DC Power Distribution System with Appliance Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power distribution systems using DC power sources like secondary batteries and solar cells, it is challenging to efficiently and economically operate appliances due to varying residual capacities and power generation, leading to increased costs from using commercial power sources during high electricity rates.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system that includes an appliance selection unit, available power detection, and display unit to identify and prioritize appliances that can be operated using the available DC power, minimizing reliance on commercial power sources by selecting appliances based on residual battery capacity and power generation from solar cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If appliances are operated using only DC power source, then cost reduction is achieved, but the system cannot correspond to varying power consumption requirements due to residual capacity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the residual capacity of the DC power source and the power consumption characteristics of appliances, using this feedback information to dynamically determine which appliances can be operated. The control unit receives real-time data on battery capacity and appliance power requirements, enabling adaptive decision-making that balances cost savings with operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts appliance operation based on varying residual capacity conditions. As the DC power source capacity changes over time (charging/discharging cycles), the system adapts by selecting different appliance combinations, allowing users to operate different sets of appliances depending on the current power availability while maintaining cost efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If commercial power source is used together with DC power source, then power consumption requirements can be met, but electricity cost increases due to high daytime rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates appliances partially or fully using DC power based on available capacity, rather than relying on commercial power for all needs. By utilizing the DC power source to the extent possible (partial action), the system reduces dependency on expensive commercial power during high-rate periods while still meeting essential power consumption requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply parameter by prioritizing DC power source utilization over commercial power source. The control logic dynamically adjusts the mix of power sources based on residual capacity, appliance requirements, and cost considerations, shifting the primary power parameter from commercial to DC source during daytime high-rate periods.
3Device complexity
If DC power source is used without appliance selection guidance, then system simplicity is maintained, but user cannot determine which appliances can be operated
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically calculating and presenting appliance compatibility information to the user. The control unit independently determines which appliances can be operated based on DC power availability and communicates this information through the display interface, eliminating the need for complex user calculations or manual assessments while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display interface acts as an intermediary between the complex power management system and the user. It translates the underlying power capacity calculations and appliance requirements into user-friendly information, showing which appliances can be operated without exposing the user to system complexity while ensuring ease of operation.
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 system allows users to effectively utilize DC power sources without commercial power, reducing electricity bills by optimizing appliance selection and operation during peak and non-peak hours, thus enhancing energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a Direct Current (DC) power source, such as a solar cell which generates power using solar light in the daytime
Implementation Method 2
a secondary battery which is charged by a commercial power source or a distributed power source such as the solar cell
Data Source
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AI summary
A power distribution system includes a direct current (DC) power source and an appliance selection unit for selecting one or more appliances that can be operated with an available power of the DC power source. The power distribution system further includes a display unit for displaying results of selection by the appliance selection unit.