Backup Power Allocation Using Dynamic Device Priorities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup power management systems struggle to efficiently allocate power to electronic devices during power outages, especially when environmental conditions and user priorities are dynamic.
Innovation Solution
A backup power allocation manager that obtains device data, environmental conditions, and priority data to calculate a projected power capacity and modify power allocation accordingly, ensuring that critical devices receive power based on predefined thresholds and user priorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If backup power is allocated to all electronic devices simultaneously, then all devices can operate during power outage, but the duration of available backup power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating different power supply priorities to different electronic devices based on their criticality. Critical devices receive preferential power allocation while non-critical devices may have power reduced or interrupted, allowing the backup power source to sustain operation longer by selectively powering only essential devices during extended outages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power allocation based on real-time conditions including remaining backup power capacity, device criticality levels, and environmental factors. The power management controller continuously monitors and reconfigures power distribution to optimize both the number of powered devices and duration of backup power availability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If backup power capacity is increased to extend duration, then longer power supply is available, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing full power to all devices indefinitely, the system applies partial action by allocating power selectively based on criticality levels. This allows the existing backup power capacity to effectively serve more devices over extended periods by limiting power to only essential functions, avoiding the need for larger, more complex power systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments electronic devices into different criticality groups (critical, non-critical, optional) and applies different power allocation strategies to each segment. This segmentation allows the backup power system to be managed in discrete priority levels, simplifying control logic and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If power allocation is based on fixed priorities, then implementation is simple, but adaptability to changing environmental conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power allocation system transitions from static to dynamic operation by continuously monitoring environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, outdoor temperature) and adjusting device priorities accordingly. For example, HVAC systems may be reclassified as critical during extreme temperature conditions, and the controller adapts power allocation in real-time to maintain essential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where the power management controller continuously monitors backup power source status, environmental conditions, and device operational requirements, then adjusts power allocation decisions accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables adaptive response to changing conditions while maintaining relatively simple implementation through predefined adjustment rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include obtaining device data for a set of electronic devices. The device data can indicate power utilized by the set of electronic devices. The method can include obtaining a capacity of a backup power source. The method can include obtaining priority data regarding an allocation of power to the set of electronic devices. The method can include obtaining a set of environmental conditions. The method can include calculating, based at least in part on the set of environmental conditions and the device data, a projected electrical load on the backup power source. The method can include determining that one or more thresholds are exceeded. The determining can comprise identifying that the projected electrical load exceeds the capacity. The method can include modifying, in response to the determining and according to the priority data, power supplied to the set of electronic devices from the backup power source.