Energy consumption leveling for connected appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for power consumption leveling in residential and commercial appliances are limited by unpredictability of power reduction during peak hours and potential waste of dynamic opportunities on the power grid due to unconditionally shifting appliance cycles.
Innovation Solution
A system using a remote server to schedule appliance operating cycles based on real-time energy consumption data from utility companies, adjusting cycle start times to balance energy demand and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional time-of-use rates and energy management systems are used to motivate consumers to reduce energy usage during peak hours, then energy consumption during peak hours is reduced, but the power reduction is unpredictable and dynamic opportunities on the power grid are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts appliance cycle scheduling based on real-time grid conditions and predicted energy consumption patterns. The energy management system continuously monitors grid state and modifies operating cycles adaptively, transitioning from static time-of-use rates to dynamic, condition-based scheduling that responds to actual grid needs while maintaining predictable power reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the energy management system receives real-time information about grid energy consumption and uses this feedback to adjust appliance scheduling decisions. This closed-loop control ensures predictable power reduction by continuously monitoring outcomes and refining scheduling algorithms based on actual grid conditions and consumption patterns.
2Loss of energy
If appliance cycles are unconditionally shifted to reduce peak hour consumption, then energy consumption during peak hours is reduced, but dynamic opportunities on the power grid are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces unconditional cycle shifting with dynamic, condition-based scheduling that adapts to real-time grid opportunities. The energy management system evaluates multiple factors including grid demand, renewable energy availability, and appliance priorities to determine optimal scheduling decisions, enabling flexible utilization of dynamic opportunities while still reducing peak hour consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes scheduling parameters based on real-time grid conditions rather than applying fixed shift rules. By monitoring grid state parameters such as demand levels, renewable generation, and price signals, the system adjusts appliance operating parameters dynamically, capturing value from diverse grid conditions including off-peak hours, renewable-rich periods, and low-demand intervals.
3Power
If utility companies ramp up power production during peak energy usage times, then power supply is maintained, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scheduling of appliance operating cycles during off-peak hours and periods of low grid demand. By anticipating future energy needs and pre-scheduling cycles to run during cheaper, lower-demand periods, the system reduces the need for peak-hour power production ramping and lowers overall energy costs while maintaining adequate power supply when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous appliance operation by scheduling cycles across different time periods rather than concentrating all operation during peak hours. This continuous distribution of useful action across off-peak and peak periods smooths overall energy consumption, reduces peak demand requirements, and lowers costs by utilizing cheaper off-peak energy resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for using a remote server to schedule operating cycles of an appliance includes receiving a request to perform an operating cycle of the appliance at a preferred start time, obtaining an energy consumption capacity schedule from a utility company providing power to the appliance, determining a cycle start time of the operating cycle based at least in part on the energy consumption capacity schedule and the preferred start time, and transmitting a cycle authorization for initiating the operating cycle of the appliance at the cycle start time.