Real-Time Power Management via Dynamic Lighting Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power consumption management systems are inadequate in reducing peak demand, particularly for interior lighting, as they rely on binary on/off solutions that are not flexible enough for real-time control and often require noticeable changes in the environment, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A real-time power management system that uses a central controller to monitor and adjust power demand by dimming lights and modifying other loads, allowing for imperceptible changes to occupants, thereby maintaining peak demand below setpoints through continuous monitoring and predictive adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If binary on/off switching is used for interior lighting, then power demand can be reduced, but occupant comfort and productivity are compromised due to noticeable environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimming control to lighting systems, transitioning from static binary on/off switching to dynamic continuous adjustment. The system can vary light output levels continuously, allowing power demand to be reduced while maintaining occupant comfort through subtle, imperceptible adjustments rather than abrupt on/off changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of lighting from binary states (on/off) to continuous dimming levels. By adjusting the light output parameter continuously, the system achieves progressive power demand reduction while keeping environmental changes imperceptible to occupants, thus maintaining comfort and productivity.
2Loss of energy
If real-time power demand control is implemented, then peak demand charges are minimized, but system complexity increases due to continuous monitoring and predictive adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements predictive adjustments that anticipate future power demand based on historical patterns and predictive algorithms. By taking preliminary action to adjust lighting and other loads before peak demand occurs, the system minimizes peak demand charges without requiring complex real-time control during critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates continuous monitoring of power demand with feedback control mechanisms. The system monitors actual power consumption, compares it to predictive models, and automatically adjusts loads to stay below setpoints. This closed-loop feedback approach manages complexity by using automated control rather than manual intervention.
3Loss of energy
If historical data analysis is used to predict future power consumption, then power savings can be identified, but real-time control flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses historical data analysis to establish baseline power consumption patterns and predictive models in advance. These preliminary analyses enable the system to anticipate future power needs and prepare appropriate control actions, maintaining both the ability to identify savings opportunities and the flexibility to respond to real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines static historical data analysis with dynamic real-time adjustment capabilities. The system uses historical patterns to guide predictive models but maintains flexibility to adapt to changing real-time conditions through continuous monitoring and automated feedback control, ensuring both power savings identification and real-time control flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for real-time power management are provided. The system can include one or more lights, one or more light controllers, one or more meters to detect power demand of a building, and a central controller to modify the light output of the lights responsive to the detected power demand. The system can interface with other utility controls to manage the total power demand of the building on a real-time basis. The light controllers can provide individual metering of the lights for use by the central controller.