Obstruction Lighting Power Line Communication System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional obstruction lighting systems require manual maintenance, exposing technicians to hazardous conditions and increase costs due to separate communication lines, which are prone to interference and failure.
Innovation Solution
An obstruction lighting and power line communication system that uses a power line cable to transmit control and telemetry signals, eliminating the need for separate communication lines by integrating power supply and transceivers to monitor light sources remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate communication lines are used for telemetry data transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and communication functions into a single power line cable. The transceiver unit communicates with the control unit by modulating and demodulating signals on the power line cable, eliminating the need for separate communication lines while reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line cable serves dual purposes: transmitting electrical power to the light source and transmitting telemetry data signals between the transceiver and controller. This multi-functional use of the power line resolves the contradiction by eliminating redundant infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used to obtain light parameters, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic remote monitoring where the transceiver unit at the light location automatically transmits operational parameters (voltage, current, temperature) to the control unit via the power line. This eliminates the need for manual inspection while maintaining measurement accuracy, resolving the time loss contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives real-time operational data from the transceiver through the power line communication system, enabling ongoing monitoring without manual intervention. This feedback mechanism maintains measurement precision while eliminating time loss associated with periodic manual inspections.
3Measurement precision
If maintenance personnel physically inspect obstruction lights on tall structures, then measurement accuracy is improved, but safety and reliability worsen due to hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The remote monitoring system allows the obstruction light to self-report its operational status and parameters through the power line communication network. Maintenance personnel can obtain accurate measurements remotely without physically accessing hazardous locations, resolving the safety contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver unit acts as an intermediary between the light source and the control unit, collecting and transmitting operational data through the power line. This intermediary enables accurate remote monitoring without requiring personnel to be in hazardous positions, resolving the safety measurement contradiction.
4Reliability
If wired communication lines separate from power line are used, then communication capability is improved, but vulnerability to interference and failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges power and communication functions into the single power line cable infrastructure. By using the existing power line for both power delivery and data transmission through modulation techniques, the system eliminates separate communication lines that would be vulnerable to interference and failure.
Data Source
AI summary
An obstruction lighting and power line communication system is provided. The system includes a first controller coupled to and configured to control a first light source. The system includes a first transceiver associated with the first light source and configured to transmit and receive telemetry data signals associated with the first light source. The system includes a power line cable coupling the first controller and the first transceiver. The system includes a power supply coupled to the power line cable and configured to provide power to the first light source over the power line cable. The system includes a system controller configured to exchange control and telemetry signals with the first controller and the first transceiver over the power line cable.