Rule-Based Energy Management for Multi-Source Power Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy management solutions lack the ability to dynamically interconnect multiple sources of electricity, such as the grid, generators, batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines, with various loads in a cost-effective and flexible manner.
Innovation Solution
The Intelligent Energy Management System (IEMS) enables dynamic management of electrical systems by connecting multiple energy sources and loads, supporting bidirectional energy usage, and employing a rules-based execution engine for granular operations and predictive management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transfer switches are used to connect single power source to load, then system simplicity is maintained, but system flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent energy management system is designed to perform multiple functions including automatic transfer switching, power quality monitoring, load management, and integration of multiple power sources (grid, generator, batteries, solar panels). This multi-functional approach allows a single system to replace multiple separate devices, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its configuration based on power source availability, load requirements, and operational conditions. It can automatically switch between different power sources and configurations, providing flexible adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control logic.
2Productivity
If manual transfer switches are used, then system complexity is reduced, but operational efficiency and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic power source switching and load management without requiring manual operator intervention. The intelligent controller continuously monitors power source status and automatically executes transfer operations, achieving high operational efficiency while keeping the control system relatively simple through rule-based automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors power source availability, load conditions, and system status, using this feedback to automatically make switching decisions. This closed-loop control achieves rapid response times and high operational efficiency without requiring complex manual control procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources are interconnected dynamically, then system versatility and energy optimization improve, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages multiple power sources by dividing control into separate controllable modules for each power source (grid interface, generator interface, battery interface, solar panel interface). Each module can be independently controlled and monitored, reducing overall control complexity while maintaining system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
An intelligent controller acts as an intermediary between multiple power sources and loads, managing the complexity of coordinating multiple sources. This central controller simplifies control by providing a single point of decision-making that coordinates all power source connections and disconnections based on system conditions.
4Loss of energy
If conventional energy management solutions are used, then implementation cost is reduced, but energy optimization and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively manages power sources and loads based on predicted conditions and pre-configured rules. It can pre-charge batteries when renewable energy is available, pre-schedule load operations during low-cost periods, and proactively switch power sources before outages occur, optimizing energy usage while maintaining manageable complexity through rule-based automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods provide allow for dynamic management of electrical systems using an intelligent energy management system. Consistent with embodiments disclosed herein, an intelligent energy management system may allow for the dynamic connection of electrical sources and/or loads in accordance with applicable operating rules. Operating rules may be articulated and enforced by the intelligent energy management system that provide for event and/or state driven of an electrical system and/or associated sources and/or loads. Among other things, embodiments of the disclosed intelligent energy management system may support relatively flexible connection of electrical sources and loads, bidirectional energy usage to allow for energy to be both consumed from and fed back to a utility grid, improved battery storage and/or management, proactive energy source switching and predictive battery discharge management, and/or the like.