Location-Aware Load Control for Personalized Building Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems cannot automatically adjust electrical loads such as lighting, temperature, and natural light based on the location of a user or their mobile device within a building, limiting personalized control and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that includes a controller determining the location of a mobile device and automatically controlling electrical loads through wireless communication, using a mobile device with a wireless communication circuit and a system controller that transmits commands to load control devices, such as dimmer switches and thermostats, to adjust settings based on the device's location and occupant presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If load control systems use traditional control devices without location awareness, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot provide personalized control or improve energy efficiency based on user location
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a user interface for manual control and as a location sensor that automatically triggers load adjustments. The system combines manual control capabilities with automatic location-based control, allowing the same device to perform both roles without requiring separate dedicated sensors or control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the mobile device's location and autonomously adjusts the electrical loads without requiring explicit user commands. The control system monitors the mobile device's position and self-regulates the lighting, temperature, and other loads based on the detected location, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention.
2Loss of energy
If load control systems continuously monitor user location, then personalized control and energy efficiency improve, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically updates the load control based on the mobile device's location rather than continuously monitoring and adjusting. The controller checks the mobile device's position at intervals and adjusts loads accordingly, reducing the energy required for constant monitoring while still achieving effective location-based control and energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the mobile device's location data to intelligently adjust loads only when necessary. By monitoring the mobile device's position and comparing it against predefined zones or thresholds, the system triggers load adjustments only when the device enters or exits specific areas, optimizing energy efficiency without requiring continuous active control.
3Ease of operation
If the system automatically controls loads based on mobile device location, then user convenience and comfort improve, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring location increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary that already contains the location detection capability (through its wireless communication circuit and positioning functions). Rather than requiring the building's control system to implement complex location detection hardware, the system leverages the mobile device's built-in location capabilities and communicates with it wirelessly, simplifying the overall detection architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical or physical location detection methods with wireless communication-based detection. Instead of using physical sensors, switches, or mechanical presence detection, the system uses wireless signals from the mobile device to determine location, eliminating the need for complex physical detection infrastructure and reducing installation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system for controlling an electrical load in a space of a building occupied by an occupant may include a controller configured to determine the location of the occupant, and a load control device configured to automatically control the electrical load in response to the location of the occupant. The load control system may include a mobile device adapted to be located on or immediately adjacent the occupant and configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The load control device may be configured to automatically control the electrical load when the mobile device is located in the space. The load control system may further comprise an occupancy sensor and the load control device may automatically control the electrical load when the occupancy sensor indicates that the space is occupied and the mobile device is located in the space.