Wireless Power Management Device with Demand Response Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack the ability to efficiently manage and control electricity consumption, particularly during peak periods, using portable computing devices for power management in domestic and commercial settings, due to limitations in wireless communication technologies and control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a power management device with configurable wireless communications, a battery-powered personal controller, and a service platform that enables data exchange and control of electricity consumption through Wi-Fi Direct, network Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other communication technologies, allowing for demand response mechanisms like shedding load during peak consumption periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless communication technologies are used to enable remote control of power management devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a smartphone as an intermediary device that mediates between the user and the power management device. The smartphone application serves as a remote control interface, allowing users to manage power consumption without directly interacting with the power management device itself. This intermediary approach improves ease of operation while distributing complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the power management device that controls electricity flow, the smartphone that provides the user interface, and the wireless communication module that bridges them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the power management device focuses on control functionality while the smartphone handles the complex user interface and communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireless communication modes are supported for flexible device communication, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management device is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple wireless communication modes including Wi-Fi Direct, infrastructure mode Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This universal communication capability allows the device to adapt to different network environments and communication requirements. The device can selectively activate the appropriate communication mode based on availability and requirements, providing adaptability without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each mode.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The communication mode selection is dynamic rather than static. The device can switch between different wireless communication modes (Wi-Fi Direct, infrastructure mode, Bluetooth) based on environmental conditions, network availability, and operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize performance for each specific scenario while using a single versatile communication module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If demand response mechanisms are implemented to reduce peak consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but loss of time occurs due to load shedding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements preliminary action by pre-cooling or pre-heating spaces, or pre-charging batteries, during off-peak periods when energy demand and prices are lower. This allows the system to reduce or eliminate load during peak periods without compromising comfort or operational requirements. For example, an air conditioner can run at higher capacity during off-peak hours to pre-cool a building, then reduce or shut off during peak hours while maintaining comfortable temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor energy consumption patterns, peak demand signals, and operational status in real-time. Based on this feedback, the power management device dynamically adjusts power distribution to implement demand response strategies. The feedback loop allows the system to respond to changing conditions and optimize energy usage while minimizing disruption to operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10503234B2Configurable wireless power control and management
Publication Date: 2019.12.10 KORTEK IND PTY LTD
  • US10503234B2 patent drawing
  • US10503234B2 patent drawing
  • US10503234B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electromechanical relay switching system for reducing electromagnetic or radio interference. The system includes an electromechanical relay with an energizeable coil and a microcontroller configured to synchronize energizing the coil relative to a voltage zero crossing time based on a relay contact close time and relay contact bounce time measured particularly for the relay.