Peak consumption management for resource allocation systems

Abstract

A computer-implemented method includes assigning, by a peak management system, a peak resource management plan to a first location and a second location within a resource allocation network. The peak resource management plan includes a first peak consumption period and a first limited resource consumption period at a first location and a second peak consumption period and a second limited resource consumption period at a second location, wherein the first peak consumption period and the second peak consumption period are different. The method also includes transmitting, by the peak management system, a peak resource management signal to the first location and the second location. The peak resource management signal includes instructions to begin executing a peak resource management plan at a first location and a second location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to consumption management of resource allocation systems. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure relates to managing premises consumption of resources during peak consumption periods. Background Art

[0002] In a resource allocation system, such as a power grid that delivers electricity, extreme weather or critical peak demand periods may cause consumer demand to exceed resource production capacity. Because there may not be enough resources available to meet the entire resource demand during these periods, the resource allocation system may implement rolling outages to avoid system-wide outages. Rolling outages can be difficult to manage and are often unfair across all premises served by the resource allocation system. To avoid management and unfairness issues, alternatives to rolling outages can be used to drive management of utility assets in the resource allocation system. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a system includes a metering device, a processor, and a non-transitory computer-readable memory, the non-transitory computer-readable memory including instructions executable by the processor to cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include accessing a peak resource management plan. The operations also include receiving a peak resource management signal, the peak resource management signal including instructions to begin executing the peak resource management plan at a location (this step is an alternative to rolling blackouts). Additionally, the operations include controlling the metering device to monitor resource consumption at a location at the location. Furthermore, the operations include determining that a peak resource consumption portion of the peak resource management plan is active. The operations also include, in response to determining that the peak resource consumption portion is active, controlling resource consumption at the location to a peak resource consumption level below the peak resource management plan. Additionally, the operations include determining that a limited resource consumption portion of the peak resource management plan is active. Moreover, the operations include, in response to determining that the limited resource consumption portion is active, controlling resource consumption at the location to a non-zero limited resource consumption level below the peak resource management plan.

[0004] In another embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes assigning, by a peak management system, a peak resource management plan to a first location and a second location within a resource allocation network. The peak resource management plan includes a first peak consumption period and a first limited resource consumption period at the first location and a second peak consumption period and a second limited resource consumption period at the second location, wherein the first peak consumption period and the second peak consumption period are different. The method also includes sending, by the peak management system, a peak resource management signal to the first location and the second location. The peak resource management signal includes an instruction to start executing the peak resource management plan at the first location and the second location.

[0005] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include accessing a peak resource management plan. The operations also include receiving a peak resource management signal, the peak resource management signal including instructions to begin executing the peak resource management plan at a location. Additionally, the operations include controlling a metering device to monitor resource consumption at a location. Furthermore, the operations include determining that a peak resource consumption portion of the peak resource management plan is active. The operations also include, in response to determining that the peak resource consumption portion is active, controlling resource consumption at the location to a peak resource consumption level below the peak resource management plan. Additionally, the operations include determining that a limited resource consumption portion of the peak resource management plan is active. Furthermore, the operations include, in response to determining that the limited resource consumption portion is active, controlling resource consumption at the location to a non-zero limited resource consumption level below the peak resource management plan.

[0006] In summary, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the proposed method is an alternative to rolling blackouts, whereby when the power system or a portion of the power system enters a "critical peak management period", the equipment (e.g., electricity meters) at each location controls the (entire or sufficient) load at each location to below a certain level. This will be done on a planned basis ( Figure 4 ), where premises are divided into multiple groups (3 in the example) and have mobile restrictions on their energy usage. Once the "critical peak management period" is over, the premises return to normal (usually unrestricted energy usage) operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 An example of a resource allocation network according to some embodiments described herein is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 The formation of some embodiments described herein is shown Figure 1 Example of a premises that is part of a resource allocation network.

[0010] Figure 3 The formation of some embodiments described herein is shown Figure 1 Example of a microgrid that is part of a resource distribution network.

[0011] Figure 4 is assigned to according to some embodiments described herein Figure 1 Example of a peak resource management plan for premises of a resource allocation network.

[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a metering device for controlling electricity consumption at a premises using a smart electrical panel according to some embodiments described herein.

