Appliance Controller Modulates Heater Power for Excess Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable output power generators, such as wind and solar power systems, face challenges in balancing energy generation with demand, leading to excess energy wastage during off-peak hours due to the inability to easily adjust power output.
Innovation Solution
An electrical appliance with an energy storage device and controller that adjusts heating rates based on power consumption signals from the electrical power distribution system, using a heat storage medium and heater to store excess energy for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If variable output power generators (wind/solar) operate at full capacity during high generation periods, then energy generation is maximized, but excess energy is wasted when demand is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing excess thermal energy in the heat storage medium during periods of high power generation and low demand. The controller activates the heater to heat the storage medium when the power consumption signal indicates excess generation, preparing energy for later use when demand increases, thus preventing energy waste while maintaining generation productivity.
2Quantity of substance
If the heater operates at high heating rate to store more energy, then energy storage capacity increases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the power consumption signal from the distribution system and adjusting the heater's power consumption accordingly. The controller modulates the heating rate based on the balance between available excess power and storage needs, optimizing the trade-off between storing maximum energy and consuming appropriate power at each moment.
3Productivity
If the appliance adjusts heating rate dynamically based on power consumption signals, then energy management efficiency improves, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance performs self-service by autonomously monitoring the power consumption signal and automatically adjusting its heating rate without requiring external control intervention. The controller internally processes the power signal and modulates the heater accordingly, enabling the system to manage its own energy consumption efficiently while minimizing the need for complex external control infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively manages power consumption by transforming excess electrical energy into heat energy, allowing for controlled energy storage and consumption, thereby reducing waste and optimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
The heater is configured to heat the heat storage medium at a heating rate
Data Source
AI summary
A power control system includes at least one energy storage device each having a heat storage medium, a heater configured to heat the heat storage medium, a temperature sensor, a maximum temperature operating parameter of the device, a user-adjustable target temperature setting, which indicates a desired temperature of the heat storage medium and is less than the maximum temperature, and a controller that controls electrical energy consumption of each of the at least one energy storage device to heat the heat storage medium to a temperature that exceeds the target temperature setting and is below the maximum temperature.