Retrofit Controller for Dimming Ballast Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced lighting control systems are expensive and complex, making them inaccessible to most commercial customers, and centrally controlled systems lack flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit kit that includes a sensor unit and dimming controller, allowing for easy installation and decentralized control of existing light fixtures by interfacing with a dimming ballast, connecting to sensors, and networking for intelligent lighting control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If advanced lighting control systems are implemented, then lighting control functionality is improved, but installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lighting control functionality into separate modular components: occupancy sensors, natural light sensors, and dimming controllers that can be independently installed and configured. Each component performs a specific function and can be added or removed without affecting other parts of the system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimming ballast as an intermediary component between the existing lighting system and the new control components. The dimming ballast receives control signals from the sensors and adjusts lighting output accordingly, serving as a bridge that enables automation without requiring complete system replacement or complex wiring modifications
2Ease of operation
If centrally controlled lighting systems are used, then centralized management is achieved, but system flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent zones, each with its own sensors and dimming controllers. This allows different areas to be controlled independently based on their specific occupancy and lighting conditions, providing flexibility while still enabling centralized monitoring and management capabilities through optional network connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts lighting control based on real-time sensor inputs from each zone. Each dimming controller independently responds to occupancy and natural light conditions in its specific area, allowing the system to adapt flexibly to changing conditions while maintaining the option for centralized coordination when needed
3Extent of automation
If existing light fixtures are retrofitted with intelligence, then lighting control is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes dimming ballasts that are already installed in the existing lighting fixtures as a preliminary foundation for the automation system. By building upon this existing infrastructure rather than requiring complete system replacement, the retrofit process is simplified and installation complexity is reduced while still achieving intelligent lighting control
Solution Approach 2:
The dimming ballast serves as an intermediary component that enables integration between the existing lighting infrastructure and new intelligent control components. It receives simple control signals from sensors and translates them into appropriate dimming commands, facilitating easy retrofitting without requiring complex modifications to the existing wiring or fixtures
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of retrofitting a light fixture are disclosed. One method includes interfacing a retrofit controller with a dimming ballast of the light fixture, connecting the retrofit controller to at least one sensor, and connecting the retrofit controller to a power supply and a network. Another embodiment includes a light fixture retrofit controller and a separate sensor unit. The combination of the retrofit controller and a separate sensor unit are operative to provide power and dimming control of a dimming ballast of an existing light fixture. The dimming control is base on at least one of a signal sensed by the separate sensor unit and control information received from a network.