Energy Consumption Alerting via Data Decomposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional energy consumption measurement systems are inadequate for real-time monitoring and control, especially in large sites with multiple electrical appliances, as they lack the granularity to detect unusual energy consumption patterns efficiently, making it difficult to maintain energy efficiency and meet energy targets.

Innovation Solution

An energy consumption alerting method and system that uses sensors to measure location-specific energy consumption values, decomposes them based on seasonal and daily patterns, and compares these values with reference data to detect outliers, notifying users of unusual consumption through a cloud-based platform.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If individual metering devices are used for each electrical appliance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption measurement precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments energy consumption data by decomposing aggregate measurements into individual appliance contributions using machine learning models. Instead of physically segmenting the measurement system into multiple meters, the system virtually segments the data through algorithms that attribute consumption to specific appliances based on electrical signatures and usage patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces machine learning models and data processing algorithms as intermediaries between the aggregate metering device and the user. These intermediaries analyze the raw consumption data, decompose it into appliance-level insights, and present actionable information without requiring physical installation of multiple meters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If individual metering devices are deployed throughout the site, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time for installation and data collection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption measurement precisionVSAvoidtime for installation and data collection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of individual appliance metering functionality through software algorithms. Instead of installing physical metering devices at each appliance, the system uses machine learning models that replicate the measurement and analysis capabilities of individual meters through software-based decomposition of aggregate consumption data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes a single aggregate metering device perform multiple functions by combining it with machine learning algorithms. The system not only measures total consumption but also automatically decomposes it into individual appliance contributions, providing both aggregate and detailed measurement capabilities through a unified system.

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

3Device complexity

If only aggregate energy consumption data is collected, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information about individual appliance consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidappliance-level consumption information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary data processing and decomposition using machine learning models before presenting the information to users. The system pre-analyzes aggregate consumption data to extract appliance-level insights, trends, and anomalies, making detailed information available without requiring complex user-side analysis tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors appliance-level decomposed data and provides actionable insights to users. The machine learning models learn from consumption patterns and provide feedback about abnormal usage, energy-saving opportunities, and appliance performance, transforming raw data into meaningful information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10600307B2Energy consumption alerting method, energy consumption alerting system and platform
Publication Date: 2020.03.24 GLOBAL DESIGN CORP LTD
  • US10600307B2 patent drawing
  • US10600307B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An energy consumption alerting method includes measuring location-specific energy consumption values over a specific period at a sensor deployed at a location of a monitored site, and decomposing the location-specific energy consumption values according to a first characteristic. The method further includes decomposing the location-specific energy consumption values according to a second characteristic, and obtaining a first decomposed energy consumption value. The method additionally includes determining a corresponding first reference value based on the decomposed values, and comparing the first decomposed energy consumption value with the determined corresponding first reference value. Additionally, the method includes notifying a user if the first decomposed energy consumption value and the determined corresponding first reference value differ from each other. Furthermore, an energy consumption alerting system and a cloud-based energy consumption alerting platform is provided.