WO2003092185A1 - Procede et systeme d'alimentation et de commande electriques d'un dispositif electrique - Google Patents

Procede et systeme d'alimentation et de commande electriques d'un dispositif electrique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003092185A1
WO2003092185A1 PCT/NL2003/000281 NL0300281W WO03092185A1 WO 2003092185 A1 WO2003092185 A1 WO 2003092185A1 NL 0300281 W NL0300281 W NL 0300281W WO 03092185 A1 WO03092185 A1 WO 03092185A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
voltage
electrical
supply voltage
transmitted
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2003/000281
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English (en)
Inventor
Ireneus Johannes Theodorus Maria Pas
Johannes Hermanus Maria Van Der Kuil
Original Assignee
Antron B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Antron B.V. filed Critical Antron B.V.
Priority to AU2003235445A priority Critical patent/AU2003235445A1/en
Publication of WO2003092185A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003092185A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
    • H04B3/54—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
    • H04B3/548—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines the power on the line being DC
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to line transmission systems
    • H04B2203/54—Aspects of powerline communications not already covered by H04B3/54 and its subgroups
    • H04B2203/5404—Methods of transmitting or receiving signals via power distribution lines
    • H04B2203/5416—Methods of transmitting or receiving signals via power distribution lines by adding signals to the wave form of the power source

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for supplying electric power and transmitting data to an electrical appliance via the same power cable.
  • US patent 4,992,774 describes a method and system for supplying power to one or more remote displays and for enabling data to be interchanged via the same set of wires.
  • the supply voltage used is the mains AC voltage.
  • the data is transmitted by pulse width modulation.
  • the pulses are synchronized to the zero crossings of the supply voltage and are transmitted when the supply voltage provided is sufficiently high, i.e. around the centre of the voltage peaks.
  • the energy for the displays and if desired other coupled devices is taken solely from the pulses.
  • the said method and system have a number of drawbacks.
  • the operating frequency is twice the frequency of the mains, i.e. 100 Hz (for example Europe) or 120 Hz (English-speaking countries) . This limits the possible actuating frequency.
  • the power for the device which is to be actuated is taken only from the energy from the pulses. Not only is this less reliable, since, after all, the width of the pulses, and therefore their energy, will vary, but also this method is rather unsuitable for continuous use of the electrical device. After all, data is then transmitted continuously with a risk of interference. Interference with the signal may occur, for example, as a result of the presence of parasitic capacitances, which have an influence on the width of the pulse and therefore also the information.
  • the invention achieves this object by means of a method according to claim 1.
  • the result of the said method is that the power supply function and the data transmission function are more or less decoupled, so that they can be configured optimally with minimum possible influence on one another.
  • the use of a DC voltage as supply voltage has the advantage that it can supply the electrical appliance with power continuously without it being necessary for data to be transmitted. It is therefore much easier for various electrical appliances to be actuated independently of one another yet to be supplied by the same power supply.
  • there are no restrictions on freedom of choice with regard to the frequency for the transmission of data There is no influence from zero crossings of the power supply.
  • the way in which data is transmitted can also be selected freely, so that it is possible to select a way which will not be influenced or at least will be influenced to a much lesser extent by parasitic capacitances.
  • US 4,885,795 discloses a system for supplying power and transmitting data by switching direct current along a single cable on and off.
  • this system uses an existing network of coaxial cables.
  • only one appliance is actuated per coaxial cable, which, if there is a plurality of electrical appliances to be actuated, will obviously very quickly give rise to high costs, on account of the large number of coaxial cables and other equipment, such as splitters and the like, required.
  • each electrical appliance will influence the impedance of the cable in such a manner that reflections may be produced therein. This will give rise to undesirable spurious signals.
  • it is necessary to detect whether a signal is being transmitted on each cable which is not necessary in the present method, since this information can be transmitted via the same cable for all the appliances together.
  • the supply voltage is effectively removed from the power cable, in other words the same voltage is applied to the electric conductors of the power cable in terms of the supply voltage section.
  • the power cable will in principle comprise two electrical conductors.
  • a DC voltage which is substantially constant is understood as meaning a voltage which always has the same sign with respect to "earth" and, moreover, varies relatively little, for example by less than 15%, preferably less than 5%.
  • the variation which can be achieved is dependent, inter alia, on the quality of the power supply and on the relative load of the connected electrical appliances. However, it is important that the supply voltage does not have any zero crossings, such as a rectified AC voltage. This allows the supply voltage to exert its power supply function at all times.
