LED Street Light Communication Module for Remote Metering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current street lighting systems are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and lack remote monitoring and control capabilities, making it difficult for central offices to track power usage and diagnose issues with street lights.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for remote monitoring and control of LED-based street lights using a communication module that establishes a two-way communication path with a central office, allowing for the collection and forwarding of metering information and control signals through existing infrastructures like AMI, enabling efficient energy management and diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional street lighting systems are used, then installation and operation are simple, but energy consumption is high and remote monitoring is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The street light system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides illumination while simultaneously serving as a communication node for the AMI network. The communication module integrated into the street light enables it to participate in mesh networking, forward utility meter data, and receive remote control signals, thereby reducing the need for separate monitoring infrastructure and minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The street light system monitors its own operational status and energy consumption through integrated sensors and communication modules. It automatically reports diagnostic information and power usage data to the central office without requiring manual inspection, enabling self-diagnosis and self-monitoring that reduces operational complexity
2Productivity
If remote monitoring and control capabilities are added to street lights, then energy management efficiency improves, but system complexity and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the street light fixture with communication capabilities by integrating a communication module directly into the street light housing. This merging of illumination and communication functions into a single unit eliminates the need for separate monitoring devices and reduces overall system complexity while enabling remote energy management
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network of street lights acts as an intermediary between utility meters and the central office. Instead of requiring direct communication infrastructure to every meter, the street lights forward data through wireless mesh networking, leveraging existing infrastructure and reducing the complexity of building a dedicated monitoring network
3Reliability
If LED based street lights with communication modules are deployed, then operational control and diagnostics are enabled, but installation complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The street light system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides illumination while simultaneously serving as a communication node for the AMI network. The communication module integrated into the street light enables it to participate in mesh networking, forward utility meter data, and receive remote control signals, thereby reducing the need for separate monitoring infrastructure and minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The street light system monitors its own operational status and energy consumption through integrated sensors and communication modules. It automatically reports diagnostic information and power usage data to the central office without requiring manual inspection, enabling self-diagnosis and self-monitoring that reduces operational complexity
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 solution allows for the remote monitoring and control of LED-based street lights, reducing energy usage and operational costs by maximizing efficiency, while leveraging existing communication networks to minimize capital investment.
Implementation Method 1
establishing a two-way communication path via a communication module to a central office
Implementation Method 2
LED based street light
Implementation Method 3
light emitting diode (LED) based street light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method for remotely collecting metering information via a light emitting diode (LED) based street light. In one embodiment, the method includes collecting information from a utility meter coupled to a home, establishing a two-way communication path via a communication module to a central office, wherein the communication module is coupled to the LED based street light and sending the information from the utility meter to the central office via the two-way communication path.