Electromechanical Refrigerator DSM Control Using Dual Temperature Setpoints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanically controlled refrigerators without microprocessors struggle to adjust energy usage in response to peak demand periods, necessitating a solution to reduce peak power consumption without completely shutting off power.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising dual electromechanical cold controls with a setpoint selector and a DSM module that adjusts temperature setpoints in response to demand state signals, allowing selective operation of one control over the other to manage energy usage during peak and off-peak periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a DSM control device cuts off power to reduce peak power consumption, then peak power consumption is reduced, but the appliance cannot operate at all during peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single temperature control into multiple independent temperature controls (first temperature control and second temperature control), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different temperature controls during peak demand periods rather than shutting down completely, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining partial operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between the first and second temperature controls based on demand state signals. The system can dynamically adjust which temperature control is active depending on whether it's a peak or off-peak period, providing flexibility in operation while managing power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electronically controlled refrigerators adjust energy usage during peak demand, then energy consumption is reduced, but devices with microprocessors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a demand state signal as an intermediary that communicates utility demand conditions to the temperature control system. This signal acts as a mediator between the utility company and the refrigerator, enabling the electromechanical control to respond to peak demand conditions without requiring complex microprocessor-based intelligence within the appliance itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces microprocessor-based electronic control with an electromechanical temperature control system that responds to demand state signals. This substitution uses simpler electromechanical components rather than complex electronic computing devices, achieving energy management functionality without requiring microprocessors.
3Power
If temperature setpoint is adjusted during peak demand, then power consumption is reduced, but temperature control precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature setpoint parameter from the first temperature control to the second temperature control based on demand conditions. By having pre-calibrated temperature controls with different setpoints, the system can switch parameters (temperature targets) to manage power consumption while maintaining appropriate temperature control for different operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reducing the peak power consumption by a refrigeration system is provided. The system comprises a first electromechanical cold control calibrated to a first temperature setpoint, a second electromechanical cold control calibrated to a second temperature setpoint, said first and second cold controls each having a setpoint selector member operatively linked such that adjustment of one results in a corresponding adjustment of the other, a DSM module responsive to demand state signals from an associated utility indicative of at least a peak demand and an off peak demand state, and a DSM switching device responsive to the DSM module and operative to selectively render one or the other of the cold controls effectively operative to control the cooling system depending upon the demand state signal.