Method of powering up a plurality of loads in sequence
First Claim
1. A method of controlling a plurality of load control devices for controlling the amount of power delivered to a plurality of electrical loads from a power distribution system in order to prevent abnormal operation of the power distribution system, the method comprising the steps of:
- applying power to the plurality of load control devices;
waiting for a first control signal for a first predetermined amount of time after the step of applying power to the plurality of load control devices before powering up any of the electrical loads, the first control signal representative of stable operation of the power distribution system;
sequentially powering up each of the plurality of electrical loads if the first control signal is received within the first predetermined amount of time after the step of applying power; and
powering up all of the electrical loads if the first control signal is not received within the first predetermined amount of time after the step of applying power.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Power distribution systems that have a limited peak power capability or a high source impedance, such as site supply generators, are often susceptible to abnormal operation in response to the current drawn at power up from the loads connected to the power distribution system. The present invention provides a lighting control system operable to power up a plurality of the lighting loads in sequence to reduce stress on the power distribution system. The lighting loads are each turned on as part of a startup sequence at predetermined times after an output voltage of the power distribution system has stabilized. The lighting control system is operable to begin the startup sequence in response to receiving a control signal representative that the power distribution system has stabilized. The lighting loads are each controlled by a lighting control module, which is operable to wait for a predetermined amount of time for the startup sequence to begin before turning on the lighting loads.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of controlling a plurality of load control devices for controlling the amount of power delivered to a plurality of electrical loads from a power distribution system in order to prevent abnormal operation of the power distribution system, the method comprising the steps of:
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applying power to the plurality of load control devices; waiting for a first control signal for a first predetermined amount of time after the step of applying power to the plurality of load control devices before powering up any of the electrical loads, the first control signal representative of stable operation of the power distribution system; sequentially powering up each of the plurality of electrical loads if the first control signal is received within the first predetermined amount of time after the step of applying power; and powering up all of the electrical loads if the first control signal is not received within the first predetermined amount of time after the step of applying power. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 25)
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11. A load control system for controlling the amount of power delivered to a plurality of electrical loads from a power distribution system, the load control system comprising:
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a plurality of load control devices, each load control device coupled to a respective one of the plurality of electrical loads, each load control device operable to wait for a first control signal for a first predetermined amount of time after power is applied to the load control device before turning on the respective electrical load, the first control signal representative of stable operation of the power distribution system, each of the load control devices operable to turn on the respective electrical load in sequence if the first control signal is received within the first predetermined amount of time after power is applied to the load control device to prevent abnormal operation of the power distribution system; wherein each load control device is further operable to power up the respective electrical load if the first control signal is not received within the first predetermined amount of time after power is applied to the load control device. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification