Smart Dim Fuse Voltage Modulation for Load Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling electrical power consumption in residential and commercial settings with variable energy sources like wind and solar are limited, as they often require temporary interruptions of service to manage load, and lack precise control mechanisms for distributed energy resources.
Innovation Solution
The Smart Dim Fuse (SDF) system provides local control units that can alter voltage in electrical circuits without interrupting power and report real-time data on power consumption, enabling precise load management and flexibility, potentially replacing conventional fuses or circuit breakers, and using AC-AC buck converters for efficient voltage control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fuses or circuit breakers are used to control electrical power consumption, then power interruption can be achieved to manage load, but service continuity is lost and control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the voltage parameter continuously rather than using discrete on/off states. The local control units adjust voltage levels dynamically to achieve precise load control while maintaining service continuity, resolving the contradiction between control precision and service reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static circuit breaker operation to dynamic voltage modulation. The local control units continuously adjust voltage levels based on real-time conditions, enabling precise load management without interrupting service, thus achieving both high control precision and service continuity.
2Device complexity
If simple on/off control is used for electrical loads, then device complexity is reduced, but energy utilization efficiency from variable sources decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The local control units serve multiple functions: voltage modulation, load sensing, real-time data reporting, and communication with central control. This multi-functionality enables precise energy management from variable sources while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where local control units continuously monitor load conditions and report real-time data to central control. This feedback enables optimized energy utilization from variable sources through informed control decisions, achieving high energy efficiency without excessive device complexity.
3Reliability
If voltage modulation is implemented without power interruption, then service continuity is maintained, but additional control infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functionality into distributed local control units that can operate independently at each electrical circuit. This segmentation allows voltage modulation to be implemented locally without requiring complex centralized control infrastructure, achieving service continuity with manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The local control units are designed to autonomously perform voltage modulation and load management functions without requiring complex external control infrastructure. Each unit independently senses load conditions and adjusts voltage accordingly, achieving service continuity while minimizing additional infrastructure requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The SDF system achieves 5-10% load flexibility without service interruption, particularly during peak hours, and demonstrates high efficiency in voltage control, capturing significant flexibility while ensuring safety and compatibility with existing electrical infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a power electronics module and a local controller. The local control unit is configured to alter an output voltage it provides to the load electrical circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Improved control of electrical power consumption is provided with “Smart Dim Fuses” (SDF) which can alter their output voltage as provided to the load circuits they are connected to. SDF units can replace conventional circuit breakers in electrical panels. The voltage control capability provided by SDF units can lead to improved control of electrical power consumption, since many loads can smoothly operate at lower power consumption when the voltage they are driven with decreases. SDF units can comply with relevant safety requirements, such as uninterrupted neutral connections between electrical mains and load circuits. SDF units can also provide a current limiting function that can substitute for the protective action of conventional circuit breakers.