Utility Grid Appliance Control via Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective methods to control appliances on a utility grid based on user presence and preferences, leading to inefficient energy utilization and safety concerns, particularly for restricted individuals or those with health conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a server associated with the utility to receive information on user presence, determine operational states of appliances, and transmit control information via a communication link to manage appliance operation, including enabling/disabling and controlling power, based on biometric, health, and personal preference data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If appliances are continuously operated to maintain readiness, then service availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating water or pre-cooling spaces before the user actually needs them, based on predicted arrival times from location data. This allows appliances to be turned off earlier while still meeting user needs, reducing energy consumption while maintaining service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts appliance operation based on real-time user presence detection through location tracking. Appliances transition between active and standby states dynamically rather than remaining continuously on, optimizing the balance between availability and energy consumption.
2Ease of operation
If appliances are accessible to all users, then ease of operation is improved, but safety risks increase for restricted individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (server with biometric authentication) between the user and the appliance. The server mediates access by verifying user identity and authorization status, allowing easy access for authorized users while blocking access for restricted individuals, thus maintaining safety without compromising convenience for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
Different access rights and operational permissions are assigned to different users based on their biometric identification. Each user experiences a customized interaction with the appliance appropriate to their authorization level, allowing full access for authorized users while completely restricting access for unauthorized users.
3Productivity
If energy is allocated based on demand without restrictions, then productivity is improved, but energy waste increases during unoccupied periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where appliance operation status, user presence information, and energy consumption data are continuously monitored and communicated back to the control server. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of energy allocation, ensuring appliances receive power only when actually needed and reducing energy waste during unoccupied periods while maintaining high productivity during active use.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an appliance on a power grid operated by a utility is described. The method includes receiving, at a server associated with the utility, information indicating whether a person is present in a proximity of the appliance, determining, by the server, an operational state of the appliance based on whether the person is present in the proximity of the appliance, and transmitting to the appliance, via a communication link associated with the power grid, control information related to the operational state to control operation of the appliance. Related methods, devices and systems are described.