Patent Application
20140049167
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for controlling area lighting. More particularly, the present invention relates to lighting systems and methods for controlling indoor lighting by providing flexible and programmable control based on occupancy and daylight contribution.
2. Discussion of the Background
Indoor facilities such as classrooms require robust, capable and flexible lighting and control solutions that serve the user and save energy. Static lighting systems designed to IES specifications service only a small portion of the actual lighting requirements that exist in today's classroom environment
Complicating the design of these solutions are energy codes, which are becoming more and more restrictive on schools: ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999/2001 prescribes a maximum power density of 1.6W/sq.ft for classrooms. ASHRAE 90.1-2004/2007 goes further with a prescribed 1.4W/sq.ft and California's Title 24-2005 takes it even further with a requirement for a maximum density of 1.2W/sq.ft.
To service the needs of the educator and to support the educational environment, classroom lighting and control solutions must be flexible and capable of providing multiple lighting scenarios “visual environments” that support or enhance the varied educational tools which may be utilized such as whiteboard, video and multimedia presentations. The modern classroom requires a range of lighting scenarios, from full lighting for traditional teaching to various levels of dimming and light distribution for audiovisual (A/V) presentations and other activities. Most existing systems don't have the flexibility to provide high-quality lighting in this varying environment. Typical classroom lighting solutions do not meet the functional needs of teachers or students.
Classroom lighting and control solutions must be energy efficient. Occupancy Sensing,
Daylight Harvesting and Demand Response energy saving strategies can all be deployed in these spaces to significantly reduce energy costs and meet codes and regulations. Most importantly, a successful classroom lighting and control solution must be cost effective, simple to install and commission, easy to understand and simple to use.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and provide at least the advantages described below.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method where a plurality of luminaires, control switches, occupancy detectors, and photocells are connected to a central control module.
Exemplary implementations of certain embodiments of the present invention provide a display and keypad user interface which is used for setting up, testing, commissioning and maintaining the system; a memory card interface and associated memory card which can be used to load and save configuration data, update firmware, and log system operation.
Another exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a system and method where a lighting system can be set up and tested and then the configuration saved in a portable memory, such as on a memory card. For example, a memory card can be transferred to another system where it is read to facilitate faster and easier configuring of the other system to parallel, or to be exactly like, the original system.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a system and method provide for automatic recognition of the type of data stored on a portable memory (such as a memory card) to perform appropriate actions such as, for example: update configuration, or update firmware.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a system and method provide for switching between different mutually exclusive lighting modes where the lighting of each mode is sequenced such that the second lighting mode is initiated before the first mode is terminated, resulting in a continuity of lighting in the controlled area.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a system and method provide for daylight harvesting control with multiple zone dimming and switching, programmable attack and decay dimming rates, the ability to return a system to its previous dimming level after the lights have been turned off, and the ability to start the controlled lights at full light level then dim down to the previous level to ensure the lighting ballasts have sufficient voltage to start up.
A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
a)-4(c) and 5 provide illustrative drawings of a control module according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
a)-7(c) provide block diagrams of systems according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
a)-8(e), 9(a)-1, 9(a)-2, 9(b)-1, 9(b)-2, 9(c)-1, 9(c)-2, 9(d)-1, 9(d)-2, 9(e), 9(f)-1, 9(f)-2, 9(g)-1, 9(g)-2, 9(h)-1, 9(h)-2, 9(i)-1, 9(i)-2, 9(j), and 10(a)-10(b) provide detailed circuit diagrams illustrating exemplary implementations of the various components of systems according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, embodiments of the present invention are shown in schematic detail.
The matters defined in the description such as a detailed construction and elements are nothing but the ones provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, well-known functions or constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below in the context of a classroom application. Such exemplary implementations are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the appended claims.
According to exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a system and method are provided where a classroom lighting control solution includes the following components, as illustrated in the example of
Classroom Control Module 100:
In an exemplary implementation, a classroom control module 100 contains all of the switching and dimming components necessary for the control of an entire classroom lighting system 10. The classroom control module can be designed to control up to four individual rows of recessed or pendant mounted lighting fixtures 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d (with alternate switching of A/V and General lighting modes and individual row control) and one Whiteboard lighting circuit 122 with ON/OFF control.
The classroom control module can be provided with the following:
In an exemplary implementation, the classroom control module 100 can be provided with a user interface 200 including, for example, a display 202 (such as a 2 line by 16-character display) with, for example push buttons 204a, 204b for screen navigation, and buttons 206a and 206b for selection of menu items. Other user interfaces, such as touch screens to facilitate ease of operation, can be implemented and are within the scope of the present invention.
The classroom control module 100 can also include an interface for connection to other lighting control systems to provide for programming and scheduling accordingly.
