Stand-by Power Estimation Using Dynamic Comparison Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating stand-by power fail to accurately account for fluctuations over time, leading to inaccurate discrimination between used and unused states of electrical loads, particularly when stand-by power varies across time slots.
Innovation Solution
A stand-by power estimating apparatus that uses a determining unit to analyze historical power usage data, setting a comparison value based on maximum usage levels and varying it to identify peak stand-by power, while also discriminating operational states and estimating failures to turn off electrical loads, utilizing a mobile terminal for notification and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stand-by power is obtained using a histogram peak frequency method, then the measurement process is simple, but stand-by power cannot be accurately obtained when it fluctuates from one time slot to the next
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the comparison value variable rather than fixed. The comparison value is dynamically adjusted based on the sustained time condition - it varies depending on how long the used power amount remains at or below the comparison value. This dynamic adjustment allows accurate capture of fluctuating stand-by power across different time slots while maintaining a relatively simple measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of comparison value from a static threshold to a dynamic one that adapts based on sustained time conditions. By modifying this parameter according to the duration that power consumption remains low, the system can accurately identify stand-by power even when it fluctuates, resolving the contradiction between measurement simplicity and accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed comparison value is used to determine stand-by power, then the determination process is straightforward, but it cannot adapt to fluctuations in stand-by power across different time slots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the comparison value adaptive rather than fixed. The comparison value changes based on the sustained time condition, allowing the determination process to adapt to different time slots and fluctuating stand-by power patterns while maintaining operational simplicity through automated condition-based adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting the comparison value based on the sustained time condition without requiring external intervention. The determination process adapts itself to different time slots and power consumption patterns, combining ease of operation with adaptability to fluctuations.
3Measurement precision
If historical power data is analyzed with time information retained, then stand-by power accuracy improves during fluctuations, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential element needed for accuracy - the sustained time condition - from the full historical power data. By focusing on whether the power amount remains at or below the comparison value for a sustained period, the system achieves accurate stand-by power measurement during fluctuations without the need to process and retain all detailed time information, thus reducing processing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified representation of historical power data by using the sustained time condition as a proxy for complex temporal patterns. This copied metric captures the essential behavior needed for accurate stand-by power determination during fluctuations without requiring full historical data processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
An estimating apparatus includes an acquiring unit, a history recording unit, and a determining unit. The acquiring unit acquires power amounts for respective measurement times from a measuring apparatus that measures power for each branch line, as a plurality of used power amounts. The history recording unit records the plurality of used power amounts in association with dates and times. The determining unit variably sets a comparison value for comparing magnitudes of the plurality of used power amounts recorded in the history recording unit, obtains a minimum value of the comparison value in a range satisfying a condition that an amount of time for which at least some of the plurality of used power amounts are continuously equal to or below the comparison value exceeds a prescribed sustained time, and estimates the minimum value to be a peak value of stand-by power of the branch line.