Intelligent Plug Network for Low-Power DC Energy Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical grid is inefficient for providing low power DC supply, leading to high AC/DC conversion losses and wasteful use of resources, particularly with the proliferation of low power DC devices, and challenges in integrating renewable energy sources into domestic circuits due to lack of standards and compatibility with AC-based infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The system integrates AC/DC power conversion, localized DC power networks, and renewable energy sources into building circuitry, using intelligent plugs and sensors to provide variable voltage and efficient energy management, enabling real-time monitoring and control of energy usage to optimize energy efficiency and reduce waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If AC/DC conversion is used to power low power DC devices, then compatibility with existing AC infrastructure is maintained, but energy losses increase due to conversion inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the AC/DC conversion function from the centralized power supply infrastructure and places it at the point of use through intelligent plugs and adapters. This allows DC devices to receive converted power locally, minimizing transmission losses and enabling efficient power delivery to low-power devices while maintaining compatibility with existing AC infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intelligent plugs and adapters as intermediary devices between the AC power supply and DC devices. These intermediaries perform AC/DC conversion, voltage regulation, and power management functions, enabling seamless integration of DC devices into AC infrastructure while minimizing energy losses through efficient conversion and intelligent power delivery.
2Reliability
If renewable energy sources are integrated into domestic circuits, then sustainability is improved, but integration challenges arise due to lack of standards and compatibility with AC-based infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal intelligent plug and adapter platform that can interface with multiple power sources including AC mains, renewable energy systems, and battery storage. This multi-functional design enables seamless integration of various renewable energy sources into existing AC infrastructure without requiring complex custom integration for each source, thereby improving sustainability while managing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs intelligent plugs and adapters that dynamically adjust electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and frequency to match the characteristics of different power sources and connected devices. This parameter adaptation enables compatible integration of renewable energy sources with varying output characteristics into the standardized AC infrastructure, reducing integration complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If multiple AC/DC adaptors are used for different devices, then device-specific power requirements are met, but resource waste increases due to proliferation of unused adaptors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal intelligent plug and adapter platform that can serve multiple devices with different power requirements through a single multi-functional unit. The system automatically detects device power needs and adjusts output parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for multiple device-specific adaptors and reducing material waste while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple device-specific AC/DC adaptors into a single intelligent plug platform that can dynamically adapt to different devices. By combining detection, conversion, regulation, and control functions in one universal device, the system reduces the total number of adaptors needed while maintaining the ability to meet specific power requirements of different devices.
4Productivity
If AC power is used for low power DC devices, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to standby power consumption and conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates intelligent plugs and adapters with real-time monitoring and feedback capabilities that track power consumption, device status, and efficiency metrics. This feedback enables the system to dynamically adjust power delivery, shut down unnecessary conversions, and optimize energy usage, thereby reducing standby power consumption while maintaining effective utilization of existing AC infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management through intelligent plugs that continuously adapt their operation based on real-time conditions such as device power needs, load characteristics, and efficiency requirements. This dynamic approach enables the system to minimize conversion losses and standby consumption by activating power conversion only when necessary and adjusting parameters optimally, thereby improving energy efficiency while utilizing existing AC infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces energy consumption by minimizing AC/DC conversion losses, promotes the use of renewable energy, and educates consumers on energy-saving behaviors through real-time data analysis and feedback, leading to a more efficient and sustainable energy usage pattern.
Implementation Method 1
solar photo-voltaics produce DC output directly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to systems, devices and methods for the efficient use of utilities, more particularly to the distribution and provision of electricity supply at appropriate voltages, monitoring and usage by end devices, and to facilitating consumers in changing their energy usage behaviour, and to adopt and easily install appropriate sustainable, energy efficient or renewable technologies. Said end devices typically including traditional electric, electronic and lighting appliances requiring AC or DC power provision or low voltage DC power via AC/DC converters.