Solar Lighting Controller Energy Override Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar powered lighting systems face challenges in managing energy reserves during dimming overrides, as they lack the ability to assess whether available battery energy can cover the override period and subsequent nights, leading to potential depletion and loss of lighting functionality due to unpredictable weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that includes a controller in solar powered lighting units to assess the available energy and estimate if it can cover the dimming override period and subsequent energy recovery through solar generation, using refined solar power supply and demand models, and a communication interface for remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dimming override is activated to provide full brightness during emergency situations, then lighting security is improved, but energy reserves may be depleted leading to loss of lighting functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of battery energy levels and weather forecasts before activating dimming override. The controller checks if available energy can cover both the override period and subsequent nights, preventing energy depletion before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery charge levels and compares them against predicted energy consumption for the override period plus buffer for subsequent nights. This feedback mechanism dynamically controls whether dimming override is permitted based on real-time energy status and forecasted weather conditions.
2Loss of energy
If conventional fixed dimming profile is used to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but lighting availability cannot be guaranteed during bad weather periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed dimming profiles with dynamic control that adapts to real-time weather forecasts and battery status. The dimming level and duration are adjusted based on predicted solar generation, ensuring energy conservation when weather is good and lighting availability when weather is poor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (dimming level, override duration) based on weather forecast parameters and battery charge parameters. This allows the system to optimize between energy savings and lighting reliability by adjusting parameters according to environmental conditions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If battery is over dimensioned to avoid deep discharges and extend operational life, then battery life is improved, but system cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses weather forecast data and solar generation predictions to self-regulate energy consumption during dimming override, ensuring that battery discharge remains within safe limits without requiring excessive battery capacity. The controller autonomously manages energy reserves to prevent deep discharges.
4Reliability
If dimming override duration is extended to cover longer emergency periods, then lighting security is maintained, but energy reserves are depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
Before extending dimming override duration, the system preliminarily assesses whether sufficient energy reserves exist to cover the extended period plus subsequent nights. The controller calculates energy requirements based on forecasted weather and only permits extended override if energy availability is confirmed.
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 solution ensures that solar powered lighting systems can safely perform dimming overrides without depleting energy reserves, maintaining lighting functionality by determining if the available energy can be recovered through subsequent solar generation, thus preventing total darkness and extending the operational life of the system.
Implementation Method 1
The energy collected is stored in a battery. In order to facilitate a long operational life, the battery may be substantially over dimensioned to avoid deep discharges.
Data Source
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AI summary
A solar powered device (LU 10) and methods for (Figs. 8 and 9) controlling a power override function for the solar powered device (LU 10) are disclosed. The solar powered device (LU 10) includes a photo voltaic unit (1), a solar charger (2) coupled to the photo voltaic unit, an energy storage unit (3), a control engine (4) arranged to control the energy supply to a load (7), a communication interface (6), and a controller (5). The controller (5) is arranged to receive an override function signal via the communication interface (6). The override function signal requests a change related to an energy consumption of the load (7). The controller (5) is further arranged to determine if a current available stored energy amount in the energy storage unit (3) can provide enough energy for the change in the energy consumption of the load (7), and estimate if an amount of energy depleted due to the change in the energy consumption can be recovered by solar generation in at least one or more subsequent days after the amount is depleted. The controller changes the energy consumption of the load (7) if the current available stored energy can provide enough energy and the amount of energy depleted can be recovered.