  • the power cable referred to in the present application has at least two substantially parallel electrical conductors, each electrical conductor being located outside each and every other conductor of the power cable.
  • the most simple form involves two parallel wires or cables. If desired, these may also be twisted or may comprise bars, strips or the like.
  • this term does not encompass coaxial cables, which comprise an inner conductor and an outer conductor concentrically surrounding it.
  • coaxcial cables of this type are less suitable or even entirely unsuitable, on account of the requirements for the characteristic impedance, and interference if these requirements are not complied with, but also coaxcial cables are less suitable on account of the fact that they can only carry limited powers (below the kilowatt range) .
  • control section will not require any external power supply in the case of simple, passive or ROM circuits in the electrical appliance.
  • the control section is then easily set by the data provided.
  • the control section of the electrical appliance will often also require a supply voltage to be able to operate correctly.
  • a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that, during the period of time in which the supply voltage is provided, energy for the appliance is buffered in an energy buffer means.
  • energy buffer means for example in the form of a capacitor but preferably in the form of a battery.
  • the energy which is buffered in the energy buffer means can then be used for the control section or a functional section of the electrical appliance.
  • the functional section of the electrical appliance may, for example, be a display, lamp or any other desired device. In fact, in the abovementioned preferred embodiment, it is ensured that a virtually constant power supply is provided.
  • the data is advantageously transmitted as a digital signal in the form of at least one signal pulse.
  • a digital signal is understood as meaning a signal in the form of "zeros" and "ones”, i.e. signal pulses which are logic low or logic high with respect to a preselected reference value.
  • transmission as a digital signal has various advantages which are known per se.
  • the fact that the signal is then less sensitive to external interference, which may affect the absolute level of the voltage signal may be mentioned in this context.
  • the preselected reference value is in principle not subject to any particular restrictions.
  • the voltage of the signal pulse is preferably at least half the supply voltage.
  • the reference value should then be selected as a value which is significantly different from both the "zero" and the voltage of the signal pulse, for example one quarter of the supply voltage.
  • One advantage of this level of voltage of the signal pulse is that the signal is large compared to the supply voltage and is therefore less sensitive to interference, for example voltage ripple .
  • signal pulses of this type also include additional energy which can be used to supply power to the electrical appliance or at least a data-receiving section thereof and/or to provide additional power to an energy buffer means.
  • additional energy can be used to supply power to the electrical appliance or at least a data-receiving section thereof and/or to provide additional power to an energy buffer means.
  • a signal at a higher voltage can generally be carried over greater distances without being susceptible to interference as a result of a voltage drop along the way.
  • the voltage of the signal pulse is substantially equal to the supply voltage.
  • the maximum possible signal pulse voltage within the options offered by the supply voltage is available and therefore the maximum possible insensitivity to interference is achieved.
  • any other level of the voltage for the signal pulse which is sufficiently greater than the expected spurious signals is also suitable. It is also possible to transmit the data in the form of a combination of an analogue signal and a digital signal, etc.
  • data is also transmitted from the said appliance during the period of time in which the supply voltage is set to zero.
  • This embodiment describes communication between the electrical appliance and a control section which transmits data to the electrical appliance via the power cable.
  • This offers advantages in particular for status detection for maintenance purposes and in order, for example, to match various connected electrical appliances to one another.
  • This offers the advantage, for example, that the power supply does not have to be interrupted in order for data of this nature to be received. This is important if continuous communication, for example status detection, is desirable.
  • the supply voltage advantageously results in a current of at least 5 A, preferably of at least 25 A, in the power cable.
  • Current intensities of this level impart additional stability to power supply and control, especially in the situation in which the control signals are already at substantially the same voltage as the power supply. If conditions allow, it is, of course, also possible to use any other desired current intensity, for example to use any other suitable cable and/or appliance impedance.
  • the data to be transmitted to the connected electrical appliances preferably comprises address data.
  • the electrical appliances can preferably use the address data to select the data which applies to them and to carry out the associated activity or function. In this way, it is possible to make optimum use of the flexibility of this system using only one power cable. In this way, it is possible without much difficulty to make changes to the number, connection location and/or type of electrical appliances connected. All that is required is to adjust the actuation codes and possibly the current intensity to be used, on account of the altered load.
  • the invention also relates to a system for using the method according to the invention, as described in claim 9.
  • a system of this type efficiently incorporates the advantages of the method according to the invention.
