Method and system for power supply control

A system and apparatus comprise at least one power supply connected to a terminal bloc, an I/O system configured to receive instructions provided to the control system, a control block connected to the I/O system wherein the instructions provided to the I/O system are converted to a serial output; and a puck connected to the serial output and configured to receive power from the terminal block, to process the serial output, and to output a current.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments are generally related to the field of power systems. Embodiments are also related to the field of lighting. Embodiments are further related to the field of control systems. Embodiments are also related to the field of power and control systems for lighting. Embodiments are also related to methods, systems, and devices for bulk power supply systems with individual mode control capability.

BACKGROUND

In typical lighting environments, it is common to have an arrangement of individual power lines and control lines servicing each light. An exemplary case, is an LED lighting configuration in a warehouse, where a large number of lights require both control and power. Prior art approaches require that each LED light be serviced by a unique power supply and dedicated control lines. This approach makes it very difficult to manage the lighting system because each light must be serviced individually.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for methods and systems that provide bulk control of power supplied to one or more applications, such as commercial, residential, industrial, and warehouse lighting systems.

SUMMARY

It is, therefore, one aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide lighting systems and methods.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide control systems and methods.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide power systems and methods.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide power control systems and methods.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to convert incoming AC power into low voltage DC power, in order to serve power to, and control, multiple downline applications.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide systems and methods for providing power to, and control of, lighting systems.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide methods, systems, and devices for bulk power supply systems with individual mode control capability. For example, in the embodiments disclosed herein a method and system include at least one power supply connected to a terminal block, an I/O system configured to receive instructions provided to the control system, a control block connected to the I/O system wherein the instructions provided to the I/O system are converted to a serial output, and a puck connected to the serial output and configured to receive power from the terminal block, to process the serial output, and to output a current. The at least one power supply can comprise a plurality of power supplies, wherein power that is output from each of the plurality of power supplies is summed at the terminal block. The plurality of power supplies can comprise a total power from 0 Watts to 4000 Watts.

In certain embodiments, the I/O system is configured to operate according to BACnet/IP protocol. The control block is configured to operate according to DALI protocol. In certain embodiments an independent power supply can be configured to provide power to the I/O system and the control block.

The system can further comprise a housing and a rail configured in the housing, the rail configured to hold the I/O system and the control block. The system can further comprise an output cable, the output cable further comprising a power line, a power return line, a first output associated with the serial output and a second output associated with the serial output. In certain embodiments a luminaire can be connected to the puck. In other embodiments a plurality of luminaires can be connected wherein each of the luminaires is connected to an associated puck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The particular values and configurations discussed in the following non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

A block diagram of a computer system100that executes programming for implementing parts of the methods and systems disclosed herein is shown inFIG. 1. A computing device in the form of a computer110configured to interface with controllers, peripheral devices, and other elements disclosed herein may include one or more processing units102, memory104, removable storage112, and non-removable storage114. Memory104may include volatile memory106and non-volatile memory108. Computer110may include or have access to a computing environment that includes a variety of transitory and non-transitory computer-readable media such as volatile memory106and non-volatile memory108, removable storage112and non-removable storage114. Computer storage includes, for example, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CD ROM), Digital Versatile Disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions as well as data including image data.

Computer110may include, or have access to, a computing environment that includes input116, output118, and a communication connection120. The computer may operate in a networked environment using a communication connection120to connect to one or more remote computers, remote sensors and/or controllers, detection devices, hand-held devices, multi-function devices (MFDs), speakers, mobile devices, tablet devices, mobile phones, Smartphone, or other such devices. The remote computer may also include a personal computer (PC), server, router, network PC, RFID enabled device, a peer device or other common network node, or the like. The communication connection may include a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), Bluetooth connection, or other networks. This functionality is described more fully in the description associated withFIG. 2below.

Output118is most commonly provided as a computer monitor, but may include any output device. Output118and/or input116may include a data collection apparatus associated with computer system100. In addition, input116, which commonly includes a computer keyboard and/or pointing device such as a computer mouse, computer track pad, or the like, allows a user to select and instruct computer system100. A user interface can be provided using output118and input116. Output118may function as a display for displaying data and information for a user, and for interactively displaying a graphical user interface (GUI)130.

