DC Lighting Grid Luminaire Localization via AC Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lighting systems face challenges in accurately mapping luminaires with control units due to laborious manual commissioning processes and high costs associated with precise location and communication methods, particularly in systems with complex wiring and wireless control requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an AC signal generator and multiplexer to transmit signals along DC power rails, allowing luminaires to calculate their distance and communicate this information to a room controller, leveraging existing power infrastructure for precise location and communication with low additional cost and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual commissioning processes are used to map luminaires with control units, then system reliability is maintained, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic luminaire identification and mapping without human intervention. The AC signal generator automatically scans DC power rails, detects luminaires, calculates their positions, and creates the binding table, allowing the system to commission itself rather than requiring manual installer input for each luminaire
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical commissioning processes with electronic automation. Instead of installers physically tracing cables and manually recording luminaire positions, an AC signal is transmitted through the DC power rails to electronically detect and map luminaire locations automatically
2Measurement precision
If complex wireless transceivers are used for luminaire location and communication, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC power rails serve multiple functions: they provide electrical power to luminaires and simultaneously act as transmission medium for AC localization signals. This eliminates the need for separate wireless transceivers and dedicated communication infrastructure, reducing device complexity while maintaining location precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power distribution function and the localization/communication function into a single infrastructure (the DC power rails). By superimposing AC signals on the DC power lines, the system combines two separate systems into one, reducing overall complexity while achieving precise luminaire location
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 simplifies and cost-effectively obtains and monitors luminaire locations, enabling more efficient control and commissioning of lighting systems by automating the mapping process and reducing the need for complex wireless transceivers and configuration.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by the AC signal generator, an AC signal along the first DC grid power line
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to methods and apparatus for locating luminaires within a lighting system where multiple luminaires are located on a grid of DC power rails. The AC signal generator connects to each DC power rail and transmits an AC signal along each DC power rail in turn to luminaires that each compute their distance from the generator based upon the AC signal. The AC signal generator may similarly transmit and receive data communications with luminaires across DC power rails.