Energy Management System Power Distribution via Intermediary Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power control systems in smart grids fail to effectively manage power distribution among smart appliances, as they operate independently and lack consideration for individual appliance characteristics, resulting in low energy saving effects and inflexible power management.

Innovation Solution

An Energy Management System (EMS) is introduced, which includes an input unit, communication unit, storage unit, power adjustment unit, and controller, that communicates with smart appliances and smart meters using Power Line Communication and ZigBee schemes, allowing for power management based on individual appliance characteristics and user preferences, enabling efficient power distribution and reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If smart appliances operate independently with individual power control, then each appliance can be controlled based on its own characteristics, but overall energy saving effects are reduced due to lack of coordinated power distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual appliance control flexibilityVSAvoidoverall energy saving effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a power management server as an intermediary between the power company server and smart appliances. This server collects appliance information, manages power distribution policies, and coordinates control actions across multiple appliances, enabling both individual appliance characteristics to be considered and overall energy saving goals to be achieved through coordinated power distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If conventional DM protocol is used for remote device management, then firmware and software can be managed, but power distribution service between devices cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote device management capabilityVSAvoidpower distribution service capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the remote device management functionality of the DM protocol with power distribution management capabilities. The power management server utilizes DM protocol for firmware and software management while simultaneously implementing power distribution policies, thereby combining these previously separate functions into a unified system that achieves both remote management and power distribution services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If smart meter and smart appliances are used individually, then basic power control operations can be performed, but flexible power management considering individual appliance characteristics fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic power control operationVSAvoidflexible power management capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimension of power distribution policy management by introducing the power management server that operates at a higher level than individual smart appliances. This server implements multiple power distribution policies considering various appliance characteristics and user preferences, transforming the single-dimension automatic control into a multi-dimensional flexible management system that considers appliance type, user behavior, and power distribution strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2671303B1Method and apparatus for managing power of a smart appliance
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2671303B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2671303B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2671303B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method and apparatus for managing power of a smart appliance is provided. The method includes acquiring, from the smart appliance, by an Energy Management System (EMS) for managing power of the smart appliance at home over a home network, terminal information including function information and power consumption information; monitoring power of the smart appliance and transmitting results of the results to an energy service provider; and controlling, upon receiving a power reduction command from the energy service provider, the power of the smart appliance based on the acquired terminal information.