Energy Management Device Power Failure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy management systems face challenges in maintaining power supply during failures, as the distributed power source alone is insufficient to address the issue effectively.

Innovation Solution

An energy management apparatus that integrates a distributed power source, including solar power generation and a battery system, along with a backup power source like a super capacitor, which switches power supply from the grid to the backup during failures, allowing the system to continue operation and protect data by inhibiting access to storage media if the power interruption exceeds a predetermined period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power supply from the distributed power source alone is used during power failure, then the system can maintain operation, but the power supply capacity is insufficient to handle all load requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidpower supply capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: the distributed power source (solar panels and battery) and the backup power source (uninterruptible power supply). During power failure, the system transitions to using both the distributed power source and backup power source simultaneously, dividing the load between them to ensure sufficient power capacity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the energy management apparatus continues operation during power failure, then data can be protected, but the storage medium may suffer data inconsistency or corruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoiddata corruption risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit detects power failure conditions and initiates preliminary actions before critical data loss can occur. When power failure is detected, the system first attempts to complete ongoing data write operations to the storage medium. If the power failure persists beyond a threshold period, the system then suspends access to the storage medium to prevent data inconsistency, having already protected as much data as possible during the initial response phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The uninterruptible power supply provides a cushioning effect by supplying emergency power during the transition period from grid power failure to complete system shutdown. This cushioning power allows the control unit to safely complete data operations and suspend storage medium access without risking data corruption, protecting the storage medium from the harmful effects of abrupt power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If access to storage medium is suspended during power failure, then data inconsistency is prevented, but data access and system functionality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidsystem accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts storage medium accessibility based on the power failure duration and severity. Initially, during the early stage of power failure, the system maintains normal operation and allows full access to the storage medium. When the power failure persists and the control unit determines that data inconsistency risk has increased, the system dynamically suspends access to the storage medium. After power restoration, the system dynamically resumes normal access, providing a time-dependent, adaptive accessibility model that balances data consistency with system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures continued operation of the energy management system during power failures by using stored power from the backup source, preventing data inconsistency and allowing for secure shutdown and restart, thus providing an effective measure for power failures.

Implementation Method 1

a backup power source (123) capable of storing power supplied from the power supply unit (122)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a distributed power source, including solar power generation and a battery system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar power generation: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2884624B1Energy management device, and energy-management-device control method
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP2884624B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2884624B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2884624B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An energy management apparatus capable of taking an appropriate measure in the event of a power failure and a method of controlling the energy management system will be provided. A storage medium 25, a power input unit 122 for receiving power supply, a backup power source 123 for supplying power when power supply to the power input unit 122 from a grid power source 50 stops, and a control unit 124, when the power supply to the power input unit 122 from the grid power source 50 stops for a period equal to or longer than a predetermined period, for carrying out a suspension processing of the storage medium 25 are provided.