Centralized DC Tunable Lighting for Heat Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems are inefficient and complex, as they require individual programming of multiple smart single-point fixtures, generate excess heat due to AC to DC power conversion, and lack central control for matching changing daylight conditions, affecting circadian rhythms and requiring significant time and knowledge for setup.
Innovation Solution
A centrally controlled DC tunable lighting system that uses external DC power supplies to drive LEDs, allowing for central power control and automatic programming based on solar events, reducing complexity and heat generation by eliminating the need for AC power conversion and enabling seamless matching of lighting conditions to external daylight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If AC to DC power conversion is used in each smart single-point fixture, then the fixtures can be powered by standard AC outlets, but excess heat is generated and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the AC to DC power conversion function from individual smart fixtures and relocates it to a centralized power supply system. Each fixture receives already-converted DC power through low-voltage wiring, eliminating the need for AC conversion components within each fixture and thereby removing the associated heat generation and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power conversion function from distributed individual fixtures into a centralized power supply system. By combining multiple power conversion operations into a single centralized location, the system achieves better energy efficiency and reduced heat generation while maintaining compatibility with standard AC outlets through the centralized converter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual programming is performed for each smart single-point fixture, then each fixture can be customized, but significant time and technical knowledge are required for setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic programming functionality. The centralized control system automatically configures and programs all fixtures based on pre-stored profiles associated with each fixture's identifier, eliminating the need for manual programming by installers while preserving full customization capability through the use of detailed fixture profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring programming profiles for each fixture before installation. The system stores complete programming data in association with each fixture's unique identifier, so that during installation, fixtures are automatically programmed by simply providing their identifiers, rather than requiring manual configuration after installation.
3Device complexity
If fixed CCT light sources are used, then the lighting system is simple to implement, but it cannot match changing daylight conditions and negatively impacts circadian rhythms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed CCT light sources to dynamically adjustable CCT sources. The system uses tunable LED fixtures that can continuously adjust their correlated color temperature to match the changing spectral characteristics of natural daylight throughout the day, thereby maintaining biological effectiveness while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the CCT parameter of the light sources based on the time of day and solar position. The system calculates the appropriate CCT value that matches natural daylight conditions and adjusts the fixture output accordingly, transforming the lighting system from static to adaptive while maintaining relatively simple implementation through centralized control.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple smart fixtures are deployed throughout a structure, then comprehensive lighting coverage is achieved, but the system complexity and programming requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized fixture interface and profile system that works across all fixtures regardless of quantity or location. Each fixture uses the same identification mechanism and profile structure, allowing the centralized system to manage any number of fixtures uniformly, thereby achieving comprehensive coverage without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service at scale by enabling automatic identification and programming of each fixture based on its unique identifier. As fixtures are added to the system, they automatically register themselves with the centralized controller and receive appropriate programming from stored profiles, eliminating the need for manual configuration even as the system expands to cover entire structures.
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
The system simplifies setup and operation, reduces heat and energy inefficiencies, and effectively matches lighting conditions to natural daylight, improving circadian rhythm synchronization and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitting diode (LED) having a first spectral characteristic... a second light emitting diode (LED) having a second spectral characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
A correlated color temperature (CCT) of one or more luminaires is controlled by obtaining a target CCT for the one or more luminaires and obtaining a first profile associated with a first luminaire of the one or more luminaires. A first target power for a first direct-current (DC) power input of the first luminaire and a second target power for a second DC power input of the first luminaire are calculated based on the target CCT and the first profile so that the first target power and the second target power drive the first luminaire to emit light at the target CCT. A first DC power supply is controlled to deliver the first target power to the first DC power input of the first luminaire and a second DC power supply is controlled to deliver the second target power to the second DC power input of the first luminaire.