[0013] Figure 6 is an example flow chart of a process for distributing a peak resource management plan to premises of a resource allocation network according to some implementations described herein.

[0014] Figure 7 is an example flow chart of a process for controlling premises power consumption using a peak resource management plan according to some implementations described herein.

[0015] Figure 8 is an exemplary computing device for peak resource management according to some implementations described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present disclosure describes techniques for peak consumption management of a resource allocation system. In an example, peak consumption management of a resource allocation system can be provided by assigning a peak resource management plan from the resource allocation system to premises within the resource allocation system. Each premises within the resource allocation system can be assigned alternating time periods for peak resource consumption and limited resource consumption. Upon receiving a resource management plan and an instruction to begin executing the peak resource management plan at a premises, each premises can control resource consumption in a manner that does not exceed consumption levels established by the peak resource consumption and limited resource consumption time periods. By staggering the occurrence of these time periods at all premises within the resource allocation system, the maximum consumption level of the resource allocation system can be reduced from typical resource consumption periods, and premises can avoid experiencing rolling blackouts during extreme weather or critical peak consumption periods.

[0017] The illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts. The following section describes various additional features and examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and directional descriptions are used to describe illustrative aspects, but like illustrative aspects, should not be used to limit the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1 An example of a resource allocation network 100 according to some embodiments described herein is shown. The resource allocation network 100 may include a peak management system 102, a resource allocation system 104, and a plurality of premises 106a, 106b, and 106c. Although the resource allocation network 100 is described herein as part of an electric power distribution environment, other utility systems may include a similar peak management system 102. For example, the peak management system 102 may be used in a natural gas, water, or other utility distribution environment.

[0019] Resource allocation system 104 may provide electricity to premises 106 for consumption by premises 106. The amount of electricity that can be allocated to premises 106 may be limited by the generation capacity of a power plant that generates electricity for resource allocation system 104. In some examples, extreme weather or critical peak periods may cause consumption demands at premises 106 to exceed the generation capacity of resource allocation system 104. To avoid rolling blackouts at premises 106 during such periods, peak management system 102 may implement a peak resource management plan.

[0020] The peak resource management plan implemented by the peak management system 102 may include a plan for resource consumption of the premises 106 during peak demand periods of the resource allocation network 100. In an example, the peak resource management plan may include at least two consumption levels. For example, each of the premises 106 may be assigned a peak resource consumption period and a limited resource consumption period.

[0021] In some examples, all premises 106 in the resource allocation network 100 may be assigned one of two or more different peak resource management plans. In such examples, peak resource consumption periods may be staggered between multiple peak resource management plans so that the peak resource consumption periods of the peak resource management plans do not overlap. In examples with three or more peak resource management plans, the peak resource consumption periods of the various plans may not substantially overlap, but limited resource consumption periods may overlap with other limited resource consumption periods. As used herein, the term "substantially" may refer to a value that is within 10% of another value. Thus, if the length of a peak resource consumption period is 1 hour, an active peak resource consumption period may not overlap with other peak resource consumption periods of other peak resource management plans for more than 6 minutes in any given hour.

[0022] The peak management system 102 may assign peak resource management plans to the metering devices 108a, 108b, and 108c of the premises 106a, 106b, and 106c, respectively. In an example, each of the metering devices 108a, 108b, and 108c may receive a different peak resource management plan such that the peak resource consumption periods of each of the premises 106a, 106b, and 106c are staggered. When the peak management system 102 activates the peak resource management plan, the metering device 108 may control various components of the premises 106 to limit resource consumption at the premises 106 to a level below the peak resource consumption level and the limited resource consumption level according to the active period of the peak resource management plan.

[0023] For example, when a limited resource consumption period is active, the metering device 108b can limit the operation of the device that contributes most to the resource consumption at the premises. Examples of devices that can be controlled to a limited amount of consumption can include an electric vehicle (EV) charger 110, a refrigerator 112, a washing machine and a dryer 114, and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 116. Other devices can also be limited during limited resource consumption periods. For example, any IoT device that is communicatively coupled to the metering device 108 can be controlled to limit consumption during limited resource consumption periods. In some examples, when a limited resource consumption period is active, the metering device 108 can control the device to not consume power at all. In an additional example, when a resource consumption period is active, the metering device 108 can control the device to consume less but still consume some power. Additionally, the metering device 108 can meter energy-generating devices such as solar panels 118, and adjust the control of other premises devices based on the net consumption level of the device at the premises 106.

