Master Controller for Facility Lighting Peak Demand Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing lighting equipment in facilities lack efficient methods to reduce electricity usage during peak and off-peak demand periods, particularly in facilities with high-intensity fluorescent lighting, which can lead to increased energy consumption and higher electricity costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a master controller, sensors, and local transceiver units that monitor environmental parameters and adjust the operation of high-intensity fluorescent lighting fixtures based on time-based, demand-based, and override control signals to minimize energy usage, allowing for coordinated load reduction with power providers during peak demand periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high-intensity fluorescent lighting equipment is used to reduce electricity consumption compared to less efficient lighting, then energy efficiency is improved, but electricity consumption during peak and off-peak demand periods cannot be further reduced without additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting control system dynamically adjusts lighting operation based on real-time conditions including natural light levels detected by sensors, occupancy status, and peak demand signals from utility companies. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize energy efficiency while actively reducing electricity consumption during peak demand periods through automated dimming or shut-off of lighting equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions and system status, and utility company peak demand signals are received and processed. This feedback loop enables the control system to make real-time adjustments to lighting operation, ensuring both energy efficiency and reduction of peak demand consumption based on current operational needs and external signals.
2Ease of operation
If simplistic control schemes (on/off based on usage pattern) are used for lighting equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but ability to reduce peak demand electricity consumption is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting control system operates autonomously by receiving peak demand signals from utility companies and automatically adjusting lighting equipment without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the complex coordination of sensor data, occupancy information, and utility signals to make real-time control decisions, maintaining ease of operation while achieving advanced peak demand reduction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions including basic on/off control based on usage patterns, dynamic adjustment based on sensor feedback, coordination with utility company peak demand programs, and automated lighting optimization. This multi-functionality allows a single system to provide both simple operation and advanced peak demand reduction without requiring separate control mechanisms.
3Loss of energy
If intelligent monitoring and control devices are deployed to reduce electricity consumption during peak demand periods, then energy conservation is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting control system is segmented into modular components including individual sensors for light and occupancy detection, separate control units for each lighting zone, and distinct communication interfaces for utility company signal reception. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be distributed across multiple simple, independent modules that can be installed and managed separately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining advanced peak demand reduction capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing electricity usage during peak demand periods includes the steps of establishing predetermined load reduction criteria representative of a desire by a power provider to reduce loading on an electricity supply grid, and coordinating with a facility having lighting equipment to permit the power provider to turn-off one or more of the lighting equipment by sending instructions to a master controller at the facility in response to the predetermined load reduction criteria, and establishing a list of lighting equipment to be turned-off in response to the instructions, and configuring the master controller to send an override control signal to the lighting equipment to implement the instructions, and configuring the lighting equipment to send a response signal to the master controller providing a status of the lighting equipment.