Dynamic Power Allocation in Distribution Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power distribution modules (PDMs) are often oversized due to peak demand sizing, leading to inefficient use of electrical resources as loads typically operate at lower power levels, resulting in wasted energy and increased installation and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution module (PDM) with a controller and switches that dynamically allocate power based on measured demand, allowing unused power from one output channel to be shared with others, optimizing power utilization and reducing the need for oversized infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If circuits are sized based on peak demand to ensure sufficient power capacity, then power supply reliability is improved, but electrical resource efficiency deteriorates due to oversized circuits operating at lower power levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical resource efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power allocation by dividing the power distribution module into multiple independently controllable output channels with individual switches. Each channel can be dynamically enabled or disabled based on actual power demand, allowing the system to adapt between peak and non-peak operating conditions. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through available capacity while improving efficiency by activating only needed circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power distribution module is segmented into multiple output channels, each with its own switch and control capability. This segmentation allows independent management of power delivery to different loads, enabling the system to optimize power distribution by activating only the channels currently in use rather than maintaining all circuits at peak capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If power distribution modules are oversized to meet peak demand requirements, then power capacity is sufficient, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower capacityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance costs
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic switching control to enable or disable output channels based on actual power requirements. This allows the use of standardized, smaller-capacity circuitry that can be dynamically configured to meet peak demands when needed, rather than requiring permanently oversized infrastructure that increases installation and maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the power distribution system by introducing controllable switches that can alter the effective power capacity of output channels. This allows the system to flexibly adjust power delivery capabilities to match actual load requirements, avoiding the need for permanently oversized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If all output channels are always active to ensure power availability, then power access reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to unused power delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower access reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of output channels through individual switches that can be enabled or disabled based on actual power需求的. This dynamic approach ensures that power delivery is available when needed while preventing energy waste by keeping unused channels inactive, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic power management where the controller monitors power demands and autonomously activates or deactivates output channels as needed. This self-service capability ensures power availability when required while minimizing energy consumption by automatically disabling unused channels without requiring continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables a greater number of electrical devices to be powered efficiently, reducing labor and material costs while maintaining compliance with safety standards, and improving energy consumption efficiency by dynamically managing power distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a power transfer device electrically coupled to the input portion, where the power transfer device is configured to generate at least one low-voltage (LV) signal using the HV power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10468889B2Shared power for power distribution modules
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • US10468889B2 patent drawing
  • US10468889B2 patent drawing
  • US10468889B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power distribution module (PDM) can include an input portion configured to receive high-voltage (HV) power from a power source. The PDM can also include a power transfer device electrically coupled to the input portion, where the power transfer device is configured to generate at least one low-voltage signal using the HV power. The PDM can further include an output section electrically coupled to the power transfer device and including a number of output channels. The PDM can also include at least one switch disposed between the output section and the power transfer device, where the at least one switch has an open position and a closed position. The PDM can further include a controller communicably coupled to the at least one switch, where the controller operates the at least one switch between the closed position and the open position based on a power demand measured at the output section.