Luminaire Bus System Operating Point Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Lighting bus systems with low DC voltage suffer from complex power loss networks and non-optimal selection of operating DC voltage due to branched system architectures and limited communication options, leading to inefficiencies and increased power loss.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an AC/DC converter that sequentially feeds calibration DC voltages into the luminaire bus system to determine power consumption, allowing for the optimization of the operating point to minimize power loss, which includes controlling the AC/DC converter to feed an operating DC voltage based on the determined operating point, and optionally using multiple AC/DC converters for distributed energy supply and improved energy balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a branched system architecture is used to supply DC voltage to multiple lights, then the system can operate with lower DC voltage (reducing safety risks and component size), but power loss increases due to the complex power loss network in the branched structure

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDC voltage levelVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the operating DC voltage parameter based on system conditions. By sequentially applying different calibration DC voltages and measuring corresponding power consumptions, the system identifies the optimal operating point that minimizes power loss while maintaining safe voltage levels in the branched architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by measuring the actual power consumption at different voltage levels and using this information to determine the optimal operating point. The control unit adjusts the AC/DC converter output based on measured power consumption data, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes for minimal power loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the operating DC voltage is fixed by design reserves, then the system architecture is simplified, but power loss becomes non-optimal because the operating voltage cannot be adjusted to match actual system conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem architecture complexityVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed operating voltage into a dynamic parameter. The system sequentially applies multiple calibration DC voltages during operation and selects the optimal voltage based on real-time power consumption measurements, allowing the operating point to adapt to changing system conditions without complicating the overall architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If manual optimization of operating DC voltage is performed, then power loss can be reduced, but the process is time-consuming and requires system shutdown or interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidoptimization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration by sequentially applying different DC voltages and measuring power consumption before settling on the optimal operating point. This preliminary characterization of the power loss network enables the system to quickly operate at the optimal point during normal operation without requiring time-consuming manual optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-optimization by automatically measuring its own power consumption at different voltage levels and selecting the optimal operating point without external intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual optimization processes and allows continuous operation during calibration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach enables flexible and automatic optimization of the operating point to achieve low power loss across different system architectures, reducing the need for manual optimization and enhancing the economical operation of the lighting bus system.

Implementation Method 1

The AC/DC converter (1111) is set up to convert an AC input voltage into a DC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

The AC/DC converter (1111) could have a smoothing filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltering:

Implementation Method 3

These DC/DC converters (121) convert the level of the operating direct current voltage (182) to a value that enables the operation of lights (122) connected in each case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3556183B1Luminaire bus system
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3556183B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3556183B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3556183B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The aim of the invention is to determine an operating point (220) of an AC/DC converter and optionally a DC/DC converter fed by the AC/DC converter for feeding an operating DC voltage into a luminaire bus system in such a way that a power loss (202) of the luminaire bus system is reduced. According to the invention, this aim is achieved in that a plurality of calibration DC voltages (282) are sequentially fed into the luminaire bus system, and a corresponding power consumption of the luminaire bus system is determined for each calibration DC voltage (282). The operating point can then be determined based on the power consumption.