Configurable Transfer Switch for Scalable Home Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home and business automation systems are limited by high costs, complexity, and lack of scalability, with existing solutions often requiring professional installation and being inflexible to individual user needs, and they lack visibility into energy consumption patterns, hindering energy efficiency and participation in conservation programs.
Innovation Solution
A scalable automation system that employs a hierarchical control platform using various communication platforms and protocols, including wireline and wireless technologies, allowing for flexible deployment and configuration of automation components as independent or consolidated systems, enabling tailored solutions for specific user applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If comprehensive stand-alone automation systems are deployed, then automation functionality is improved, but system cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides automation functionality into modular components that can be independently deployed and managed. Each component can operate autonomously or be integrated with others, allowing users to start with basic automation and expand functionality gradually without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation components are designed to perform multiple functions and can be integrated across different system architectures. A single component can serve in various roles depending on system configuration, reducing the total number of specialized devices needed and simplifying installation.
2Extent of automation
If comprehensive stand-alone automation systems are deployed, then automation functionality is improved, but installation and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end-users to install, configure, and maintain automation components without requiring professional services. Components feature plug-and-play functionality with automated configuration capabilities, allowing users to deploy automation themselves, thereby eliminating installation and maintenance fees charged by service providers.
3Device complexity
If X10 PowerLine Communication protocol is used, then communication infrastructure is simplified, but reliability and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces intelligent intermediary components that communicate over PowerLine infrastructure but provide error correction, protocol translation, and data validation services. These intermediaries buffer and retransmit data as needed, ensuring reliable communication while maintaining the simplicity of using existing electrical wiring for data transmission.
4Productivity
If automation systems are designed for large-scale deployment, then system capabilities are improved, but scalability to individual needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture dynamically adapts to the scale and requirements of each deployment. Components can operate in standalone mode for individual applications or automatically integrate into larger networks when multiple components are deployed. The system configuration, communication protocols, and control logic adjust automatically based on the number and type of components present, providing optimal performance whether one device or hundreds are installed.
Data Source
AI summary
An automation system including a plurality of peripheral devices, each configured to perform at least one function relating to energy consumption in a facility and an automation controller in communication with the plurality of peripheral devices and providing for the control of the performance of the function by each device, wherein the system includes a configurable transfer switch that enables the system to control the flow and/or source of electricity provided to circuits in a facility.