Smart Socket Power Control for Occupancy-Based Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected power systems face significant parasitic electrical consumption even when devices are ostensibly turned off, and there is a need for methods to reduce overall power consumption, including parasitic consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system with occupancy sensors and smart electrical sockets controlled by a supervisory controller that switches off power to non-occupied areas and responds to demand response signals to manage energy consumption based on occupancy, appliance type, and scheduled events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smart sockets continuously supply power to electrical devices, then devices remain ready for immediate use, but parasitic electrical consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by keeping devices in a ready state when occupancy is detected, and preemptively switching off power when unoccupancy is predicted based on occupancy sensor data and scheduled events, thus balancing device readiness with energy conservation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses occupancy sensors to provide continuous feedback on facility usage, which the supervisory controller processes to dynamically adjust power delivery to smart sockets, creating a closed-loop system that adapts power supply to actual needs
2Loss of energy
If occupancy sensors and supervisory control systems are deployed, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supervisory controller serves multiple functions: it receives and processes occupancy sensor data, manages scheduled events, communicates with utility companies for demand response programs, and controls power delivery to multiple smart sockets, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device acts as an intermediary between the occupancy sensors/supervisory controller and the utility company's demand response programs, simplifying integration by handling communication protocols and data translation
3Loss of energy
If power is switched off to smart sockets, then parasitic consumption is reduced, but device availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power supply states based on real-time occupancy conditions and scheduled events, transitioning between powered-on and powered-off states as needed, rather than maintaining a static power supply configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic occupancy sensing and scheduled event checking to determine when to switch power states, creating a rhythm of power delivery that aligns with facility usage patterns and predetermined schedules
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling energy consumption in a facility region uses smart electrical sockets. The system includes smart electrical sockets with plug receptacles and socket controllers that can switch power on/off to the connected appliances. A supervisory controller connects to an occupancy sensor and the smart sockets. When the region becomes unoccupied for a threshold time, the controller signals selected sockets to switch off power to their connected appliances. When occupancy resumes, power may be automatically restored to selected sockets. Alternatively, or in addition, the system responds to demand response events by switching off power delivered by certain smart sockets, and automatically restoring power to selected sockets once the demand response event expires.