Wireless DC Power Receptacle for Building Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
DC power receptacles in buildings lack wireless control and monitoring capabilities, making it difficult to manage and optimize their usage efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A power receptacle with a socket that provides a DC power signal, coupled with a switch and a controller that can be wirelessly controlled to turn the power on or off, or adjust its level, using wireless communication standards like Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or Bluetooth, enabling remote management of DC power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DC power receptacles are distributed throughout a building without wireless control, then power availability is ensured, but power management and monitoring capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a wireless communication module with the existing DC power receptacle structure, integrating power delivery and wireless control capabilities into a single unified device. This merging approach enables power management functionality without requiring separate control systems or complex infrastructure modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed to perform multiple functions: providing DC power to devices and simultaneously serving as a wireless communication node for building management systems. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to enable both power distribution and intelligent control/monitoring capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If wireless control components are added to DC power receptacles, then power management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module operates autonomously within the receptacle, independently managing communication with remote systems without requiring complex external control infrastructure. The module handles its own operation and integration, reducing the burden on the overall system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If DC power receptacles remain uncontrolled, then installation simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency and monitoring opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module enables bidirectional communication between the receptacle and building management systems, allowing for monitoring of power usage and implementation of control strategies. This feedback mechanism facilitates energy efficiency improvements through real-time data collection and remote control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A power receptacle includes a socket, where a direct current (DC) power signal is provided at the socket to provide a DC power to a device that gets plugged into the socket. The power receptacle further includes a switch that is electrically coupled to the socket. The power receptacle also includes a controller that controls the switch to control whether the DC power signal is available at the socket. The controller controls the switch based on a power control command that is wirelessly received by the power receptacle.