[0024] In some examples, an owner, resident, or user of the premises 106 may specify priority levels for various devices at the premises 106 for metering device 108 to limit resource consumption during limited resource consumption periods. For example, HVAC system 116 may have a higher priority than washer and dryer 114 in areas that experience high levels of heat when the premises 106 are occupied. Thus, before controlling HVAC system 116, metering device 108 may limit resource consumption of washer and dryer 114 during limited resource consumption periods to reduce resource consumption to a specified level.

[0025] During the peak resource consumption period, the metering device 108 may reintroduce devices that were restricted during the limited resource consumption period based on the priority level of the devices. For example, the highest priority level device that was previously restricted may be fully reactivated before the next highest priority level device. This process may continue until all previously restricted devices have been reactivated or until the peak resource consumption amount is reached at the premises 106, whichever occurs first. In other words, during the peak resource consumption period, the premises 106 may consume power at or near typical resource consumption levels.

[0026] Although Figure 1The premises 106 in the resource allocation network 100 are each described as being registered in a peak resource management plan, but in some examples, not all premises 106 of the resource allocation network 100 may be registered in a peak resource management plan. For example, some metering devices within the resource allocation network 100 may be incompatible with the peak resource management plan or the peak management system 102. In addition, in some examples, the peak resource management plans between the premises 106 within the resource allocation groupings of the resource allocation network 100 can be evenly distributed. In other words, by distributing the peak resource management plans within the allocation groupings, the resource allocation network 100 can ensure that the premises 106 in one resource allocation grouping are not all on the same peak resource management plan, even if a similar number of premises 106 in another resource allocation grouping are on different peak resource management plans. This can ensure that the various resource allocation groupings of the resource allocation network 100 are not overloaded during the implementation of the peak resource management plan.

[0027] Figure 2 An example of a premises 106 forming part of a resource allocation network 100 is shown in accordance with some embodiments described herein. In order to manage the premises loads within the limits established by the peak resource management plan for the premises 106, the metering device 108 may use various interfaces to control the loads at the premises 106 to remain within the peak resource consumption limits and the limited resource consumption limits of the peak resource management plan. For example, the metering device 108 may include a distributed energy resource (DER) port 202 that provides a mechanism for the metering device 108 to meter resource generation by the solar panel 118, meter energy flowing into or out of the EV charger 110, or meter other distributed energy resource components. As described above with respect to Figure 1 As discussed, the net consumption detected by the metering device 108 (eg, premises resource consumption minus premises resource generation) may be used to control consumption of other devices in the premises 106 .

[0028] The EV interface 204 may provide communication from the metering device 108 to control the EV charger 110. Because charging an electric vehicle may consume a large amount of electricity, the EV interface 204 may provide a communication interface between the metering device 108 and the EV charger 110 to control the time when the EV charger 110 is active. For example, the metering device 108 may control the EV charger 110 to charge the electric vehicle only during the peak resource consumption period when the peak resource management plan is active. In an example, the metering device 108 may also control the energy output from the electric vehicle through the DER port 202 during the limited resource consumption period through the EV interface 204. In other words, the electric vehicle may charge and store energy during the peak resource consumption period, and sell the energy back to the resource allocation system 104 during the limited resource consumption period. In some examples, the peak management system 102 may encourage premises with distributed generators (e.g., solar panels) or storage (e.g., electric vehicles) to output energy at critical times (such as peak times) by providing a price premium for the energy output from the distributed generators and storage.

