Multi-Protocol Wireless Controller for Commercial Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management solutions are inadequate for commercial and public environments, as they lack suitable systems for intelligent power consumption management, and existing technologies like OpenADR and smart meters are not well-suited for these settings due to limited infrastructure and protocol incompatibilities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-protocol wireless control system comprising wireless controllers and system controllers that communicate across different networks using various protocols to manage power loads, allowing for centralized control of power control devices, smart meters, and system controllers, enabling efficient load shedding and demand-response services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If OpenADR or Internet-based communication is used for commercial energy management, then utilities can provide demand response services, but the system requires building control systems that many commercial entities do not have, and Internet access may be limited or non-existent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless controller as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between utility systems and commercial buildings. This controller includes multiple communication interfaces (wireless transceiver for mesh networking, wired network interface) to accommodate buildings with limited or no Internet access. The controller translates and adapts communication protocols between different systems, eliminating the requirement for complex building control systems while enabling demand response participation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless controller is designed with multi-functionality to serve diverse commercial building types (retail, office, industrial) with varying infrastructure capabilities. It can operate in buildings with full Internet access, limited access, or no access at all by switching between wireless mesh networking and wired network modes. The device consolidates multiple functions including protocol translation, local control logic execution, and communication gateway capabilities into a single universal controller.
2Measurement precision
If smart meters are deployed for energy management, then residential energy consumption can be monitored and controlled, but smart meters are primarily targeted at residential environments and products designed to interact with them are not suitable for commercial settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy management system into distinct functional components: smart meters for precise energy measurement, wireless controllers for protocol translation and control logic, and power control devices for load management. This segmentation allows the commercial-grade wireless controller to interface with residential smart meters while providing commercial-appropriate control capabilities, effectively adapting residential measurement technology for commercial use.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless controller serves as an intermediary between smart meters and commercial building systems. It receives precise energy consumption data from smart meters and translates it into commercially relevant control commands. The controller adapts the residential-oriented smart meter data format and communication protocol into forms suitable for commercial energy management decisions and multi-location coordination.
3Productivity
If a centralized system controller manages multiple wireless controllers across different networks, then coordinated power control can be achieved, but the system must handle multiple different communication protocols across different networks
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless controller is designed with universal multi-protocol communication capabilities, incorporating multiple transceivers that support different communication standards (wireless mesh protocols, wired network protocols). This allows a single controller to operate across diverse network infrastructures without requiring separate specialized devices for each network type, enabling centralized coordination while managing protocol diversity through standardized controller interfaces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wireless mesh networking is used for communication between controllers and power control devices, then Internet access is not required, but the system requires dedicated wireless communication infrastructure at each location
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless mesh network enables self-organizing, self-configuring communication infrastructure that automatically routes messages between controllers and power control devices without requiring external Internet connectivity or manual configuration. Each wireless controller acts as a node that can independently communicate with connected devices and relay messages through the mesh network, creating a self-sufficient communication system that adapts to the physical layout of buildings.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, for wirelessly controlling electrical loads. In an aspect, a system include a wireless controller with a communication subsystem that communicates with a plurality of power control devices over a first network, communicates with a wireless smart metering device over a second network, communicates with a system controller over a third network. The system receives an event message from one or more of the wireless smart metering device over the second network or the system controller over the third network, generates one or more power commands for the power control devices, the one or more power commands configured to cause the power control devices to adjust one or more power loads in response to the event message, and transmits the one or more power commands to the power control devices over the first network.