PoE Load Control System Slope Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) systems face issues with inrush currents when multiple loads are switched on simultaneously, leading to potential fuse blowing and component damage.

Innovation Solution

A controlling system that determines the overall power change amount caused by a command and adjusts the power consumption slope by distributing power level changes over time, using a command providing unit, overall power change determination unit, and control unit to modify commands and set power levels at different times, thereby reducing the likelihood of fuse blowing and component damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple PoE loads are switched on simultaneously to meet high power demand, then the power delivery capability is improved, but inrush currents increase causing fuse blowing and component damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidinrush current
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit calculates the overall power change amount before executing the power delivery command. If the calculated power change exceeds a predefined threshold, the system preemptively activates the slope control mechanism to limit the rate of power consumption increase, thereby preventing inrush current damage before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the power delivery slope based on real-time calculations. When multiple loads are switched on simultaneously, the control unit modifies the power delivery rate adaptively, increasing it when safe and reducing it when inrush current risk is detected, thus optimizing both power delivery capability and system safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the slope of power consumption is reduced to prevent fuse blowing, then system safety is improved, but the time required for loads to reach desired power levels increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem safetyVSAvoidpower level establishment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the actual power consumption slope and compares it with the target slope. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the power delivery rate in real-time, allowing faster power establishment when conditions permit and enforcing stricter slope limits only when necessary to prevent fuse blowing, thus minimizing time loss while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power delivery parameter (slope) dynamically based on the calculated overall power change amount. When the power change is within safe limits, the slope parameter is set to a higher value for faster response. When the power change exceeds thresholds, the slope parameter is reduced to prevent damage, optimizing both speed and safety through parameter adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3207769B1Controlling system for controlling a power/data-communication system
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3207769B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3207769B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3207769B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a controlling system (4) for controlling loads (2), especially lighting units, of a power/data-communication system like a PoE system, wherein a command is provided, which defines desired power levels of loads of the power/data- communication system. An overall power change amount is determined, which will be caused by the provided command, and the loads are controlled such that the slope of the overall power consumption of the loads, when being set to the desired power levels, is reduced, if the determined overall power change amount is larger than a predefined power change threshold. Thus, if the provided command may lead to an overall power change amount causing problems like blown fuses, the loads are controlled such that the slope of the overall power consumption of the loads, when being set to the desired power levels, and hence the likelihood of, for instance, blown fuses is reduced.