Networked Device Power Usage Estimation via Self-Service
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems face challenges in cost-effectively measuring and reporting energy usage data from networked devices, as adding sensors increases product costs, and there is a growing need for users to monitor and control energy consumption for a 'green' lifestyle.
Innovation Solution
A networked device with a controller, non-volatile memory for power usage data, and a network adapter that estimates energy usage status by retrieving data from memory and sending it over the network, allowing for efficient communication and reporting of energy consumption without the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are added to measure energy consumption, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The networked device measures and reports its own power consumption using its existing processor and memory resources, without requiring external sensors. The device serves itself by utilizing its internal capabilities to generate power usage data that is then communicated to the user through the network.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically measuring power consumption with sensors, the system creates a computational model or representation of power usage based on operational data stored in non-volatile memory. This virtual copy of power consumption information is then used for monitoring and reporting purposes.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are added to measure energy consumption, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The networked device measures and reports its own power consumption using its existing processor and memory resources, without requiring external sensors. The device serves itself by utilizing its internal capabilities to generate power usage data that is then communicated to the user through the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing, inexpensive processor and memory components already present in the networked device to perform power consumption measurement, rather than adding expensive dedicated sensor hardware. This leverages existing low-cost components for the measurement function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more functionality is added to home automation devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing processor and memory resources in the networked device are made multi-functional, serving both the primary home automation control functions and the additional power consumption measurement and reporting functions. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The power consumption measurement, data storage, and network communication functions are merged into the existing device architecture, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate components for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A networked device estimates its own power or energy usage, and reports it over a network. The networked device receives a power usage status request over a network, retrieves a set of power usage data from a non-volatile memory located within the networked device, and calculates a best estimate of the energy usage status based on the set of power usage data retrieved from the non-volatile memory. It can then send the best estimate of the energy usage status over the network as a reply to the power usage status request. The networked device may be a networked light bulb.