Energy Disaggregation via Load Switching Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring energy consumption in facilities are costly and labor-intensive, particularly due to the need for granular energy measurement devices and hardware-based sub-metering, which complicates the process of compiling appliance profiles and managing energy consumption effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system for load disaggregation that uses a single digital meter installed at the incoming line to infer individual appliance energy usage without additional measurement devices, employing load switching event detection, time-frequency domain analysis, and an intelligent decision support system to break down total energy consumption into component-specific consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If granular energy measurement devices are installed for each appliance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total energy consumption signal into individual appliance consumption components through signal processing and pattern recognition. By analyzing temporal patterns, power signatures, and usage behaviors of the aggregate signal, the system virtually divides the measurement task without physically dividing the measurement devices, thus achieving appliance-level precision with a single meter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of computational analysis between the single energy meter and the appliances. This intermediary system uses algorithms to infer individual appliance consumption from the aggregate signal, acting as a mediator that translates total consumption data into granular appliance-level insights without requiring direct physical connection to each appliance.
2Measurement precision
If additional measurement devices are installed for each component, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and installation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement function for all appliances into a single energy meter installed at the main electrical panel. By combining multiple measurement tasks into one device and using computational methods to differentiate individual appliance signatures, the system achieves both measurement precision and installation simplicity, eliminating the need for separate devices at each appliance location.
Solution Approach 2:
The single energy meter is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring total consumption, detecting appliance switching events, analyzing power signatures, and inferring individual appliance usage patterns. This multi-functional approach allows one universal device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized measurement devices, improving both precision and ease of installation.
3Measurement precision
If load switching event detection and time-frequency analysis are used, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to complex processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively analyzing only the necessary features of the energy signal for appliance identification. Instead of processing the entire signal spectrum continuously, the system focuses on detecting load switching events and analyzing specific time-frequency characteristics when changes occur, reducing computational energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by analyzing the energy signal at specific intervals triggered by load switching events rather than continuously. The time-frequency domain analysis is performed periodically when appliance state changes are detected, which reduces the overall computational load and energy consumption compared to continuous analysis, while still capturing all necessary information for accurate measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for disaggregating a gross energy measurement into individual component energy consumption. A collection of components may be situated in a facility. A sensor may obtain electrical signals from one or more power input lines which convey power to the facility for the components. The signals may indicate the total energy consumption by the collection of components. Approaches and/or mechanisms may be used to disaggregate the indication of total energy consumption into indications of individual energy consumption by the components without the need for separately determining the individual energy consumption with additional measurements or instrumentation. Also, approaches and/or mechanisms may be used for integrating a known load activity with whole facility energy consumption for enhancing the component disaggregation. Indications of individual energy consumption permit a reasonable evaluation of components from efficiency, conservation and/or other perspectives.