In an exemplary implementation, the classroom control module 100 can be provided with a maintained dry contact input to cause the classroom control module to go to a demand response mode. In the demand response mode, the classroom control module 100 limits the output of general and AV lighting modes to the demand response level as set at the classroom control module 100. Demand response levels can be set by means of the user interface 200 of the classroom control modules 100, as later described in further detail in the context of certain exemplary implementations.
General—A/V Switching Control:
A classroom control module 100 can be designed to allow classroom lighting to be in either the General or A/V modes and ensure that both modes may never be ON at the same time. Selection of current mode can be provided by means of momentary low voltage inputs.
Row Switching Control:
A classroom control module 100 can allow for individual or master ON/OFF control of 1 to 4 rows of General—A/V lighting. Control can be provided by means of momentary low voltage inputs.
Raise/Lower Control:
A classroom control module 100 can provide a 0-10 VDC output for A/V dimming control. Control can be provided by means of momentary low voltage inputs.
Whiteboard ON/OFF Control:
A classroom control module 100 can provide for ON/OFF control of a single whiteboard 122 circuit. Control can be provided by means of momentary low voltage inputs.
Quiet Time:
A classroom control module 100 can provide for a quiet time override. The quiet time override can inhibit the occupancy OFF command for a period of 60 minutes. At the end of the quiet time duration the control module can return control to the occupancy sensor and turn lighting OFF if no occupancy is present in the classroom.
Occupancy Sensor Control:
A classroom control module 100 can allow for the connection of one or more occupancy sensor(s), for example 3 occupancy sensors 116a, 116b, 116c. The control module 100 can provide power and receive inputs from the occupancy sensors 116a, 116b, 116c in order to determine the current state of occupancy of the classroom—either occupied or unoccupied. Upon a change from unoccupied to occupied states the classroom control module 100 can switch the classroom lighting to the general mode, turn all rows ON and engage automatic daylight harvesting if present. Upon a change from occupied to unoccupied states, the classroom control module 100 can switch all lighting OFF
General Lighting Continuous Dimming Daylight Harvesting Control:
A classroom control module 100 can receive current daylight level information from an indoor photo sensor 118. According to an exemplary implementation, a function of a daylight harvesting sensor, such as indoor photo sensor 118, is to monitor incoming daylight, calculate the appropriate levels that the general artificial lighting may be dimmed to save energy while maintaining desires foot-candle levels at task and send a 0 to 10VDC signal to the general lighting to dim it to the appropriate level. To accomplish this a classroom control module can be implemented to receive and process information and operate as follows:
A. Current incoming Daylight Level: This information can be received from an indoor photo sensor 118 as a linear signal from 0 to 10 VDC in 4 possible ranges 0.3 to 30 fc, 3 to 300 fc, 30 to 3000 fc and 60 to 6000 fc as shown in the graph of
B. Current Daylight Contribution: (Daylight read at task): Current daylight contribution readings for zones 1-4 as read at task during the mid portion of the day with the artificial lighting turned off. Daylight readings taken can be entered into a classroom control module 100 by means of a user interface 200. Daylight lighting levels should be entered for each daylight harvesting zone being controlled. If a daylight harvesting zone will not be used there is no need to enter a level for it.
C. Designed or Measured Artificial Lighting Level (Designed levels or actual artificial lighting levels as read at task): Artificial lighting design or measured levels for zones 1-4 can be entered into the classroom control module 100 by means of the user interface 200. As in the case of daylight, artificial lighting levels should to be entered for each daylight harvesting zone being controlled. If a daylight harvesting zone will not be used there is no need to enter a level for it.
D. Operation: In order to set the classroom control module's daylight harvesting settings a user can perform the following steps.
E. Dimming Response (Fade Up and Fade Down Rate): The controller 100 can be designed to respond quickly to decreases in natural daylight and more slowly to increases in natural daylight. The exact rate of these changes can be adjusted during testing, once determined these values can be entered into the controller 100 as default values. These values can also be adjustable by via user interface 200.
F. Response Delay: In order to keep sudden temporary changes in daylight from causing output the sensor 118 to needlessly change the dimmed level of its controlled fixtures, the sensor 118 can have built-in delays to numb the effects of sudden changes in daylight. For example, sensor 118 can have two built-in delays: one for reacting to decrease in daylight and one for reacting to an increase in daylight. The default delay for reacting to increases in daylight can be set to, for example, 10 seconds and the default delay for reacting to decreases in daylight can be set to, for example, 2 seconds. These values can also be adjustable via the user interface 200
General Lighting Switched Row Daylight Harvesting Control.