Note that the term “GUI” generally refers to a type of environment that represents programs, files, options, and so forth by means of graphically displayed icons, menus, and dialog boxes on a computer monitor screen. A user can interact with the GUI to select and activate such options by directly touching the screen and/or pointing and clicking with a user input device116such as, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, and/or with a keyboard. A particular item can function in the same manner to the user in all applications because the GUI provides standard software routines (e.g., module125) to handle these elements and report the user's actions. The GUI can further be used to display the electronic service image frames as discussed below.

Computer-readable instructions, for example, program module or node125, which can be representative of other modules or nodes described herein, are stored on a computer-readable medium and are executable by the processing unit102of computer110. Program module or node125may include a computer application. A hard drive, CD-ROM, RAM, Flash Memory, and a USB drive are just some examples of articles including a computer-readable medium.

FIG. 2depicts a graphical representation of a network of data-processing systems200in which aspects of the present invention may be implemented. Network data-processing system200can be a network of computers or other such devices, such as mobile phones, smart phones, sensors, controllers, speakers, tactile devices, and the like, in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. Note that the system200can be implemented in the context of a software module such as program module125. The system200includes a network202in communication with one or more clients210,212, and214. Network202may also be in communication with one or more devices204, servers206, and storage208. Network202is a medium that can be used to provide communications links between various devices and computers connected together within a networked data processing system such as computer system100. Network202may include connections such as wired communication links, wireless communication links of various types, and fiber optic cables. Network202can communicate with one or more servers206, one or more external devices such as device204, and a memory storage unit such as, for example, memory or database208. It should be understood that device204may be embodied as a control system as disclosed herein.

Computer system100can also be implemented as a server such as server206, depending upon design considerations. In the depicted example, server206provides data such as boot files, operating system images, applications, and application updates to clients210,212, and/or214. Clients210,212, and214and device204are clients to server206in this example. Network data-processing system200may include additional servers, clients, and other devices not shown. Specifically, clients may connect to any member of a network of servers, which provide equivalent content.

FIG. 3illustrates a software system300, which may be employed for directing the operation of the data-processing systems such as computer system100depicted inFIG. 1. Software application305, may be stored in memory104, on removable storage112, or on non-removable storage114shown inFIG. 1, and generally includes and/or is associated with a kernel or operating system310and a shell or interface315. One or more application programs, such as module(s) or node(s)125, may be “loaded” (i.e., transferred from removable storage114into the memory104) for execution by the data-processing system100. The data-processing system100can receive user commands and data through user interface315, which can include input116and output118, accessible by a user320. These inputs may then be acted upon by the computer system100in accordance with instructions from operating system310and/or software application305and any software module(s)125thereof.

The interface315(e.g., a graphical user interface130) can serve to display results, whereupon a user320may supply additional inputs or terminate a particular session. In some embodiments, operating system310and GUI130can be implemented in the context of a “windows” system. It can be appreciated, of course, that other types of systems are possible. For example, rather than a traditional “windows” system, other operation systems such as, for example, a real-time operating system (RTOS) more commonly employed in wireless systems may also be employed with respect to operating system310and interface315. The software application305can include, for example, module(s)125, which can include instructions for carrying out steps or logical operations such as those shown and described herein.

The following description is presented with respect to embodiments of the present invention, which can be embodied in the context of, or require the use of, a data-processing system such as computer system100, in conjunction with program module125, and data-processing system200and network202depicted inFIGS. 1-3. The present invention, however, is not limited to any particular application or any particular environment. Instead, those skilled in the art will find that the system and method of the present invention may be advantageously applied to a variety of system and application software including database management systems, word processors, and the like. Moreover, the present invention may be embodied on a variety of different platforms including Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, LINUX, Android, Arduino and the like. Therefore, the descriptions of the exemplary embodiments, which follow, are for purposes of illustration and not considered a limitation.

In an embodiment, a system and method for power supply and control400is illustrated. The system400can include a case405. In general, case405comprises a metal case configured to house electronic components. A rail410can be incorporated in case405, with standardized connection points for connection with various sub-components of the system400. The case405can be fitted with fans420and421, and filters425and426, and additional fans if necessary, to cool and condition the air in the case405.