[0029] In additional examples, the IEEE 2030.5 interface 206 or a similar interface can provide an interface for the metering device 108 to control the loads of the premises 106. The 2030.5 interface 206 can provide a communication interface for the EV charger 110, the solar panel 118, the refrigerator 112, the washer and dryer 114, and the thermostat 116, as well as other devices within the premises. In additional examples, the metering device 108 can use the smart panel 208 to control the refrigerator 112, the washer and dryer 114, and the HVAC system 116, as well as other large loads at the premises 106. For example, the metering device 108 can control the switches of the smart panel 208 to prevent various loads at the premises 106 from operating, thereby limiting the resource consumption at the premises 106 during peak resource consumption periods and limited resource consumption periods. In some examples, the devices of the premises 106 can communicate with the metering device 108 through the interface using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other communication protocols. Although the EV interface 204, the 2030.5 interface 206, and the smart panel 208 are described herein as interfaces for controlling the operation of loads to reduce resource consumption, other interfaces may be used to perform similar functions.

[0030] In some examples, the implementation of the peak resource management plan by the metering device 108 can take into account the expected demand of the controlled loads of the premises 106 (e.g., EV charger 110, refrigerator 112, washer and dryer 114, and HVAC system 116) and the uncontrolled loads of the premises 106 (e.g., any other loads that cannot be directly controlled by the metering device 108). In addition, the peak management system 102 can provide incentives that encourage the output of energy from the solar panels 118 or on-site energy storage devices (including battery storage, electric vehicles, and other energy storage devices) during key peak periods. For example, the peak management system 102 can provide enhanced rates for energy output during key peak periods to encourage the owner of the premises 106 to sell energy back to the resource allocation system 104. Additionally, the peak management system 102 can provide a price structure that incentivizes resource consumption to be reduced below a specific limit by providing monetary rewards for specific actions, such as maintaining resource consumption less than a further limit level from the peak resource management plan.

[0031] Additionally, in some examples, the peak resource management plan may include limiting certain loads during peak resource consumption periods. For example, the peak resource management plan may include an indication that the EV charger 110 may not draw power or may not draw all power from the resource allocation network 104 during peak resource consumption periods. Other devices may also be similarly limited during peak resource consumption periods.

[0032] Figure 3An example of a microgrid 300 forming part of a resource allocation network 100 is shown according to some embodiments described herein. The microgrid 300 may include a peak management system 102, a resource allocation system 104, and a plurality of premises 106. The resource allocation system 104 may provide power to the premises 106 for consumption by the premises 106. The premises 106 may include homes, hospitals, retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, office buildings, schools, municipal buildings (e.g., police stations, fire stations, courthouses, etc.), or any other buildings constituting a microgrid 300 having a metering device 108. The amount of power that can be distributed from the resource allocation system 104 to the premises 106 may be limited by the generation capacity of the power plant that generates power for the resource allocation system 104. In some examples, extreme weather or critical peak periods may cause the consumption demand of the premises 106 to exceed the generation capacity of the resource allocation system 104. To avoid rolling blackouts at the premises 106 during such periods, the peak management system 102 may island the microgrid 300 and implement a peak resource management plan. For example, the peak management system 102 may control the grid interconnection 302 between the microgrid 300 and the resource allocation system 104. The grid interconnection 302 enables isolation between the microgrid 300 and the resource allocation system 104 during critical resource periods. In some examples, the microgrid 300 may receive a microgrid resource management plan from a grid-wide peak management system that assigns consumption limits to the microgrid 300 and other premises 106 that are not part of the microgrid 300. In some examples, the microgrid resource management plan received from the grid-wide peak management system may establish a zero consumption level for the microgrid 300 from the resource allocation system 104 during certain time periods. In other words, during the zero consumption level, any electricity consumed at the microgrid 300 is generated from or otherwise obtained from the distributed energy resources of the microgrid 300. In addition, the peak management system 102 of the microgrid 300 may provide a peak resource management plan to each premises 106 of the microgrid 300 based on the microgrid resource management plan.

[0033] The microgrid 300 may have enough generators 304 and energy storage 306 to maintain the premises 106 in the microgrid 300 at a limited total load. The generators 304 may include any type of distributed energy generators of the microgrid 300, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants, as well as fuel-based generators (e.g., natural gas and diesel generators) and other fuel and renewable power sources. The energy storage 306 may be any energy storage device associated with the microgrid 300. In some examples, the energy storage 306 may include an electric vehicle at the premises 106 or other battery units capable of storing energy. In some examples, one or more premises 106 in the microgrid 300 may include a generator 304 and an energy storage 306. The management of the generators 304 and energy storage 306 at the premises 106 may be performed at the individual premises level and as an aggregated resource of the microgrid 300.

