Wired Lamp Control via AC Power Cycle Interruptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting dimmers using phase control switches degrade the quality of power to lighting sources, leading to reduced power factor and increased harmonic distortion, which is costly and compromises power line integrity, limiting their use in commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A system that communicates commands between a lighting control switch and lamps through brief interruptions in the AC power cycle, maintaining a high power factor and low harmonic distortion by using digital data packets within the power line, ensuring secure wired communication and efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If phase control switches are used to control dimming level, then dimming functionality is achieved, but power factor is reduced and harmonic distortion is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication intermediary system that uses brief interruptions in the AC power cycle to transmit digital data packets between the lighting control switch and the lamp. This intermediary communication method enables advanced lighting control features while maintaining continuous power flow, thereby preserving power factor and minimizing harmonic distortion compared to traditional phase control switches.
2Ease of operation
If phase control dimmer switches are used, then dimming capability is provided, but current requirement increases due to reduced power factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous power flow to the lighting source by using brief interruptions in the AC power cycle solely for communication purposes. This continuity ensures that the lighting source receives uninterrupted power at optimal levels, avoiding the increased current requirements associated with traditional phase control dimmer switches that disrupt the power cycle for dimming control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional powerline modulation is used for dimming and color tuning, then lighting control features are added, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing AC power line serve multiple functions: both power delivery and communication. By encoding control commands in brief interruptions of the power cycle, the system eliminates the need for separate control wires or radio frequency transceivers, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining versatility for dimming, color tuning, and other lighting control features.
4Loss of information
If brief interruptions in AC power cycle are used for communication, then wired communication is enabled, but power line integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic, brief interruptions in the AC power cycle to transmit digital data packets. These interruptions are timed and duration-controlled to minimize disruption, allowing command transmission while preserving power line integrity. The periodic nature ensures reliable communication without compromising the continuous power supply to the lighting source.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing high power factor wired lamp control that include receiving a lighting control input though a switch that is associated with at least one of: an operation and a function of at least one lamp. The system and method also include determining if an environment of the at least one lamp includes a connection between a neutral wire and the switch. The system and method additionally include communicating at least one electronic data command associated with the lighting control input to the at least one lamp through an AC power cycle. The system and method further include controlling the at least one lamp to operate based on the lighting control input based on the receipt of the at least one electronic data command communicated through the AC power cycle.