Energy Supply Control Using Threshold Switching Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy system design and management methods are complex and costly, often requiring numerous numerical input parameters and complex optimization algorithms, leading to high operational costs and inefficiencies in optimizing energy provision for consumers.
Innovation Solution
An energy system with a control unit that calculates and regulates switching limit values for multiple components based on their efficiency factors, prioritizing the component with the smallest limit switching value to provide energy, thereby optimizing the switch-on sequence and reducing operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex optimization algorithms and numerous numerical input parameters are used for energy system design, then optimization accuracy is improved, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex energy system into individual controllable components, each with its own efficiency characteristics. Instead of optimizing the entire system at once using complex algorithms, the control unit makes decentralized switching decisions for each component based on simple efficiency comparisons, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining optimization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using complex optimization algorithms to determine the optimal configuration, the patent inverts the approach by using simple efficiency ratios as switching criteria. The control unit compares efficiency values directly and switches components based on these simple comparisons, achieving optimization through simplicity rather than complexity.
2Measurement precision
If complex optimization algorithms are used for energy system design, then optimization accuracy is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive complex optimization algorithms with cheap simple efficiency comparisons. The control unit uses basic arithmetic operations on efficiency values rather than computationally intensive numerical methods, significantly reducing operational costs while still achieving effective energy optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by achieving optimization through simple efficiency ratio comparisons rather than complex algorithms. This reversal of the optimization methodology dramatically reduces computational costs and operational expenses while maintaining acceptable optimization accuracy.
3Productivity
If traditional energy management systems are used, then optimal operation is achieved, but effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit autonomously monitors efficiency values of different energy components and automatically makes switching decisions without requiring manual intervention or complex management systems. The system serves itself by continuously comparing efficiency ratios and autonomously optimizing component selection, thereby reducing operational effort while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from complex multi-variable optimization to simple efficiency ratio comparisons. By monitoring and comparing single efficiency parameters of different components, the system achieves optimal operation with minimal operational effort, avoiding the complexity of traditional energy management systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and a method for supplying energy to a consumer are disclosed. The system comprises a first and a second component and a control unit. The components are, for example, power generators such as combined heat and power plants, diesel generators, wind turbines, and/or photovoltaic systems. The control unit calculates (S1) the threshold switching values of the components from a controlled variable, e.g., carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) or cost value, and the efficiency of the respective component. The control unit regulates the supply of energy, using the component with the lowest threshold switching value (S2, S3) for energy supply. This results in an optimal switching sequence of the components, as well as, for example, low emissions and low costs for energy supply.The system can also include an energy storage device whose state of charge is controlled by the control unit and whose stored charge is also used to provide energy.