Energy System Design Using Abstract and Complex Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing energy systems is inefficient and prone to inconsistencies due to the need to manage multiple tools with varying levels of abstraction, leading to resource wastage and potential mistakes in system sizing and architecture.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that determines an abstract structure of an energy system using pre-defined abstract models for each component, followed by configuring system sizing based on these models, and then refining to a complex structure using pre-defined complex models to assess performance, allowing for precise energy system design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple tools with varying levels of abstraction are used to design energy systems, then comprehensive system analysis can be performed, but resource wastage and inconsistencies increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem analysis accuracyVSAvoiddesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The design process is segmented into distinct phases: abstract modeling phase for system architecture and sizing, and complex modeling phase for detailed performance analysis. Each phase uses appropriately detailed models, preventing premature complexity while ensuring thorough analysis where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Abstract models are used in preliminary design stages to establish system architecture and sizing before committing to detailed complex models. This preliminary action allows exploration of multiple configurations efficiently, reducing later redesign work and resource wastage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple tools with varying levels of abstraction are used to design energy systems, then comprehensive system analysis can be performed, but inconsistencies in system sizing and architecture increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem analysis accuracyVSAvoiddesign consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Abstract models serve as an intermediary layer between different design tools and phases. They provide a common reference framework that ensures consistency when transitioning from abstract sizing to detailed complex modeling, preventing mismatches in system architecture and sizing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of building detailed models first and then simplifying, the approach inverts the traditional sequence by starting with abstract models and progressively adding complexity. This ensures that the fundamental system architecture is established correctly before detailed design, maintaining consistency throughout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If detailed complex models are used from the beginning, then precise system design can be achieved, but computational resources and time are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem design precisionVSAvoiddesign efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The methodology applies partial modeling - using detailed complex models only for specific components or aspects that require precise analysis, while other parts use simpler abstract models. This selective application of modeling detail maintains design precision where needed while preserving overall design efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The modeling approach is dynamic and adaptive - starting with abstract models and progressively transitioning to complex models as the design matures and specific detailed analysis becomes necessary. This dynamic adjustment of model fidelity optimizes both precision and efficiency throughout the design process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4345676A1Method for designing energy systems
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4345676A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4345676A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4345676A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for designing an energy system including a plurality of components is provided. An abstract structure of the energy system is determined based on a pre-defined abstract model for each one of the plurality of components. One or more configurations of a system sizing associated with the energy system are determined. Each one of the one or more configurations of the system sizing is determined based on the abstract structure and a set of requirements associated with the abstract structure of the energy system. For each of at least one of the one or more configurations of the system sizing, a respective complex structure of the energy system is determined based on a pre-defined complex model for each one of the plurality of components and the abstract structure, and a performance of the respective complex structure of the energy system is determined based on a set of requirements associated with the energy system. The energy system is designed based on respective performances determined for the at least one of the one or more configurations of the system sizing.