Modular LED Lighting System with Demand-Based Power Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting systems for retrofit and new applications are costly due to wiring and power expenses, rely on low-tech sensors that are not environmentally feasible, and do not account for variability in electricity pricing or energy demand.

Innovation Solution

Modular lighting systems with LED or non-LED fixtures that can be designed for various directions and beam angles, incorporating sensors and energy management to adjust lighting based on energy demand and alternative energy sources, with integrated control systems for efficient power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional lighting systems are installed with extensive wiring and power infrastructure, then sufficient lighting coverage is achieved, but installation cost and power expense increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting coverageVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lighting system into modular fixtures that can be independently installed and configured. Each fixture contains integrated power management and control electronics, eliminating the need for extensive centralized wiring infrastructure while maintaining adequate lighting coverage across the facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting fixtures are designed to perform multiple functions: providing illumination, managing power consumption, communicating with the central system, and adapting to different environmental conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate infrastructure components and lowers overall installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If low-tech occupancy or ambient light sensors are used for lighting control, then simple automation is achieved, but environmental feasibility and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting control automationVSAvoidenvironmental feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions such as occupancy, ambient light levels, and energy demand signals. This feedback is processed by the control system to dynamically adjust lighting operation, achieving reliable automation that adapts to changing environmental conditions rather than relying on simple on/off sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system autonomously responds to environmental conditions and energy demand signals without requiring manual intervention or complex external control infrastructure. Each fixture independently adjusts its operation based on local sensor data and received demand signals, improving reliability while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If conventional lighting systems operate without energy demand consideration, then continuous lighting is provided, but power consumption costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system operates lighting fixtures in periodic cycles based on energy demand signals received from utility providers. During periods of high energy cost or peak demand, lighting intensity is reduced or fixtures are cycled off, while maintaining adequate illumination during low-cost periods, thereby reducing overall power consumption costs while preserving lighting availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time energy demand information and pricing signals. Fixture intensity and operational status are continuously modified in response to changing energy conditions, enabling the system to balance lighting availability with power consumption cost optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If lighting systems lack adaptability to electricity pricing models, then simplified operation is maintained, but cost optimization opportunities are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidenergy pricing adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system automatically receives and processes energy demand signals and pricing information from utility providers, then independently adjusts its operation to optimize costs. This self-service capability enables the system to adapt to various pricing models without requiring complex manual configuration or user intervention, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving cost optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8866408B2Methods, apparatus, and systems for automatic power adjustment based on energy demand information

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 DIGITAL LUMENS HOLDING CO LLC

AI summary

In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.