Smart Load Power Metering with Periodic Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power-metered charging systems for devices with varying power requirements struggle to efficiently manage power transmission, as they lack intuitive feedback on current power levels, leading to inadequate charging and increased charge times, especially with variable power sources like solar panels and thermoelectric generators.
Innovation Solution
An intuitive power display human interface device that monitors and displays power levels using a visual representation, allowing users to adjust power generation systems for optimal performance by interrupting power flow and cycling the power bus based on power availability, thereby maximizing power usage and minimizing charge times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power flow is continuously supplied to smart load, then charging process is maintained, but power reception level remains suboptimal when load requires higher power
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic interruption of power flow to the smart load. When the load is determined to be receiving power at a first power-reception level, the interrupting device periodically interrupts power flow, causing the load to transition to a second power-reception level. This periodic action optimizes charging speed while ensuring reliable power transmission.
2Productivity
If power flow is interrupted to optimize charging, then power reception level improves, but charging continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than continuous interruption, the system uses periodic interruption where power flow is temporarily interrupted and then restored. This allows the smart load to transition between power-reception levels while maintaining overall charging continuity. The periodic nature balances optimization with continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors power reception levels and predicts when interruption will be beneficial. By detecting when the load is at the first power-reception level, the system preliminarily determines that an interruption will trigger transition to the second level, thus preparing for optimized charging before actual interruption occurs.
3Loss of information
If visual feedback on power levels is provided, then user awareness of power transmission improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system uses color changes in LED indicators to represent different power levels. This provides intuitive visual feedback on power transmission status without requiring complex displays or interfaces. The color-coded system efficiently communicates power level information while maintaining device simplicity.
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 solution provides users with real-time feedback on power transmission, enabling them to optimize power generation and usage, leading to faster charging times and more accurate expectations of device charging capabilities, even with variable power sources.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus comprises a solar panel and a controller operably coupled to the solar panel
Implementation Method 2
The display comprises a light emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for powering a smart load capable of receiving power at a first power-reception level and a second power-reception level greater than the first power-reception level includes a solar panel and a connector operably coupled to the solar panel. A monitoring device is configured to monitor a power-reception level of the smart load when the smart load is coupled to the connector. The apparatus includes an interrupting device configured to interrupt power flow to the smart load based on a determination that the smart load is receiving power at the first power-reception level. The smart load receives power at the second power-reception level in response to the interruption.