Auxiliary Power Control Module for EV Load Threshold Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing energy demands from electric vehicles and auxiliary electrical devices lead to higher energy bills and potential power outages due to increased electrical loads, necessitating improved electrical power monitoring and control systems.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power control device with a main and auxiliary power connection, sensors to measure total current, and a control server that sends instructions to auxiliary devices to manage power usage based on predetermined thresholds and user preferences, using communication protocols like OCPP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electrical power is increased to meet rising energy demands from EVs and auxiliary devices, then energy availability improves, but risk of power outages and grid instability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring total current before reaching dangerous thresholds and preemptively controlling auxiliary device power consumption. The control server receives total current data, compares it to threshold values, and sends control signals to reduce auxiliary power consumption before grid instability occurs, preventing rather than reacting to power outages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the sensor monitors total current flowing through main and auxiliary power connections, transmits this data to the control server, which then adjusts auxiliary device power consumption based on the feedback. This closed-loop control maintains power stability by dynamically responding to changing load conditions.
2Ease of operation
If power consumption of auxiliary devices is increased to meet user needs, then user satisfaction improves, but total current and energy bills increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power consumption of auxiliary devices based on real-time total current conditions. Rather than fixed power allocation, the control server continuously modifies auxiliary device operation to optimize between user needs and energy conservation, allowing maximum power usage when headroom exists and reducing power when thresholds are approached.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of auxiliary devices based on total current measurements. The control server modifies power consumption parameters dynamically, adjusting device operation modes, charging rates, or shutdown sequences to maintain total current below thresholds while still meeting user needs when possible.
3Measurement precision
If real-time power monitoring is implemented to control total current, then power management precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control server performs multiple functions within a single device: it receives and processes total current data from the sensor, compares measurements against threshold values, determines appropriate control actions, and sends control signals to auxiliary devices. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control logic into one universal component rather than requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control server acts as an intermediary between the sensor and auxiliary devices. Rather than requiring direct complex interactions between multiple components, the control server mediates by receiving standardized data from the sensor and sending standardized control signals to various auxiliary devices, simplifying the overall system architecture through a central coordinating interface.
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
The system effectively manages power usage to maintain total consumption below a threshold, reducing the risk of power disruptions and optimizing energy efficiency based on user needs and local generation data.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor for sensing a total current flowing through the main power connection and the auxiliary power connection
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical power control devices may include a main power connection for transmitting electrical power to a disconnect panel, an auxiliary power connection for transmitting electrical power to an auxiliary device, and an auxiliary control module. The auxiliary control module may include at least one sensor for sensing a total current flowing through the main power connection and the auxiliary power connection and a control server configured to send instructions to the auxiliary device to control power usage based on a comparison of the total current to a predetermined threshold. Various other related systems and methods may employ such electrical power control devices.