PoE Lighting Emergency Node Battery Charge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power over ethernet (PoE) lighting systems lack an efficient mechanism to transition seamlessly from normal operation to emergency mode during power loss, and struggle with dynamic battery management and power allocation to ensure continuous lighting in compliance with building codes.
Innovation Solution
A PoE lighting system with micro-controllers and rechargeable batteries that dynamically adjust power allocation using a charge control algorithm, enabling seamless transition to emergency mode and optimizing battery life through intelligent power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rechargeable battery is incorporated into the PoE luminaire for emergency mode operation, then continuous lighting during power outages is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional battery management components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the emergency battery system with the PoE luminaire by integrating the battery, charger, and control circuitry into a single unified device. The PoE interface serves dual purposes: normal operation power supply and battery charging communication. This merging approach achieves continuous lighting capability while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate standalone components.
Solution Approach 2:
The PoE interface is designed to serve multiple functions: providing power during normal operation, enabling two-wire communication for system control, and supporting battery charging operations. The microcontroller handles multiple tasks including normal lighting control, battery charge management, and emergency mode activation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while achieving reliability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If dynamic power allocation is implemented to optimize battery charging, then battery life is extended, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based charge control algorithm that continuously monitors battery charge level and dynamically adjusts power allocation from the PoE interface. The microcontroller reads battery status and modifies charging parameters in real-time, optimizing battery life through adaptive control. This feedback mechanism achieves extended battery duration while keeping the control system manageable through algorithmic rather than hardware-based complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power allocation to the battery charger is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously adapts the charging power level based on real-time battery charge level, state of charge algorithms, and PoE power availability. This dynamic adjustment optimizes battery life by preventing overcharging and managing charge cycles effectively, while the software-based implementation keeps control system complexity manageable.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a charge control algorithm is used to determine battery charge level and adjust power allocation, then power management efficiency is improved, but the processing requirements and micro-controller complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charge control algorithm operates autonomously within the microcontroller, continuously monitoring battery status and self-adjusting power allocation without external intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis of battery charge level and automatically manages charging parameters. This self-service approach improves power management efficiency while keeping the microcontroller implementation straightforward through algorithmic automation rather than complex hardware control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages microcontroller complexity by changing operational parameters (power allocation levels, charging current, voltage thresholds) rather than adding complex hardware structures. The charge control algorithm dynamically adjusts these parameters based on battery state, achieving efficient power management through software-based parameter optimization. This approach keeps the microcontroller relatively simple while maintaining high power management efficiency through adaptive parameter control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the PoE interface is used for both power supply and communication during normal operation, then the system integrates power and data functions, but power allocation conflicts may occur during emergency mode transition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring PoE power availability and battery charge level before emergency mode is needed. The microcontroller maintains communication links and power management routines during normal operation, so that when power failure occurs, the transition to battery power is already prepared and seamless. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable emergency mode transition while maintaining the integrated PoE power and data functions during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining a charged battery ready for emergency operation and implementing gradual power transition protocols. Before complete power failure occurs, the system can partially charge the battery or prepare emergency mode parameters, cushioning against the abruptness of power loss. This preparation ensures reliable emergency mode transition while preserving the versatility of the integrated PoE interface during normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures continuous lighting during power outages by efficiently managing battery power and extending battery life, while automating testing and monitoring to meet regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the nodes is an emergency management node that includes a rechargeable battery and a PoE battery charger
Implementation Method 2
The emergency management node includes a charge sensor operably coupled to the battery and in communication with the respective micro-controller
Data Source
AI summary
A power over ethernet lighting system includes a plurality of nodes electrically connected to a power/communication bus. Each of the nodes includes a PoE interface, a micro-controller and a PoE driver electrically connected to a PoE luminaire. At least one of the nodes is an emergency management node that includes a rechargeable battery and a PoE battery charger. The system has a maintained mode in which the PoE luminaire of each of the nodes is powered by electricity from the power/communication bus, and has an emergency mode characterized by a power loss on the power/communication bus. A micro-controller of the emergency management node includes a charge control algorithm configured to determine a charge level of the battery based on a signal from a charge sensor, and configured to dynamically adjust an allocation of power to the PoE battery charger responsive to the charge level.