Clothes Washer Energy Control for Utility Peak Demand Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems for household appliances lack effective peak demand reduction methods, relying on simple on/off switching and failing to communicate efficiently with utilities using varying communication protocols, leading to high energy costs and inefficiencies during peak usage periods.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy management system that includes an ambient light sensor and timer to determine peak shaving modes, along with a Demand Side Management Module using various communication methods (PLC, FM, WiFi, ZigBee, etc.) to interface with Advanced Metering Infrastructure, allowing appliances to adjust energy consumption based on utility signals and user preferences, reducing peak demand without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple on/off switching is used to control energy supply, then device complexity is reduced, but energy management effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent modules: communication module (supporting multiple protocols), control module, sensor module, and execution module. This allows the system to achieve sophisticated energy management through coordinated simple actions of each module rather than requiring a single complex control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-chilling the freezer compartment before peak demand periods and pre-heating the water heater before off-peak periods. This anticipatory control reduces the need for intensive energy consumption during peak pricing periods, improving energy management effectiveness without requiring complex real-time control algorithms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are implemented, then adaptability to different utility systems is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single communication module is designed to support multiple communication protocols (PLC, WiFi, ZigBee, Bluetooth) simultaneously. This multi-functional module can adapt to different utility communication standards without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each protocol, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity through code-level protocol selection rather than hardware multiplication.
3Loss of energy
If peak demand reduction is implemented, then energy cost is reduced, but productivity of energy supply is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic operation patterns where high-consumption functions (water heating, washing cycles) are scheduled during off-peak periods with lower pricing, while maintaining essential functions during peak periods. This periodic action reduces energy costs by shifting load timing rather than reducing total energy supply efficiency, as the appliance remains fully functional just at different times.
4Use of energy by moving object
If active control during peak periods is implemented, then energy savings are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates autonomously by receiving pricing signals from the utility, automatically determining optimal operation schedules, and executing control actions without user intervention. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about when to operate various functions based on real-time pricing information, thereby achieving energy savings while maintaining ease of operation through automated rather than manual control.
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the clothes washer in the energy savings mode.