Appliance Current Sensor Harmonic Analysis for Renewable Power Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring solutions for electric appliances are inadequate as they only collect a subset of information necessary for improving operation, failing to provide comprehensive real-time data on power consumption and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a domestic or commercial electric appliance equipped with a current sensor and processing unit that performs harmonic analysis on AC current, assessing secondary components, malfunctioning conditions, and power source disturbances, and includes a modulator unit for identifying renewable power sources, enabling efficient management of electric loads and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a current sensor is used to monitor AC current absorbed by the electric appliance, then real-time information about operating condition and power consumption is obtained, but the monitoring capabilities remain insufficient for comprehensive appliance optimization and renewable power source identification
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring arrangement segments the AC current signal analysis into multiple frequency components. The processing unit performs spectral analysis to separate the fundamental frequency (50/60 Hz) from harmonic frequencies and modulation frequencies, allowing identification of different operational states and renewable power source contributions through frequency-domain decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated system: it monitors total power consumption, identifies renewable power source availability, detects appliance malfunctioning conditions, and provides comprehensive operating information. This multi-functional approach avoids the need for separate specialized sensors for each monitoring objective
2Loss of information
If existing monitoring solutions are used to collect information about appliance operation, then basic power consumption data is obtained, but comprehensive real-time data on environmental conditions and renewable power availability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring arrangement provides continuous feedback about renewable power source availability and appliance operating conditions. The processing unit analyzes the AC current signal to detect when renewable power is being generated and feeds this information back to enable real-time optimization of appliance operation, such as scheduling energy-intensive tasks during periods of high renewable power availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the AC current signal to predict renewable power availability and appliance needs before actual consumption occurs. By continuously monitoring and analyzing power consumption patterns and environmental conditions, the system can proactively optimize operation scheduling and power management strategies
Data Source
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AI summary
A domestic or commercial electric appliance (100) is disclosed. The electric appliance comprises at least one electric load (127), an AC power supply input (112) for receiving electric power from an AC power source (115) to be supplied to said at least one electric load, and a current sensor (180) for sensing an AC current absorbed by the electric appliance from the AC power source. The electric appliance further comprises a processing unit (130) for carrying out a harmonic analysis on a sensed AC current sensed by the current sensor and for driving the at least one electric load based on an outcome of said harmonic analysis.