance and minimize thermal output.
2Use of energy by moving object
If lighting power is reduced to improve energy efficiency, then energy consumption decreases, but control precision and ability to achieve desired power usage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the actual power consumption and lighting output, then adjusts the PWM duty cycle and dimming levels accordingly. This closed-loop control system receives feedback from sensors and user inputs to maintain precise control over power usage while achieving desired illumination levels, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy reduction and control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system employs dynamic control through PWM modulation and adjustable dimming levels that can change in real-time based on operational requirements. The system transitions from static power delivery to dynamic power adjustment, allowing precise control over energy consumption while maintaining the ability to achieve specific power usage targets through programmable control sequences.
3Ease of operation
If communication is added to lighting devices for remote control, then control capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the lighting device by combining illumination, communication, and control capabilities in a single unified system. The LED module serves both as the light source and as a communication transducer, while the controller handles both lighting regulation and wireless communication protocols. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate components and interfaces, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing remote control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microcontroller or control circuit as an intermediary that manages both the lighting output and the communication functions. This intermediary component translates high-level control commands into appropriate PWM signals for the LED driver while simultaneously handling wireless communication protocols. By centralizing control logic in a single intermediary device, the system achieves enhanced functionality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient energy use, reduces heat production, and allows for remote control of lighting devices, improving energy efficiency and eliminating the need for heat removal devices, thereby addressing the challenges of energy consumption and control in the lighting industry.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating current filter for filtering an altered alternating current power to create a filtered signal
Implementation Method 2
a voltage current converter for utilizing the altered alternating current power to cause the load perform an action
Data Source
AI summary
Included are embodiments for customized load control. One embodiment of a method includes receiving altered alternating current power, where the altered alternating current power is altered via inclusion of a delay to communicate a message, converting the message in the altered alternating current power into a computer-readable format, and determining an action to take related to the message. Some embodiments include utilizing the altered alternating current power for performing the action, based on the message.