Energy Distribution Control Apparatus for Constant Loading Graph
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy distribution systems face irregular loading graphs due to unpredictable load fluctuations, making it difficult to optimize energy generation and storage, especially in short time periods, leading to inefficiencies and increased reserve capacity needs.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that utilize a processor to manage switching devices for loads with energy storage capabilities, optimizing their connection to an alternating current supply system by dividing the cycle time period into multiple block time periods of equal duration, ensuring a substantially constant loading graph by adjusting the start and end times of control periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loads are operated continuously at rated output to ensure stable energy supply, then energy storage requirements increase, but system flexibility and ability to adapt to short-term fluctuations decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by switching loads on and off in regular cycles rather than continuous operation. Loads are connected to the AC supply system for specific durations (half-wave or whole number times half-wave) within cycle time periods, creating periodic operation patterns that reduce energy storage requirements while maintaining supply stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the loading pattern adjustable and adaptable. The control apparatus dynamically optimizes the summated loading graph by varying load connection times and patterns based on actual energy consumption patterns, allowing the system to adapt to short-term fluctuations without excessive storage capacity.
2Reliability
If energy storage capacity is increased to handle load fluctuations, then system reliability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from the system by using loads with inherent energy storage capability (electro-thermal furnaces) rather than adding separate storage devices. The thermal energy stored in the furnace structure itself is utilized to bridge short-term supply-demand imbalances, eliminating the need for additional storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the inherent thermal energy storage capability of the loads themselves. The electro-thermal furnaces store energy in their thermal mass and can continue operating or maintain temperature during brief disconnections, allowing the system to handle fluctuations using the loads' own stored energy rather than external storage systems.
3Productivity
If continuous control time periods are used for load optimization, then energy distribution efficiency improves, but ability to create constant loading graphs over short time periods decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cycle time period into multiple block time periods of equal duration. Instead of using continuous control time periods, the optimization process segments the time into discrete blocks where loads are switched on or off, enabling precise control to achieve constant loading graphs over short time periods while maintaining overall efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary control apparatus for an energy distribution system includes a connection to an alternating current supply system and a plurality of predetermined loads each having an energy storage capacity and being electrically connected as by a respective switching device to the alternating current supply system for a duration of a half-wave or a whole number times said half-wave. The respective switching devices are supplied electrical energy from the alternating current supply system for a respective control time period within a predetermined common cycle time period. The start and end of the respective control time periods within the common cycle time period are established prior to the start of said common cycle time period to create a substantially constant loading graph. The optimization procedure is based at least one load in lieu of a continuous control time period having at least two non-continuous block time periods of equal total duration.