  • the system may, for example, comprise a switchable power supply, a computer, whose output signal pulses are amplified, for example, up to the supply voltage, a suitable power cable, such as what is known as a coaxcial cable, and an electrical appliance which is to be supplied with power and controlled, such as a display unit.
  • the electrical appliances comprise an energy buffer means.
  • the energy buffer means is, for example, a capacitor, but preferably a battery or rechargeable battery.
  • a battery or rechargeable battery has a more constant voltage and generally a much greater energy-buffering capacity than a capacitor.
  • the electrical appliance preferably comprises a traffic lighting device.
  • a traffic lighting device is understood as meaning in particular a device which comprises light sources which are arranged alongside, above or on the road and which are used to provide information to the road user.
  • the traffic lighting device comprises a strip of light sources accommodated in transparent plastic, which strip is arranged in a recess in the road or some other surface. Traffic lighting devices of this type are often at a considerable distance from a power supply source and/or control device, such as a traffic information centre, and often have to operate for long periods of time with the minimum possible disruption.
  • a power supply source and/or control device such as a traffic information centre
  • the system according to the invention preferably also comprises a measuring device for measuring a variable which relates to traffic.
  • a measuring device for example one or more measuring sensors, in the system allows the latter to make use of the measured variables.
  • Variables of this nature may, for example, include the temperature of the road, the position of the sun or of other lighting sources, the speed and/or intensity of the traffic driving past.
  • the measured variables can be processed either locally, if the measuring device is directly coupled to an electrical appliance of the system, and/or via the control device, if the measuring device is not directly coupled to an electrical appliance.
  • the data can then be processed by and/or via the control device. It is advantageous for at least one electrical appliance to include a system according to the invention.
  • the electrical appliances comprise a secondary control device.
  • "Two-stage or multistage" systems of this nature offer the advantage of having a relatively simple structure and control, with a first or main control device and only a small number of subsystems which can be operated by the main control device and if desired have secondary control devices.
  • the simplified communication with simpler, shorter control codes and therefore shorter interruptions to the power supply on the (main) power cable, increases the efficiency and reliability.
  • the further instructions required can be generated by the secondary systems .
  • the invention relates to an electrical appliance according to claim 15.
  • the intention of this is for both the supply voltage and the control signals which are to be received to enter the electrical appliance via the same power cable. Therefore, the two inputs mentioned are not DC-isolated.
  • the electrical appliance preferably comprises a traffic lighting device .
  • Fig. 1 diagrammatically depicts the method according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 diagrammatically depicts a system according to the invention
  • Fig. 3 diagrammatically depicts a system comprising a traffic lighting device controlled using a system according to the invention
  • Fig. 4 shows an example of an application for dynamic road marking
  • Fig. 5 shows a number of successive brightness settings of a group of light sources for "flickering".
  • Fig. 1 diagrammatically depicts an example of a curve for a voltage which is provided to an electrical appliance, according to the method of the invention.
  • the signal provided has a signal voltage V x which is high compared to the reference value V REF ⁇ . Expressed in digital terms, the signal provided can be read as 0101101. This signal stands, for example, for a numbered command. It is also possible, for example, for the first bit (or pulse) to be used as a trigger signal .
  • the data may also be provided in some other way, as can be seen from the signal which is provided between time ti and time t 2 .
  • a signal voltage which is equal to the supply voltage and is therefore high compared to the associated reference value V REF2 is used.
  • This is in this case a 4-bit signal, which can be digitally represented as 1101.
  • the word length can also be selected as desired.
  • the selected signal frequency i.e. indicated in the figure as the length of the time interval of 1 bit, to be selected as desired.
  • an analogue signal is provided between time t 2 and t 3 .
  • This signal too can expediently be used by the electrical appliance to process data, optionally using an analogue-to-digital converter. Combinations of the abovementioned forms of signals are also possible.
  • Fig. 2 diagrammatically depicts a system according to the invention.
  • 1 denotes a DC voltage supply source
  • 2a denotes a first power cable which connects the source 1 to the control device 3.
  • the control device 3 comprises a device 4 for switching off the supply voltage and data-transmission means 5.
  • the control device 3 is connected to the electrical appliance 6 via second power cable 2b.
  • the electrical appliance 6 comprises an optional energy buffer means 7 and a processing device 8.
  • the processing device 8 has a power-receiving input 9 and a data-receiving input 10, which are electrically connected to one another.
  • Functional electrical appliances 12, in this case six lamps, are connected to the processing unit 8 by means of connecting cables 11.
