Energy-saving smart edge device

Abstract

This energy-saving smart edge device comprises: a power input unit; a power output unit; an energy-using device monitoring unit; a sensor power supply unit; a data analysis unit; a control unit; and a communication unit. The power input unit receives power supplied from an external power source, the power output unit outputs power at the same voltage to a preset energy using device, the energy using device monitoring unit monitors the power consumption of the energy using device, the sensor power supply unit supplies power to a preset environmental factor monitoring sensor, the data analysis unit analyzes sensing data obtained via detection by the environmental factor monitoring sensor to generate environmental analysis data, the control unit controls a preset environmental control device on the basis of the environmental analysis data, and the communication unit communicates with the environmental control device. In this case, the data analysis unit analyzes the power consumption to further generate power consumption analysis data, the control unit controls power supply to the energy using device on the basis of the power consumption analysis data, and the communication unit transmits, to an external server, the analysis data generated by the data analysis unit.

Description

Energy-saving smart edge devices

[0001] The present invention relates to energy saving technology in buildings, and more particularly, to an energy saving smart edge device.

[0002]

[0003] Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) are widely used to monitor and efficiently control energy use within buildings to minimize energy consumption. BEMS consists of automated devices such as sensors, control devices, and communication infrastructure, providing efficient management of the target building and its energy systems. These systems optimize building energy management (efficiency, performance, and operation) and monitor its status. However, the management and assessment of buildings and energy systems require specialized personnel.

[0004]

[0005] To address these challenges, the concept of a digital twin was introduced. An energy digital twin is a precisely constructed virtual object replicating a real-world object for energy monitoring, testing, and maintenance purposes. It exists in the form of AI or simulation, acquiring information from the real world, integrating it into the virtual environment, and delivering new information.

[0006] It is used to provide energy solutions utilizing models connected to virtual reality (extended status diagnosis, monitoring, optimal operation, retrofit suggestion, etc.), and in addition to optimizing building energy management (efficiency, performance, operation) and checking status, it additionally performs the role of virtual / smart sensors and decision support tools, and is used for exploration and judgment (Energy Navigation) utilizing data and physics-based models.

[0007]

[0008] However, even in the case of solution analysis through digital twins, most IoT sensors for measuring various environmental factors are powered by batteries or wires, which limits installation, and there is the problem of increasing cloud / server costs due to big data processing in a digital environment.

[0009] Meanwhile, there was also a problem in that energy management in buildings was not carried out efficiently due to a lack of technology to manage and control energy usage for outlets and lighting, which are the most basic energy users in buildings.

[0010]

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a device that effectively manages and controls energy usage for outlets / lighting, which are the most basic energy users in buildings, while solving the problem of power supply for IoT sensors for measuring various environmental factors required for solution analysis through digital twins and the problem of increasing cloud / server costs due to Big Data processing in a digital environment.

[0012]

[0013] To achieve the above purpose, an energy-saving smart edge device according to the present invention includes a power input unit, a power output unit, an energy usage device monitoring unit, a sensor power supply unit, a data analysis unit, a control unit, and a communication unit.

[0014] The power input unit receives power supplied from an external power source, the power output unit outputs power at the same voltage to a preset energy-using device, the energy-using device monitoring unit monitors the power usage of the energy-using device, the sensor power supply unit supplies power to a preset environmental factor monitoring sensor, the data analysis unit analyzes detection data detected by the environmental monitoring sensor to generate environmental analysis data, the control unit controls a preset environmental control device according to the environmental analysis data, and the communication unit communicates with the environmental control device.

[0015] At this time, the data analysis unit analyzes power usage to generate more power usage analysis data, the control unit controls power supply to energy-using devices according to the power usage analysis data, and the communication unit transmits the analysis data generated by the data analysis unit to an external server.

[0016]

[0017] In addition, the environmental factor monitoring sensor includes an occupancy detection sensor that performs occupancy detection, which is detection of the presence of a person near the energy-using device, and the control unit can control the operation of the energy-using device based on the result of the occupancy detection.

[0018]

[0019] Additionally, the control unit can cut off the power supply to the energy-using device if an abnormality occurs in the power supplied to the energy-using device.

[0020]

[0021] Additionally, the communications unit can transmit data about power abnormalities to an external server in the event of a power outage.

