Shed Lighting Control System Twilight Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling shed lighting in dairy animal sheds are not energy-efficient, leading to high costs and unnecessary lamp usage.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures light intensity and only activates additional lighting when necessary, using a twilight point calculation to determine when natural light is insufficient, thereby reducing the number of times lamps are switched on and optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If additional lighting means are switched on whenever light intensity drops below threshold, then light intensity requirement is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the evening twilight point of time in advance and measures total elapsed time when light intensity meets requirements. Before switching on additional lighting, it checks whether remaining time until twilight suffices to complete the required light duration, preventing premature activation of lamps
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors light intensity and uses this feedback to dynamically control lighting activation. By comparing current light duration against required duration and considering time until twilight, the system makes intelligent decisions about when additional lighting is truly necessary
2Illumination intensity
If additional lighting means are frequently switched on and off, then light intensity requirement is maintained, but lamp service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of twilight time and elapsed light duration before making switching decisions. This prevents frequent, unnecessary switching operations by anticipating when natural light will suffice again, thereby extending lamp service life through reduced switching cycles
3Illumination intensity
If additional lighting means are switched on during temporary light insufficiency (e.g., shower), then light intensity requirement is maintained, but energy is wasted when natural light recovers
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates in advance the total elapsed time when light intensity met requirements and determines the evening twilight point. Before switching on additional lighting during temporary insufficiency, it checks whether remaining time until twilight is sufficient to complete the required light duration, preventing energy waste when natural light is expected to recover
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts lighting control decisions based on real-time conditions and predictions. It adapts to temporary changes in natural light availability by considering the time context and expected recovery, making flexible decisions about when additional lighting is truly necessary
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
This approach saves energy and extends lamp life by minimizing unnecessary lighting, applicable across varying daylight lengths and animal lighting regimes, while maintaining optimal light conditions for animal welfare.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lighting intensity sensor for measuring the lighting intensity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of and a device for controlling a shed lighting, and a shed (1) provided therewith. To support daylight, lamps (3-6) are switched on, but only in the case when the measured intensity is too low and, moreover, the time in which the daylight intensity could become sufficient is too short to achieve a desired period of time with a minimum light intensity. This saves energy and service life of lamps.