Centralized Power Allocation Controller for Virtual Power Delivery Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile computing devices powered by batteries face frequent power depletion due to limited capacity, leading to inefficient electricity usage and high charging costs, especially when charged during peak times, causing a drain on the electrical grid.

Innovation Solution

A centralized power allocation controller manages power consumption in a virtual power delivery network by receiving device information, prioritizing charging based on device type, user, and time of day, ensuring devices are charged during low power consumption times and optimizing overall power usage across connected devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If devices are charged during peak usage times, then devices can be recharged quickly when needed, but electricity costs increase and grid strain increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidelectricity cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by charging devices during off-peak hours when electricity costs are lower. The power allocation controller schedules charging tasks in advance during periods of low grid demand, thereby avoiding peak pricing while ensuring devices are charged when needed. This resolves the contradiction by decoupling the timing of charging from peak usage periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple devices are charged simultaneously, then all devices can be powered up quickly, but power consumption increases and grid capacity is exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice availabilityVSAvoidtotal power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the charging process by dividing multiple devices into different charging groups or time slots. The power allocation controller assigns priority levels to different devices and schedules their charging sequentially or in staggered batches, preventing simultaneous high-power draws that would exceed grid capacity while still ensuring all devices eventually receive power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of moving object

If battery capacity is increased, then devices can operate longer without charging, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery operating timeVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary power management infrastructure (power allocation controller and virtual power delivery network) that coordinates charging across multiple devices. Instead of relying on larger individual batteries, the system acts as a mediator that optimizes power distribution and scheduling, allowing devices to maintain smaller batteries while ensuring they are charged efficiently during off-peak periods when grid power is available and economical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10955887B2Managing electrical power in a virtual power delivery network

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for managing power to devices in a virtual power delivery network, using a centralized power allocation controller. The method of managing power consumption of a plurality of devices includes receiving device information from one or more devices connected in a virtual power delivery network. The method further includes managing power consumption of the one or more devices in the virtual power delivery network based on the received device information.