Lighting Load State Retention After Power Removal Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems struggle to distinguish between intentional and unintentional power removal events, leading to undesirable default intensity levels when power is restored, especially during blackouts or brownouts.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that includes control devices capable of detecting power removal events and determining whether they are local or system events, allowing for state correction by recalling prior power states and adjusting the lighting devices accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the light bulbs are set to operate at default intensity level upon power restoration, then the system is simple to operate, but the energy consumption increases and user control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting and storing the power state (on/off/intensity) before power removal occurs. When power is restored, the controller retrieves the stored state and restores it, preventing the need to operate at default intensity level. This advance preparation eliminates the energy waste associated with default operation while maintaining simple user interaction.
2Loss of energy
If the system restores power state automatically after power removal, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting power removal events, storing the current power state, and restoring it upon power return without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously manages the power state restoration process, reducing energy waste while avoiding the need for complex user interfaces or manual state management procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the power state of lighting devices and detecting when power removal occurs. The controller receives feedback about the current operational state and uses this information to restore the appropriate state after power return, achieving energy efficiency through automated state management rather than complex hardware configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system distinguishes between intentional and unintentional power removal events, then user control is enhanced, but the measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary approach by using a bridge device or controller that mediates between the power removal event and the lighting device response. The intermediary detects the power removal event and uses communication protocols to determine whether it was intentional (local) or unintentional (system-wide), enabling nuanced user control without requiring extremely precise measurement capabilities at the lighting device level.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may detect a power removal event, determine whether the power removal event is a local power removal event or a system power removal event, and perform state correction. For example, the device may receive an indication of a state change event turning on the lighting device. The indication may be received from a sensor. For example, the sensor may include a photosensing circuit (e.g., capable of detecting light emission from the lighting device) or the sensor may include a live voltage sensor (e.g., capable of detecting a change in current driven to the lighting device). The device may then determine whether the power removal event is a system power removal event or a local power removal event. If the device determines that the power removal event is a system power removal event, the device may perform state correction (e.g., setting the lighting device to its state prior to the power removal event).