Dynamic Current Control for Fuse Protection in Energy Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical energy distribution systems face inefficiencies due to the need to limit charging currents for battery storage systems to prevent fuse overload, leading to suboptimal resource usage and increased electricity costs, especially during peak demand periods, and can result in local blackouts and high costs for end consumers.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a sensor device to monitor electrical current flow and a control device to temporarily reduce energy transmission when an overload is detected, preventing the triggering of safety devices like fuses, thus allowing for efficient energy distribution and reducing the need for oversized infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the maximum possible charging current is used for battery storage systems, then the charging speed is maximized, but the main fuse may blow in the worst case when all other consumers are switched on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic current control that adjusts the charging current in real-time based on the actual load situation. Instead of using a fixed throttled current or a fixed high current, the system continuously monitors the total current consumption and dynamically adapts the charging current to maximize charging speed while staying within safe limits and preventing fuse blowout.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by monitoring the actual current draw from the power supply network and using this information to adjust the charging current. The controller receives feedback about the operational state of other consumers and automatically adjusts the charging parameters to prevent overload while maintaining optimal charging performance.
2Power
If supply lines are designed with a larger cross-section to accommodate peak demand from multiple end users, then the maximum power capacity is increased, but resources are used less optimally since average consumption is much lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple end-user devices under a unified control system that coordinates their operation. By combining the monitoring and control functions, the system can distribute the available power capacity dynamically across multiple devices, allowing standard-sized supply lines to handle coordinated peak loads that would otherwise require oversized infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and assessment of power demand before peak load situations occur. By anticipating potential overload conditions and pre-coordinating power distribution, the system prevents the need for oversized supply lines while ensuring that peak demand can be met through optimized resource allocation.
3Reliability
If conventional planning of the distribution network is used when various end users draw electrical power at the performance limit, then local blackouts may occur due to loading beyond design limits, but the infrastructure costs increase if designed for worst-case scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service control where the distribution network automatically monitors its own load conditions and adjusts power allocation in real-time. The system uses embedded sensors and controllers to detect approaching load limits and automatically coordinates power distribution among end users, preventing blackouts without requiring manual intervention or oversized infrastructure designed for worst-case scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (120) for controlling the transmission of electrical energy between an energy supply network (100) and at least one portion of a plurality of end-user devices (102, 103), wherein a sensor device (104, 200) for providing sensor data indicative of the amount of flowing electrical current and a fuse device (106) for interrupting the transmission of electrical energy in an overload situation should be provided, wherein the apparatus (120) has a sensor interface (108), which is provided with sensor data indicative of an amount of flowing electrical current by the sensor device (104, 200), which amount is transmitted between the energy supply network (100) and the at least one portion of the plurality of end-user devices (102), and a control device (110, 400) which is set up to at least temporarily reduce the amount of flowing electrical current if the sensor data received indicate that the overload situation is present or that the overload situation can soon be expected if the amount of flowing electrical current is not reduced.