Intelligent Communication Device for Smart Grid Energy Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smart grid technologies face challenges in efficiently managing uncertain events and optimizing energy consumption across various electrical devices and networks, particularly in adapting to changing energy demands and integrating diverse communication protocols without increasing capital expenditure.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent communications device that operates within smart grid infrastructure, utilizing wireless protocols and open-source software to monitor and manage energy consumption, facilitate network connections, and enable field upgradability, allowing integration of new communication technologies and protocols, thus optimizing energy efficiency and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If smart grid technologies integrate diverse communication protocols and manage uncertain events, then energy management efficiency and adaptability improve, but device complexity and capital expenditure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing energy demandsVSAvoidcomplexity of managing uncertain events

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device is designed to support multiple communication protocols (wireless and wired) and perform diverse functions including event monitoring, data communication, and coordination with energy management systems. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle various communication standards and uncertain events without requiring separate specialized devices for each protocol or event type, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication device acts as an intermediary between various energy management systems, communication networks, and electrical devices. It mediates the exchange of information and coordinates responses to uncertain events, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a centralized point of interaction rather than requiring direct connections between all system components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If smart grid technologies integrate diverse communication protocols, then interoperability and adaptability improve, but device complexity and capital expenditure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteroperability with diverse communication protocolsVSAvoidcomplexity of integrating multiple protocols

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device incorporates multiple communication interfaces and protocols within a single device architecture, enabling it to communicate with different systems using various protocols (wireless, wired, power line communication). This universal design allows interoperability across diverse communication standards without requiring separate devices for each protocol, thereby improving adaptability while avoiding the complexity of multiple standalone devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If field upgradability is implemented to reduce capital expenditure, then adaptability to new technologies improves, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield upgradability for new technologiesVSAvoidcomplexity of field upgradability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device is designed with modular architecture where communication interfaces and processing functions can be independently upgraded. Field replaceable modules allow new communication technologies to be integrated by simply replacing or adding specific modules rather than redesigning the entire device, thereby enabling adaptability while keeping the upgrade process simple and maintenance manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities that allow communication interfaces and protocols to be enabled, disabled, or updated based on operational requirements. This dynamic nature enables the device to adapt to new technologies through software updates or module replacements without requiring complete system redesign, maintaining simplicity while enhancing field upgradability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8645772B2System and method for managing uncertain events for communication devices

Publication Date: 2014.02.04 ITRON INC

AI summary

In one or more embodiments, an intelligent communications device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for managing a network connection of the intelligent communications device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a communication module for monitoring the network connection through a first port that is independent of a network port. The first port is associated with a computer-executable application that is operative to detect failure of the network connection. The apparatus further includes a detection module for detecting a failure of the network connection at the network port and, in response to the failure, causing the intelligent communications device to reconnect to the network. The apparatus also includes a power supply module for iteratively power-cycling operation of the intelligent communications device in response to a failed network connection.