Daisy-Chained PoE Power Scheduling for More Network Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Daisy-chained power-over-Ethernet (PoE) networks are limited by their power capacity, restricting the number of nodes that can be connected without exceeding the power supply capacity, which necessitates the use of multiple power injectors or separate chains, thereby increasing installation costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a scheduling system that optimizes peak power consumption of components, such as actuators, to align with the network's long-term average consumption, utilizing thermal inertia of buildings to manage power distribution and reduce peak demand, allowing the network to support more nodes with fewer power injectors and simpler cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple power injectors are used to support more nodes, then the number of supported nodes increases, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling power consumption of actuators in time slots, allowing peak power demands to be distributed across different time periods rather than occurring simultaneously. This temporal distribution enables more nodes to be supported on a single daisy-chained PoE network without exceeding power capacity limits, eliminating the need for multiple power injectors and reducing installation complexity
2Quantity of substance
If power consumption is increased to support more nodes, then the number of supported nodes increases, but the power capacity limit is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides power consumption into periodic time slots, scheduling high-power actuator operations across different time periods. This allows the network to support more nodes by distributing peak power demands temporally, ensuring that instantaneous power consumption never exceeds PoE capacity limits while still providing adequate total power for expanded node coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal distribution parameter of power consumption by implementing scheduling algorithms that shift actuator operation times. By modifying when power is consumed rather than changing the total power available, the system can support more nodes within the same PoE power capacity constraints
3Quantity of substance
If power consumption is increased to support more nodes, then the number of supported nodes increases, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic power scheduling, the system eliminates the need for additional power injectors and complex cabling infrastructure that would be required to support more nodes simultaneously. This temporal power management approach reduces material costs and installation expenses while enabling expanded node coverage on standard PoE networks
Data Source
AI summary
A system that maintains power consumption of a network to a predefined limit. A plurality of elements such as components, nodes and modules may be connected in a daisy chain configuration. Power may be inserted to one or more of the elements which may proceed down the chain to be consumed by the one or more elements. However, there a limit as to the total amount of energy that may be consumed at the same time. Thus, power to the elements may be scheduled so that the limit is not exceeded by at any one time. At the same time, communications may proceed through that chain from element to element. An example of the present system may be a power over a network (PoE).