Common Distribution Network Flow Equalization Without Device Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for flow equalization in distribution networks require communication networks, increasing system weight and complexity, and fail to optimize flow volume management among identical consumer members without added communication.
Innovation Solution
A scaled flow management method that uses mathematical equations to regulate flow volume among consumer members, minimizing the maximum input flow volume, allowing all consumers to operate at full or less than full consumption levels, without requiring communication between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If communication networks are added to distribution networks for flow equalization management, then flow optimization capability is improved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the communication network component from the flow equalization management system. Instead of using communication networks between consumer devices, the invention uses a centralized management device that receives flow volume data from all consumers and calculates equalization factors, thereby eliminating the complexity and weight of distributed communication infrastructure while maintaining flow optimization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized management device as an intermediary between flow measurement and flow regulation. This management device receives flow volume data from all consumer devices, performs the equalization calculations, and sends back equalization factors to individual consumers, thereby centralizing the intelligence required for flow optimization without requiring direct communication between consumer devices
2Productivity
If communication networks are added to distribution networks for flow equalization management, then flow optimization capability is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the communication network component from the flow equalization management system. Instead of using communication networks between consumer devices, the invention uses a centralized management device that receives flow volume data from all consumers and calculates equalization factors, thereby eliminating the complexity and weight of distributed communication infrastructure while maintaining flow optimization capability
3Ease of operation
If maximum flow volume is allocated to all consumers, then individual consumer satisfaction is improved, but total flow volume exceeds network capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allocating flow volume to consumers based on their individual needs and the network's total capacity. Instead of giving maximum flow to all consumers (excessive action), the system calculates equalization factors that distribute flow partially to each consumer according to a formula that ensures total flow does not exceed network capacity while still meeting individual consumer requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow volume parameter dynamically by calculating equalization factors based on the ratio of each consumer's maximum flow volume to the sum of all consumers' maximum flow volumes. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize flow distribution according to actual network conditions and consumer needs, balancing individual satisfaction with overall capacity constraints
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a method to manage and limit, by the development of a flow equalization equation, the amount of total input flow capacity within a network among two or more identical consuming members connected in series on a common distribution network. The objective of this method is to minimize the maximum input flow volume, such that, any number of consumers devices may operate at full consumption while other consumers are operating at less than full consumption.