Behind-the-Meter Compute Network for Using Excess Vehicle Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently utilizing excess energy generated by renewable sources and vehicles for computational tasks, as existing methods face inefficiencies and high energy consumption, particularly due to the weight and energy requirements of batteries, and the lack of effective utilization of excess energy from vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A network system comprising a parent and child system, where the child system is located at the source of behind-the-meter energy, such as vehicles, and performs computational tasks using excess energy when available, leveraging advancements in wireless communication and global connectivity to enable remote and efficient data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If excess energy is stored in batteries for later use, then energy availability is improved, but system weight and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs computational tasks in advance when excess energy is available from regenerative braking, rather than storing energy for later use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for heavy battery storage systems while still achieving the goal of utilizing excess energy productively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the computational processing function from the vehicle's primary power system and relocates it to a separate, lightweight processing unit that can be powered by excess energy without requiring heavy energy storage infrastructure.
2Loss of energy
If computational tasks are performed using excess energy from vehicles, then energy utilization is improved, but energy availability for primary functions may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses only the partial excess energy that is available beyond what is needed for primary vehicle functions. Computational tasks are performed only when excess energy thresholds are met, ensuring that primary functions are never compromised while still achieving productive energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts computational task execution based on real-time energy availability conditions. Processing intensity and task selection are modulated according to the vehicle's current energy state, ensuring that primary functions always have sufficient power while maximizing utilization of excess energy when available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If energy is transmitted over long distances, then energy distribution flexibility is improved, but transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the energy utilization process by performing computational tasks locally at the point where excess energy is generated (the vehicle), rather than transmitting energy over long distances. This segmentation eliminates transmission losses while maintaining flexibility through wireless communication of results to remote destinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces wireless communication as an intermediary mechanism that decouples the energy generation location from the energy consumption location. Excess energy is converted to computational work locally, and results are transmitted digitally rather than transmitting physical energy, thereby eliminating transmission efficiency losses.
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
This approach allows for the efficient use of excess energy for computational tasks, reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint by performing computations at the source of energy generation, utilizing regenerative braking and other energy sources, and optimizing energy distribution without the need for additional energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing regenerative braking and other energy sources
Data Source
AI summary
Networks, systems, and methods as disclosed herein include a parent system connected via data communication to one or more child systems, wherein the one or more child systems are located at a source of behind-the-meter (BTM) energy to perform a computational task assigned to the child system by the parent system using the BTM energy. The child system performs the computational task when the BTM energy available exceeds an amount for performing a primary task at the source of the BTM energy. The parent system may be located remote from the source of the BTM energy. The parent system may be at a source of BTM energy that may be the same or different as the source of BTM energy where the child system is located. The BTM energy may be provided by stationary and/or moving energy sources.