Appliance Cycle Interruption Based on Real-Time Energy Cost Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy management solutions for home appliances do not effectively determine whether to interrupt or continue a cycle of operation based on the cost of resuming versus completing the cycle during energy price fluctuations, potentially leading to inefficiencies and higher energy bills.
Innovation Solution
A method and appliance system that receive energy cost data, calculate recovery and continued operation costs, and interrupt the cycle if the recovery cost is less than the continued operation cost, allowing for dynamic energy usage management based on real-time energy pricing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the appliance continues the cycle of operation without interruption during high energy cost periods, then the cycle completion is ensured and user convenience is maintained, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the appliance operation based on real-time energy cost data. The controller continuously monitors energy pricing signals and dynamically determines whether to interrupt or continue the cycle by comparing recovery cost with continued operation cost, allowing the system to adapt to changing energy conditions while maintaining reliability when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by receiving energy cost data from external sources, processing this information through cost comparison algorithms, and using the results to control appliance operation. The feedback loop continuously evaluates energy cost signals and adjusts the cycle interruption decision accordingly, ensuring optimal energy usage while maintaining cycle completion when beneficial
2Use of energy by moving object
If the appliance interrupts the cycle of operation during high energy cost periods, then energy costs are reduced, but the recovery cost of resuming and completing the cycle later may exceed savings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cost analysis by calculating both the recovery cost (to resume and complete the cycle later) and the continued operation cost before making the interruption decision. This preliminary evaluation ensures that interruption only occurs when it will result in net energy cost savings, preventing premature or counterproductive interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically evaluates the trade-off between immediate energy cost savings and the time loss from interruption. By continuously monitoring energy cost data and recalculating recovery costs based on current cycle progress and remaining operations, the system adapts its interruption strategy to minimize both energy costs and time loss
3Use of energy by moving object
If the appliance continuously monitors and calculates recovery costs and continued operation costs, then optimal energy management is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance performs self-service by autonomously monitoring energy cost data, calculating recovery costs based on its own operational state, comparing costs, and making interruption decisions without requiring external control systems or user intervention. The controller uses built-in processing capabilities to independently optimize energy usage while maintaining cycle completion
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by focusing on key parameter changes - specifically monitoring energy cost data and calculating recovery cost based on cycle progress. Rather than continuously analyzing all operational parameters, the system identifies and tracks the critical parameters that most significantly impact energy consumption, simplifying the control logic while maintaining effectiveness
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for controlling an appliance with respect to the appliance's energy usage, in which a signal relating to the energy used by the appliance is received, and a determination of whether to continue or interrupt a cycle of operation being conducted by the appliance is made based at least on part upon the receipt of the signal.