PoE Node Activation Sequence for Automation Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automation systems face high energy consumption due to the simultaneous startup of numerous nodes in the network, leading to potential power supply oversizing and inefficiencies, particularly in Ethernet-based data communication applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where nodes in an automation system can be activated and deactivated sequentially, with power supplied through Ethernet cables, allowing for a 'wake-up on LAN' functionality that reduces energy consumption by using 'Power over Ethernet' (PoE) to selectively power devices and manage energy distribution, enabling nodes to operate in standby mode and wake up only when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all nodes in the automation system are activated simultaneously during startup, then the system becomes fully operational quickly, but the power supply must be oversized to handle the high initial energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a startup sequence where nodes are activated in a predetermined order before full operation begins. The first node starts immediately and activates subsequent nodes sequentially, ensuring that power consumption is distributed over time rather than occurring simultaneously, thus avoiding the need for oversized power supplies while maintaining operational readiness.
2Reliability
If nodes remain continuously active to ensure system availability, then response time is minimized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables nodes to dynamically transition between active and standby states based on system requirements. Nodes can be quickly activated when needed through the wake-up functionality, and deactivated when not required, optimizing the balance between system availability and energy consumption by adapting the operational state of each node to current system conditions.
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 approach reduces energy consumption, enhances system availability by allowing selective node activation, and provides an emergency power supply, enabling efficient startup and operation while maintaining network robustness and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
power supplied via an Ethernet-capable cable from the first node to the second node
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
In a method for operating an automation system (60), the automation system (60) comprises a communication network (31), wherein the communication network (31) has a plurality of nodes, a first node (33) being connected to a second node (34) by data links and the first node (33) causing the activation and/or deactivation of the second node (34). The automation system can be designed such that the first node (33) is an energy source (ps) for the second node (34), wherein the second node (34) can be connected to a further energy source by means of a switch (62), said switch (62) being actuated by means of the energy source of the first node (33). A cable is provided between the first node (33) and the second node (34), by means of which cable both electric energy and data can be transmitted from the first node (33) to the second node (34).