Dynamic Power Management Controllers for Electrical Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems often cause inconvenience due to unexpected power surges from unexpected devices, leading to circuit tripping or fuse blowing, and struggle to efficiently allocate electricity usage among multiple devices and users, especially with the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A networked system of controllers and sensors that monitor and manage power usage in real-time, comparing device power requirements to available circuit capacity, enabling or disabling devices based on priority and available power, and allowing for dynamic allocation and billing of electricity usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuit breakers or fuses are configured with higher maximum power ratings for outlets associated with high-power devices, then the reliability of power supply for high-power devices is improved, but the device complexity of the power management system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling controllers to monitor power usage in real-time and adjust power allocation dynamically. The system transitions from static circuit breaker configurations to dynamic control where power distribution can be adjusted based on current demand, device priority, and available capacity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity through adaptive management
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where controllers continuously monitor power consumption of connected devices and communicate with the power management system. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to actual power usage patterns, adjusting allocations to maintain reliability while avoiding unnecessary complexity from over-engineering static protections
2Object-affected harmful factors
If circuit breakers trip or fuses blow when power draw exceeds maximum allowable power rating, then the safety of the power system is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual intervention required
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system performs self-service by automatically detecting power overloads and managing device power allocation without requiring user intervention. The controllers monitor power draw and can selectively reduce power to non-critical devices to prevent overloads, eliminating the need for users to manually reset circuit breakers or replace fuses while maintaining system safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces controllers as intermediary devices between the power source and connected devices. These controllers act as mediators that manage power distribution, detect potential overloads before they cause damage, and coordinate power allocation among multiple devices, thereby preventing harmful effects while maintaining ease of operation through automated management
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the circuit is opened when power draw exceeds maximum power rating, then the protection of electrical infrastructure is improved, but the productivity of device operation deteriorates due to power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages power allocation to prevent complete circuit trips by selectively reducing power to non-critical devices before the total power draw exceeds the circuit's maximum rating. This dynamic adjustment maintains infrastructure protection while avoiding complete power loss and maintaining device operation continuity for critical loads
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system takes preliminary anti-action by proactively monitoring power consumption and preemptively managing device power allocation before overloads occur. The controllers can identify potential power excess conditions and adjust device power consumption in advance, preventing circuit trips and maintaining continuous operation without compromising infrastructure protection
4Adaptability or versatility
If a networked system with controllers and sensors is implemented to monitor and manage power usage in real-time, then the adaptability of the power management system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management system into distributed controllers at individual outlets and a central management system. Each controller independently monitors local power usage and communicates with the central system, allowing the complex functions to be distributed across multiple simple components. This segmentation provides adaptability while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The controllers implemented in the patent are designed as universal multi-functional devices that can monitor power consumption, identify connected devices, communicate with the network, and control power allocation. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple operations into single components, providing system adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity through component proliferation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may comprise a first controller configured to identify a power requirement associated with an electrical device, and a transmitter configured to communicate the power requirement to a second controller. The second controller may be associated with an electrical circuit configured to provide power to a plurality of electrical devices including the electrical device. Additionally, the apparatus may comprise a receiver configured to receive a response from the second controller. The response may identify an available power associated with the electrical circuit, and the first controller may be configured to enable operation of the electrical device based, at least in part, on a comparison of the power requirement and the available power.