Intelligent Auxiliary Power Supply System for Peak Demand Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary power supply systems lack the ability to make user-defined decisions based on data from multiple sensors, leading to potential inappropriate switching to auxiliary power sources during peak demand periods, resulting in higher energy costs and limited compatibility with tiered pricing schemes.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent auxiliary power supply system that includes a controller capable of receiving data from current, temperature, and other sensors, allowing users to configure switching to auxiliary power sources during specific conditions, such as peak demand periods, and utilizing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) apparatus with a transfer switch, charger, and inverter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a programmable controller uses an internal clock to switch to auxiliary power during peak demand periods, then the system can automatically manage power switching based on time, but the controller may switch to auxiliary power during inappropriate periods if the clock malfunctions, potentially causing the user to be charged higher energy prices
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors utility pricing signals and actual power consumption data, comparing them against the intended switching schedule. When discrepancies are detected (such as clock malfunctions causing switching at wrong times), the feedback mechanism detects the error and can correct the switching behavior to align with actual peak demand periods and pricing schemes, ensuring reliable operation despite controller failures
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts its switching behavior based on real-time monitoring of utility pricing and consumption patterns without requiring manual intervention. The controller learns from utility signals and self-corrects timing errors by adapting to actual peak demand periods, making the system self-healing against clock malfunctions
2Loss of energy
If the system switches to auxiliary power during all peak demand periods, then energy costs are reduced, but the system lacks the ability to make user-defined decisions based on multiple sensor conditions, leading to inappropriate switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts switching decisions based on multiple real-time conditions including utility pricing signals, temperature sensor readings, and user-defined parameters. Rather than following a fixed time schedule, the system continuously evaluates current conditions and adapts its switching behavior to optimize energy costs while maintaining comfort requirements, allowing user-defined decision rules that combine multiple sensor inputs
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (switching timing and duration) based on varying conditions such as temperature thresholds, utility pricing rates, and load conditions. Users can define multiple parameter sets that specify when switching should occur based on combinations of sensor readings, enabling flexible adaptation to different environmental and economic conditions
3Reliability
If fuel-powered portable generators are used as auxiliary power sources, then power supply continuity is maintained during outages, but the generators are very noisy and can be dangerous if exhaust is not properly ventilated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses rechargeable battery packs as auxiliary power sources that can be discharged during outages and then recharged from the utility grid when power is restored. These batteries provide clean, quiet power without the harmful exhaust and noise of fuel generators, and can be replaced or recharged as needed, offering a safer alternative to disposable fuel-based solutions
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of utility power failures into a beneficial opportunity by using the restored utility power to recharge battery packs after outages. This transforms the previously harmful situation (power outage requiring noisy generators) into a beneficial cycle where utility power serves dual purposes: providing normal operation and recharging backup systems
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 reduces energy costs by switching to auxiliary power only during necessary conditions, avoiding inappropriate activations and providing user-defined power management decisions, thereby optimizing energy usage and compatibility with various pricing schemes.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter connected to the controller and adapted for transforming electrical energy from the battery into electrical energy suitable for powering the HVAC system
Implementation Method 2
a charger connected to the controller and adapted for transforming electrical energy from the utility into electrical energy stored in the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling at least one load connected to a primary and a backup power supply having sensor for sensing a voltage on the primary power supply with a first voltage sensor; sensor for sensing a voltage on the backup power supply with a second voltage sensor and implementing a control algorithm in a controller to augment power from said primary power supply with power from the backup power supply in response to an input from the first and second voltage sensors and an input from at least one external sensor wherein the algorithm controls a switch between the at least one load and the primary and backup power supplies.