Test and Measurement Task Scheduling for Variable Energy Costs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Test and measurement instruments face high energy consumption and variable operating costs due to time-variable electricity prices, leading to increased costs during unfavorable times.
Innovation Solution
A test and measurement system with a scheduler module that generates schedules for measurement tasks based on device-specific data and external power supply information, aligning tasks with energy availability and costs to optimize energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If measurement tasks are carried out continuously without scheduling, then productivity is maintained, but energy consumption and operating costs increase due to unfavorable electricity prices
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the scheduling of measurement tasks based on real-time or forecasted energy price signals and power supply availability. The scheduler module continuously optimizes task execution timing to perform measurements during periods of lower energy costs or higher renewable energy availability, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and reducing energy consumption costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scheduling of measurement tasks by anticipating favorable energy supply periods or lower cost periods in advance. The scheduler module plans task execution sequences beforehand based on predicted energy availability and pricing, allowing the system to proactively align measurement operations with optimal energy conditions rather than reacting to current states
2Loss of energy
If measurement tasks are delayed to favorable energy supply periods, then energy efficiency improves, but measurement completion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temporal parameter of task execution by shifting measurement tasks to different time slots based on energy supply conditions. The scheduler module adjusts task start times, durations, and sequencing parameters to optimize the balance between energy efficiency and measurement completion time, selecting optimal execution windows that minimize both energy waste and time loss
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system schedules tasks based on variable power supply availability, then adaptability to energy conditions improves, but system complexity increases due to scheduling infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The scheduler module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it manages task scheduling, monitors energy supply conditions, interfaces with communication networks for receiving price signals, and controls measurement device operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby achieving high adaptability to variable power supply conditions while limiting the increase in overall system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a test and/or measurement system (10). The system (10) comprises: a number of measurement devices (11), wherein each of the number of measurement devices (11) is capable of carrying out one or more measurement tasks with a respective device-under-test, DUT (20); a database (12) configured to store device specific data on the number of measurement devices (11); a communication interface (14) configured to receive information on an external power supply for supplying the number of measurement devices (11); a scheduler module (13) configured to generate a schedule for a plurality of measurement tasks to be carried out with the number of measurement devices (11) on the basis of the device specific data and the received information; and a configuration module (15) configured to control the number of measurement devices (11) to carry out the plurality of measurement tasks according to the schedule.