The case405houses a set of independent power supplies415-416. In an embodiment, independent power supplies415-416can be configured to provide up to 2000 watts at up to 58 volts. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, more or fewer power supplies, essentially equivalent to those illustrated inFIG. 4can be employed, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in other embodiments, the power supply output parameters can be selected according to design considerations. The values provided herein are exemplary.

In still other embodiments, the power supplies415-416can be selected to be controllable and/or programmable, such that they can be controlled and programed using a modular control system as disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, each of the power supplies can be fitted with a respective control header430-431. The control headers430-431provide a control interface for the power supply via connection pins configured therein.

The case405can be equipped with apertures for the introduction of power lines and data transmission (i.e. control) input via cabling. In an embodiment, a terminal block435configured on or near the rail410accepts mains power452(e.g. 120 VAC, 220 VAC, etc.) from an external source (e.g. a main power source associated with the facility), along with data input via cable451. In certain embodiments, the terminal block435can comprise multiple terminal blocks according to design considerations. A surge protector475can be inserted inline, in case405. The surge protector475can condition incoming power to protect all downstream components from damage in the event of a surge in power.

The terminal block435directs the mains power452to each of the power supplies415-416. The outputs from the independent power supplies415-416can be combined at terminal block435.

The system is configured for power conversion from the AC mains power (e.g. 120-277 VAC) to low voltage DC power for distribution to a set of one or more external devices (e.g. luminaries, switches, sensors, etc.). As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, each power supply415-416can produce up to 2000 Watts, at up to 58 volts, the output power available at the terminal block435can be 4000 Watts at 58 volts DC, and can be provided as an output from terminal block435. In an embodiment, the output comprises the combined power from the terminal block435provided on two wires, wire440and wire441, within a single cable445held at a constant voltage by the power supplies and terminal block435.

This configuration offers the advantage that if one of power supplies415-416malfunctions, fusing in the terminal block435or in an individual power supply415-416, prevents the other respective power supplies415-416from also malfunctioning. Furthermore, each power supply415-416can be independently turned on and off via control lines connected to its respective control header430-431.

The rail mounted components can include an I/O system450connected to rail410. The I/O system450can comprise, for example, a Phoenix Contact I/O System ICL191, WAGO-I/O system, or other such I/O system. The I/O system450can be modular, and is configured to receive signals from, for example, sensors, or other external devices and interface that input with control systems. The I/O system450can operate using BACnet/IP protocol or other such protocol. The I/O system450receives external input from an ethernet line (e.g. input cable451) connected to a controlling computer system such as computer system100.

Building Automation and Control Networks (BACnet) is a protocol used for communication between control systems and building automation applications. For example, BACnet is used to control lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, emergency alert systems, security systems and the like, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. The BACnet protocol includes protocol services, some of which provide application discovery and others of which provide data sharing. In short, BACnet is protocol for building control. BACnet/IP, in which BACnet is delivered over an IP network, provides a communication protocol to allow automation or control software to communicate over IP with a building application or module, for example an LED light system (or other such building system), and to provide control commands to the system.

In certain embodiments, the I/O system450can interface with a computer system, such as computer system100. The computer system100can provide a user interface for providing input to, and receiving information from, the I/O system450. In certain embodiments the connection between the computer system100and the I/O system450can be wired only, thus providing a layer of security by requiring a wired connection (e.g. via an Ethernet connection such as cable451) to modify information provided to and received from the I/O system450. In other embodiments the I/O system450can be configured with wireless connection communication capability, such that a remote computer system can communicate wirelessly with the I/O system450over a wireless network. The computer system100can be used to provide user provisioning capabilities for the systems disclosed herein.

The I/O system450can serve as one part of a modular control system. In certain embodiments, the modular control system can also comprise a DALI control system455configured for controlling, for example, lighting or other such building systems. In certain embodiments, this could include the 0-10 protocol. The control system can include a serial protocol (e.g. “transmit” and “receive”). For example, two outputs from the DALI control system455can be provided, one being a plus control output and the other being a minus control output. The DALI control system455can connect to multiple DALI pucks, as further disclosed herein.

