On-line energy consumption optimization adaptive to environmental condition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional appliances, such as refrigerators, are calibrated for typical environmental conditions and fail to adapt efficiently to varying ambient temperatures and humidity levels, leading to decreased energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An appliance system equipped with sensors to monitor environmental conditions and an intelligent control unit that dynamically adjusts operational parameters like compressor speed and fan timing based on real-time power and environmental data to optimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the appliance is calibrated for typical environmental conditions, then the appliance can operate with standard control settings, but energy efficiency deteriorates when environmental conditions vary from the typical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance control system transitions from static factory calibration to dynamic adaptation by continuously monitoring environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, ambient light) and adjusting operational parameters in real-time. The intelligent control modifies cooling cycles, fan speeds, and compressor operation based on actual environmental feedback, resolving the contradiction between standard calibration and environmental adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sensors continuously measure environmental conditions and power consumption, and the intelligent control processes this information to adjust operational parameters. This closed-loop control enables the appliance to adapt to varying environmental conditions while optimizing energy efficiency, directly addressing the technical contradiction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the appliance operates with fixed control values calibrated for typical conditions, then the control system remains simple, but energy consumption increases when environmental conditions deviate from typical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light), tracks power consumption, processes sensor data, and adjusts operational parameters. This multi-functional approach enables energy optimization without proportionally increasing system complexity, as a single intelligent controller handles diverse tasks that would otherwise require separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring its own power consumption and environmental conditions, then autonomously modifying its operational parameters. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual calibration or complex external control systems, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the appliance uses dynamic control adjustments based on environmental conditions, then energy efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges environmental sensing, power monitoring, data processing, and control adjustment functions into a single intelligent control unit. This consolidation achieves dynamic energy optimization while containing system complexity, as the merged architecture eliminates the need for separate control systems for each function. The intelligent controller integrates multiple sensing inputs and coordinates multiple output controls through unified processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance includes an appliance housing, an interface adapted to receive power information, a plurality of sensors for sensing environmental conditions, a plurality of controls for controlling operations of the appliance, and an intelligent control. The intelligent control is disposed within the appliance housing and operatively connected to the interface and the plurality of sensors and adapted to dynamically select control values associated with the plurality of controls based on at least one of the power information, the environmental conditions, or a combination thereof to increase energy efficiency of the appliance.