Energy efficiency is not only a desirable feature for an invention, but also a necessity in the face of environmental and economic challenges. How can you make your invention more energy-efficient without compromising its functionality or quality? Here are some tips and strategies that can help you achieve this goal.
The first step to make an invention energy-efficient is to identify the energy sources that power it and how they are used. Depending on the type and purpose of your invention, you may have different options for energy sources, such as electricity, solar, wind, biomass, or hydrogen. You should also consider the energy consumption of each component of your invention, such as motors, sensors, processors, or displays. By measuring and analyzing the energy input and output of your invention, you can identify the areas where you can optimize or reduce the energy use.
Harnessing nature's wisdom, like the lotus leaf's self-cleaning mechanism, we can design surfaces that repel dirt and conserve energy. Plus, it's nature's way of saying, "Cleanliness is next to energy efficiency!" :)
The combinations of energy sources and energy consumption is almost never considered in macroscopic solutions, but everyone knows these on a local level. Local energy solutions is almost always a win, but I like to say win(d).
An invention for energy efficiency could be a product, a service or more likely a combination of both; this is most likely, especially in an AI world! Understanding energy use can be initially appraised by reviewing the energy 'sources' (including all aspects of technology, progress forecasts, tariff structures, etc) and 'demand' (also including all aspects - e.g. detailed load and use profiles, progress forecasts. life cycle, etc). These assessments provide a baseline for all energy efficiency initiatives.
The second step to make an invention energy-efficient is to apply some design principles that can help you improve the performance and efficiency of your invention. For example, you can use the principle of modularity, which means designing your invention as a collection of independent and interchangeable parts that can be easily replaced or upgraded. This way, you can avoid wasting energy on outdated or malfunctioning components. Another principle is the principle of integration, which means combining multiple functions or features into one device or system. This way, you can avoid duplicating energy use or creating unnecessary complexity.
This is really about reducing business risk. If you design principles are sound and have multiple supplier options (eg. do not depend on one piece of equipment or future expected exotic material/product), most technology challenges can be overcome in a reasonable amount of time. You also gain inherent reliability, if the product consist of existing elements and manufacturing processes, now you "just" have to system engineer it and tailor to the market place.
This article is about a general 'invention' i.e. it is about reviewing a total project to make it more energy efficient. Applying design principles is part, a component within, the overall project strategy. Therefore, it is appropriate to review if the project vision, objectives, etc have been formed with energy efficiency (or overall sustainability) in mind; if not then these need to be revised/updated. Then the strategy, including the project management plan, needs to be similarly reviewed and updated if required. Getting these foundations optimised represents only 1% to < 5% of the overall 'investment' into a project. However, getting these foundations optimised could change the outcomes of the project by +10%, +20% or even 10x.
The third step to make an invention energy-efficient is to use smart technologies that can help you monitor and control the energy use of your invention. For example, you can use sensors and feedback mechanisms that can detect the environmental conditions and adjust the energy output accordingly. This way, you can avoid wasting energy on unnecessary or excessive operations. Another example is using artificial intelligence and machine learning that can learn from the data and optimize the energy use based on the user behavior and preferences. This way, you can enhance the user experience and satisfaction while saving energy.
This era is an era of innovation for efficient energy use. Using smart technologies in conjunction with design adds value to the work, but we just need to truly know those new methods. to incorporate features into our designs
Sensing and controlling is almost always a must, but if it can be avoided by clever design of the physical process, then that is preferred.
Energy use analysis & benchmarking are essential. Energy use analysis needs to assess the percentage of energy used for the 'work' and what is 'wasted' or otherwise consumed in the 'process'. eg, in a ICE car typically less than 30% of the fuel energy is consumed in the 'work' of moving the car along the road. In this example the other 70% + needs to be the focus. Benchmarking is an indispensable tool for assessment, comparative improvement and achieving results on a step-by-step basis. Smart technologies, Ai, et al can all assist with the assessments, monitoring outcomes, etc. Data is essential, however, the adage, can't see the forest for the trees also applies, e.g. to avoid analysis paralysis - which often occurs with sustainability
The fourth step to make an invention energy-efficient is to test and evaluate the energy efficiency of your invention. You can use various methods and tools to measure and compare the energy use and performance of your invention, such as life cycle analysis, energy audits, or simulation models. You should also consider the environmental and social impacts of your invention, such as the greenhouse gas emissions, the resource consumption, or the user feedback. By testing and evaluating your invention, you can identify the strengths and weaknesses of your invention and make improvements or adjustments accordingly.
The fifth step to make an invention energy-efficient is to learn and innovate from your own experience and from others. You can keep yourself updated with the latest trends and developments in the field of energy efficiency and seek inspiration from other inventors or experts. You can also collaborate with other stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, or partners, and solicit their feedback and suggestions. By learning and innovating, you can discover new opportunities and challenges for making your invention more energy-efficient and competitive.
This is one large topic to be covered in a small article like this. I will list some strategies that come to mind instantly below: Design Optimization Energy Efficient Components Energy Harvesting Renewable Energy Sources Energy Storage Efficiency Automation & Smart Controls Thermal Management Material Efficiency Modularity & Scalability Life Cycle Energy Analysis and Optimization User Education & Engagement Standardisation & Interoperability Incorporating these strategies requires a holistic approach to design and engineering, taking into account the specific functions and operating environments of the invention. Additionally, continuous innovation and the integration of new technologies are key to improving energy efficiency over time.
The sixth step to make an invention energy-efficient is to share and educate others about your invention and its benefits. You can use various channels and platforms to showcase and promote your invention, such as social media, blogs, podcasts, or exhibitions. You can also use various formats and media to explain and demonstrate your invention, such as videos, infographics, or interactive demonstrations. By sharing and educating others, you can increase the awareness and interest in your invention and its energy efficiency and inspire others to follow your example or collaborate with you.
There is something to be said about customer and stakeholder education, even if your innovation is brilliant fits into an existing market segment and it "sells it self". If you also have to educate the market place, in order to sell, you really have to make the business case obvious, and be ready to prove it. Often there is more the than one answer. And energy efficiency is rarely a short return investment. So it is hard work, requires many many iterations, but only one way to figure out get out there and fail over and over again until you get it right.
Like any other desirable attribute, if you want your design to be energy efficient, design towards it. Clearly state your energy efficiency goal and make it part of the requirements the team is designing for. Learning what is possible and what solutions / technologies exist is also mandatory.
To assess energy efficiency of an invention segment the device into sub systems. Analyze, model, make computer simulations of the sub system and calculate the energy balance. This would be the input energy to make the unit ‘go’ minus heat generation. Heat is unrealized work caused by resistance forces, such as friction and system weight. Heavier objects require more energy to move than lighter weight options. Optimize each subsystem to produce the least amount of heat possible, while producing the maximum amount of work. Take into consideration how the invention will be used: intermittent or continuous. Focus on what you can measure, control and optimize.