Smart Power Node Optimizing Residential Energy Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current residential power systems face challenges in managing the complex power delivery requirements of modern electronic devices, including electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, due to limitations in voltage, current, and power management, and lack the ability to efficiently store and distribute energy.
Innovation Solution
A dwelling power management system that includes a smart power integrated node connected to a remote server, which controls power distribution based on user preferences and external factors, optimizing energy usage by interfacing with external power sources and energy storage systems, and enabling efficient management of energy from various sources such as solar and grid power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard residential power delivery (120 or 220 volt AC) is used, then simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but the system cannot meet the specific voltage, current, and power requirements of modern electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
A power management system acts as an intermediary between the standard power delivery infrastructure and modern electronic devices with specific power requirements. The system includes a controller that receives power from standard sources and distributes it with precise control over voltage, current, and power parameters to multiple devices, thereby enabling adaptability without requiring changes to the underlying power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can deliver power to various types of devices with different requirements, provide energy storage, enable bidirectional power flow, and interface with both standard and specialized power sources. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle diverse power delivery needs while maintaining a unified control architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple devices operate at full power for extended periods, then device performance is maximized, but physical constraints of energy sources and sinks create limitations and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the state of energy sources, storage devices, and loads. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts power distribution to prevent overloading, manage thermal constraints, and ensure reliable operation. The system can reduce power to non-critical devices when constraints are approached while maintaining full power for essential devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power distribution in real-time based on changing conditions. It can shift power allocation between devices, adjust voltage and current levels, and modify operating parameters to optimize both productivity and reliability. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying load conditions and energy availability without compromising device performance or system reliability.
3Reliability
If energy storage devices are added to collect and store energy from solar cells and wind devices, then energy independence and reliability are improved, but the complexity of managing multiple energy sources and storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system merges multiple energy sources (grid power, solar, wind) and storage devices into a unified control architecture. The controller manages power flow between all these components, optimizing their combined operation. By integrating control of generation and storage functions into a single system, the complexity is centralized and managed efficiently rather than requiring separate control systems for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system incorporates self-service capabilities through automated control algorithms that independently manage power flow optimization, charge/discharge scheduling, and source selection. The system can autonomously make decisions about how to allocate power from various sources and when to charge or discharge storage devices based on real-time conditions, reducing the need for complex manual management while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A dwelling power management system includes a smart power integrated node located at a dwelling and configured to transit information to and receive information from a remote server arrangement. The smart power integrated node selectively controls power applied to dwelling electrical power hardware components according to a recommended operating procedure (ROP). The system also includes a utility switch connected to the smart power integrated node, the utility switch configured to control distribution of electrical power received from a dwelling external power source. The smart power integrated node transmits dwelling power usage information and dwelling user preferences to the remote server arrangement that evaluates relevant information including dwelling power usage information and dwelling user preferences and dwelling external factors to develop an optimized ROP. The smart power integrated node operates according to the optimized ROP.