Half-Wave Selection for Stable Line Cycle Skipping in Driver Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In infrastructure systems with multiple driver devices supplied by an AC power grid, simultaneous switching into line cycle skipping mode leads to undesired fluctuations in mains current amplitude due to unsynchronized power consumption patterns.
Innovation Solution
A control device synchronizes the start times of line cycle skipping for individual driver devices based on their power consumption data, using existing communication networks to level the overall power demand and minimize fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If driver devices operate in line cycle skipping mode with random start times, then power consumption is reduced and energy efficiency is improved, but mains current amplitude fluctuations increase and grid stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by synchronizing driver devices to skip line cycles at coordinated intervals based on a common reference time. Instead of random skipping, devices follow a periodic pattern where the control device distributes skipping commands at regular time intervals, ensuring that not all devices skip simultaneously. This maintains energy efficiency while preventing harmful current fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device receives information from driver devices about their operational status and power consumption patterns. Based on this feedback, the control device adjusts and optimizes the line cycle skipping schedule to balance energy savings with grid stability requirements, dynamically coordinating skip timing across multiple devices.
2Loss of energy
If driver devices skip line cycles simultaneously to maximize energy savings, then power consumption is reduced, but power demand fluctuations increase and grid load stability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary action by calculating and distributing optimized line cycle skipping schedules before devices execute them. The control device determines in advance which devices should skip line cycles and when, based on aggregate power consumption patterns and grid stability requirements. This prevents simultaneous skipping by pre-coordinating skip timing across the device fleet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the line cycle skipping behavior adaptive rather than static. The control device continuously monitors power consumption patterns and adjusts the skipping schedule dynamically, varying which devices skip and when they skip, based on real-time system conditions. This dynamic coordination maximizes energy savings while maintaining grid stability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An infrastructure system, e.g., a lighting system, comprises a plurality of driver devices each configured to be supplied via a power factor correction circuit from a mains grid and to generate and output a load current. The driver devices are configured to operate in a line cycle skipping mode, wherein in the line cycle skipping mode, the power factor correction circuit is configured to reduce or inhibit power consumption for at least a first part of at least one line cycle of the mains grid. A control device is configured to generate and transmit control signals to the driver devices via a control network, and to receive device information from the driver devices via the control network. The control device receives, in the device information, information on a power consumption and information on an intention to switch into the line cycle skipping mode of at least one of the driver devices. The control device determines a start time of the line cycle skipping for the at least one driver device based on the received device information of the at least one driver device and to generate the control signal to the at least one driver device including information on the determined at least one start time of the line cycle skipping. The at least one driver device is configured to start line cycle skipping based on the information on the determined at least one start time of the line cycle skipping included in the control signal.