Smart Outlet Load Prioritization for Backup Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical systems face challenges in managing power distribution efficiently, especially during power outages or when power sources are insufficient, leading to potential disruptions in critical loads like life support systems and security cameras, while non-essential appliances like treadmills and televisions may be disconnected to conserve power.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a smart outlet system that employs priority labeling and communication capabilities to manage the connection and disconnection of electrical loads based on available power, energy, cost, and demand, using a system management unit and switching circuits to optimize power distribution across multiple power sources, including renewable energy sources and backup systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all electrical loads are connected to the power source, then the total power demand is met, but the power source may be insufficient during outages or emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments electrical loads into different priority groups (critical, non-critical, optional) and implements separate control mechanisms for each group. The system controller independently manages power distribution to each priority level, allowing critical loads to receive guaranteed power during outages while non-critical loads are disconnected when power is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different power supply qualities to different loads based on their priority classification. Critical loads receive high-reliability power supply with automatic transfer switches and backup power, while non-critical loads receive standard power supply without special protection, optimizing overall system reliability without wasting resources on all loads equally.
2Reliability
If critical loads are prioritized for power supply during outages, then reliability of essential appliances is improved, but non-essential loads must be disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load management where the system continuously monitors power availability and automatically adjusts which loads are active based on current conditions. During normal operation, all loads can operate, but during outages or when power is insufficient, the system dynamically reconfigures to prioritize critical loads while disconnecting non-essential ones, and can restore non-critical loads when power becomes available again.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors power source status, load priorities, and power availability. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically makes decisions about which loads to connect or disconnect, ensuring critical loads maintain power supply while non-essential loads are managed according to available power capacity.
3Productivity
If smart outlet systems with communication and control capabilities are implemented, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements smart outlets that perform multiple functions: they provide standard electrical connectivity, monitor power consumption, control load connection/disconnection, communicate with the system controller, and provide user interfaces. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single integrated component, improving power distribution efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart outlets incorporate self-service capabilities where they automatically monitor their own operational status, detect power anomalies, and communicate with the central controller without requiring manual intervention. The outlets can independently control their connected loads based on received commands and local conditions, reducing the burden on the central controller and simplifying overall system management.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations described herein are directed to systems, apparatuses and methods for managing one or more loads connected to one or more power sources using one or more smart outlets. Apparatuses described herein may include smart outlets configured to communicate with one or more controllers and responsively connect and disconnect electrical loads connected thereto. Methods described herein may include signaling and/or controlling one or more loads from a group of loads to connect to or disconnect from one or more power sources.