Network System Control for Energy Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network systems lack an efficient method to control electric products based on power information and time-varying electricity rates, leading to suboptimal energy management and increased electricity costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that recognizes power information and time information to provide an energy-saving operation mode for electric products, adjusting their operation times and modes to minimize energy consumption and costs by considering time-varying electricity rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric products operate continuously to meet user needs, then service reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation mode of electric products based on real-time power information and time variations. The control unit switches between normal operation mode and energy-saving operation mode according to electricity rate conditions, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by accumulating tasks or operations during low-power periods (off-peak hours) when electricity rates are lower. This allows the system to prepare and execute operations in advance during favorable energy conditions, reducing overall energy costs while maintaining service reliability.
2Speed
If electric products operate during peak hours to meet immediate demand, then service responsiveness is improved, but electricity cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes periodic variations in electricity pricing (peak and off-peak periods) to schedule operations. By aligning task execution with periodic low-cost periods, the system reduces energy costs while maintaining overall service responsiveness through intelligent scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives power information from the power supply system and uses this feedback to adjust operation timing. The system monitors electricity rate conditions in real-time and responds by optimizing operation schedules, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that balances cost and responsiveness.
3Use of energy by moving object
If energy-saving operation mode is used to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but operation performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The energy-saving operation mode applies partial action by reducing operation intensity or duration during high-cost periods rather than complete shutdown. This partial operation maintains essential functionality and acceptable performance levels while significantly reducing power consumption during expensive electricity periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a method of controlling a network system. In the method, power information and time information regarding an operation of an electric product is recognized. Then, an energy-saving operation mode is provided to the electric product or the electric product is operated in the energy-saving operation mode for reducing an energy-related value based on the recognized power information and the time information.