Protocol Gateway for Power Management Server and Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management systems face challenges in effectively managing power flow and reverse power flow in power grids, particularly in Virtual Power Plant (VPP) settings, where distributed power sources and loads require coordinated control across different communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A power management method and system that employs a power management server and local control apparatus using distinct communication protocols to instruct and manage power flow and reverse power flow, with the server using Open Automated Demand Response (ADR) and the local apparatus using protocols like ECHONET Lite to control equipment, enabling appropriate power management across the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power management system uses multiple different communication protocols (Open ADR and ECHONET Lite) to manage distributed power sources and loads, then the adaptability and versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to protocol conversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the power management server and local control devices. The gateway performs protocol conversion between Open ADR and ECHONET Lite protocols, enabling communication between systems using different protocols without requiring each device to support multiple protocols directly. This mediator approach resolves the technical contradiction by improving protocol compatibility while isolating the complexity within the gateway device rather than distributing it across the entire system.
2Device complexity
If the power management server directly controls all equipment using a single protocol, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different communication protocols and equipment types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management system into distinct functional layers: a power management server layer that handles high-level control decisions, a gateway layer that handles protocol conversion, and local control device layers that execute specific control functions. This segmentation allows the server to maintain simplicity by using a single protocol (Open ADR) for server-to-gateway communication, while the gateway handles the complexity of supporting multiple protocols (Open ADR and ECHONET Lite) for equipment control. Each layer has specialized responsibilities, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power management method includes a step A of transmitting a first message from a power management server to a local control apparatus according to a first protocol, and a step B of transmitting a second message from the local control apparatus to an equipment according to a second protocol different from the first protocol. The second message corresponds to control content for the equipment instructed by the first message and includes an information element of the second protocol corresponding to an information element of the first protocol.