Power Management Apparatus for Dynamic Power Borrowing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power management systems struggle to control peak power demand without interfering with the execution of processes, as they often require limitations on operations to prevent exceeding allocated power consumption, which can lead to incomplete or halted processes during peak cut periods.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus and control method that determine if a requested process exceeds predetermined power consumption, notify other apparatuses to limit their processes, and allow power borrowing or lending between connected devices to temporarily increase available power, ensuring processes can be completed without exceeding maximum power limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If power consumption is allocated to apparatuses based on maximum power consumption determined in advance, then power usage during calculation time period can be controlled, but limitations have to be placed on operations so that processes can be performed with allocated power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower usage controlVSAvoidoperation limitations

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power allocation where the power management apparatus adjusts power consumption limits in real-time based on actual power usage and process requirements, rather than using fixed predetermined limits. This allows operations to proceed without artificial constraints while maintaining overall power control through continuous monitoring and adjustment of power allocation to individual apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the power management apparatus receives information about actual power consumption and process status, then adjusts power allocation accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain power usage within acceptable ranges while allowing necessary operations to complete without limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If apparatuses operate with power consumption allocated to them, then power consumption can be equalized, but desired operations may not be carried out in period of time for which peak cut is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption equalizationVSAvoidprocess execution

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power allocation where the power management apparatus adjusts power consumption limits in real-time based on actual power usage and process requirements, rather than using fixed predetermined limits. This allows operations to proceed without artificial constraints while maintaining overall power control through continuous monitoring and adjustment of power allocation to individual apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of power requirements before processes begin, allowing the power management apparatus to pre-allocate sufficient power for desired operations while maintaining overall power balance. This proactive approach ensures that necessary operations can be carried out without interruption while still achieving power consumption equalization across the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by stationary object

If power usage is reduced during calculation time period, then electricity prices can be kept at certain level or lower, but apparatuses may use power to maximum extent and power consumption cannot be equalized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectricity price controlVSAvoidpower consumption equalization

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the power management apparatus receives information about actual power consumption and process status, then adjusts power allocation accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain power usage within acceptable ranges while allowing necessary operations to complete without limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of power requirements before processes begin, allowing the power management apparatus to pre-allocate sufficient power for desired operations while maintaining overall power balance. This proactive approach ensures that necessary operations can be carried out without interruption while still achieving power consumption equalization across the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9430009B2Electronic apparatus capable of controlling power usage, control method therefor, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 CANON KK

AI summary

An electronic apparatus capable of controlling power usage without interfering with execution of processes. When the electronic apparatus is requested to execute a process, it is determined whether or not power consumption while the requested process is executed is greater than a predetermined amount of power. When it is determined that the power consumption is greater than the predetermined amount of power, power required to execute the requested process is borrowed from another electronic apparatus. When the power required to execute the requested process is borrowed, the requested process is executed.