Intelligent Backup Power System with Priority Circuit Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backup power systems are unable to prioritize power distribution to essential circuits and devices automatically, often wasting energy by powering non-essential devices and requiring manual intervention to shed less critical loads, and are inflexible in adjusting circuit connections based on changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A backup power system that includes computer-controlled circuit switches and current sensors, controlled by a switch controller, which selectively enables or disables power to circuits and devices based on measured current loads and a power distribution priority profile, allowing sequential power application to prioritize essential circuits and devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a generator supplies power to all circuits in a building, then all circuits receive power during backup, but the generator must be sized to support the entire electrical load including non-essential devices, increasing cost and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the building's circuits into multiple priority groups (critical, essential, non-essential) and uses computer-controlled circuit switches to selectively connect only the necessary segments to the generator based on available power capacity and current conditions, preventing non-essential circuits from consuming limited backup power resources
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which circuits receive power by continuously monitoring generator capacity, current loads, and priority levels, automatically reconfiguring circuit connections through the controller and switches to optimize power distribution in real-time based on changing conditions
2Quantity of substance
If a single circuit is connected to the generator via transfer switch, then the generator size can be reduced, but it is unlikely that all essential devices will be connected to that single circuit and non-essential devices may be powered unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting a single circuit to the generator, the system segments multiple circuits into priority groups and uses computer-controlled switches to connect the appropriate number and combination of circuits based on generator capacity, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential devices while maintaining reduced generator sizing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of circuit connectivity from fixed (single circuit or all circuits) to variable, allowing the number of connected circuits to be dynamically adjusted based on generator capacity and priority requirements, optimizing both coverage and resource utilization
3Quantity of substance
If circuits are manually shed to avoid overloading the generator, then the generator can be sized smaller, but manual intervention is required and essential circuits may not be properly identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic load management and circuit selection without manual intervention. The controller monitors generator capacity and current loads, automatically determines which circuits to connect or disconnect based on priority profiles, and executes the reconfiguration through computer-controlled switches, eliminating the need for manual shed operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of generator capacity, current loads on each circuit, and priority level assignments. This feedback loop enables the controller to make real-time decisions about circuit connectivity, automatically adjusting power distribution to prevent overload while ensuring essential circuits are prioritized
4Device complexity
If predetermined circuits are connected to the generator, then the system is simple to implement, but the system cannot adapt to changing conditions or events
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static predetermined circuit connections to dynamic reconfigurable connections. Computer-controlled switches enable real-time changes in circuit connectivity based on monitored conditions, priority levels, and generator capacity, allowing the system to adapt to changing events while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture
5Ease of operation
If all circuits are powered by the backup generator, then no power selection is needed, but valuable electricity is wasted powering non-essential devices instead of being used for essential devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quality levels of power service to different circuits based on their essentiality. Critical and essential circuits receive priority power allocation with higher reliability, while non-essential circuits are automatically disconnected or deprioritized, creating localized quality differentiation that eliminates waste on non-essential devices while ensuring adequate service to essential areas
Data Source
AI summary
Presented is a backup power system for a building that selectively provides power to particular circuits according to a power distribution priority profile. Power is applied sequentially to each particular circuit depending on the measured current loads of the particular circuits to which power has already been applied.