Domestic Appliance Scheduling for Low-Tariff High-Load Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling domestic appliance power consumption fail to initiate operation when the time period exceeds the duration of low-cost energy intervals, leading to inefficiencies and incomplete function.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the start time of domestic appliance operation by identifying program segments with higher consumption and scheduling them within low-cost intervals, using temporal cost and consumption profiles to minimize energy costs and ensure timely completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If operation is only started when the current time point lies within the low cost time interval and the time period of operation is shorter than the duration of the low cost time interval, then energy costs are reduced, but operation cannot be initiated when the time period exceeds the low cost interval duration, leading to incomplete function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the operation time period into multiple program segments with different consumption characteristics. By segmenting the operation, the system can strategically place high-consumption segments within low-cost intervals while accommodating the total operation duration that may extend beyond a single low-cost interval, thus resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and reliable operation initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different strategies to different program segments based on their consumption characteristics. High-consumption segments are specifically targeted to be executed within low-cost intervals, while low-consumption segments can flexibly accommodate extended timing, allowing the system to reduce energy costs without compromising overall operation reliability.
2Loss of energy
If the time period of operation is compared with the first time interval duration and operation is only started when the time period is shorter, then energy costs are minimized, but the appliance may not carry out its actual function when the time period is longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the scheduling strategy based on the relationship between the total time period of operation and the duration of low-cost intervals. When the time period exceeds the low-cost interval duration, the system flexibly schedules program segments to optimize cost while ensuring complete functionality, rather than rigidly refusing to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scheduling parameters by determining specific start times and segment allocations based on the comparison between operation duration and low-cost interval duration. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain both cost efficiency and complete appliance functionality regardless of the time period length.
3Productivity
If high power consumers are activated at the same time in different domestic appliances, then each appliance operates independently, but the maximum permissible power consumption is exceeded and load peaks overload the electricity supply system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary scheduling of program segments within low-cost intervals before actual operation begins. By pre-planning the timing of high-consumption segments during periods of lower overall system demand, the system maintains independent appliance operation while preventing power supply overload through proactive load management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a domestic appliance to reduce consumption of one or more operating resources includes receiving data about a temporal cost profile of the operating resources, having a first time interval with low costs and a second time interval with high costs, comparing a operating time period with the first time interval and determining a point in time for starting operation as a function of a result of the comparison, when the operating time period is longer than the first time interval, determining a temporal program segment with a higher consumption than other program segments based on a temporal consumption profile that describes consumption as a function of time during operation, and determining the point in time for starting the operation such that the program segment with the higher consumption falls within the first time interval.