Energy Access Control for Dynamic Load Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand on power infrastructure, particularly during peak hours, and the challenge of providing access to green electricity outside of consumers' homes, along with the need for better load balancing in electrical power networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling access to an electrical power network by registering devices with an energy provider, setting usage rules, and comparing user-configured rules with network access rules to permit energy transfer based on voltage, frequency, and current capacity, while reporting energy usage to balance the load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If access to power network is allowed at multiple locations (airports, trains, public places), then user convenience and accessibility to green electricity is improved, but load balancing on the power network becomes more difficult during peak demand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to power networkVSAvoidload balancing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power network access rules based on real-time network capacity and load conditions. Access permissions are not static but adapt to changing demand patterns, allowing the system to maintain reliability while providing widespread access. The controller modifies authorization levels, time windows, and power limits according to current network state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous monitoring of power network load and capacity, using this feedback to adjust access decisions. The controller receives information about network conditions and modifies access rules accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that balances user accessibility with network reliability during peak and off-peak periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If power network access rules are determined based on network capacity, then load balancing accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to registration and rule comparison processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload balancing accuracyVSAvoidaccess control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-verification by automatically comparing device usage rules with network access rules without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously evaluates compatibility between user-defined parameters and network capacity constraints, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precise load balancing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Device usage rules are established and registered in advance before actual power transfer occurs. This preliminary configuration allows the system to pre-validate compatibility with network access rules, simplifying real-time decision-making while ensuring accurate load balancing based on predetermined device characteristics and user preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If green electricity access is provided outside home environments, then user flexibility is improved, but ability to guarantee 100% green electricity becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess flexibilityVSAvoidgreen electricity guarantee
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal access control framework that operates across diverse locations (homes, airports, trains, public places) while maintaining consistent green electricity verification. The same rule-comparison mechanism and registration process ensure 100% green electricity guarantee regardless of location, making the system both flexible and reliable.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2487767B1Energy access control
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2487767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2487767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2487767B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of controlling access to an electrical power network, comprising: receiving a power network access rule from a power network, the power network access rule defining an access condition which permits a device to access the power network; receiving a device usage rule, the device usage rule being a condition when the device is permitted use of the power network; comparing the device usage rule with the received power network access rule; and permitting the transfer of energy between the power network and the device upon a positive comparison between the device usage rule and the power network access rule.