Distributed Lighting Control Satellite Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized lighting control systems are limited by their reliance on high-voltage wiring, require extensive conduit and costly copper conductors, and lack scalability and redundancy, making them inefficient and difficult to manage, especially in cases of controller failure or emergency overrides.
Innovation Solution
A distributed lighting control system with satellite control units and low-voltage DC power distribution, allowing for independent control of light fixtures, reduced high-voltage infrastructure needs, and communication with a central controller for centralized management and energy monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized lighting control system is used, then all lighting devices can be controlled from one location and energy costs are reduced, but the system lacks reliability and scalability, and requires extensive high-voltage wiring with costly copper conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the centralized control architecture into distributed satellite control units, each managing a specific zone or group of fixtures. This segmentation provides redundancy - if one satellite fails, others continue operating independently - while maintaining centralized management capabilities through communication between satellites and the central controller.
2Ease of operation
If a centralized lighting control system is used, then all lighting devices can be controlled from one location, but extensive high-voltage wiring and costly copper conductors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces high-voltage AC wiring infrastructure with low-voltage DC power distribution through satellite control units. Each satellite converts AC to DC locally and distributes power at low voltage to connected fixtures, eliminating the need for extensive high-voltage conduit and large copper conductors while maintaining control capabilities.
3Loss of energy
If a centralized lighting control system is used, then energy costs are reduced through automated control, but the system lacks adaptability and is difficult to scale
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic scaling by allowing satellite control units to be added, removed, or reconfigured independently based on occupancy needs and spatial requirements. Each satellite can autonomously manage its connected fixtures, enabling the system to adapt to changing building configurations without requiring complete system redesign or extensive rewiring.
4Extent of automation
If a centralized lighting control system is used, then automated lighting control is achieved, but the system lacks redundancy and becomes non-operational if the controller fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundancy by distributing control functions across multiple independent satellite control units. Each satellite maintains automated control capabilities locally, so if the central controller or any single satellite fails, other satellites continue operating their assigned zones, providing a cushion against system-wide failure and maintaining lighting automation throughout the building.
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 enables cost-effective, scalable, and resilient lighting control with reduced installation complexity, improved energy management, and the ability to respond to emergencies without relying on a single central controller, while maintaining efficient energy usage and adaptability to changing occupancy needs.
Implementation Method 1
Each satellite control unit includes an AC to DC converter and a power meter
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatuses of lighting control are disclosed. At least one lighting control system includes a central controller, a plurality of M satellite control units, a plurality of N light fixtures, and a central controller. Each satellite control unit includes an AC to DC converter and a power meter. The plurality of N light fixtures are connected to a one of the plurality of M satellite control units through N power control devices. Further, the central controller is operative to communicate with one or more of the plurality M satellite control units and one or more of the plurality of N light fixtures.