Sun Elevation Lighting Control via GPS Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial lighting control systems, such as timer-based and light intensity-based controls, are inefficient in determining the exact moment to activate or deactivate outdoor lighting due to variations in sunrise and sunset times and light sensitivity, leading to energy wastage and inconsistent visibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a GPS system to accurately calculate the sun's elevation angle relative to geographical location, date, and time, allowing for precise control of artificial lighting based on natural light conditions, thereby optimizing energy usage and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If timer-based control is used to switch lights on and off at programmed times, then the control system is simple to implement, but energy is wasted when lights are activated during periods when natural light is still sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from fixed local time to dynamic sun elevation angle, which varies continuously based on geographical location, date, and time. This allows precise determination of when natural light becomes insufficient, activating lights only when needed and eliminating energy waste from premature activation.
2Measurement precision
If light intensity sensing circuits are used to detect when to activate lighting, then the system can respond to actual light conditions, but the control becomes inconsistent due to variations in light detector sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary calculation layer that uses GPS-derived geographical location, date, and time to compute the exact sun elevation angle. This intermediary approach bypasses the need for physical light detectors entirely, providing consistent and reliable control based on astronomical data rather than variable sensor sensitivity.
3Reliability
If a combination of timer and light intensity sensing is used, then the system can account for both scheduled times and actual light conditions, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and eliminates the need for physical light sensing components by directly calculating sun elevation angle from GPS location and time data. This extraction approach achieves reliable lighting control based on actual light conditions while maintaining system simplicity, avoiding the complexity of combining multiple control methods.
4Ease of operation
If timer-based control is used with local time settings, then the system can be programmed for specific locations, but it requires manual adjustments for daylight saving time and location-specific calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universal adaptability by using GPS-derived geographical location (latitude and longitude) as the basis for calculating sun elevation angle. This approach automatically adapts to any location on Earth without requiring manual programming or adjustment for daylight saving time, as the calculation is based on astronomical parameters that are universally applicable.
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 achieves significant energy savings of 2%-18% by ensuring artificial lighting is activated only during necessary periods of darkness, maintaining comfort and safety without causing unnecessary energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a global positioning system (GPS) element for determining latitude, longitude, altitude, date and time
Implementation Method 2
a calculation element for determining sun elevation angle accurately... accurate, real-time calculation of sun elevation relative to geographical location
Implementation Method 3
a control element for switching electrical loads 'on' or 'off'... controlling electrical switches in a control system
Implementation Method 4
there is enough light where the human eye can see comfortably. This is due to the scattered sunlight from the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided to control artificial lighting using accurate geographical location, date and time, in order to activate such electrical activity only during needed periods of actual terrestrial darkness related to sun elevation. Accurate, real-time calculation of sun elevation relative to geographical location and date/time allow natural lighting characteristics such as natural light spectrum and intensity to be matched to artificial lighting, in order to provide a smooth transition in ambient lighting and to save energy. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a global positioning system (GPS) element for determining latitude, longitude, altitude, date and time and a calculation element for determining sun elevation angle accurately. A specific embodiment requires only desired sun elevation angle inputs from the user for controlling electrical switches in a control system.