Traffic-Based Lighting Network Control for Demand Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting network control systems often fail to balance electric power grid consumption peaks, degrade traffic safety, and cause urban disturbances due to frequent switching and dimming, while being limited in scope and incurring high costs for motion detection electronics.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control lighting networks based on traffic monitoring, using presence sensors and vehicle position signals to adjust luminaire status and dimming levels dynamically, with a reserve luminaire set for demand response, ensuring safety and minimizing energy consumption peaks without sacrificing user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If lighting networks are controlled by frequent switching and dimming to balance power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but traffic safety deteriorates and urban disturbances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating or pre-cooling thermal storage units before peak demand periods, and pre-positioning lighting adjustments before traffic patterns change. This allows the system to meet demand response requirements without abrupt switching that would compromise safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic dimming cycles that are synchronized with traffic flow patterns and human circadian rhythms, rather than continuous or random switching. This periodic action reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate lighting during critical periods.
2Power
If demand response requests are fulfilled by dimming luminaires, then power grid load is reduced, but short-term consumption spikes may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses thermal energy storage units to cushion against consumption spikes. Before demand response events, the system charges these thermal storage units, creating an energy buffer that can be discharged during load shedding events, thereby smoothing out power consumption fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal storage units act as intermediary elements between the lighting system and the power grid. They absorb excess energy during low-demand periods and release it during demand response events, mediating the transition and preventing direct spikes in power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If motion detection electronics are installed in each lighting fixture, then traffic monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal communication infrastructure (such as existing traffic management networks or wireless communication) that serves multiple functions including traffic monitoring, lighting control, and urban management, rather than installing dedicated motion detection electronics in each fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized or distributed control system acts as an intermediary between traffic monitoring sensors and lighting fixtures. The sensors are installed separately in the urban environment, and the intermediary processes data and transmits control signals to lighting systems, eliminating the need for electronics in each individual fixture.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If lighting levels are continuously adjusted to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but urban environment stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic lighting adjustments that align with natural circadian rhythms and urban activity patterns, creating a stable rhythm rather than continuous random changes. This maintains urban environment stability while achieving energy savings through strategic dimming during low-activity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different lighting strategies to different zones based on their specific characteristics and needs. Critical urban areas maintain stable lighting levels, while less critical areas experience more aggressive dimming, thereby preserving overall urban stability while achieving energy savings.
Data Source
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AI summary
A controlling of a lighting network based on traffic monitoring comprises steps of determining plurality of coverage areas of set of luminaires, where each luminaire comprises at least one light source. Information related to a presence of users in said coverage areas is received. This may relate both outdoor or indoor areas and activity. A status of at least certain luminaire is then changed to a reserve status, when a last detected user exits the coverage area. Each coverage area or luminaire is providing with an expected value for the time of when the next user is expected to arrive in the coverage area of said luminaire, A set of luminaires [R] of said luminaires with the reserve status to be controlled, such as dimmed, is then defined and information related to demand response requests [D1,..., Dn] of an electric power grid is received. In addition controlling, such as dimming, at least one of said defined set of luminaires in said reserve is performed in order to fulfil said demand response requests at least partially.