Microgrid Energy Control for Capacity-Aware Device Startup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power consumption systems lack active interaction between power supply and consumption devices, leading to passive grid management, which causes fluctuations and potential damage, especially in microgrid operations.

Innovation Solution

An energy control method and apparatus that establishes a communicative connection between power supply and consumption systems, determining the power supply capacity to meet startup requirements and actively controlling the grid to ensure safe and reliable operation by prioritizing power distribution and managing device startup based on available capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If passive power control (switching off power, tripping upon overcurrent and overload) is used, then device complexity is reduced, but grid stability and reliability deteriorate due to fluctuations and shocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidgrid stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements active feedback control by establishing bidirectional communication between the energy control apparatus and power consumption devices. The system continuously monitors power consumption data and provides real-time feedback to adjust power allocation, replacing passive switching with dynamic responsive control that maintains grid stability while managing complexity through intelligent coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The energy control apparatus serves as an intermediary between the power supply system and power consumption devices. It actively manages power allocation by receiving power consumption data from devices, determining available power capacity, and coordinating startup sequences, thereby mediating between supply and demand to prevent grid shocks while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If active control over the grid is implemented, then grid stability and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases due to communication and coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy control apparatus performs multiple functions within a single centralized system: it communicates with power consumption devices, collects power consumption data, determines available power capacity, and coordinates startup sequences. By consolidating these diverse functions into one multi-functional apparatus, the patent manages complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If power is allocated without considering startup power requirements, then ease of operation is improved, but power supply reliability deteriorates when startup power exceeds available capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice startup easeVSAvoidpower supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of power availability before allowing device startups. The energy control apparatus determines the available power capacity in advance and uses this information to coordinate startup sequences, ensuring that cumulative startup power requirements do not exceed available capacity. This preliminary planning maintains ease of operation while preventing power supply failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous monitoring of power consumption data and dynamic adjustment of power allocation to maintain uninterrupted power supply. By continuously tracking the cumulative startup power of devices and comparing it against available capacity, the system ensures continuous reliable operation, preventing power outages while allowing devices to operate with ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3537246B1Energy control method and control apparatus for power consumption system
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3537246B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

An energy control method and an energy control apparatus for a power consumption system. The energy control method includes: a step S100 in which the energy control apparatus receives a starting-up request signal to start a power consumption device; a step S200 of determining whether current power supply capacity of the power supply system meets a starting power requirement of the power consumption device to be started; and a step S300 of sending a starting-up signal to the power consumption device to be started and controlling the power supply system to supply power to the power consumption device to be started, if the current power supply capacity of the power supply system meets the starting power requirement of the power consumption device to be started; wherein the energy control method continues to make a determination as to whether the current power supply capacity of the power supply system meets the starting power requirement of the power consumption device to be started, if the current power supply capacity of the power supply system does not meet the starting power requirement of the power consumption device to be started. The active control over a grid is achieved by the energy control method of the energy control apparatus, so that the safety of the grid is guaranteed, and the stable and reliable operation is achieved.