[0034] The peak management system 102 can further limit the total load of the microgrid 300 by implementing a peak resource management plan for the microgrid 300. Figure 1 As discussed, the peak resource management plan implemented by the peak management system 102 may include a plan for resource consumption of the premises 106 during peak demand periods of the resource allocation network 100. The peak resource management plan may include at least two consumption levels. For example, each of the premises 106 may be assigned a peak resource consumption period and a limited resource consumption period.

[0035] In some examples, all premises 106 in the resource allocation network 100 may be assigned one of two or more different peak resource management plans. In such examples, peak resource consumption periods may be staggered between multiple peak resource management plans so that the peak resource consumption periods of the peak resource management plans do not overlap. In an example with three or more peak resource management plans, the peak resource consumption periods of the various plans may not substantially overlap, but limited resource consumption periods may overlap with other limited resource consumption periods. As used herein, the term "substantially" may refer to a value within 10% of another value. Thus, if the length of a peak resource consumption period is 1 hour, the active peak resource consumption period may not overlap with other peak resource consumption periods of other peak resource management plans for more than 6 minutes in any given hour.

[0036] The peak management system 102 may assign a peak resource management plan to the metering devices 108 of the premises 106. In an example, each of the metering devices 108 may receive one of several different peak resource management plans such that the peak resource consumption period is divided among the premises 106. When the peak management system 102 activates the peak resource management plan, the metering devices 108 may control various components of the premises 106 to limit resource consumption at the premises 106 to a level below the peak resource consumption level and the limited resource consumption level according to the active period of the peak resource management plan. The result may be that when the microgrid is islanded from the resource allocation system 104, the total consumption of the microgrid 300 remains below the level that the generator 304 of the microgrid 300 can support. In some examples, the microgrid 300 may export unused electricity generated by the generator 304 or stored at the energy storage 306 to the resource allocation system 104 in exchange for a premium price for energy during the critical resource period. In an additional example, the microgrid 300 may be provided with a plan from a full grid peak management system that establishes certain time periods during which the microgrid 300 is expected to export energy back to the grid. The program may be established through monetary incentives to the microgrid 300 or through an agreement for the microgrid 300 to provide a certain amount of energy per unit time.

[0037] As mentioned above Figure 1 and Figure 2 As discussed, premises-level control of the microgrid 300 can be controlled in a manner similar to premises-level control of premises 106 that are not in the microgrid. For example, when a limited resource consumption period is active, the metering device 108 can limit the operation of the devices that contribute most to the resource consumption at the premises 106. Examples of devices that can be controlled to a limited amount of consumption can include electric vehicle chargers, refrigerators, washers and dryers, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Other devices can also be limited during limited resource consumption periods. For example, any IoT device that is communicatively coupled to the metering device 108 can be controlled to limit consumption during limited resource consumption periods. Additionally, the metering device 108 can meter energy generating devices (such as solar panels) and adjust the control of other premises devices based on the net consumption level of the devices at the premises 106.

[0038] In some examples, an owner, resident, or user of the premises 106 may specify priority levels for various devices at the premises 106 for metering device 108 to limit resource consumption during limited resource consumption periods. For example, HVAC system 116 may have a higher priority than washer and dryer 114 in areas that experience high levels of heat when the premises 106 are occupied. Thus, before controlling HVAC system 116, metering device 108 may limit resource consumption of washer and dryer 114 during limited resource consumption periods to reduce resource consumption to a specified level.

[0039] During the peak resource consumption period, the metering device 108 may reintroduce devices that were restricted during the limited resource consumption period based on the priority level of the devices. For example, the highest priority level device that was previously restricted may be fully reactivated before the next highest priority level device. This process may continue until all previously restricted devices have been reactivated or until the peak resource consumption amount is reached at the premises 106, whichever occurs first. In other words, during the peak resource consumption period, the premises 106 may consume power at or near typical resource consumption levels.

[0040] In some examples, some of the premises 106 in the microgrid 300 or in the entire resource allocation network 100 may not be subject to a peak resource management plan. For example, premises 106d (which may be a commercial building) may not be on a peak resource management plan, or may have a different triggering event to place it on a peak resource management plan. Similarly, premises 106e (which may be a school or hospital) may not be on a peak resource management plan. By avoiding a peak resource management plan for selected premises 106d and 106e, some premises providing critical infrastructure may continue to operate under normal operating conditions to meet the critical infrastructure goals of the premises.

