Power Control System Using Actual Measurement Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power control systems for buildings with solar power generators and storage devices fail to optimize power distribution over time, as they do not effectively account for changes in power prices, lifestyle changes, or variations in solar power generation due to shading, and rely on predictions that may not accurately reflect actual conditions.

Innovation Solution

A power control system that includes initial setting means for calculation conditions, measurement means for power generation and consumption, power price-setting means, control pattern storage for varying discharge start times and output magnitudes, and a controller that selects the most appropriate control pattern based on simulation results to minimize electricity charges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a power control system uses prediction-based control patterns, then future power demand and generation can be estimated, but the control accuracy deteriorates when predictions do not match actual conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidprediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by measuring actual power generation and consumption, then using these measurements to re-evaluate and select control patterns. The control pattern selection is based on actual measured values rather than predictions alone, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to real conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system stores multiple control patterns in advance with different discharge start times and output magnitudes. These pre-prepared control patterns are then evaluated and selected based on actual measurements, allowing the system to respond quickly without real-time calculation delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the power storage device capacity is increased to optimize power distribution, then power supply stability improves, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the discharge start time and output magnitude of the power storage device based on evaluated control patterns. Instead of requiring a larger fixed-capacity storage device, the system achieves flexibility through dynamic control parameters, reducing hardware requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes power distribution by changing operational parameters (discharge start time, output magnitude) rather than changing the physical capacity of the storage device. This allows optimal performance with existing hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system stores multiple control patterns with varying discharge start times and output magnitudes, then adaptability to changing conditions improves, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol pattern flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system divides control patterns into discrete segments with specific discharge start times and output magnitudes. Each control pattern is a separate, manageable unit that can be independently evaluated and selected, simplifying the overall complex system into manageable parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system allows for re-evaluation and selection of the most appropriate control pattern using actual measurement values, enabling optimal power distribution without altering the storage device capacity, thus addressing changes in power prices, lifestyle, and shading effects.

Implementation Method 1

a solar power generator and a power storage device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2701265B1Power control system
Publication Date: 2016.06.22 SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO LTD
  • EP2701265B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2701265B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2701265B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a power control system which evaluates an applied control pattern over a period of a certain length or more, so as to be used for the subsequent control with a configuration in which a discharge start time and output of an electric storage device are changed. The power control system includes measurement means (7) for measuring a power generation amount of a solar power generator (4) and a power consumption; power price-setting means (23) for setting a power price and a purchase price; control pattern storage means (24) for storing a plurality of control patterns with a discharge start time and a magnitude of output of a power storage device (5) as variable factors; electric power charge calculation means (31) for calculating an electric power charge of each of the control patterns with a measurement value measured in a past calculation period and the power price; control pattern selection means (32) for selecting one control pattern by evaluating a calculation value with a predetermined standard; and a controller (1) which performs control in accordance with the selected control pattern.