The I/O system450(e.g. Phoenix Contact I/O System ICL 191) and the DALI control system455in combination, can form a BACnet/IP ↔ DALI bridge because one side of the combination communicates via BACnet/IP while the other communicates via DALI.

The DALI protocol allows a controller to specifically address controlled things. For example, in an embodiment, each light in a warehouse can have a DALI address. The DALI protocol allows the controller to directly communicate serial instructions such as “turn on” and “turn off” to the specifically assigned DALI address (i.e. a specific light). In other embodiments, other components can also be controlled via the DALI protocol.

The system400thus includes a single four wire cable455output from the metal case. Two wires442and443in the cable are the outputs from the DALI control system455, optionally passed through the terminal block435, for controlling applications, and the other two wires440and441are power and return lines from the summed power supplies. Thus, the output445from the system400comprises control signals and significant DC power that can be distributed to external applications (e.g. a series of lights). It should be appreciated that this single cable design along with the large power supply provided from the terminal block, allows the system400to serve power, and control, to multiple downline applications, reducing the spider web of cabling necessary for power and control of systems endemic to prior art approaches.

An additional digital I/O block460can also be connected to the rail system410provided in the case405. Individual rail mounted blocks (e.g.450,455,460,465) can be modular components designed to interconnect with one another and to communicate with one another when pressed side-to-side, as is typically the situation when they are mounted on a common mounting rail. The digital I/O block460can be used to turn other parts of the system400(e.g. the DALI control system455and the I/O system block450) on and off. The digital I/O block460can be controlled over IP via I/O block450. This is useful for resetting various components in the system400if they are operating improperly, fail, or simply need a hard reboot for any reason. The control blocks can be used to control the fans and maintain proper operating conditions in the case405.

A power supply465for the various control blocks450,455,460can also be connected to the rail410in the case405. The power supply465provides a separate power source for the various control modules in system400and is intended to power the control blocks independently of the summed power supplies. A manual switch470can be connected to power supply465to provide a manual on/off switch for the power supply465, and in turn the remaining connected control blocks. It can be advantageous in some situations, such as maintenance or trouble shooting, for the control blocks to be powered while the power supplies are off. The separate supply also shields the control system from mishaps involving power lines440,441. Alternative embodiments may power the control blocks450,455,460from one of the main output supplies such as power supplies415-416.

The control headers430-431(as described above) can be controlled via the I/O system450, which is to say that they can accept input from the I/O system450or digital I/O block460, and can be used to turn off any combination of power supplies415-416. Typically, Digital I/O460provides binary on/off signals to control block430-431. This is important because if one of the power supplies415-416malfunctions, it can be independently shut down, without affecting the power supply provided by the remaining operational power supplies415-416. Furthermore, individual supplies can be powered on as needed for supplying addition power, for testing individual supplies, or for failover where a supply is held in reserve in case another supply fails.

FIG. 5illustrates pucks505-508. Pucks505-508can comprise a circuit configured to provide, among other things, a constant current supply to LED light bars520. The pucks505-508are configured to send and receive control commands in DALI via input cable445which provides constant voltage DC power and DALI control signals. Any number of equivalent pucks can be used in other embodiments. Here pucks505and506are shown daisy chained while pucks505,507-508are using more of a bus topology. Star topologies are created when one puck provides input cables445directly to other puck. In all cases, cable445only needs to have four wires, two for power, two for control. The pucks505-508can have a voltage rating of, for example 5-58 VDC. The pucks505-508can accept input power via input445. The input power can be any voltage in the rated range and is ideally constant voltage. The output provided via output515can be a constant current for driving device, such as an LED bar520, or other such device.

Pucks505-508typically include a CV/CI driver that accepts nominally constant DC voltage (hence the 5-58V DC input range—slow minor fluctuations of the input DC power have negligible effects on the constant current output of the puck). The CV/CI driver is typically controlled by a DALI chip within the puck. Other implementations exist, but conceptually the driver-controller generalization is sufficient for the purposes of this disclosure.

In certain embodiments each device520in a facility can be controlled by its own puck505. For example, each light in a light bar fixture520can be controlled by its own puck505. The puck505receives input via input445that comprises a voltage, and DALI instruction. If the puck505is addressed via the DALI protocol, the puck505can initiate a serial command (e.g. turn-on or turn-off the associate LED) and can supply requested current to the LED.

