Electrical Load Balancing for Delayed High-Power Device Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
High demand electrical devices such as induction ranges and EV chargers pose challenges for existing electrical systems, as frequent switching can lead to overloading and damage, requiring costly upgrades to manage variable loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor and control the electrical supply by determining excess capacity and implementing a delay time based on usage profiles to prevent overloading, allowing sequential use of devices and reducing the need for capacity increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high demand electrical devices are integrated into existing electrical services, then the device can operate, but the total power use may exceed the maximum capacity designed for the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of electrical devices based on real-time monitoring of total power consumption. The controller continuously monitors the sum of power consumption of all devices and dynamically controls the operation of individual devices to prevent exceeding the maximum capacity, thereby resolving the contradiction between device adaptability and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors the total power consumption of all electrical devices and uses this information to control the operation of individual devices. When the total power consumption approaches the maximum capacity, the controller adjusts or shuts down devices to maintain system reliability while still allowing device integration.
2Productivity
If variable load electrical services are used, then power can be allocated flexibly, but devices may be turned on and off frequently which can damage them
Solution Approach 1:
The controller predicts future power consumption patterns and proactively schedules device operation to avoid frequent switching. By monitoring the operation patterns of all devices and predicting when power capacity will be available, the system can pre-arrange device operation in a way that maintains power allocation efficiency while ensuring devices are not turned on and off too frequently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring and control cycles, checking total power consumption at regular intervals and making coordinated adjustments to multiple devices. This periodic action pattern prevents erratic frequent switching by establishing regular control cycles that maintain both power allocation efficiency and device reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical service capacity is increased to accommodate all devices, then all devices can operate simultaneously, but costly electrical service upgrades are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the controller automatically manages the operation of electrical devices based on available power capacity. By monitoring total power consumption and autonomously controlling device operation, the system allows existing electrical infrastructure to support multiple high-demand devices without requiring costly capacity upgrades, thereby maintaining device adaptability while avoiding additional manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an electric device includes monitoring a usage of an electric supply of an electric network and determining that an excess capacity of the electric supply is less than a required power of the electric device. Monitoring the use of the electric supply where the monitoring of the electric supply includes filtering expected electric supply oscillations of the electric supply. Determining that the excess capacity has become greater than the required power. Waiting, in response to determining that the excess capacity has become greater than the required power, a delay time based on a usage profile of the electric supply and enabling the power of the electric device.