Computational load distribution in an environment having multiple sensing microsystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC control systems face challenges in balancing human comfort and energy efficiency due to high computational complexity and power constraints, particularly in distributed networks of wirelessly communicating sensing units, which require efficient power management and load distribution to perform advanced climate control tasks effectively.
Innovation Solution
A climate control system comprising a network of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems, each equipped with a temperature sensor and processor, that apportions shared computational tasks based on available power, using power management circuits to allocate tasks among units connected to HVAC systems, allowing for efficient load distribution and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If advanced computational algorithms are used for HVAC optimization, then climate control performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the computational workload by distributing characterization and optimization algorithms across multiple sensing microsystems rather than concentrating all computations in a single unit. Each sensing microsystem performs localized environmental characterization while a coordinator microsystem aggregates data and performs centralized optimization, dividing the computational burden to reduce individual power consumption while maintaining overall system performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial computational action by having sensing microsystems perform only environmental characterization locally, while deferring the more computationally intensive optimization algorithms to a coordinator microsystem that aggregates data from multiple sensors. This partial distribution of computational tasks reduces power consumption at individual sensing nodes while achieving comprehensive climate optimization through coordinated action
2Device complexity
If computational tasks are centralized in one sensing microsystem, then algorithm execution is simplified, but that single unit requires excessive power and becomes a bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments computational functions between two types of microsystems: sensing microsystems that perform lightweight environmental characterization and a coordinator microsystem that performs centralized optimization. This segmentation simplifies the coordinator's algorithm execution while distributing the power consumption burden across multiple units, preventing any single sensor from requiring excessive power
3Use of energy by moving object
If computational tasks are distributed across all sensing microsystems, then power consumption per unit is reduced, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments microsystems into two functional categories: sensing microsystems that perform simple environmental characterization and a coordinator microsystem that performs centralized optimization. This segmentation reduces individual power consumption while minimizing coordination complexity by assigning clear, distinct roles to each microsystem type, avoiding the need for complex peer-to-peer coordination protocols
4Adaptability or versatility
If sensing microsystems are deployed in distributed networks, then system scalability is improved, but power management and load distribution become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality between sensing microsystems that perform localized environmental characterization and a coordinator microsystem that performs centralized optimization and power management. This segmentation enables easy scalability by allowing additional sensing microsystems to be added to the network without increasing power management complexity, as the coordinator handles aggregation and optimization for any number of sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinator microsystem serves multiple functions: it aggregates environmental data from multiple sensing microsystems, performs centralized optimization algorithms, manages power distribution, and coordinates computational tasks. This multi-functionality consolidates complex power management and load distribution responsibilities in a single unit, enabling scalable deployment of additional sensing microsystems without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and related computer program products for using a distributed arrangement of wirelessly connected sensing microsystems are described. A plurality of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems is provided, each sensing microsystem including a temperature sensor and a processor. The plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task. Each sensing microsystem may include a power management circuit configured to determine an amount of electrical power available for dedication to the at least one shared computational task or a heating effect generated in performing the shared computational task. The at least one shared computational task is apportioned among respective ones of the plurality of sensing microsystems according to the amount of electrical power determined to be available for dedication thereto at each respective sensing microsystem or the determined heating effect.