Automated Power Disconnect via Environmental Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disconnecting power distribution systems from power sources during high wind events are inefficient, leading to potential wildfires and property damage, as they often rely on manual deenergization based on weather predictions, which can be inaccurate and result in unnecessary power outages or failure to deenergize in time.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an environmental monitor, a programmable processor, and a power disconnect device that automatically disconnects the power distribution system from the power source when predetermined environmental conditions, such as high windspeed, are met, using sensors to measure wind, temperature, humidity, and other conditions to trigger a disconnect signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual deenergization based on weather predictions is used, then power distribution systems can be disconnected from power sources, but the disconnection timing is inaccurate leading to unnecessary outages or failure to deenergize in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual weather prediction and decision-making processes with an automated electronic system that directly measures environmental parameters (wind speed, temperature, humidity) using sensors and processes this data through a computer to automatically control power disconnect devices. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with electronic automation eliminates the inaccuracies and delays inherent in manual weather-based predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors environmental conditions through sensors and uses this real-time feedback to dynamically adjust power disconnection decisions. The computer processes current environmental data and automatically triggers power disconnect devices when predetermined thresholds are exceeded, creating a closed-loop control system that responds immediately to changing conditions rather than relying on delayed weather predictions.
2Reliability
If real-time environmental monitoring with automated control is implemented, then precise and timely power disconnection is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: environmental sensors for data collection, a computer for data processing and decision-making, and power disconnect devices for execution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall system design and maintenance while achieving precise automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates autonomously by automatically measuring environmental conditions, processing the data, and triggering power disconnections without human intervention. The computer executes predetermined logic based on sensor inputs, and the power disconnect devices automatically respond to control signals, creating a self-service system that reduces operational complexity despite the advanced technology involved.
3Loss of energy
If automated environmental monitoring and control is used, then unnecessary power outages are minimized, but the extent of automation increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses predetermined threshold parameters for environmental conditions (wind speed, temperature, humidity) that are programmed into the computer. When measured parameters exceed these thresholds, automatic disconnection is triggered. This parameter-based control approach allows the system to operate with simple binary decisions (connect/disconnect) based on continuous environmental monitoring, achieving high automation levels without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The techniques described herein may provide for more efficient power management of equipment based on weather conditions. For instance, weather measurements (e.g., or weather forecasts based on weather measurements) may be used to determine whether or not to initiate a power disconnect procedure. When some weather condition (e.g., wind, temperature, rain, humidity, etc.) exceeds a threshold, a power disconnect procedure may be initiated such that a power source of certain equipment may be disconnected from a power distribution system. In some examples, an environmental monitor may send environmental measurements or conditions to a programmable processor. In instances where the programmable processor determines that some environmental threshold or condition has been met, the programmable processor may send a disconnect signal (e.g., a disconnect power signal) to a power disconnect device. The power disconnect device may thus disconnect the power distribution system from the power source.