Outdoor Lighting Network Optimization via Centralized Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current outdoor lighting networks lack flexibility and efficiency in adapting to changing conditions, such as light requirements and environmental changes, due to inflexible lighting systems and the absence of real-time performance measurement capabilities, leading to suboptimal operation and increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a user control apparatus, central control apparatus, and lighting unit control apparatus, connected through a communication module, which allows for real-time optimization of lighting units by generating and transmitting lighting requirements, updating configuration requests, and directing lighting units to operate optimally based on illuminance and cost models, utilizing mobile and fixed measurement devices for performance monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lighting systems are designed with fixed initial configuration, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but the system cannot adapt to changing conditions and requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where lighting units can change their operational parameters (intensity, color, timing) after installation based on real-time conditions and updated requirements. The system transitions from static factory defaults to dynamic, condition-based configuration through centralized control and communication modules in each lighting unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing modification of lighting unit characteristics such as luminous intensity, color temperature, and operational timing through software control. The centralized control system can send update commands to change parameters without physical hardware modifications, enabling adaptation to changing environmental and functional requirements.
2Productivity
If real-time performance measurement is implemented, then lighting optimization is improved, but measurement and monitoring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through measurement devices that continuously monitor lighting performance parameters and transmit data to the centralized control system. This feedback loop enables the system to detect actual performance, compare it with target values, and automatically adjust operations to optimize energy efficiency and lighting quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-optimization by using built-in measurement and communication capabilities to automatically adjust its own operation. The lighting units can independently monitor their performance and receive control commands to optimize their operation without requiring external manual intervention, reducing the complexity of continuous monitoring and adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If multiple lighting units are operated independently, then installation and maintenance are simpler, but coordinated optimization for energy saving and performance is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges independent lighting units into a coordinated network through communication modules that enable data exchange and synchronized control. The centralized control system aggregates information from all units and coordinates their operation to achieve overall energy optimization while maintaining the modular simplicity of individual unit installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by enabling lighting units to serve multiple purposes through coordinated control - optimizing energy consumption, improving lighting performance, and adapting to different operational requirements. The universal communication and control protocol allows diverse lighting units to work together seamlessly for multiple objectives simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
Light management system for an outdoor lighting network (OLN) having lighting units, the system including a central control apparatus (40); lighting unit control apparatus (50); and a communication system (60). The central control apparatus (40) is operable to receive a configuration request; receive optimization objectives/constraints; identify the lighting units operably connected to the plurality of lighting unit control apparatus (50) associated with the configuration request; determine whether at least one of lighting requirements, illuminance model, and cost model have changed; update the lighting requirements, the illuminance and the cost model when at least one of the lighting requirements, the illuminance model, and the cost model have changed; optimize operation of the identified lighting units as a function of the optimization objectives/constraints, the lighting requirements, the illuminance and the cost model; and send an operation instruction to the lighting control apparatus (50).