Electronic Device Power Consumption Control for Smart Grids

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Solution Overview

Problem

The introduction of smart power grids necessitates the development of technologies that can efficiently control electronic devices to manage power consumption effectively, as existing systems struggle to adapt to flexible rate systems and reduce peak demand efficiently.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a communication unit and control unit that receives power restriction requests, determines restricted operating power based on required power values, and adjusts operations to minimize energy consumption, while also allowing for negotiation procedures to reassign power among devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If power consumption is restricted to meet smart grid requirements, then energy efficiency is improved, but operational functionality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoperational functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the restricted power value. When power restriction is applied, the device transitions from a normal operational mode to a restricted operational mode, where it performs essential functions with reduced power consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to maintain core functionality while meeting power constraints, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its operational parameters in response to power restriction requests. By modifying parameters such as processing speed, display refresh rate, or network communication frequency, the device can operate within restricted power limits while still providing acceptable service. This parameter adjustment enables the device to balance power consumption with functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If power restriction requests are enforced strictly, then energy costs are reduced, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy costsVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device implements a feedback mechanism where it communicates with the smart grid system to receive power restriction requests and provides status information about its operational state. This feedback loop allows the device to inform users when power restrictions are active and what functions are affected, enabling users to make informed decisions about their energy consumption versus convenience trade-offs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically manages its own power consumption by interpreting power restriction requests and adjusting its operations without requiring user intervention. It autonomously determines which functions to maintain and which to reduce or suspend, thereby maintaining user convenience while complying with power restrictions. The device serves itself by making intelligent decisions about resource allocation under constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If existing systems operate without power restriction capabilities, then operational simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to smart grids deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidsmart grid integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both traditional and smart grid environments. It includes a power restriction management module that can interpret and respond to power restriction requests from smart grid systems, while maintaining its standard operational capabilities when not under restriction. This universal design allows the device to adapt to different grid types without sacrificing operational simplicity in traditional settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is pre-configured with the capability to receive and process power restriction requests before they are actually enforced. By having the necessary software modules and communication interfaces in place beforehand, the device can seamlessly transition to restricted operation when needed, without requiring complex retrofits or user configuration. This preliminary preparation maintains operational simplicity while enabling smart grid adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8674543B2Electronic device for controlling consumption power and method of operating the same
Publication Date: 2014.03.18 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US8674543B2 patent drawing
  • US8674543B2 patent drawing
  • US8674543B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of restricting power consumption of an electronic device. The method includes a request reception step of receiving a power consumption restriction request including a restricted power consumption value and a response transmission step of sending a response to the power consumption restriction request on the basis of the restricted power consumption value and a required power consumption value necessary for an operation.