Circuit-Level Power Control for Building Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many work areas and buildings consume significant amounts of energy even when unoccupied, due to devices being in standby mode or left on, leading to increased utility costs and unnecessary energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power management system that uses circuit-level control to selectively de-power individual circuits or outlets based on occupancy detection or predefined programs, allowing for energy conservation during periods of non-use while maintaining power availability when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If circuit-level control is implemented to selectively de-power individual circuits based on occupancy detection, then energy consumption is reduced during periods of non-use, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electrical distribution system into multiple independently controllable circuits, allowing selective de-powering of specific circuits based on occupancy detection. Each circuit can be controlled individually through separate switches, enabling precise energy management without affecting entire building systems.
Solution Approach 2:
An occupancy detection system serves as an intermediary between physical occupancy status and power control actions. The detector monitors occupancy and triggers appropriate switching actions, mediating between user presence and energy consumption without requiring direct user intervention in power control.
2Loss of energy
If occupancy detection and selective circuit de-powering is implemented, then unnecessary energy consumption is prevented, but system complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects occupancy status and autonomously controls power distribution without requiring manual intervention. The occupancy detector and control system work together to self-regulate power consumption based on actual usage patterns, eliminating the need for continuous human monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where occupancy detection results continuously inform power control decisions. The detector provides real-time occupancy information to the control system, which adjusts circuit power states accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing occupancy conditions.
3Loss of energy
If individual circuits are de-energized during non-use periods, then energy costs are reduced, but availability of power may be affected when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power availability to circuits based on real-time occupancy conditions. Power is not permanently removed but temporarily de-energized only when circuits are unoccupied, allowing flexible adaptation between energy conservation and power availability requirements without fixed constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system anticipates power needs by detecting occupancy in advance and preparing appropriate power states. When occupancy is detected, the system can pre-energize circuits before actual power demand occurs, ensuring immediate power availability when needed while maintaining energy savings during unoccupied periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for managing electrical power consumption by individual electrical circuits in a building. The system includes a power control device in electrical communication with a multi-circuit power infeed and a multi-circuit power output, each of which includes at least two electrical conductors on separate circuits. The power control device includes respective electrical switches associated with the conductors of the power infeed and power output, an electronic communications module, and a computer processor in communication with the switches and the communications module. The processor is operable to open and close the electrical switches independently, in response to an occupancy signal and/or a trigger or scheduled event stored by the power control device. When a period of non-use is detected or anticipated, the power control device de-energizes one or more circuits, to limit unnecessary energy consumption within the system. A receptacle-level power control is also disclosed.