Priority Smart Outlet Switching for Limited Power Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical systems face challenges in managing power distribution when available power is insufficient to meet demand, particularly during outages or when using multiple power sources, where critical loads may not receive adequate power, and non-critical loads may need to be disconnected to prioritize energy usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a smart outlet system with priority labeling and switching circuits that disconnect non-critical loads based on available power, energy, cost, and demand, allowing critical loads to maintain operation by dynamically managing power distribution between multiple power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If all electrical loads are connected to the power source, then the total power demand increases, but the available power from limited sources becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments electrical loads into different priority groups (critical, non-critical, optional) and applies different connection strategies to each segment. Critical loads are always connected, non-critical loads are conditionally connected based on power availability, and optional loads are connected only when excess power is available. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain a manageable number of connected loads while ensuring essential functions remain powered.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic load management where the number of connected loads adjusts automatically based on real-time power availability. The system continuously monitors power sources and dynamically connects or disconnects loads according to priority labels and current power conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to maximize power utilization while preventing overload, resolving the contradiction between having many loads connected and maintaining sufficient available power.
2Reliability
If non-critical loads are disconnected to save power, then power availability for critical loads is improved, but the total power utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels of power supply to different loads based on their criticality. Critical loads receive guaranteed power supply with high reliability, while non-critical and optional loads receive power only when available. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring critical loads always have reliable power while allowing the system to utilize available power for non-critical loads when possible, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors power availability and adjusts load connections accordingly. When power becomes available, non-critical loads are reconnected; when power becomes scarce, they are disconnected. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing reliability for critical loads with productivity through optimal utilization of available power for non-critical loads.
3Ease of operation
If priority labeling and switching circuits are implemented, then power distribution control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where loads automatically receive appropriate power distribution based on their priority labels and current power conditions without manual intervention. The switching circuits autonomously connect or disconnect loads based on pre-assigned priorities and real-time power availability. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by providing sophisticated power distribution control through automated priority-based management while minimizing the need for complex manual control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses priority labels as parameters to simplify control. Each load is assigned a priority parameter (critical, non-critical, optional) that determines its connection behavior. The switching circuits respond to changes in power availability parameters and automatically adjust connections based on these predefined priority parameters. This parameter-based approach resolves the contradiction by providing effective power distribution control through simple priority assignments rather than complex real-time decision-making circuits.
Data Source
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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.