Control network system for power allocation
AssigneeSignify Holding B.V.
InventorsMarcel Beij, Hermanus Johannes Maria Vos, Christian Tenhumberg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus, methods and systems are disclosed related to negotiation mechanism among control devices (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) each having a dedicated hierarchy level configured to obtain DC current from the control network (100) with at least a power source (300, 300′) on the network (100). The control device (200, 200a) with a higher dedicated hierarchy level may request another control device (200b, 200c, 200d) with a lower dedicated hierarchy level to release current for its use, when the available current at the power source (300, 300′) is not sufficient.
Claims15
A control device having a dedicated hierarchy level configured to obtain DC current from a power source on the control network, the control device comprising:
- a communication subsystem configured to:
- send a first query over the control network to the power source regarding an amount of available current of the power source;
- receive a reply over the control network from the power source about the amount of available current;
- and
- a controller configured to determine if the amount of available current of the power source is sufficient as compared to a required supply current of the control device;
- and
- wherein the communication subsystem is further configured to:
- send a command over the control network to a second control device having a dedicated hierarchy level lower than the control device, instructing the second control device to send a release request to the power source to release supply current allocated to the second control device, when the amount of available current of the power source is determined insufficient;
- and
- send a current request over the control network to the power source for the required supply current, when the amount of available current of the power source is determined sufficient or after confirming the command is executed by the second control device.
A power source on a control network for supplying DC current to devices on the network, the power source comprises:
- a communication subsystem configured to monitor the network;
- and
- a controller configured to register an amount of available current out of a maximum current of the power source;
- the communication subsystem is further configured to:
- send a reply over the control network with information about the amount of available current at the power source upon receipt of the query;
- the controller is further configured to:
- allocate a requested current of a current request upon receipt of the current request;
- release a to-be released current of a release request upon receipt of the release request, wherein the release request is transmitted by a first control device requested to release current by a second control device;
- and
- update the amount of available current in accordance with allocations and releases.
A method for a control device having a dedicated hierarchy level to obtain DC current from a power source on the control network the method comprising:
- sending over the control network a first query to the power source regarding an amount of available current of the power source;
- receiving over the control network a reply from the power source about the amount of available current;
- determining if the amount of available current of the power source is sufficient as compared to a required supply current of the control device;
- sending a command over the control network to a second control device having a dedicated hierarchy level lower than the control device, instructing the second control device to send a release request to the power source to release supply current allocated to the second control device, when the amount of available current of the power source is determined insufficient;
- and
- sending a current request over the control network to the power source for the required supply current, when the amount of available current of the power source is determined sufficient or after confirming the command is executed by the second control device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.