System and method for energy management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems lack the ability to efficiently manage energy consumption during peak demand periods, leading to higher costs and inefficiencies due to reliance on the electrical grid, and there is a need for systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with energy storage to optimize energy usage.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system integrated with an energy storage device and a controller that allows for power management, enabling operation solely on the grid, solely on the energy storage, or a combination of both, based on utility signals and consumer preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air conditioning systems draw power from the power grid during peak demand, then the system can operate without interruption, but the cost of electricity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by charging the energy storage device during off-peak hours when electricity costs are low. The controller stores energy in advance during periods of low demand and low cost, then discharges this stored energy during peak demand periods to avoid high electricity costs while maintaining continuous operation of the air conditioning system
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the power grid and the air conditioning system. It buffers the connection, allowing the system to draw from stored energy during peak demand periods rather than directly from the expensive grid power, thus mediating the cost and reliability trade-off
2Productivity
If air conditioning systems operate during peak demand periods, then cooling needs are met, but energy costs increase due to high demand pricing
Solution Approach 1:
The controller charges the energy storage device during off-peak hours when energy costs are low, performing preliminary energy accumulation. During peak demand periods when cooling is needed, the system discharges the stored energy to maintain cooling output without incurring high peak demand costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of energy consumption by shifting demand from peak periods to off-peak periods. The controller manages when energy is consumed (discharging storage during peak, charging during off-peak), effectively changing the time parameter of energy usage to avoid high-cost periods while maintaining cooling productivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If energy storage devices are integrated with air conditioning systems, then energy management flexibility improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides multi-functionality by managing both the air conditioning operation and the energy storage device. It can charge the storage device, discharge it to power the AC system, or manage hybrid operation modes, making the controller a universal management unit that handles multiple energy scenarios without requiring separate control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the energy storage device with the air conditioning system into an integrated unit. The controller combines the functions of AC control and energy management, creating a unified system that operates as a single coordinated entity rather than separate components, thereby managing complexity through integration
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A system (900) for energy management includes a utility server (904) providing a load shape; an aggregator (906) in communication with the utility server (904); a plurality of buildings (908); a plurality of assets (912) associated with the plurality of buildings (908), at least one of the assets (912) being an energy storage device (240); wherein the aggregator (906) is configured to at least one of (i) supply energy from the energy storage device (240) to satisfy the load shape or (ii) change a setting of an asset (912) to satisfy the load shape.