Power Management Unit for Dynamic Operation Level Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management systems struggle to effectively balance peak load demands without constructing additional power plants, as existing demand response systems cannot adequately adjust operation levels based on real-time power rates and user discomfort, leading to inefficient power consumption and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A power management system that includes an electric device with a power management unit capable of determining operation levels based on power rate information, discomfort degree, and operation time, using a decision process to adjust power consumption dynamically, thereby optimizing energy usage and reducing peak load demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the electric device is turned on or off according to power rates, then power consumption is reduced during peak load periods, but the device is unable to effectively perform functions desired by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the air conditioner to operate at multiple variable operation levels (first, second, third operation levels) rather than simply on/off states. The operation levels are dynamically adjusted based on power rate information, allowing the device to adapt its cooling capacity and power consumption continuously. This resolves the contradiction by providing both energy reduction and satisfactory performance through graduated operation intensities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the air conditioner by introducing operation levels that modify cooling capacity, fan speed, and compressor intensity. By adjusting these parameters according to power rate levels, the system achieves lower power consumption during peak periods while still providing adequate cooling, thus resolving the contradiction between energy loss reduction and operational effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If demand management restricts power consumption during peak load, then power plant construction costs are avoided, but user comfort and satisfaction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing demand management at the user level through the air conditioner's operation level adjustments, rather than requiring excessive infrastructure changes. The system partially reduces cooling capacity during peak load periods (using lower operation levels) to match reduced power rates, achieving peak load management without compromising user comfort excessively. This resolves the contradiction by finding a balance between infrastructure simplicity and user satisfaction.
3Ease of operation
If the electric device operates at full capacity during peak load, then user comfort is maintained, but power consumption and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring power rate information from the power provider and adjusting the air conditioner's operation level accordingly. When power rates are high during peak load periods, the system automatically selects lower operation levels to reduce consumption. When power rates are low, it can operate at higher levels to maintain comfort. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing user comfort with power consumption based on real-time pricing signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management apparatus includes an electric device including a plurality of operation algorithm information and power information for each operation level corresponding to each operation algorithm information, and a power management unit to receive power rate information from a power provider, determine an operation level of the electric device on the basis of the received power rate information and power information for each operation level of the electric device, and control an operation of the electric device at the determined operation level. As a result, the power management apparatus performs different operation algorithms according to power rate information, and controls power consumption of the electric device, such that energy efficiency at the user side can be maximized. In response to the changed power rate information, the currently-driven electric device and the electric device to be driven can be driven at the optimum operation level appropriate for their power consumption characteristics.