Refrigerator Energy Control for Utility Peak Demand Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems for household appliances lack effective peak demand reduction methods, as they only offer simple on/off switching and are not compatible with various communication protocols used by different electrical utilities, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy costs during peak usage periods.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a controller that receives energy demand signals from utilities and adjusts its operating modes to reduce power consumption by selectively scheduling, delaying, or deactivating power-consuming features, using ambient light sensors and timers to determine peak shaving times, and employing modular communication modules compatible with multiple utility protocols, including RFID and continuous tone-coded transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple on/off switching is used for energy management, then device complexity is reduced, but energy savings during peak demand periods are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the operation of power-consuming features based on real-time energy pricing signals and demand conditions. Instead of static on/off switching, the system continuously monitors utility signals and adapts its operation to optimize energy consumption during peak and off-peak periods, allowing for granular control of individual features while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of power-consuming features based on energy pricing conditions. During peak demand periods, it adjusts parameters such as operation timing, power levels, or sequence of operation to reduce energy consumption, while maintaining normal operation during off-peak periods when energy is cheaper
2Use of energy by moving object
If advanced energy management control is implemented, then energy savings increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular components that can independently manage different power-consuming features. Each feature can be controlled individually based on energy pricing signals, allowing the system to achieve advanced energy management through simple, independent control decisions rather than complex centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically responds to utility energy pricing signals without requiring user intervention or complex decision-making. It self-adjusts its operation based on received signals, performing energy optimization functions autonomously while maintaining simplicity in user interaction and system architecture
3Device complexity
If single communication protocol is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different utility companies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication protocols and signal formats from different utility companies. It can receive and interpret various types of energy pricing signals and demand response requests, making the appliance compatible with diverse utility systems while maintaining a single, unified communication interface
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that translates different utility communication protocols into internal control commands. It receives signals in various formats from different utility companies, processes them through a standardized interface, and converts them into appropriate operational adjustments for the appliance features
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator comprises a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment and one or more power consuming features/functions including a refrigeration system for cooling the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility. The controller operates the refrigerator in one of plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively schedule, delay, adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the refrigerator in the energy savings mode.