Adaptive Energy Balance Controller for Inductive Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy management systems are inflexible and inefficient in adapting to changes in loads and sources, leading to suboptimal energy distribution and potential instability.

Innovation Solution

The method involves adaptively balancing energy sources and networks by varying a control input rather than a balance factor, using a sliding-mode control theory to maintain a desired minimal buffer energy level, allowing for efficient energy distribution and stability across varying load and source configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed balance factor is used in energy management, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing loads and sources deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing loads and sourcesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed balance factor to a time-varying balance factor α(t) that adapts to changing load and source conditions. The control input u_p is varied continuously to adjust the balance factor, enabling the system to respond dynamically to changing energy demands and generation capacities without requiring complex predictive models or centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through autonomous adaptation of the balance factor based on local measurements of energy storage levels and current load conditions. Each energy management node independently adjusts its own balance factor using the relationship α * E_source = E_network, eliminating the need for external control signals or communication infrastructure while maintaining optimal adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If direct variation of balance factor is used, then adaptability is improved, but control precision deteriorates due to system rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in energy distributionVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the energy balance relationship α * E_source = E_network and adjusting the control input u_p based on deviations from desired operating conditions. The feedback mechanism compares actual energy distribution outcomes with target values and automatically corrects imbalances, ensuring both flexibility and precision in energy management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves precise control through parameter changes by varying the control input u_p to adjust the balance factor α in a continuous manner. This approach allows fine-grained control over energy distribution while maintaining system flexibility, as the balance factor can be tuned incrementally to achieve exact energy balance targets without the rigidity of fixed-step adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If accumulated load approach is used, then energy losses are reduced, but flexibility to handle dynamic changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossesVSAvoidresponse to added or removed loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing dynamic energy management where the balance factor α(t) continuously adapts to current system conditions. Instead of relying on accumulated historical load data, the system responds in real-time to actual energy storage levels and current demand, minimizing energy losses while maintaining full flexibility to handle dynamically added or removed loads through instantaneous rebalancing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical accumulation approach with a field-based energy balance approach using the relationship α * E_source = E_network. This substitution allows the system to achieve both low energy losses and high adaptability by using electromagnetic field measurements and real-time computational balancing instead of mechanical load accumulation methods, enabling instantaneous response to system changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3465870B1A method, a controller and a network
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 OPTIMOS APTO
  • EP3465870B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3465870B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3465870B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of controlling power input into an energy transferring inductive network, the network being at least connectable with at least one energy source and comprising an inductive transfer exhibiting storage and a number of power consuming loads. The method comprises determining an amount of power to be input by the source into the network by adaptively balancing energy of the source (Esource) against energy in the network (Enetwork). To this end, the method further comprises: varying at least one of a control input (Up) and a balance factor (α) with α * Esource = Enetwork, and assuming formula (I). Furthermore, the invention also relates to a controller and a network comprising a controller.