Low-Voltage Power and Data Hub to Reduce AC-DC Conversion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage electrical wiring in buildings is inefficient, dangerous, and complex, requiring skilled installation and causing significant energy loss due to AC-DC conversion inefficiencies, especially with the increasing use of low-voltage DC-powered fixtures and the need for separate control signals.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a hub that distributes low-voltage DC power and control signals over the same cables to low-voltage fixtures, eliminating the need for high-voltage wiring and separate data connections, with an application processor encoding data in power signals and creating an IP subnet for each output connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high-voltage AC wiring is used throughout the building, then power can be delivered to all fixtures, but significant energy loss occurs due to AC-DC conversion inefficiencies at each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and data communication into a single low-voltage circuit. The hub encodes data signals onto the power lines using modulation techniques, allowing both power and control signals to traverse the same physical medium. This eliminates the need for separate high-voltage AC wiring and separate data connections, reducing overall system complexity while eliminating repeated AC-DC conversion losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub acts as an intermediary device that receives high-voltage AC power, converts it to low-voltage DC, and then distributes it along with modulated data signals. This central conversion approach eliminates the need for each fixture to perform its own AC-DC conversion, thereby eliminating the 30-40% power loss that would occur at each individual device.
2Ease of operation
If separate wireless control signals are used for smart appliances, then control functionality is provided, but system complexity and points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and control signal transmission into a single integrated system. By encoding data signals onto the low-voltage power lines, the system eliminates the need for separate wireless control infrastructure. This reduction in system components directly reduces potential failure points while maintaining full control functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If high-voltage AC wiring is installed throughout the building, then power delivery capability is sufficient, but installation requires skilled electricians and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the voltage parameter of the wiring system from high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC. This parameter change enables the use of simpler, safer wiring that can be installed by less skilled personnel and reduces installation time. The hub handles the high-voltage to low-voltage conversion, allowing the distributed wiring to operate at safe, low voltages.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If high-voltage AC wiring is used, then power can be delivered to fixtures, but safety hazards increase due to dangerous voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The hub serves as an intermediary that isolates the dangerous high-voltage AC input from the safe low-voltage DC distribution network. All high-voltage to low-voltage conversion occurs at the hub, ensuring that the extensive wiring throughout the building operates at safe, low voltage levels that eliminate electrocution hazards while maintaining full power delivery capability to all fixtures.
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
Simplifies wiring installation, reduces energy loss, and enables efficient power and control signal distribution to low-voltage fixtures, enhancing safety and interoperability while aligning with green technology standards by using low-voltage DC power and eliminating unnecessary AC-DC conversions.
Implementation Method 1
an application processor that can receive control signals through the communication interface and encode data signals in the power signals delivered via at least one of the output connections
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering power and data over a single wire via a hub, wherein the hub can control and power multiple low-power Class 2 circuits. The hub can be controlled remotely through a computing device such as a mobile phone or a computer.