  • the DC voltage supply 1 may, for example, be a rechargeable battery or a rectified and sufficiently smoothed alternating voltage. Batteries, solar cells, etc. could also be used.
  • First and second power cables 2a and 2b in principle comprise two electric conductors. Additional electric conductors could also be functionally incorporated, for example as spare conductors.
  • control device 3 comprises a device 4 for switching off the supply voltage.
  • this device is diagrammatically indicated as a relay, but any other way of switching off the supply voltage, for example and preferably by means of transistor technology, may also be used.
  • the data transmission means 5 may, for example, comprise a microcomputer, the output signals from which if desired are transformed up to the desired voltage.
  • the device may, for example, comprise a microcomputer, the output signals from which if desired are transformed up to the desired voltage.
  • the device 4 for switching off the supply voltage and the data-transmission means 5 are integrated to form a single unit.
  • the device 4 for switching off the supply voltage it is also possible for the device 4 for switching off the supply voltage to be separate from the data transmission means 5 and, for example, to be integrated with the DC voltage supply 1.
  • the data transmission means 5 are provided with a dedicated power supply, for example if data is acquired from external sources, for example from a traffic information centre.
  • the device for switching off the supply voltage to be controlled on the basis of this data.
  • the energy buffer means 7 may, for example, comprise a capacitor or preferably a battery.
  • the storage capacity of the energy buffer means 7 does not have to be large if the data is of relatively short length during the period within which the supply voltage is switched off, also known as the communication mode.
  • messages of 6 bytes can be transmitted at a communication speed of 9600 baud. Nevertheless, it is also possible to use any other desired message size and communication speed, provided that the energy buffer capacity of the means 7 is adjusted accordingly.
  • Other protocols for example with an even more constant energy supply, can also be used.
  • the electrical appliance 6 which is to be provided with data is preferably provided with a processing unit 8 which can process large numbers of commands on the basis of simple control pulses.
  • the processing unit 8 is preferably a microprocessor.
  • the power-receiving input 9 and the data- receiving input 10 are both connected to the second power cable 2b.
  • the power-receiving input 9 is internally connected, inside the processing unit 8, to a power supply section (not shown) and is also connected to the functional electrical appliances 12 via connecting cables 11.
  • the data-receiving input 10 is internally connected to the microprocessor (likewise not shown) or other unit which can process received data.
  • the embodiment described here, in which data is received and processed inside the electrical appliance 6, is not the only possible option. It is also possible for the functional electrical appliances 12 to be actuated directly, i.e. without any intervention on the part of a processing unit 8, by data transmitted by control device 3. However, this option will not be dealt with in more detail in the present context.
  • Fig. 3 diagrammatically depicts a system comprising a traffic lighting device controlled using a system according to the invention.
  • This is a traffic lighting device, in particular a device for dynamic control of road markings.
  • 1 once again denotes a DC voltage source
  • 2a once again denotes first power cables.
  • 13 denotes line control units (LCU) , which are connected to one another by means of line connecting cables 14 and are also connected to a traffic information centre (TIC) 15.
  • LED array control units 16 are connected to LCU 13 by means of secondary power cables 2b.
  • Measuring sensor 17 is connected to an LED array control unit 16 via a first sensor cable 18, and optionally also or exclusively to the TIC 15 via a second sensor cable 19.
  • An LED line 20 having eight LEDs 21 is connected to an LED array control unit 16 by means of third power cable 2c.
  • Fig. 3 shows two line control units 13, but there may be any desired number of such units, such as 1 or alternatively 3, 4, etc.
  • the line control unit 13 is intended, for example, to control the lighting of a lane marker line on the road. On some roads, there will only be one of these, but this number may rise in particular on major motorways.
  • the line connecting cables 14 connect the LCUs 13 to one another and also to the TIC 15.
  • the TIC 15 is intended to supply the control data, in the form of signals, to the LED array control units 16 via the LCUs 13.
  • the TIC 15 may, for example, be a national headquarters, but may also be a control centre of a local highway department or even an autonomous system which is based on an installed programme, optionally with the aid of additional measured data.
  • Each LCU 13 is connected to one or more LED array control units 16 by means of secondary power cables 2b. Three of these units 16 are shown in the figure, but there may be any desired number. In a practical embodiment, up to 400 units have been connected in parallel.
  • An LED array control unit 16 is intended to supply a section of the lighting of a lane marker line. To prevent excessively long signal paths, the said marker lighting is divided into manageable sections, the units 16.
