Appliance-Specific Electricity Distribution Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power distribution systems face challenges such as pricing mismatches between customers' willingness to pay and operators' pricing, unpredictable demand, reliance on centralized control leading to single points of failure, and inefficiencies in energy access, especially in developing countries with dispersed populations and unreliable communication networks.
Innovation Solution
An electricity distribution device with a control arrangement that manages electricity supply based on a programmable distribution plan, allowing for real-time monitoring, varying power limits, and time schedules for each appliance, enabling flexible pricing and independent operation, and using portable devices for updates and billing management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single price per kWh is charged regardless of appliance, then the operator's pricing is simplified, but customer satisfaction deteriorates due to pricing mismatch with willingness to pay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing appliance-specific pricing where different prices per kWh are charged for different appliances based on the customer's willingness to pay for each specific appliance. The system identifies and prices individual appliances (e.g., refrigerator, TV, computer) separately rather than applying a uniform rate, thus tailoring the pricing to the local characteristics of each appliance's value to the customer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the pricing structure to adapt and change based on appliance identification and customer preferences. The system dynamically adjusts prices for different appliances rather than maintaining a static uniform rate, enabling the pricing to respond to varying customer needs and appliance-specific values.
2Ease of operation
If centralized control is used for power distribution, then coordination is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to single points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power distribution system into independent local units that can operate autonomously. Each local power distribution unit manages its own appliances and pricing independently, so that failures in one unit do not propagate to other units. This segmented architecture eliminates single points of failure while maintaining coordination through standardized communication protocols.
3Reliability
If capacity is sized for peak demand, then reliability is improved, but capital expenditure increases due to over-capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible and granular control over power distribution to individual appliances. The system can dynamically allocate power capacity based on real-time needs, customer payments, and appliance priorities rather than provisioning for peak demand of all appliances simultaneously. This allows the system to serve more customers with less total capacity by intelligently managing load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the power distribution parameters (voltage, current, timing) for different appliances based on customer payments and needs. The system adjusts power delivery parameters dynamically to match actual consumption patterns rather than maintaining fixed capacity allocations, optimizing the utilization of available power infrastructure.
4Ease of operation
If communication networks are relied upon for billing management, then remote management is improved, but reliability deteriorates in areas with unreliable networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by enabling the system to operate and accumulate billing data locally without continuous network connectivity. The power distribution unit can manage appliances, track consumption, and process payments offline, cushioning against network failures. When connectivity is restored, the system synchronizes with remote servers, thus protecting against network unreliability while maintaining remote management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring and controlling the distribution of electricity. The power distribution platform includes an intelligent device that controls power delivery to a singular or plurality of end users. The device controls the times during which energy is delivered, and limits the electrical current available on a per socket basis. By limiting current draw, system operators can ensure that only high value appliances (LED lights, phone charging etc.) are powered. Local intermediaries buy credit in bulk from a power system operator, then sell it to users via a portable digital storage medium and mobile device in increments of days, weeks or months. Once loaded with credit, a user's power program is allowed to continue running for the specified duration. Further aspects of the embodiment include; usage data logging to cloud server, power theft detection and methods of synchronizing internal clocks of each intelligent device.