Occupant Location-Based Load Control With Mobile Device Presence
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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 to transmit and receive signals, and learning preset intensity settings based on the device's unique identifier, with occupancy sensors enhancing control when the space is occupied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control-source device is used to control a control-target device, then load control functionality is provided, but the system cannot automatically adjust settings based on user location and mobile device
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the control source (transmitting commands) and the location indicator (providing position data). The system uses a universal communication protocol that allows the mobile device to interact with various control-target devices (lighting, HVAC, window treatments) through a standardized interface, enabling location-based control without requiring separate dedicated control devices for each function.
2Loss of energy
If location-based control is implemented using mobile devices, then personalized control and energy efficiency are improved, but the system requires complex wireless communication and location determination infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device itself provides the location information without requiring separate sensors or tracking infrastructure in the building. The device uses its own GPS or network-based location capabilities to determine its position, and the control system simply receives this self-provided location data to automatically adjust environmental controls, achieving energy efficiency through location-aware operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the mobile device's location and automatically adjusts control-target devices based on real-time position data. This feedback loop allows the system to respond dynamically to user movement, turning off or reducing power to controls in unoccupied areas while maintaining comfort in occupied zones, thereby improving energy efficiency.
Data Source
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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.