[0022]

[0023] Additionally, the communication unit can further transmit the above presence detection results to an external server.

[0024]

[0025] Additionally, the control unit can operate the presence detection sensor and communication unit using preset battery power when power is not supplied from an external power source.

[0026]

[0027] Additionally, the energy-using device includes an outlet, and the control unit can control the standby power cut-off operation of the outlet depending on whether the outlet is set.

[0028]

[0029] Additionally, the control unit can further utilize information from the device connected to the outlet to control the standby power cut-off operation of the outlet.

[0030]

[0031] Additionally, the control unit can further control the environmental control device based on information transmitted from an external server.

[0032]

[0033] In addition, it may further include a power conversion output unit that converts the form of the input power and outputs it.

[0034]

[0035] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce building energy by sensing (presence of occupancy, temperature, etc.) standby power unnecessarily used in outlets, lighting devices, etc., power when no one is present, etc., and shutting off unnecessary lighting / outlets, etc.

[0036] Additionally, the SSR Chip installed within the device will cut off power to each device in case of overcurrent / leakage / overheating, and monitoring of the relevant information will be possible, ensuring the safety performance of power devices such as outlets / lights.

[0037] Additionally, since the device itself is powered, a separate power supply for the IoT sensor device is unnecessary, so a separate power source (battery, etc.) can be omitted.

[0038]

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an energy-saving smart edge device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a usage state of the energy-saving smart edge device of Fig. 1.

[0041] Figure 3 is a table illustrating an actual implementation example of the energy-saving smart edge device of Figure 2.

[0042] Figure 4 is a table illustrating the main hardware technologies required for a digital twin / smart home platform.

[0043] Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in an example where the energy-using device is a lighting device.

[0044] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in an example where the energy-using device is a lighting device.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in an example where the energy-using device is a switch device, as part of the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0046] Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in the example of Downlight Zoning Control, which is part of the flowchart of Fig. 5.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in the example of Downlight Zoning Control, which is part of the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0048] Figure 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in an example of Overload Detection.

[0049] Figure 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in the example of Always Motion detection On with Backup Battery.

[0050] FIG. 12 is a table illustrating the main functions of an energy-saving smart edge device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051]

[0052] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an energy-saving smart edge device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a usage state of the energy-saving smart edge device of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a table for explaining an actual implementation example of the energy-saving smart edge device of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a table for explaining the main hardware technologies required for a digital twin / smart home platform.

[0054] In Fig. 1, the energy-saving smart edge device includes a power input unit (110), a power output unit (120), an energy usage device monitoring unit (130), a sensor power supply unit (140), a data analysis unit (150), a control unit (160), a communication unit (170), and a power conversion output unit (180).

[0055] In Fig. 1, each component of the energy-saving smart edge device may be implemented solely in hardware, but it will typically be implemented together with hardware and software running on the hardware.

[0056]

[0057] The power input unit (110) receives power supplied from an external power source, the power output unit (120) outputs power to a preset energy-using device at the same voltage, and the energy-using device monitoring unit (130) monitors the power usage of the energy-using device.

[0058] The sensor power supply unit (140) supplies power to a monitoring sensor for a preset environmental factor. The monitoring sensor for the environmental factor may include an occupancy detection sensor that detects the presence of a person near an energy-using device.

[0059] The data analysis unit (150) analyzes the detection data detected by the environmental monitoring sensor to generate environmental analysis data. In addition, the data analysis unit (150) can analyze power usage to generate additional power usage analysis data.

[0060]

[0061] The control unit (160) controls preset environmental control devices based on generated environmental analysis data. Furthermore, the control unit (160) can control the power supply to energy-using devices based on power usage analysis data, and can also control the operation of energy-using devices based on the results of presence detection. Furthermore, the control unit (160) can cut off power supply to energy-using devices if an abnormality occurs in the power supplied to the energy-using devices.

[0062] In addition, the control unit (160) can operate the presence detection sensor and communication unit (170) using preset battery power when power is not supplied from an external power source, and the control unit (160) can further control the environmental control device according to information transmitted from an external server.

