Graph-Based Household Appliance Control for Variable Tariffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances face challenges in operating efficiently on smart energy supply networks with variable and time-dependent tariffs, requiring adaptive control to manage energy consumption and avoid interruptions due to changing electricity prices and network restrictions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a graph algorithm, such as Dijkstra's, in the controller to dynamically adjust the operation of household appliances based on data from the energy supply network, allowing for continuous operation by breaking the process sequence into executable segments and optimizing energy usage through parameterization of actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If household appliances operate on smart energy supply networks with variable tariffs, then energy cost optimization is improved, but operation continuity is worsened due to interruptions from network restrictions and tariff changes
Solution Approach 1:
The process sequence of the household appliance is divided into multiple individual, incomplete, or partial program segments that can be executed independently. This segmentation allows the appliance to pause and resume operations without complete interruption, enabling continuous operation across varying tariff periods while still achieving energy cost optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts the execution of program segments based on real-time energy tariff data and network conditions received from the smart energy supply network. The appliance can flexibly schedule, pause, or resume different process segments according to favorable energy prices, maintaining operational continuity while optimizing energy costs.
2Speed
If household appliances are operated quickly in response to tariff changes, then responsiveness is improved, but power uptake restrictions are worsened due to network-side limitations
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the appliance operation into separate program segments, the system can selectively execute segments that consume less power during periods of network restriction. This allows rapid response to tariff changes while respecting power uptake limitations imposed by the energy supply network.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts operational parameters of the appliance based on network conditions and tariff data. When power uptake is restricted, the appliance modifies its operating parameters to reduce power consumption while continuing execution of essential program segments, enabling fast response without exceeding network limits.
3Loss of information
If traditional metering systems are replaced by smart meters, then data exchange capability is improved, but system complexity is worsened due to integrated electricity management and network-side intelligence
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages the household appliance's operational processes, communicates with the smart energy supply network, receives and processes tariff data, and dynamically schedules program segments. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single coordinating unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the household appliance and the smart energy supply network. It translates network tariff data and restrictions into actionable scheduling decisions for the appliance's program segments, simplifying the interaction between the complex network system and the appliance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance includes a controller operating on an energy supply network having a data network for exchanging data via the energy supply network, wherein the network may include smart metering. The controller has a first control component embodies as a computer, a second control component for settings data, a third control component for operating data, and a fourth control component connected with the first control component and including a graph algorithm. The first control component determines data for controlling actuators from the settings data and the operating data. Through cooperation of the first control component, the fourth control component and the graph algorithm, the data from the data network for the household appliance are taken into account so as to allow operation of the household appliance always to continue. A corresponding method for operating such household appliance is also described.