Task-Level Lighting Control via Segmented Sensor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems in buildings lack granular control over task-level lighting, leading to unnecessary power consumption and inefficiency, as they often rely on ambient lighting sensors that cannot accurately adjust illumination levels in separate task areas within a general area.
Innovation Solution
A wireless system comprising task-level sensors and a load controller that monitor and adjust illumination levels in each task area independently, using occupancy and photo sensors to optimize lighting based on the specific needs of each task area, thereby integrating multiple control methodologies for improved energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If ambient lighting control is used to illuminate general areas, then overall illumination is provided, but energy efficiency is reduced and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting control system is segmented into two independent control layers: ambient lighting control for general areas and task lighting control for specific work planes. This segmentation allows selective illumination of only occupied task areas rather than illuminating the entire general area, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining necessary illumination levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Task lighting is provided only at specific locations where occupants are present, rather than uniformly across the entire general area. The system determines local illumination needs based on occupancy detection at task areas, providing higher illumination intensity only where required and reducing illumination in unoccupied areas to minimize energy waste.
2Loss of energy
If occupancy sensors control task lighting based on general area occupancy, then unoccupied task areas are turned off, but unnecessary ambient illumination is provided to unoccupied task areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system independently controls ambient lighting and task lighting through separate sensors and control logic. Task lighting is controlled by task-level occupancy sensors that detect presence at specific work planes, while ambient lighting is controlled by general area sensors. This independent control prevents the system from turning off task lighting in unoccupied areas while maintaining ambient illumination, allowing both controls to operate optimally without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary control layer that coordinates between general area occupancy detection and task area illumination control. This intermediary logic determines whether to provide task lighting based on both general area occupancy status and specific task area conditions, preventing unnecessary illumination in unoccupied task areas while maintaining appropriate ambient light levels.
3Loss of energy
If daylighting control is used to adjust ambient light output, then energy efficiency is improved, but accurate control of task area light levels is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting control system uses separate photo sensors positioned at different locations: general area photo sensors for ambient lighting control and task area photo sensors for task lighting control. This spatial segmentation of measurement points allows the system to accurately measure and control light levels specific to each task area, accounting for variations in natural light distribution and ensuring precise illumination control where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides differentiated control quality for different lighting zones: ambient lighting is controlled based on general area daylight levels, while task lighting is controlled based on local task area illumination measurements. This allows the system to optimize energy efficiency at the ambient level while maintaining precise control of task area light levels to meet specific illumination requirements.
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 enables precise control of electrical loads in task areas, reducing energy waste by adjusting lighting levels according to occupancy and ambient light conditions, resulting in enhanced energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a photo sensor that senses an illumination level for the task area
Implementation Method 2
an occupancy sensor that senses an occupancy of the task area
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for cooperatively controlling ambient level lighting in a controlled area, and task-level lighting for task areas in the controlled area, where each task area is a separate sub-area of the controlled area.