Energy Hub Management System for Dynamic Load Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems lack an integrated solution that operates across energy producing and consuming devices, considering external conditions, which limits the optimization of energy usage and efficiency across broader energy systems.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented energy hub management system that includes a micro energy hub and a macro energy hub, enabling bidirectional control of energy components, optimizing energy usage based on energy component models, external data, and user preferences, and aggregating information for dynamic management of energy utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual energy efficiency technologies are improved (e.g., photovoltaic cell efficiency from 15% to 18%), then the technology performance is improved, but the overall energy system value is not maximized due to lack of integration with energy storage and demand management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy technologies (photovoltaic cells, energy storage systems, demand response mechanisms) into an integrated energy hub that coordinates their operation. This merging allows the system to capture energy when production exceeds demand and discharge it during high-demand periods, maximizing the overall value of the energy system rather than just improving individual component efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy hub serves multiple functions: it manages energy production from renewable sources, stores excess energy, controls energy consumption based on pricing signals, and provides demand response. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to varying energy prices and demand conditions, enhancing versatility while maintaining high technology performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If energy storage technology is added to capture and discharge energy across different time periods, then the energy system value is dramatically increased, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy hub acts as an intermediary that manages the interaction between energy production, storage, and consumption. It receives pricing signals and demand information, processes this information through optimization algorithms, and automatically controls energy storage charging/discharging and appliance operation, thereby managing complexity centrally while enabling sophisticated energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time energy pricing signals and demand conditions. The energy hub continuously optimizes energy storage charging and discharging schedules, and appliance operation timing, to maximize value capture during high-price periods while minimizing costs during low-price periods, making the system adaptable rather than static.
3Productivity
If bidirectional control of energy components is implemented with optimization engines, then energy utilization is optimized based on external conditions, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy hub implements feedback loops where it continuously monitors energy pricing signals, demand response programs, and actual energy consumption. This feedback information is fed into optimization algorithms that adjust control signals to appliances and energy storage systems, enabling automatic optimization of energy utilization based on external conditions without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization engine automatically manages energy consumption by controlling appliances based on energy pricing and demand conditions. The system self-adjusts its operation to maximize value capture, eliminating the need for complex user intervention or manual scheduling, thereby achieving high productivity through automated self-service control.
4Loss of energy
If energy management operates across multiple devices and considers external conditions, then overall energy efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to automated control
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-cooling or pre-heating spaces, pre-charging energy storage, or pre-scheduling appliance operation during low-price periods before peak demand occurs. This anticipatory control reduces the need for intensive energy management during peak periods, improving overall efficiency while maintaining user comfort and reducing the perception of complex control.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a system, computer program and method provided for enabling an energy hub for improved management and optimization of energy utilization (consumption, production and storage). In an embodiment, a computer-implemented energy hub management system comprises a micro energy hub configured to communicate with two or more energy components at a premises. An energy optimization engine has an energy component model for each energy component based on each energy component's operating characteristics, the energy optimization engine adapted to receive at least one input from the two or more energy components and an input from an external data source on any external energy utilization restrictions for the micro energy hub. In response to at least one input from the two or more energy components and any external energy utilization restrictions on the micro energy hub, the energy optimization engine is adapted to issue one or more control signals to at least one of the energy components at the premises to optimize energy utilization based on one or more optimization criteria.