  • the current intensity which is reached is dependent on the load and on the supply voltage used. If there are a large number of LED units, etc., by way of example 30 to 60 A is reached. A current of this high level is insensitive to the environment. In outdoor applications, (salt) impedances usually occur, forming a kind of short circuit for the communication- execution stage. In the present system, this problem does not arise, because the power stage is also the output stage for the communication. This current has the drawback that voltage losses occur in the cabling. This can be compensated for by selecting the supply voltage to be sufficiently high for the minimum supply voltage at the end of the cable to be sufficient, for example 42 volts, falling to ⁇ 30 volts.
  • the appliances and the like could operate at a wide range of input voltages, in which case, if desired, internal DC-DC conversion is used. Furthermore, for this reason it is advantageous to use a voltage converter to normalize the voltage of the data signals. This reduces the influence of voltage losses on the data transfer.
  • the electrical appliances are generally connected to the power cable in parallel.
  • they are preferably provided with protection against short circuits, which switches off the appliance in the event of an excessively high current (short circuit) passing through it, and after the problem has been overcome may switch the appliance on again, in order to prevent the short circuit which has been produced from deactivating the entire device coupled thereto.
  • high inrush currents may also be generated, in particular when any energy buffer means 7 are being charged.
  • the supply voltage can be switched on in stages. The first stage will be sufficiently slow for the current to remain limited, and the following stages will be such that all the electrical appliances and/or control devices can start up. Then, the final operating voltage can be set.
  • the appliances are preferably connected to one of two or more parallel power cables provided, preferably in a regularly or irregularly alternating manner.
  • the successive appliances or units are in each case connected to a different cable, so that in the event of one cable failing, the entire length can still be actuated, albeit less accurately.
  • Figure 3 shows a section of lane marking lighting illustrated as
  • LED line 20 which is provided with 8 LEDs. In this case too, it is possible to use any desired number of LEDs or other light sources. Connection to the unit 16 is effected via third power cable 2c.
  • the figure also shows measuring sensor 17, which is designed to measure a variable which is related to the traffic. Consideration may be given in this context to the temperature of the road, the presence of rain, snow, etc., or alternatively to intensity and speed of vehicles driving past.
  • the measurement data determined by the measuring sensor 17 may, for example, be fed via first sensor cable 18 to LED array control unit 16, which either processes this data directly or feeds it back to the TIC 15 via the second power cables 2b, the LCU 13 and line connecting cables 14.
  • Another option is for the measuring sensor 17 to be connected to the TIC 15 directly, i.e. via second sensor cable 19. However, this option is not preferred, and consequently cable 19 is indicated by dashed lines, since the provision of "local intelligence" offers certain advantages. These will be dealt with below.
  • the method according to the invention i.e. the provision of supply voltage and data, takes place via second power cables 2b, indicated via cable 2a, 2c, 14, 18 and/or 19. Furthermore, an explanation will be given below, by way of non-limiting example, of how a system of this type can be controlled quickly and correctly.
  • each LED control unit 16 can monitor, for example, three different types of messages.
  • two configurable identity states are incorporated in the LED array control unit 16.
  • the first ID is a unit ID which is unique to each unit 16, and the second ID is a group ID, which is in each case the same for a group of units 16.
  • the system can then transmit three types of commands/messages . Firstly, there is a joint command, which is "monitored” by each unit 16, irrespective of their group ID or unit ID. In addition, there are what are known as group commands. These are commands or messages which are only intended for the units 16 with the same group ID as the one mentioned in the command. Finally, there are unit commands . These are commands which are only transmitted to one specific unit 16 and/or are only “monitored” by one specific unit 16. The command is provided with a unit ID, and only the unit 16 having the associated specific unit ID will react to it.
  • the various components/units can pick up the correct data by means of the address data transmitted with the data.
  • the system may also incorporate the option of returning data.
  • the first two types of commands or messages (the terms will be used interchangeably in the present context) cannot give a specific response if this is desired, since with these types of message it is not known who is responding, but it is important that a response should be given.
  • an NACK feedback message can be used for this purpose. If the response line is held at a low level for a time of one byte, this means that one of the units 16 has a message to report.
  • each unit 16 in this group (or line) will be checked separately to determine its status on the basis of unit commands.
  • a measured value for example a camera image of a motorway
  • a road controller who will take a decision and, for example, switch on lane signalling signs.
  • a microprocessor now being integrated in the LCU 13 or preferably even in the LED array control unit 16, which microprocessor is able to react to measured values, it is possible to dispense with human intervention and the system can intervene more quickly in the traffic lighting situation or the like.