A control interface is required to provide a user control. A computer system, such as computer system100can interface with the I/O system450via BACnet/IP. The computer system100can include a GUI that allows the user to select, control, and or provision the desired application.

For example, in an embodiment, a layout of a warehouse or other such facility can be provided by the GUI. The GUI can provide a status of each light in the warehouse (i.e. whether each light is on, off, dimmed by a percentage, etc.). The GUI can provide controls that allow the user to selectively turn on, turn off, dim, brighten, or change the color temperature of a given light in the warehouse. The GUI can match the controller to an actual physical location in the warehouse. The GUI can further provide provisioning steps where necessary, indicating for example, what controllers exist and where they are in the warehouse.

The computer system100can receive input via the GUI130and translate the instructions to BACnet/IP. The instructions can be communicated via BACnet/IP to the I/O system450via input451and optionally terminal block435. The I/O system450is in turn connected to the DALI control system455. The DALI control system455is further connected to the pucks505-508via wires442and443in cable445. The DALI protocol can be used to instruct the pucks to supply current to a light and turn lights on or off. The system can further be configured via an API running on a remote server in contact with the system400, allowing mobile clients to interact with the GUI and control the applications in the warehouse.

FIG. 6illustrates an exemplary implementation of a control system600for a warehouse605. Mains power can be provided from a power main610associated with the warehouse605to control system400where a summed main power supply is provided to a number of pucks505. The pucks505supply current to each individual device520(e.g. LED lighting) in the warehouse605and each LED fixture (or fixture element)520can be controlled by a GUI130associated with computer system100or remote client615. In certain embodiments, the GUI130can relate to a browser operating on the computer system100that is executing instructions configured in the control system400. This provides an additional layer of security. The computer system100can connect to the control system400via wired connection, or wireless connection according to design considerations. Notably, there is no need to specifically configure each device520, and the relatively high voltage output from control system400allows power to be provided a long distance from the control system400. The DALI protocol provides the ability to control devices520that are wired in serial as shown (daisy chained). In other words, the 4-wire cable exiting the system400can connect to a first puck505which is associated with a first light520and can then be output from the puck and connect to the next puck and associated light in the facility, and so on.

DALI provides for discovery of connected devices. During initial system configuration or when a new puck is added, the control system400can initiate discovery and obtain a list of every connected puck. Each puck can then be associated with a named light fixture or a location on a map or building schematic.

As further illustrated inFIG. 6, a device star can be provided where one central puck505and light520can be connected to multiple additional puck and light configurations. These embodiments obviate the need for a dedicated wire from the central control system400to each light. It is not required that a puck lie at the center of the star, a terminal block can do the job.

FIG. 7illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment mains power is provided to a control system400via mains power input452. It should be understood that the control system400can incorporate features as illustrated inFIG. 4.

The control system400includes 4-wire cable445, that provides power and control. The cable445connects to input controller705. The input controller705can comprise a DALI input controller (or other such controller). The input controller receives power and control via the wires in cable445exiting the control system400. The input controller705can provide DALI control of low voltage device715, which can be any device, including a switch, sensor, or other such device. The input controller705can be powered via a bus710. That is to say, the input controller705includes an output bus710, that can be configured as a DALI bus, or other such bus, wherein power and control are all provided in the single line.

In embodiments, where the device715comprises a switch. The input controller705is connected to the switch715, which can be embodied as an LV switch or other such switch. In certain embodiments, the switch715can comprise a push button switch. The push button switch can be manipulated to control downline devices via the DALI protocol.

In other embodiments, the switch715can comprise a smart switch. The smart switch can comprise a capacitive touch panel with a glass, or other such touch display. The switch715can be configured to provide control of luminaires using the DALI standard and can be powered via the DALI bus710. Thus, in certain embodiments, the device715can serve as a master switch to turn all downline applications on or off. It should be appreciated that multiple input controls705and switches715may be used in various design topologies.

