CCT Tuning Daylighting System Using Luminosity Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing daylighting systems that adjust the color temperature (CCT) of artificial light sources based on natural lighting conditions require a CCT sensor, increasing complexity and cost, and are limited to adjusting brightness only.
Innovation Solution
A daylight system that uses luminosity sensors to determine the CCT of natural light without a CCT sensor, allowing for adjustment of both CCT and brightness of artificial light sources based on natural light luminosity, eliminating the need for a CCT sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a CCT sensor is used to measure the CCT of natural light, then the CCT of artificial light can be adjusted based on natural lighting conditions, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the CCT measurement function from a dedicated CCT sensor and implements it using only the luminosity sensor that already exists in the system. By processing luminosity data through correlation algorithms, the system obtains CCT information without adding a separate CCT sensor, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining CCT adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The luminosity sensor is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original function (measuring luminosity) and the additional function of determining CCT through signal processing. This eliminates the need for a separate CCT sensor and reduces overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a CCT sensor is used to measure the CCT of natural light, then the CCT of artificial light can be adjusted based on natural lighting conditions, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the CCT measurement capability from a separate CCT sensor component and implements it through software processing of existing luminosity sensor data. This eliminates the need to purchase and install additional hardware, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining full CCT adjustment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a physical CCT sensor, the system creates a virtual CCT measurement by copying and processing the luminosity sensor signal through correlation algorithms. This software-based approach avoids the cost of additional hardware components
3Device complexity
If only a luminosity sensor is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust CCT of artificial light based on natural lighting is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being measured by the luminosity sensor from just luminosity to a correlated parameter that contains both luminosity and CCT information. By establishing a correlation between luminosity and CCT, the system can derive CCT values from luminosity measurements, maintaining CCT adjustment capability while using only a single sensor type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a correlation algorithm as an intermediary that bridges the gap between luminosity measurement and CCT determination. This computational mediator transforms luminosity data into CCT information, enabling CCT adjustment functionality without requiring a dedicated CCT sensor
4Illumination intensity
If windows are used to admit daylight, then a great deal of light enters the interior space, but solar heating causes discomfort and increases air conditioning load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using solar tubes with selective optical properties that allow visible light to pass through while blocking infrared radiation. The solar tube structure is designed with specific materials and geometries that provide different transmission characteristics for different wavelengths, enabling light admission while reducing solar heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful solar radiation into a beneficial effect by using the solar tube's optical design to separate useful visible light from harmful infrared heat. The system transforms what would normally be a harmful combination of light and heat into a beneficial separation where light is admitted for illumination while heat is blocked to reduce cooling loads
5Illumination intensity
If windows are used to admit daylight, then light enters the interior space, but natural light cannot penetrate to remote interior spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the interior space into multiple zones, each served by its own solar tube with artificial light sources. This allows natural light to be distributed to multiple locations throughout the building, including remote interior spaces that would not receive adequate natural light from windows alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by positioning solar tubes and artificial light sources to pre-distribute natural light and supplemental artificial light to remote interior spaces before the spaces would otherwise be illuminated. The system proactively delivers light to areas that would naturally be in shadow, ensuring adequate illumination coverage
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of adjusting a correlated color temperature (CCT) of a color-tunable light source based on one or more luminosity (lux) sensors, and without a CCT sensor, comprise receiving, at a controller, one or more signals from one or more lux sensors, the one or more signals representative of a luminous flux of natural light; determining, with the controller, a CCT of the natural light based on, at least in part, the luminous flux of the natural light; and transmitting an output signal from the controller based, at least in part, on the determined CCT of the natural light, the output signal configured to control the CCT of the color-tunable light source.