  • a practical example could involve the incorporation of a measuring sensor 17 which measures temperature (situation 1) or traffic speed (situation 2) .
  • a local sensor detects frost.
  • the unit 16 coupled to the said sensor or the LCU 13
  • the unit 16 coupled to the said sensor can then cause the local lighting to react directly, without the intervention of a traffic centre to which a meteorological measuring station has to send the temperature.
  • consideration may be given to changing the colour of the lighting or to forming a flashing pattern. This is effected by local commands in the LCU 13 or unit 16. In this way, it is possible to give more accurate warnings of slippery conditions .
  • situation 2 it is possible, for example, to provide earlier warning of queues and, a factor which is even more important, it is possible, for example, to prevent (multiple) collisions.
  • a traffic speed sensor detects that a vehicle is travelling at a low speed or is even stationary while another sensor in the vicinity, coupled to it, detects that following traffic is moving at a normal or even high speed.
  • the locally fitted intelligence allows a signal to be passed to the lighting, for example to flash, or to form a moving but slowing patch of light, directly. In this way, it is possible to react to danger directly, i.e. without the intervention of, for example, traffic police or the like.
  • An LCU 13 of the system according to the invention is, for example, composed of four subunits, namely a power supply communication unit, a communication unit, a control unit and various measuring sensors. The latter indicates the option of connecting the measuring sensor 17 from Fig. 3 to the line control unit 13 as well.
  • the power supply communication unit ensures that the power cables have been made suitable to operate both in a power supply mode, i.e. a mode in which the supply voltage is being transmitted, or in a communication mode, i.e. a mode in which data is being transmitted.
  • the voltage from the power cables 2b is connected through to the main power cables, in this case first power cables 2a.
  • the signal voltage (for example obtained from or equal to the voltage of the main power cable) will be provided at the desired rate and according to the desired control commands.
  • a rate of 9600 baud can be selected, but this may also be any other suitable frequency.
  • this unit has two further functions. Firstly, this unit ensures that the voltage is provided to the second power cables 2b correctly, i.e. without transient effects, etc. This is necessary in order to enable the LED array control units 16 to start up correctly such that they function appropriately. Furthermore, the LCU 13 has to be protected from interference and other problems on the main power cable 2a, and it should be possible for the units 16 to be protected from problems with the LCU 13. For this purpose, various protection circuits are incorporated in the power supply communication unit.
  • the communication unit is responsible for connection to the TIC 15. This connection is effected, for example, via a "public" serial network.
  • the connection is designed as a communication line which has to be able to cover great distances, for example RS485.
  • the communication unit is, as it were, an interface between the existing TIC network and the system according to the invention. It is also possible for protection circuits to be incorporated in the communication unit, in order to ensure that problems on one of the two sides of the interface have no effect on the other side.
  • the control unit can be considered as a "slave" to the TIC 15.
  • the unit receives simple or complex commands from the TIC and if desired translates them into control commands for the units 16.
  • the configuration of the "line" i.e. primarily the configuration of the unit IDs and group IDs, can be controlled by the control unit of the LCU 13.
  • RAMs and/or ROMs can be used to store commands and/or data.
  • Measuring sensors for example measuring sensor 17, can provide additional data which may be required in order to control the system.
  • a light meter which measures ambient light emanating, for example, from the sun.
  • the light intensity of the line is determined, for example, partly on the basis of this measurement result. This determination can be effected by feedback to the TIC 15 and/or to the LCU 13 and/or to the units 16.
  • further sensors may add data, for example road temperature, ambient temperature, etc.
  • the LED array control units 16 can be constructed in a similar way, i.e. with a dedicated power supply communication unit, a control unit, a communication stage and a direct LED control stage. These operate in substantially the same way as those of the line control unit 13 and will not be explained in more detail.
  • the LED control stage has three separate LED output stages, which can be controlled separately. This creates the possibility of connecting series of RGB LEDs. These series can be current-controlled, so that the light intensity is made voltage-independent, i.e. constant.
  • An LED cluster is, for example, a cluster of three series, each series having any desired number of series-connected LEDs.
  • Each LED is provided with a changeover contact which shorts the current connection at the instant at which a LED becomes defective, so that the series continues to operate even when one or more LEDs in the series are defective.
  • Bl to B5 are sections of lane marking lighting. These comprise LED lines 20 as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the left-hand side of the figure shows the situation when the level of traffic is normal, while the right- hand side shows the situation when there is a high level of traffic.