The cable445can be further connected to one or more downline applications520. In the embodiment, disclosed inFIG. 7, three downline applications520are illustrated, each of which can comprise, for example, a luminaire, equipped with a puck505. The cable445is connected to each application such that power is supplied to the application, along with a connection for control via the control system400.

The cable445can further connect to a second input control705connected via bus710to a sensor720. The sensor720can comprise a motion sensor, light sensor, etc. the input controller705can receive input from the sensor720and use the received input to control the one or more of the applications520, such as luminaires. It should be appreciated that multiple input controls705and sensors may be used in various design topologies.

It should finally be appreciated, that the system can be controlled via computer system100, equipped with a user interface, as disclose herein, that allows a user to provision and control one or more of the applications520, input controllers705, switches715, and sensors720, with control system400.

FIG. 8illustrates a method800, for controlling and providing power to a system of applications in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The method starts at805.

At block810the control system400can be configured as illustrated in the embodiments presented herein. The power supply is provided from a terminal block which can be connected to one or more power supplies, as illustrated at block815so that the terminal block is ready to provide power to downline applications.

Instructions can be provided, as shown at block820, to an I/O system from a control system. The instructions provided to the I/O system can be converted to a serial output as shown at825, with the control block connected to the I/O system. Once the instructions are converted, downline applications (e.g. a luminaire) can be controlled as shown at step830, via a puck which accepts the serial instructions. The puck is configured to receive power from the terminal block, process the serial output, and output a current to the associated application. The method ends at step835.

FIG. 9illustrates an alternative embodiment of a lighting control system900, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The lighting control system900is configured to provide remote AC to DC power conversion, and can be used to convert alternating current input power (for example 120-277 VAC) to a low voltage DC output, which enables reliable distribution to remote applications, such as dimmable LEDs.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the lighting control system900, comprises a standard case905. Case905can comprise a metal case configured to house electronic components. A barrier985can be configured in the case905to separate emergency and normal power sides of the system900. The barrier985can comprise an 18 gauge (or other necessary strength) galvanized steel barrier. A rail can be incorporated in case905, with standardized connection points for connection with various sub-components of the system900. The case905can include one or more knockouts for the introduction of power cables, ethernet cables, and other such cables. In certain embodiments, the case905can be fabricated from steel with louvered back and side panels.

The case905can house jacks910for cold aisle emergency fixtures. A low voltage switch915is provided on PCB920, along with a jack for cold aisle normal power925, and a jack for hot aisle (non-emergency) power930. The PCB920is connected to digital network bridge940. Digital network bridge940provides a network connection between one or more network devices. The digital network bridge940serves as a means for connecting network connected devices which can then be managed remotely. Thus, in certain embodiments, remote control of applications990can be accomplished with the system900. A standard emergency lighting control unit935(e.g. a “Wattstopper”) can be included in the case905and is configured to provide control of emergency application sand normal applications (e.g. lighting) in the environment in which the applications are disposed.

AC mains power can be routed through terminal block945which is configured to handle normal power, and terminal block950to handle emergency power. Separate mains power946and mains power951can be provided to the terminal block945and terminal block950respectively. As such, terminal block945can be connected to the components on PCB920and controlled by switch910via driver955, which serves as the application driver for normal power operations. Likewise, driver960serves as the driver for emergency power operations.

Terminal block965serves as the terminal block for the low voltage emergency circuit. Terminal block970serves as a terminal block for the low voltage normal power circuit. A surge protector975can be provided inline to prevent damage to the downline components.

A controller980, which can be, for example, a Wattstopper LMRC-112 series room controller, can be connected to the terminal block970. The controller980includes relays to switch a current. An alternating power supply, with multiple outputs per relay is provided for control of one or more application990, including but not limited to, dimmable LEDs and associated drivers.

The system900can thus be used to provide control and power to remote power over ethernet (PoE) application (e.g. application990), which can include dimmable LED luminaires. Specifically, ethernet cable995can be provided from case905to one or more applications990. Instructions for control of the application990can be provided via a remote device connected to a network.

The system900enables simple, cost-effective lighting installations and reduces the need for thermal management at the fixture. The system900provides individual power and programmable drive current for as many as 14 applications (e.g. LED drivers).

Based on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that a number of embodiments, preferred and alternative, are disclosed herein. It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, it should be understood that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.