[0063] Additionally, the energy-using device may include an outlet, and the control unit (160) may control the standby power cut-off operation of the outlet depending on whether the outlet is set to on. In this case, the control unit (160) may further utilize information about the device connected to the outlet to control the standby power cut-off operation of the outlet.

[0064]

[0065] The communication unit (170) communicates with the environmental control device. Furthermore, the communication unit (170) transmits analysis data generated by the data analysis unit (150) to an external server. Furthermore, the communication unit (170) can transmit data on power abnormalities to the external server in the event of a power outage, and can further transmit presence detection results to the external server. The power conversion output unit (180) converts the form of the input power and outputs it.

[0066]

[0067] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with more specific examples. Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in an example where the energy-using device is a lighting device. The power option can be selected in the app (or web) (always supplying power to the sensor / MCU / wireless communication installed in the lighting device), and in the case of the occupancy control option, the power is turned on / off (connected to Downlight Zoning Control) after determining the presence or absence of a person through a radar sensor, etc., and in the case of the constant power option, the power can be turned on / off via a switch, app (or web) regardless of the presence or absence of a person.

[0068]

[0069] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in an example where the energy-using device is a lighting device. A power option can be selected in the app (or web) (always supplying power to sensors / MCUs / wireless communication devices installed in the outlet device).

[0070] In the case of the occupancy control option, the power is turned on / off (connected to Downlight Zoning Control) after determining the presence or absence of a person through a radar sensor, etc., and constant power and standby power modes can be selected as sub-options of the occupancy control. ① If the standby power cutoff function is Off, the power is always On regardless of the presence or absence of standby power (e.g. OA equipment, etc.), and ② If the standby power cutoff function is On, the power can be turned off in the case of a standby power situation (e.g. home appliances with standby power, etc.).

[0071] In the case of the constant power option, power is supplied according to the standby power On / Off mode regardless of whether there is a person in the room. ① In the case of the standby power cutoff function being Off, the power is always On (e.g. refrigerator, etc.) regardless of the presence of standby power. ② In the case of the standby power cutoff function being On, the power can be turned Off (e.g. home appliances with standby power, etc.) in the case of a standby power situation.

[0072]

[0073] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device, part of the flowchart of Figure 5, in an example where the energy-using device is a switch device. The device is always powered on, and switches (e.g., lights, fans, etc.) are turned on / off via a physical switch or an app (or web).

[0074] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in the example of Downlight Zoning Control, which is part of the flowchart of Figure 5. For lighting devices, when occupancy control is selected, the power is turned on / off depending on the presence or absence of the occupancy.

[0075] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in the example of Downlight Zoning Control, which is part of the flowchart of Figure 6. For the outlet device, when occupancy control is selected, the power is turned on / off depending on the presence of the occupant and the on / off of the standby power cutoff function.

[0076]

[0077] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in an example of overload detection. It depicts an algorithm for overcurrent protection in outlets and lights.

[0078] When power exceeding a certain level is detected using a current meter included in an outlet or light, the power can be cut off using an SSR, a semiconductor power switch with a fast response speed of approximately 10us.

[0079] Power cuts using solid-state drives (SSRs), semiconductor power switches with a fast response time of approximately 10us, operate before the distribution panel, allowing other devices to continue operating. Furthermore, these hazardous situations can be notified to the server via Thread wireless communication, and an alarm can be displayed on the display.

[0080]

[0081] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an energy-saving smart edge device in an example of Always Motion Detection On with Backup Battery. In this case, even during a power outage, the device can continuously detect occupancy using the backup battery. Even during a power outage due to fire or other reasons, the device can detect human presence using the backup battery and motion detection radar. Furthermore, occupancy can be notified to the server via Thread wireless communication and an alarm can be displayed.

[0082]

[0083] FIG. 12 is a table illustrating the main functions of an energy-saving smart edge device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084]

[0085] In summary, the present invention proposes an all-in-one type device capable of analyzing / providing various environmental factor data required for building energy management and operation, controlling the on / off of terminal energy-using devices (lights, outlets, etc.), and monitoring energy usage in conjunction with a digital twin / smart home platform, etc.

[0086] It can be installed in power outlets, lights, switches, etc. to supply power required for various sensing / data transmission / reception (no separate battery required), and can control its own power based on data sensed within the device (Stand Alone), and can perform the role of Edge Device (Multi-Access Edge Computing) through communication (wireless, wired) between the device and the digital twin / smart home platform.

