Microwave Oven Energy Control Under Utility Signal Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems for household appliances lack effective peak demand reduction methods, particularly in refrigerators, and fail to communicate reliably with utilities using varying communication protocols, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy costs during peak hours.
Innovation Solution
A modular Demand Side Management (DSM) system that includes an ambient light sensor and timer to determine peak shaving modes, along with a controller that communicates with utilities using multiple protocols, such as RFID tags and continuous coded tones, to reduce energy consumption during peak demand periods, and allows users to control power usage through various operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a controller switches the actual energy supply to the appliance on and off, then energy consumption during peak demand is reduced, but control precision and operational flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by adjusting the freezer compartment temperature setpoint based on predicted peak demand periods. Instead of simple on/off switching, the system dynamically modifies operational parameters (temperature settings) to reduce energy consumption during anticipated high-demand periods while maintaining food safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-chilling the freezer compartment before predicted peak demand periods. The controller receives advance notice of peak demand schedules from the utility company and adjusts temperatures in advance to reduce compressor runtime during high-cost periods, thereby achieving energy savings without compromising food storage safety.
2Reliability
If the freezer temperature is lowered to prevent bacteria multiplication, then food safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies periodic temperature adjustments based on utility peak demand schedules. During off-peak periods, the freezer maintains lower temperatures for food safety. During predicted peak periods, the system temporarily raises the temperature setpoint to reduce energy consumption, then returns to lower temperatures afterward, creating a periodic pattern that balances safety and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes the temperature parameter of the freezer compartment based on external signals from the utility company. By adjusting the temperature setpoint parameter in response to peak demand predictions, the system reduces energy consumption while maintaining temperatures within safe ranges through intelligent parameter modification rather than constant low-temperature operation.
3Ease of operation
If the appliance operates during peak demand periods, then user convenience is maintained, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by receiving real-time or advance signals from the utility company about peak demand periods and current energy costs. The controller processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts appliance operation accordingly, allowing users to maintain convenience without directly managing the complex energy cost optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance performs self-service by automatically adjusting its own operation based on utility signals. The controller autonomously decides when to modify temperature settings or delay operations to avoid peak demand periods, eliminating the need for user intervention while achieving cost savings. Users simply benefit from the automated decisions without needing to understand or manage the energy optimization process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are implemented for utility interaction, then adaptability to different utility companies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple utility communication protocols and signal formats. It can receive and process different types of signals (RFID tags, continuous coded tones, digital signals) from various utility companies, making the appliance universally compatible without requiring separate specialized hardware for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that translates and processes various utility communication signals into standardized internal commands. By mediating between different external protocols and the appliance's control system, the controller simplifies the integration of multiple communication methods without directly increasing the complexity of individual protocol implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave oven comprises a cooking cavity and a RF generation module configured to deliver microwave energy into the cooking cavity. A controller is operatively associated with the RF generation module. The controller receives and processes a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility for determining whether to operate the microwave oven in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least temporarily block the signal when the RF generation module is activated if a frequency of the signal is at least partially degraded by a frequency of the RF generation module.