  • the traffic information centre When the level of traffic is normal, the traffic information centre indicates that the markings B2 and B3 should be switched off, as indicated by a thin but continuous line, and the lines Bl, B4, B5 and B6 should be switched on, as indicated by a thick continuous line, with the result that the first three form a continuous light marker line.
  • the traffic information centre transmits the commands "B2 and B3 off” and "Bl, B4, B5, B6 on” to the line control units associated with the marking sections.
  • the line control unit receives the commands and translates them for each LED array control unit separately or for a group of LED array control units of this type.
  • Fig. 4 if it is then necessary to change over to a high level of traffic, as observed, for example, by the traffic information centre or with the aid of a measuring sensor, the traffic may come to a standstill. This could be alleviated by forming an extra lane.
  • the traffic information centre transmits the commands "Bl, B3, B6 on", “B5 off” and "B2, B4 intermittent” to the correct line control units.
  • the term “intermittent" means a moving or stationary dotted line, i.e. with successive LEDs switched on and off.
  • the number of lanes is increased by one, and although these lanes will be narrower, this does not constitute a problem given that the traffic speed is lower.
  • the safety when changing over from one lane to two lanes can be increased further by moving the dots on the dotted marking sections at the safe speed desired by the road controller. The road users then have to match their speed to that of the dots as far as possible. It is easy to supply the commands required for this purpose to the LED array control units.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a particular switching method which can increase the visibility of the marking lighting.
  • Fig. 5 shows six light sources positioned next to one another in four successive states.
  • R represents a light source at 80% of the maximum intensity
  • G represents a light source at 20% of the maximum intensity
  • B represents a light source at 10% of the maximum intensity.
  • the time between two figures located one beneath the other is one fifteenth of a second. It has been found that switching with considerable differences of light intensities and positions and at a specific frequency, namely about 5 Hz, provides optimum visibility of the light source. This offers considerable advantages in terms of the visibility of the road marking lighting for example when the sun is low. Passive road marking, for example white paint, is virtually invisible under such circumstances. Even simple constant road lighting will not be able to compete with the light intensity of the sun. However, using lighting in combination with movement causes extra attention to be paid by the person watching. This is further optimized by the repetition frequency of 5 Hz which is selected.
  • a measured ambient brightness as well as a desired brightness to be set can be transmitted from the traffic information centre to the line control unit and/or the LED array control unit. If the highest level of brightness is desired and, moreover, an order to "flicker" is set, the line control unit and/or the LED array control unit converts this command into the targeted actuation of the corresponding light sources, for example LEDs, as otherwise only the highest brightness of the entire system is set.
  • Another example of an embodiment of a method and system according to the invention relates to the subsequent control of a series of light sources.
  • Communication is in this case effected by means of brief interruptions to the supply voltage, for example of 42 V DC. This interruption must not be visible to people watching the light sources. Therefore, a buffer capacitor is installed at the light source or at the direct actuation means of the light source. The shorter the relative interruption in the supply voltage, the lower the capacitance of the capacitor can be. In one practical example, 100 ⁇ s is selected, although shorter or longer times are also possible.
  • a time of, for example, 3 ms between two pulses corresponds to a "zero” and 1 ms corresponds to a "one".
  • a pulse detection device is fitted at the light source or its direct control. When the pulses are being detected, it is ensured that there is a tolerance in terms of the cable capacity, etc. of, for example, ⁇ 0.5 ms . The pulse detection device then looks, for example, for a "one" within a time window from 0.5 to 1.5 ms and for a "zero" within 2.5 to 3.5 ms .
  • the separation between the frames which is also used as a synchronizing "one" is made by making the time between two pulses greater than 5 ms . It would also be possible to select a different protocol in which, for example, detection is only commenced after an initial "one".
  • a major advantage of this embodiment which has been described is the very simple way in which data can be transmitted.
  • the examples of the light sources and the traffic lighting device described are merely an example. Consideration could also be given to emergency lighting means or guidance systems for people in large buildings in which, for example, a light spot "walks" with the person.
  • This "walking light spot” is particularly simple to implement in the present device.
  • a length of the light spot which is to move is selected (for example 8), and a length of an extinguished segment between two light spots is also selected (for example 8). Together, these two segments are a number of LEDs or LED units long (in the above example 16, although of course any length is possible) .
  • each LED or LED unit is provided with a moving address as position information.
  • the LEDs of the entire device can then be allocated correctly with the aid of a mathematical MODULO function (remainder after division, in the example MODULO 16) .
