Electronic Device Energy Control via Scheduling and Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current demand response systems face challenges in efficiently managing energy usage among small-scale users without direct adjustment of energy consumption and providing reliable energy saving information without separate metering devices, as well as distributing appropriate incentives.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a communication circuit and processor executes scheduling processes to determine control levels and transmit power control signals to control target devices, using external power usage data to adjust energy usage efficiently and provide reliable savings information, enabling fair incentive distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate energy usage meter reading device is installed to measure energy usage, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (energy usage meter reading device) that acts as a mediator between the control target device and the electronic device. This intermediary collects energy usage data from the control target device and transmits it to the electronic device, enabling accurate measurement without requiring the control target device itself to have complex measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the energy usage data through the meter reading device, which collects and transmits data about the control target device's energy consumption. This allows the electronic device to obtain accurate measurement information without directly interacting with or modifying the control target device's internal systems.
2Loss of energy
If small-scale users individually adjust energy usage to meet demand response requirements, then energy saving effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control target device is equipped with automatic control functionality that enables it to self-adjust its energy usage based on control signals received from the electronic device. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually adjust settings, maintaining ease of operation while achieving energy saving effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the electronic device receives energy usage data from the meter reading device, compares it with target values, and sends control signals back to the control target device. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic adjustment of energy usage without requiring user intervention, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the supplier requests users to voluntarily save energy through telephone communication, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and energy saving effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of telephone communication with an automated electronic communication system. The electronic device automatically transmits control signals to the control target device based on received energy usage data, eliminating the need for manual telephone requests and significantly improving energy saving efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the control target device with automatic control functionality and pre-establishing the data transmission infrastructure. This allows the system to automatically respond to energy usage conditions without requiring real-time manual intervention, improving productivity while keeping the system easy to operate.
4Measurement precision
If demand response participation is limited to large-scale power users with installed metering devices, then measurement precision is ensured, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system where the electronic device can manage multiple types of control target devices (air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.) through a standardized interface. The meter reading device and control mechanism are designed to be applicable across different device types and user scales, enabling both large-scale and small-scale users to participate in demand response programs while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an operation of determining at least one control level by executing at least one scheduling process, an operation of selecting one control level from among the at least one control level, and an operation of transmitting a power control signal corresponding to the selected control level to one or more control target devices. The operation of determining the control level may include an operation of performing a first scheduling process of receiving first power usage data from an external power amount data providing device and determining a first control level based on the first power usage data. In addition to this, various embodiments identified through the specification are possible.