Vehicle Power Control System for Dynamic Load Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power distribution systems in complex systems like aircraft struggle to manage power demand fluctuations, often resulting in non-essential devices being shut down when aggregate power demand exceeds available supply, without an optimal method to allocate power efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle power control system that communicates with intelligent devices and power sources to generate a power distribution schedule, allocating power based on demand and supply, using intelligent power sources to harvest and store excess power for later use, ensuring continuous operation of critical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional power distribution systems allocate power based on present demands only, then devices can be provided power when needed, but aggregate power demand may exceed available supply during peak periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower allocation responsivenessVSAvoidavailable power supply
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The energy management system performs preliminary actions by harvesting and storing excess power during periods when power supply exceeds demand. This stored power is then made available during peak demand periods, preventing power shortages without requiring increased generation capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning between harvested power, grid power, and stored power sources. The energy management system ensures uninterrupted power supply to devices by coordinating multiple power sources, maintaining system operation during demand fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Quantity of substance

If devices are shut down to manage power demand, then power supply adequacy is maintained, but system functionality and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply adequacyVSAvoidsystem functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the temporal distribution parameter of power consumption by shifting non-critical device operations to periods when power is abundant. The energy management system adjusts operating schedules, power levels, and timing of device operations to balance supply and demand while maintaining essential functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The energy management system acts as an intermediary between power sources and consuming devices, coordinating power allocation intelligently. It mediates between available power supply and device requirements by prioritizing critical devices and scheduling non-critical device operations during periods of excess power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If power is harvested and stored for later use, then power distribution optimization is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution efficiencyVSAvoidpower management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy management system performs multiple functions including power harvesting coordination, power distribution scheduling, device operation optimization, and real-time monitoring. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving comprehensive power optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automated decision-making algorithms that independently optimize power allocation based on real-time conditions. The energy management system autonomously schedules device operations, adjusts power levels, and coordinates harvesting without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2362976B1Intelligent energy management architecture
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2362976B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2362976B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2362976B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for a power control system including intelligent devices. A vehicle power control system includes a power supply configured to supply a first quantity of power to at least one device configured to consume power based on a first power demand. The vehicle power control system also includes an intelligent device configured to determine a second power demand for the intelligent device during a vehicle operation. The vehicle power control system also includes an energy management system. The energy management system is configured to communicate with the at least one the intelligent device regarding the second power demand of the at least one intelligent device to coordinate scheduling of power distribution during the vehicle operation in order to generate a power distribution schedule to account for the first power demand of the at least one device and the second power demand of the at least one intelligent device. The energy management system directs the first quantity of power to the at least one device according to the first power demand of the at least one device and directs a second quantity of power to the at least one intelligent device according to the power distribution schedule.