Smart Outlets for Dynamic Power Distribution in Complex Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex systems like aircraft face challenges in managing electrical power distribution due to intermittent power demands from nonlinear devices, leading to inefficiencies and potential shutdowns when aggregate power demand exceeds supply, with conventional systems lacking real-time power consumption data to optimize energy production.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with smart outlets that measure real-time power consumption characteristics and communicate wirelessly with an electrical load management system to adjust power distribution dynamically, ensuring capacity meets demand and reducing excess energy production and waste through advanced power conditioning and surge protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional power distribution systems are used, then devices can operate with simple power supply, but real-time power consumption characteristics cannot be measured and optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces smart outlets as intermediary devices between the power source and power loads. These smart outlets measure real-time power consumption characteristics (real power, reactive power, apparent power) and communicate with the electrical load management system, enabling precise measurement without requiring modification of the power loads themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where smart outlets measure power consumption, the backend system analyzes the data against the power distribution schedule, and command signals are transmitted back to smart outlets to adjust power delivery. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time optimization of power distribution based on actual consumption characteristics.
2Productivity
If power is supplied to all devices simultaneously, then all devices can operate, but aggregate power demand exceeds available supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power distribution based on real-time conditions. The power distribution schedule is continuously updated and optimized based on measured power consumption characteristics, allowing the system to adapt power allocation to match actual device needs and available supply capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes power distribution parameters (real power, reactive power, apparent power) based on measured load characteristics. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system optimizes power delivery to match actual consumption patterns and prevents aggregate demand from exceeding supply capacity.
3Power
If devices are shut down to reduce power demand, then power supply adequacy is maintained, but device operational continuity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-planning power distribution schedules and pre-positioning power allocation decisions. The backend system analyzes power consumption patterns and proactively adjusts the power distribution schedule to prevent power deficits before they occur, maintaining both supply adequacy and operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
Through continuous feedback from smart outlets measuring real-time power consumption, the system can make incremental adjustments to power distribution rather than abrupt shutdowns. This allows the system to maintain power supply adequacy while minimizing disruptions to device operational continuity.
4Reliability
If excess power is produced to meet peak demands, then all devices can be powered during peak periods, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes power generation parameters by continuously monitoring actual power consumption characteristics and adjusting generation output to match real-time demand. By changing generation parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed excess capacity, the system ensures power availability during peak periods while minimizing energy waste during lower demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism allows the system to compare actual power consumption against predicted demand and adjust power generation accordingly. This real-time feedback enables the system to produce only the necessary amount of power needed to meet actual demand, eliminating the need for continuous excess power production while maintaining reliability during peak periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a plurality of smart outlets and a backend system in wireless communication with the smart outlets. The smart outlets are configured to provide electrical power from an electrical system to respective power loads, and configured to measure power consumption characteristics thereof the respective power loads. The power consumption characteristics may include real power, apparent power or a combination thereof consumed by the respective power loads. The backend system may be configured to wirelessly receive the power consumption characteristics from the smart outlets for analysis in accordance with a power distribution schedule of the electrical system, and wirelessly transmit a command signal to one or more of the smart outlets in various instances response to the analysis. This command signal may instruct the respective one or more smart outlets to shed or restore power to respective power loads from the electrical system.