Modular Power Control PCB for Home Load Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing energy demands from electric vehicles and auxiliary electrical devices in homes lead to higher power usage, resulting in increased energy bills and potential disruptions to the electrical grid, necessitating efficient energy monitoring and control systems.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power control device with a main circuit board assembly and auxiliary circuit board assemblies, featuring data collection and control modules, relays, and sensors to monitor and manage electrical characteristics of both main and auxiliary power lines, enabling automated power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary electrical devices and EV chargers are added to home electrical systems, then energy monitoring and control capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a main circuit board assembly with data collection and control module, and multiple auxiliary circuit board assemblies that can be independently connected to auxiliary electrical connectors. Each auxiliary circuit board assembly contains its own relay and power sensor, enabling independent control and monitoring of different auxiliary devices without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The main circuit board assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as the central control unit, data collection point, and communication hub. The auxiliary electrical connectors are designed to accommodate multiple auxiliary devices, allowing the same connector interface to serve different purposes (EV charging, pumping, HVAC, water heating) without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each device type
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple auxiliary electrical connectors are provided, then adaptability to different auxiliary devices is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary electrical connectors are designed with standardized interfaces that can accommodate various auxiliary devices through a common connection protocol. The same connector design can support EV chargers, pumps, HVAC systems, and water heating devices, eliminating the need to manufacture separate connectors for each device type and simplifying production
3Loss of energy
If automated power management is implemented, then energy consumption optimization is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors electrical characteristics (voltage, current, power consumption) of auxiliary power lines through power sensors and feeds this data back to the data collection and control module. The control module processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts relay states to optimize power distribution, reducing energy waste without requiring complex manual control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control system operates autonomously by automatically detecting power consumption patterns and adjusting relay states based on real-time feedback. The system self-regulates power distribution to auxiliary devices without requiring external manual intervention, simplifying the control architecture while achieving energy optimization
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
The system effectively monitors and manages power usage, reducing the risk of grid disruptions and energy waste by automatically adjusting power distribution based on demand, thereby optimizing energy consumption and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary power sensor configured to sense at least one electrical characteristic of the auxiliary power line
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary relay configured to open or close an auxiliary power line for powering an auxiliary device
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical power control devices may include a main circuit board assembly that includes a data collection and control module and one or more auxiliary electrical connectors. One or more auxiliary circuit board assemblies may be respectively connected to the one or more auxiliary electrical connectors. Each of the auxiliary circuit board assemblies may include an auxiliary relay configured to open or close an auxiliary power line for powering an auxiliary device and an auxiliary power sensor configured to sense at least one electrical characteristic (e.g., current, voltage, etc.) of the auxiliary power line. Various other related systems and methods are also disclosed.