Energy virtualization layer with a universal smart gateway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems in commercial and residential settings are inflexible, prone to monopolies, and lack security, leading to inefficiencies and vulnerabilities, as they rely on centralized control and proprietary interfaces, limiting the integration of new devices and technologies.
Innovation Solution
An energy virtualization system with a physical interface gateway and a virtualization layer that allows for dynamic integration and management of energy-producing, control, and consuming devices, using standardized interfaces and a mesh network design to facilitate plug-and-play functionality and secure authentication, enabling efficient energy distribution and management across diverse platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized control system with proprietary interfaces is used, then system control and management are simplified, but device integration flexibility and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functionality into distributed energy control devices rather than centralized control. Each control device operates autonomously within its local network, enabling flexible device integration while maintaining simplified operational control through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal standardized interfaces that enable diverse energy-producing, control, and consuming devices to integrate into the network without proprietary dependencies. This multi-functional interface approach allows any compliant device to communicate and operate within the system.
2Reliability
If proprietary interfaces are used, then system security is enhanced, but interoperability and integration of new devices are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces authentication servers as intermediary components that verify device credentials and manage security protocols. This intermediary layer enables secure communication while maintaining interoperability through standardized authentication mechanisms that work across diverse devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where authentication servers continuously verify device credentials and system status. This ongoing authentication feedback ensures security is maintained dynamically while allowing legitimate new devices to integrate through the standardized protocol.
3Ease of operation
If centralized control architecture is used, then system management is simplified, but single points of failure are created
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functions into distributed autonomous energy control devices rather than centralized management. This segmentation eliminates single points of failure while maintaining simplified management through standardized communication protocols and authentication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple distributed control devices into a coordinated network that functions as a unified system. Through standardized interfaces and authentication protocols, these merged devices achieve simplified system-wide management while maintaining distributed reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standardized interfaces are implemented, then device interoperability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standardized interface specifications as reusable templates that can be copied and implemented across different devices. This copying approach enables interoperability through proven standardized protocols while reducing overall system complexity by avoiding custom interface development for each device.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy virtualization system may include a physical interface gateway that may include a plurality of common interfaces. The plurality of common interfaces may be coupled to a plurality of energy-producing devices, a plurality of energy-control devices, and a plurality of energy-consuming devices. The system may also include a building network, where the plurality of energy-producing devices, the plurality of energy-control devices, and the plurality of energy-consuming devices can communicate through building network. The system may additionally include a computing device running an energy virtualization layer. The virtualization layer may include a plurality of virtual devices representing the plurality of energy-producing devices, the plurality of energy-control devices; and the plurality of energy-consuming devices. The virtualization layer may also direct energy from the energy-producing devices to the energy-consuming devices according to information received from the energy-control devices.