Networked Power Control for Inactive Electronic Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical components such as lights, electronic devices, and HVAC systems not connected to a networked computing environment are often left on, leading to wasteful power consumption and increased operating costs, as well as reduced lifespan due to continuous power usage.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that monitors the location and activity of these components, determining inactivity to automatically turn them on or off, utilizing a networked computing environment with software and hardware components to manage power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical components are left on throughout the day and seven days a week, then they are always available for use, but electrical power is wasted and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining location information and monitoring electrical components for inactivity indicators before making power management decisions. The system proactively identifies components that are not being utilized and automatically turns them off, preventing wasted power consumption while maintaining availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring electrical components for inactivity indicators and using this information to automatically control power consumption. The system receives feedback about component status and location, processes this information, and adjusts power delivery accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that balances availability with energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If electrical components are continuously monitored and automatically controlled, then power consumption is minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by using a multi-functional monitoring and control platform that can manage multiple electrical components across different locations. The system performs multiple functions including location determination, inactivity monitoring, decision-making, and automatic control, all through a single integrated system that reduces overall complexity compared to individual control systems for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically monitoring electrical components for inactivity and autonomously making power management decisions without requiring manual intervention. The system determines location information, monitors inactivity indicators, and automatically turns components on or off based on detected conditions, allowing the system to manage itself and reduce operational complexity.
3Loss of energy
If electrical components are turned off during inactivity, then power consumption is reduced, but response time to activate them increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring electrical components for inactivity indicators and determining their location information in advance. When inactivity is detected, the system proactively turns off power before it would be needed, and when activity is detected, the system can quickly reactivate components, minimizing both power waste and activation delay through advance preparation and continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for controlling and minimizing electrical power consumption of a plurality of lights and electronic devices connected to a networked computing environment, wherein asset and space management software can be utilized to monitor and remotely turn off the electronic devices that are determined as not being utilized, based on observed indicators of inactivity associated with the electronic devices. Specifically, the location of the electronic devices are determined and then registered and stored in a database, wherein the electronic devices include desktop computers, laptops, phones, and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that are connected to the networked computing environment.