  • the function of the first LED is the same as that of the seventeenth, the thirty-third, etc.
  • the function of the second LED is the same as that of the eighteenth, the thirty- fourth, etc.
  • an alarm system This is provided, for example, with a DC power supply, an incident room as control device, various measuring sensors, such as smoke detectors, which are all connected to one another.
  • the electrical appliances may, for example, be fire alarms, extinguishing installations, means for unlocking door locks, emergency lighting, etc.
  • the incident rooms and alarm centre transmit a series of signals to the appliances, so that, for example, the doors are unlocked, an alarm is sounded, emergency lighting is switched on and if appropriate the fire is extinguished.
  • One advantage of an energy buffer means is obvious, since if such a means is provided at least some appliances will continue to operate for a certain time.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention a trait à un procédé d'alimentation en courant électrique et de transmission de données à un appareil électrique (6) au moyen d'un même câble de transport d'énergie (2a, 2b). Ce procédé consiste à appliquer une tension d'alimentation mise à zéro tout en envoyant des données à l'appareil pendant ce temps. Selon ce procédé, la tension d'alimentation est une tension continue, qui est sensiblement constante sauf pendant la transmission de données. L'invention concerne également un système d'utilisation du procédé selon une des revendications précédentes. Ce système comprend une alimentation en courant électrique (1), un dispositif de commande (3, 14, 15, 16) permettant d'envoyer des données et étant couplé à l'alimentation en courant électrique, un appareil électrique (6) et un câble de transport d'énergie (2a) qui relie électriquement l'alimentation en courant électrique (1) à l'appareil électrique (6). Selon l'invention, ladite alimentation en courant électrique (1) peut fournir une tension continue et ledit dispositif de commande (3) est conçu pour mettre à zéro la tension d'alimentation de l'alimentation en courant électrique (1) de façon à envoyer les données. Un appareil électrique (6) utilisé dans un système de ce type est également décrit.
PCT/NL2003/000281 2002-04-12 2003-04-14 Procede et systeme d'alimentation et de commande electriques d'un dispositif electrique WO2003092185A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

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AU2003235445A AU2003235445A1 (en) 2002-04-12 2003-04-14 Method and system for electric feeding and control of an electrical device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1020378A NL1020378C2 (nl) 2002-04-12 2002-04-12 Werkwijze en systeem voor het elektrisch voeden van en gegevens sturen naar een elektrisch toestel, alsmede elektrisch toestel ten gebruike in een dergelijk systeem.
NL1020378 2002-04-12

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007090597A1 (fr) * 2006-02-07 2007-08-16 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Procédé de contrôle et/ou de commande ou de régulation de la tension d'au moins un groupe de cellules dans un composite de cellules d'un accumulateur d'énergie

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0101528A1 (fr) * 1982-08-19 1984-02-29 Honeywell Inc. Systèmes analogiques de communication à deux fils
EP0195100A1 (fr) * 1985-03-20 1986-09-24 Schilling, Hans-Joachim Procédé et dispositif de transmission de données entre un dispositif d'émission et de réception monté dans un trou de forage et un dispositif d'émission et de réception monté en surface
US4885795A (en) * 1987-11-06 1989-12-05 Bunting, Inc. Hospital digital data transfer system
WO2001043304A1 (fr) * 1999-12-08 2001-06-14 Ed & D, Inc. Systeme et procede pour emettre et recevoir de la puissance et des donnees en utilisant la transmission multiplex a repartition dans le temps

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0101528A1 (fr) * 1982-08-19 1984-02-29 Honeywell Inc. Systèmes analogiques de communication à deux fils
EP0195100A1 (fr) * 1985-03-20 1986-09-24 Schilling, Hans-Joachim Procédé et dispositif de transmission de données entre un dispositif d'émission et de réception monté dans un trou de forage et un dispositif d'émission et de réception monté en surface
US4885795A (en) * 1987-11-06 1989-12-05 Bunting, Inc. Hospital digital data transfer system
WO2001043304A1 (fr) * 1999-12-08 2001-06-14 Ed & D, Inc. Systeme et procede pour emettre et recevoir de la puissance et des donnees en utilisant la transmission multiplex a repartition dans le temps

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007090597A1 (fr) * 2006-02-07 2007-08-16 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Procédé de contrôle et/ou de commande ou de régulation de la tension d'au moins un groupe de cellules dans un composite de cellules d'un accumulateur d'énergie

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AU2003235445A1 (en) 2003-11-10

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