Appliance Controller Automating Demand Response via Utility Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems require manual operation of appliances during off-peak hours to reduce electricity costs, which is inconvenient and lacks advanced control beyond simple on/off switching, and different utilities use varying methods to communicate peak demand times.
Innovation Solution
A home energy management system with an appliance controller that receives signals from the utility, processes demand response threshold variables, and operates appliances in reduced energy consumption modes based on user inputs and sensor data, offering flexible control and communication protocols to manage energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If manual operation of appliances during off-peak hours is required, then energy consumption costs are reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance controller automatically monitors utility signals, determines peak and off-peak periods, and operates appliances without requiring manual user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously making decisions about when to operate power-consuming functions based on utility pricing signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated electronic control system that receives utility signals, processes threshold variables, and automatically controls appliance operation timing and mode selection.
2Device complexity
If simple on/off switching is used for appliance control, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts appliance operation based on real-time utility signals and threshold variables. Instead of fixed on/off switching, the system continuously adapts its control strategy by comparing current conditions against demand response thresholds and adjusting power-consuming functions accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as power consumption levels, operating modes, and timing based on utility signals. The controller modifies appliance behavior by adjusting multiple parameters rather than simply switching on/off, enabling flexible adaptation to different utility pricing conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication methods are supported, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance controller is designed with universal communication capabilities that can receive utility signals through multiple methods (phone lines, wireless signals, power line communication). A single controller unit performs multiple communication functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each communication method.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that can interface with different utility communication systems through standardized protocols. It translates various utility signal formats into internal threshold variable comparisons, mediating between diverse external communication methods and the appliance's control logic.
4Productivity
If automatic operation during off-peak hours is implemented, then productivity improves, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors utility signals and receives feedback about current pricing conditions and demand response threshold variables. This feedback loop enables the system to make informed automatic decisions by comparing real-time utility information against predefined thresholds and user preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring demand response threshold variables and user preferences before utility signals arrive. The controller is prepared in advance with decision-making parameters, enabling it to automatically respond to utility signals without requiring real-time user input or information retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance controller is provided comprising an appliance including demand response settings. The settings include threshold variables for determining a reaction of the appliance in response to reaching one or more threshold variables. The controller further comprises a signal from an associated utility to the appliance, wherein the appliance includes a controller in signal communication with the associated utility. The controller receives and processes the signal from the associated utility. The signal is converted and compared to the demand response threshold variables and the appliance is operated in one or more power consuming functions based on the comparison of the signal to the demand response variables.