Phase-Control Load Wiring for Digital Lighting Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems for fluorescent lamps require additional wiring and complex commissioning procedures to upgrade from non-dimming to dimming, and existing power-line carrier communication systems suffer from noise interference and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that transmits digital messages via phase-control voltage timing edges over existing power wiring, allowing for easy installation and configuration without additional wiring, and uses a controller similar to a standard dimmer switch to avoid noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional wiring is installed to upgrade from non-dimming to dimming ballasts, then lighting control functionality is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing power wiring is made to serve dual purposes: delivering power to ballasts and transmitting digital control signals for dimming operations. The power lines are universally used for both energy transmission and communication, eliminating the need for separate control wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power delivery function and communication function into a single wiring infrastructure. By merging these two separate functions into the existing power lines, the system avoids additional wiring while achieving both power supply and digital control capabilities.
2Loss of information
If power-line carrier communication is used for digital messaging, then communication capability is improved, but noise interference and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling device that acts as a buffer between the digital control signals and the power line environment. This intermediary isolates the sensitive digital communication from the noisy power line conditions, preventing direct interference while enabling reliable signal transmission through the power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acknowledges the noisy environment of power lines and uses coupling devices that are specifically designed to handle this condition. The harmful noise is managed through proper coupling techniques that filter and condition the signals, converting the challenging environment into a workable communication medium.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex commissioning procedures are required for load control systems, then system functionality is improved, but ease of configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load control devices perform self-configuration and self-commissioning automatically upon installation. The system devices communicate with each other through the power lines to automatically establish control relationships, assign addresses, and configure parameters without requiring manual programming or complex commissioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with default parameters and communication protocols before installation. This preliminary setup allows the devices to immediately begin operating and self-organize into the control network without requiring post-installation configuration or complex commissioning steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and a load control device. The controller also comprises a control circuit coupled to the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive each half-cycle of the AC power source to generate a phase-control voltage. The control circuit is operable to render the controllably conductive device conductive for a portion of each half-cycle of the AC power source. The control circuit is operable to transmit a digital message to the load control device for controlling the power delivered to the load by encoding digital information in timing edges of the phase-control voltage, where the phase-control voltage having at least one timing edge in each half-cycle of the AC power source when the control circuit is transmitting the digital message to the load control device.