Lighting Control System Using Power Line Carrier Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and long payback period of upgrading to efficient lighting systems deter organizations from adopting energy-saving solutions, and existing lighting control systems often require complex programming and additional devices for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A lighting control system that uses a power line carrier system to transmit signals for controlling light fixtures, allowing for automated demand response, occupancy sensing, and natural light adjustment, with network connectivity and user-friendly configuration, enabling efficient energy management without the need for extensive programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If efficient lighting systems are purchased and installed, then lighting efficiency is improved, but the cost and payback period increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ballast as an intermediary device that enables existing fluorescent lighting fixtures to become dimmable and controllable. Rather than replacing entire lighting systems, the ballast acts as a mediator between the existing fixtures and the control system, allowing for energy savings without the high costs associated with complete system replacement. This resolves the contradiction by providing a lower-cost path to improved lighting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically adjusts lighting levels based on occupancy sensors and natural light detection, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex programming. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about when and how much to dim lights, reducing energy consumption while maintaining appropriate illumination. This self-service capability lowers operational complexity and accelerates ROI.
2Use of energy by moving object
If controllable ballasts are used with power line carrier system, then lighting efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing fluorescent ballasts universal and dimmable through the use of controllable ballasts that can work with various lighting fixtures. The power line carrier system provides multi-functionality by transmitting both power and control signals through the same infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate control wiring and reducing overall system complexity despite adding control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line carrier system acts as an intermediary that enables communication between the control module and ballasts without requiring additional physical infrastructure. By utilizing the existing power lines for both power delivery and control signaling, the system avoids the complexity of installing separate control wiring, sensors, and interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If manual input or complicated programmable logic controllers are used for step dimming, then lighting control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically adjusts lighting levels based on occupancy sensors and natural light detection, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex programming. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about when and how much to dim lights, reducing energy consumption while maintaining appropriate illumination. This self-service capability lowers operational complexity and accelerates ROI.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from occupancy sensors and natural light detectors to automatically adjust lighting levels. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for manual programming or complex user input, as the system continuously monitors conditions and makes appropriate adjustments. The feedback mechanism simplifies operation while achieving sophisticated lighting control.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for automated control of lighting systems. Such lighting system controllers can provide a range of control without requiring substantial programming, and that are compatible with existing, conventional, and new lighting systems. Such controllers include devices that can provide several features including network connectivity, a range of output levels, automated demand response control to manage electricity consumption, automated response to secondary sensor input (such as from photoreceptors and motion detectors), and generation of statistics showing power savings. A lighting controller polls a remote server or associated sensors to gather data relating to light output levels, determines to modify light output of corresponding light fixtures, and then transmits radio frequency signals over electrical power lines to light fixtures to modify light output.