Grouped Device Energy Control via Staggered Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electricity distribution networks face challenges in managing energy consumption efficiently, particularly during peak demand periods and in areas with high variability in demand, due to the reliance on intermittent renewable energy sources and the inconvenience caused by centralized control methods that require extended device shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control electrical energy consumption by grouping electric devices based on profile information and allocating different time intervals for energy management, allowing for reduced net energy consumption or increased energy provision without significant inconvenience to users, by using a control node to send requests to electric devices for energy control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If centralized control methods are used to manage energy consumption during peak demand, then energy consumption can be reduced, but user convenience deteriorates due to extended device shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control approach by dividing devices into multiple groups and implementing staggered shutdown schedules for different groups. Instead of shutting down all devices simultaneously, the control system applies segmented control where Group 1 devices are controlled during time interval T1, Group 2 during T2, and so on. This segmentation allows energy reduction while maintaining user convenience by ensuring not all devices are shut down at any given moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through cyclic rotation of controlled device groups. The control system periodically cycles through different groups of devices, shutting down Group 1 in the first cycle, Group 2 in the second cycle, and so on. This periodic staggered approach distributes the impact across time periods, reducing peak demand while ensuring each group has adequate operational time, thereby maintaining user convenience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more renewable energy sources are integrated into the power generation mix, then energy sustainability improves, but reliability deteriorates due to intermittency and unpredictability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors energy consumption patterns, renewable energy availability, and grid conditions. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the timing and duration of device shutdowns to align with renewable energy generation patterns. This feedback loop allows the system to respond to changing renewable energy availability, maintaining reliability while supporting sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where shutdown schedules are not fixed but adapt in real-time based on renewable energy generation forecasts and actual grid conditions. The control system dynamically modifies the timing, duration, and group assignments of device shutdowns to match the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, thereby maintaining power supply reliability while maximizing the utilization of sustainable energy.
3Measurement precision
If detailed monitoring and control of individual devices is implemented, then energy management precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual device control into group-based control to reduce system complexity. Instead of monitoring and controlling each device individually, the system groups devices with similar characteristics or usage patterns into cohorts, and applies control actions to entire groups simultaneously. This merging maintains energy management precision at the aggregate level while significantly reducing the complexity of individual device monitoring and control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by applying standardized control profiles and schedules to multiple devices within a group. Rather than creating unique control logic for each device, the system copies proven control strategies across groups of devices with similar characteristics. This approach maintains precision by using validated control patterns while reducing system complexity through template-based management rather than custom control for each device.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for controlling electrical energy consumption in an electricity distribution network, so as to reduce net energy consumption in a given area during a given time period, are described. In particular, a method of controlling electrical energy consumption within an electricity distribution network is described. The method comprises maintaining a database of information about electric devices, and identifying a time period during which consumption of electrical energy is to be controlled. The method further comprises selecting, based on device profile information stored in the database, groups of electric devices, and associating one or more time intervals with each of the selected groups. Requests are sent to the electric devices of the selected groups to control electrical energy consumption and/or provision by the electric devices. This enables a reduction in net consumption of electrical energy during a respective time interval.