[0087] In addition, when an abnormality such as overcurrent within the device is detected, the device itself cuts off power to prevent power cuts to other devices (outlets, lights, etc.) connected to the same zone (distribution panel), and the cause of the abnormality can be immediately identified (overcurrent, leakage, overheating, etc.), enabling quick restoration to the original state.

[0088]

[0089] In addition, compared to conventional technology, the smart edge device according to the present invention is an integrated device that includes a semiconductor-based IoT sensor, an outlet / lighting control chip, an MCU capable of analyzing various data, a wireless power chip, etc., and since power is supplied to the device, a separate battery / power supply, etc. for the IoT sensor, etc. is unnecessary, and it performs a data transmission / reception function through a wireless communication chip, and based on information collected through the IoT sensor, etc. (occupancy, temperature, humidity, CO2, etc.), it is possible to control the outlet / lighting, etc. in a stand-alone manner through the MCU, etc., and has the advantage of being able to perform functions such as transmitting IoT sensor data as utilization data for a BEMS (Building Energy Management System) or a digital twin, etc.

[0090]

[0091] Accordingly, according to the present invention, it is possible to save building energy by self-sensing (presence of occupancy, temperature, etc.) standby power unnecessarily used in outlets, lighting devices, etc., power when no one is present, etc., and shutting off unnecessary lighting / outlets, etc.

[0092] Additionally, the SSR Chip installed in the device will cut off power to each device in case of overcurrent / leakage / overheating, and monitoring of the relevant information will be possible, ensuring the safety performance of power devices such as outlets / lights.

[0093] Additionally, since the device itself is powered, there is no need for a separate power supply for the IoT sensor device, so a separate power source (battery, etc.) can be omitted.

[0094]

[0095] Although the present invention has been described by some preferred embodiments, the scope of the present invention should not be limited thereby, but should extend to modifications or improvements of the above embodiments as supported by the claims.

Claims

1. A power input section that receives power supplied from an external power source; A power output unit that outputs the above power to an energy-using device preset at the same voltage; An energy usage device monitoring unit that monitors the power usage of the above energy usage device; A sensor power supply unit that supplies power to a monitoring sensor of preset environmental factors; A data analysis unit that analyzes detection data detected by the above environmental monitoring sensor to generate environmental analysis data; A control unit that controls a preset environmental control device according to the above environmental analysis data; and Includes a communication unit that communicates with the above environmental control device, The above data analysis unit analyzes the power usage and generates more power usage analysis data, The above control unit controls the power supply to the energy-using device according to the power usage analysis data, An energy-saving smart edge device characterized in that the communication unit transmits analysis data generated by the data analysis unit to an external server.

2. In claim 1, The monitoring sensor of the above environmental factor includes an occupancy detection sensor that performs occupancy detection, which is the detection of the presence of a person near the energy-using device. An energy-saving smart edge device characterized in that the control unit controls the operation of the energy-using device according to the result of the presence detection.

3. In claim 2, An energy-saving smart edge device characterized in that the control unit cuts off the power supply to the energy-using device when an abnormality occurs in the power supplied to the energy-using device.

4. In claim 3, An energy-saving smart edge device characterized in that the communication unit transmits data on an abnormal state of the power supply to the external server when the power supply is cut off.

5. In claim 4, An energy-saving smart edge device characterized in that the communication unit further transmits the presence detection result to the external server.

6. In claim 5, An energy-saving smart edge device characterized in that the control unit operates the presence detection sensor and the communication unit using preset battery power when power is not supplied from the external power source.

7. In claim 6, The above energy-using device includes an outlet, An energy-saving smart edge device characterized in that the control unit controls the standby power cut-off operation of the outlet depending on whether the outlet is set.

8. In claim 7, An energy-saving smart edge device characterized in that the control unit further uses information of a device connected to the outlet to control the standby power cut-off operation of the outlet.

9. In claim 8, An energy-saving smart edge device characterized in that the control unit further controls the environmental control device according to information transmitted from the external server.

10. In claim 9, An energy-saving smart edge device further comprising a power conversion output unit that converts the form of the above power and outputs it.

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