Decentralized Outlet Control Units for Parking Lot Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current centralized parking lot controls for electrical devices in colder regions are costly to install and maintain, lack effective enforcement of power limits, and often result in inconveniences due to abuse or temporary issues like short circuits, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized system using microprocessor-controlled outlet and vehicle units that communicate through a connection cable, enabling flexible power management, enforcement of power limits, and feedback mechanisms, with features like LED indicators and bi-directional infrared data communication for maintenance and user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If centralized contactor controls are used to manage power distribution in parking lots, then power management capability is provided, but installation and maintenance costs increase substantially with payback periods of five years or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into decentralized individual outlet control units. Each outlet is equipped with its own microcontroller that independently manages power distribution, eliminating the need for a complex centralized contactor system. This segmentation reduces installation costs while maintaining power management capability at each individual outlet level.
2Ease of manufacture
If centralized contactor controls are used, then power distribution is controlled, but maintenance costs increase due to mechanical contactor longevity dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contactors with solid-state electronic switching devices controlled by microcontrollers. This substitution eliminates the mechanical wear and maintenance issues associated with traditional contactors, reducing maintenance costs while improving reliability through solid-state technology that has no moving parts to fail.
3Ease of operation
If power limits are set for each vehicle but no enforcement means exist, then power allocation is defined, but abuse occurs leading to breaker tripping and user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where each outlet's microcontroller continuously monitors power consumption against predefined limits. When a vehicle exceeds its allocated power limit, the system immediately detects the overload and automatically takes corrective action, preventing breaker tripping and ensuring fair power distribution among all users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures power limits for each outlet before vehicles arrive. By establishing these limits in advance and having the microcontrollers ready to enforce them, the system prevents power abuse before it occurs, rather than reacting after breakers trip or overloads happen.
4Reliability
If individual parking stall breakers are tripped due to temporary issues, then power protection is provided, but stalls remain without power for several days due to lack of feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where each outlet's microcontroller monitors power status and communicates with users and maintenance personnel. When a breaker trips or power issue occurs, the system immediately notifies relevant parties, enabling quick response and restoration of power, rather than leaving stalls without power for days due to lack of information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic detection and notification of power issues without requiring manual checking. The microcontrollers self-monitor breaker status and automatically communicate problems, reducing the need for manual intervention and enabling faster resolution of power issues.
5Power
If mechanical contactors are used for power delivery, then power switching is achieved, but maintenance costs increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contactors with solid-state electronic switching devices controlled by microcontrollers. This substitution maintains full power switching capability while eliminating the maintenance issues associated with mechanical components. The solid-state switches have no moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance costs and higher reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system reduces maintenance costs, enhances user service, prevents power abuse, and improves safety by allowing precise control and monitoring of power delivery to individual vehicles, optimizing energy use and reducing the risk of overloads and fires.
Implementation Method 1
A decentralized system using microprocessor-controlled outlet and vehicle units that communicate through a connection cable
Implementation Method 2
Features like LED indicators and bi-directional infrared data communication for maintenance and user interaction
Implementation Method 3
Bi-directional infrared data communication for maintenance and user interaction
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supplying electrical power to a plurality of vehicles from a central power supply through a plurality of electrical outlets includes an outlet control unit for each of the outlets and a vehicle control unit for each of the vehicles. The outlet microprocessor switches the supply of power to the outlet to communicate data to the vehicle. The vehicle microprocessor communicates data by switching a load across the power supply to provide interaction between the microprocessors to manage requirement and availability of power. The data includes whether the power plant of the vehicle is gasoline powered, diesel powered, hybrid or electric battery powered. The microprocessor of the vehicle control unit is arranged to control switches which supply power to selected loads in the vehicle and includes an interface which is arranged to connect to a Canbus communication system of the vehicle.