Smart Grid Content Switching for Energy Rate Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The introduction of smart grids for efficient electric power use necessitates a technology that can efficiently control home electronic devices based on varying electricity rates, as existing solutions fail to effectively manage power consumption during peak demand periods.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a communication unit, output unit, and controller that automatically selects a replacement device to output content during high-rate time slots, transmitting an ON command and source information to reduce power consumption by switching to devices consuming less power, such as those in the DLNA network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic device continuously outputs contents through the output unit during high rate time slot, then the user can view contents without interruption, but the electricity rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different output devices based on electricity rate conditions. During normal times, the primary output unit is used, but during high rate time slots, the system transitions to alternative devices such as portable terminals or secondary displays, making the content output system adaptable to changing energy cost conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the content output function by utilizing multiple electronic devices. When the primary device would incur high electricity rates, the content is redirected to a secondary device that can display or play the content with lower energy consumption during peak pricing periods
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electronic device automatically selects a replacement electronic device to output contents during high rate time slot, then the electricity rate is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a content player and an intelligent energy management system. It automatically monitors electricity rate information, identifies suitable replacement devices, and manages content redirection, thereby reducing electricity rates during high-demand periods without requiring entirely separate control infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically selecting replacement electronic devices based on received electricity rate information. The controller autonomously determines when high rate time slots occur and initiates content redirection to appropriate devices without requiring manual user intervention, thereby reducing electricity rates during peak pricing periods
3Reliability
If the controller transmits ON command and source information to the replacement electronic device, then the content output is maintained, but the power consumption increases during high rate time slot
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the replacement electronic device to optimize energy efficiency. Instead of activating the full power capabilities of the replacement device, the controller configures it to operate at lower power levels sufficient for content display during high rate time slots, thereby maintaining content output continuity while minimizing additional power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can include: a communication unit; a display unit for display contents; and a controller configured to: display a user interface for querying whether to continuously display the contents or stop a display of the contents on the display unit, when the electronic device enters a high rate time slot determined based on electricity rate information received through the communication unit, receive an input for stopping the display of the contents through the user interface, and output a power ON signal and source information of the contents to a replacement electronic device.