DC Powerline Multiplexing for Building Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building automation systems, particularly in smaller networks like home networks, face inefficiencies in energy management due to the need for multiple cables and higher costs, as well as limitations in controlling dimming percentages in lighting systems, especially with protocols like DALI and 1-10V.
Innovation Solution
A direct current (DC) control system that multiplexes both power and data over a DC powerline, using frequency and pulse width modulation to encode control and address information, eliminating the need for separate data and power cables and reducing conversion losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate data and power cables are used in building automation systems, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication into a single DC powerline infrastructure. Power is delivered through the DC powerline while data is modulated onto the same line using frequency modulation techniques, eliminating the need for separate data cables and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC powerline is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both electrical power delivery and digital data communication capabilities. This multi-functional approach allows the same infrastructure to handle both energy transmission and information exchange, reducing the overall number of components needed in the building automation system.
2Ease of operation
If existing protocols like DALI and 1-10V are used for lighting control, then lighting dimming control is achieved, but energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the DC powerline by modulating its frequency to carry data signals. By varying the frequency of the DC powerline signal, the system can encode digital information for lighting control while maintaining efficient power delivery, thereby improving overall energy efficiency compared to traditional protocols that require separate control wiring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are deployed for building automation in smaller networks, then functional requirements are met, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and data communication functions into a single DC powerline infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate data cables in building automation systems. This consolidation reduces material costs, simplifies installation procedures, and lowers overall system deployment costs while maintaining full system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC powerline is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both electrical power delivery and digital data communication capabilities. This multi-functional approach allows the same infrastructure to handle both energy transmission and information exchange, reducing the overall number of components needed in the building automation system.
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
Enables energy-efficient management of building automation systems and lighting control in smaller networks by providing a low-cost, addressable network solution that improves energy efficiency and reduces costs associated with existing protocols.
Implementation Method 1
modulating a frequency of a carrier signal at a control circuit, to encode a first information associated with a data, comprising an address information associated with a load circuit in a first instance and a control information associated with the load circuit in a second instance, on to the carrier signal
Implementation Method 2
modulating a pulse width of the carrier signal at the control circuit, to encode a second information associated with the data, comprising the control information associated with the load circuit in the first instance and the address information associated with the load circuit in the second instance, on to the carrier signal
Data Source
AI summary
A control system that facilitates energy efficient management of building automation systems is disclosed. The control system comprises a source circuit configured to generate a modulated DC control signal comprising data modulated on a DC source signal having a power associated therewith and a load circuit configured to receive the modulated DC control signal. In addition, the control system comprises a transmission circuit comprising a DC powerline, coupled between the load circuit and the source circuit, and configured to transfer the modulated DC control signal from the source circuit to the load circuit, thereby multiplexing both the power and the data transfer over the DC powerline. In some embodiments, a frequency of the modulated DC control signal comprises a first information associated with the data, and a pulse width of the modulated DC control signal comprises a second, different information associated with the data.