According to another exemplary implementation, a function of the daylight harvesting sensor 118 is to monitor incoming daylight, calculate the appropriate levels at which individual rows of the general artificial lighting may be switched OFF to save energy while maintaining desires foot-candle levels at task. To accomplish this, a classroom control module 100 can be implemented to receive and process information and operate as described above in the context of General Lighting Continuous Dimming Daylight Harvesting Control Section, Parts A through F. However, in this exemplary implementation operation step 4 of Part D is replaced by the following step:
According to an exemplary implementation of certain embodiments of the present invention, a control module 100 can be generally configured as illustrated in
As further illustrated in the exemplary implementations of
As further illustrated in the exemplary implementations of
According to an exemplary embodiment, the nodes being controlled get their intelligence from the system and are coupled to a particular sensor, such as an indoor photo sensor 620 and occupancy sensor 622, or a switch, such as GEN—A/V switch 630 and dimming switch 632; each is attached to proper node and can be color coded to prevent mixing during installation. In the example of dimming control, dimming signals pass through the control module 100 for added intelligence, such as timing of light level, before being sent to light fixtures 640,642 by means of low voltage dimming control 606.
According to exemplary embodiment, low voltage switch stations, such as 102, 104a-d, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 114 of
GEN—A/V Switch Station
GEN—A/V Switch Station allows a user to select between general and A/V lighting modes and can be implemented as a single gang switch station with 2 momentary push buttons GEN and AV 300 connected to controller 100 via, for example, plug-in class 2 electrical connector such as RJ45, where in operation:
Master ON/OFF Switch Station
Master ON/OFF switch station allows a user to turn all lighting rows ON and OFF and can be implemented as a single gang switch station 302 with 1 momentary push button ON/OFF connected to controller 100 via, for example, plug-in class 2 electrical connector such as RJ45. During operation, when the ON/OFF switch is momentarily depressed the controller alternately switches all Rows ON and OFF.
Row ON/OFF Switch Station: (Rows 1-4)
Row ON/OFF switch station allows a user to turn all lighting rows ON and OFF and can be implemented as a single gang switch station 302 with 1 momentary push button ON/OFF connected to controller 100 via, for example, plug-in class 2 electrical connector such as RJ45. During operation, when the ON/OFF switch is momentarily depressed the controller alternately switches the controlled Row 1-4 ON and OFF.
Raise/Lower Switch Station
Raise/Lower Switch Station allows the system user to raise and lower A/V lighting levels and can be implemented as a single gang switch station with 2 momentary push buttons Raise and Lower 304 connected to controller 100 via, for example, plug-in class 2 electrical connector such as RJ45, where in operation:
Whiteboard Switch Station
Whiteboard switch station allows a system user to turn ON or OFF the Whiteboard lighting and can be implemented as a single gang switch station 302 with 1 momentary push button Whiteboard 306 connected to controller 100 via, for example, plug-in class 2 electrical connector such as RJ45. During operation, when the Whiteboard switch is momentarily depressed the controller alternately switches the Whiteboard lighting ON and OFF.
Quiet Time Switch Station
Quite Time switch station allows a system user to temporarily override the occupancy sensors OFF command and can be implemented as a single gang switch station 302 with 1 momentary push button Quite Time 308 connected to controller 100 via, for example, plug-in class 2 electrical connector such as RJ45, where in operation:
Time override period is ended and the occupancy sensor OFF inhibit is removed allowing the occupancy sensor to turn lighting OFF when occupancy is no longer detected.
Auto (Daylight Harvesting) Switch Station
Auto switch station allows a system user to command the system go into the general lighting daylight harvesting mode, and can be implemented as a single gang switch station 302 with 1 momentary push button Auto 310 connected to controller 100 via, for example, plug-in class 2 electrical connector such as RJ45. During operation, when the Auto switch is momentarily depressed the controller goes into the General lighting daylight harvesting mode and dims the general lighting as commanded by the controller 100.
A system may include any number of GEN—A/V, ON/OFF, Raise/Lower, Whiteboard,
Quite Time, or Auto switch stations.
Exemplary implementations of lighting systems according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in
In the example of
In the example of
a) through 10 provide detailed circuit diagrams illustrating exemplary implementations of the various components of systems according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. For example,
In an advantageous exemplary implementation of certain embodiments of the present invention, a removable SD card can be configured with the controller 100. The SD Card enables, for example:
In another advantageous exemplary implementation of certain embodiments of the present invention, when switching among various lighting configurations within a fixture a configuration is provided to ensure the affected area is never completely without light. For example, rather than switching OFF the current configuration, then switch ON the new configuration, which leaves a period of time (e.g., a few seconds with fluorescent lights) when the area is not lit at all, a configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention facilitates switching ON the new configuration before switching OFF the old one.
Numerous additional modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/662,812 filed on May 4, 2010, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/175,343 filed on May 4, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61175343 | May 2009 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12662812 | May 2010 | US |
| Child | 13886675 | US |