[0041] Figure 4 4 is an example of a peak resource management plan 400 assigned to a premises 106 of a resource allocation network 100 according to some embodiments described herein. As depicted, the peak resource management plan 400 includes three separate plans 400a, 400b, and 400c. Each of the plans 400 can be assigned to multiple premises 106 within the resource allocation network 100 or within the microgrid 300. Although three separate plans are depicted in the peak resource management plan 400, more or fewer separate plans can also be used for premises 106 of the resource allocation network 100. At the microgrid level, plans similar to plan 400 can be applied. In some examples, an allowable energy consumption amount can be established for premises 106 of the microgrid 300 that is different from the allowable energy consumption amount of premises 106 of the resource allocation network 100.

[0042] Each of the individual plans 400a, 400b, and 400c includes a peak resource consumption period 402a, 402b, and 402c, respectively, and a limited resource consumption period 404a, 404b, and 404c, respectively. The peak resource consumption period 402 and the limited resource consumption period 404 may be defined by a power limit in kilowatts for a specific time period. Figure 4 As illustrated in the example depicted in , peak resource consumption period 402 has a limit of four kilowatts, and limited resource consumption period 404 has a limit of one kilowatt. When the individual plans 400a, 400b, and 400c are evenly divided among all premises 106 within resource allocation network 100, the average consumption limit for each premises 106 of resource allocation network 100 is two kilowatts. This average consumption limit can be increased or decreased by adjusting the limits of peak resource consumption period 402 and limited resource consumption period 404, the timing of peak resource consumption period 402 and limited resource consumption period 404, or a combination thereof. Although Figure 4 Plan 400 is depicted with specific constraint values ​​and times, but the specific values ​​are for illustration purposes only. Other specific constraint values ​​and times may be used within plan 400 depending on the parameters of resource allocation network 100.

[0043] In an example, each of the premises 106 in the resource allocation network 100 may be assigned one of the individual plans 400a, 400b, and 400c when the metering device 108 is installed at the premises 106. In additional examples, the peak management system 102 may assign the individual plans 400a, 400b, and 400c to the premises 106 when the peak resource management plan 400 is initiated. In some examples, premises 106 with storage capabilities (such as electric vehicles, stationary batteries, and other energy storage devices or systems) may utilize the peak resource consumption period 402 to charge and discharge batteries during the limited resource consumption period 404 to maintain a more consistent resource consumption level during the overall period of the peak resource management plan 400. In some examples, the plan 400 may be part of an opt-in system, where the premises 106 can choose to receive one of the individual plans 400a, 400b, and 400c in exchange for incentives from a utility company.

[0044] In some examples, multiple different peak resource management plans 400 may be assigned to a location 106. For example, different plans 400 may be assigned based on the expected severity of critical resource periods. For example, the peak resource management system 102 may initiate a particular plan 400 when high temperature conditions on a particular day are expected to be extreme, and the peak resource management system 102 may initiate a different specific plan 400 when high temperature conditions on a different particular day are expected to be less than extreme temperature conditions. In such an example, an extreme weather plan 400 may have shorter or lower peak resource consumption periods 402 and longer or lower limited resource consumption periods 404 than the peak resource consumption periods 402 and limited resource consumption periods 404 of a plan 400 initiated on a more mild weather day. It should be understood that this approach is an alternative to rolling blackouts in which the power system or a portion of the power system enters a "critical peak management period" "mode" as described above, including Figure 4 As an example, see the restrictions in .

[0045] Figure 5 5 is a schematic diagram of a metering device 108 controlling power consumption of a premises using a smart electrical panel 502 according to some embodiments described herein. The metering device 108 may include a peak resource management plan 400. In order to maintain the premises 106 within the limits of the peak resource management plan 400, the metering device 108 may control the smart electrical panel 502 to enable power to be provided to various components 504 of the premises 106 controlled by the smart electrical panel 502. For example, the components 504 may include various components of the premises 106, such as an HVAC system, a refrigerator, a washing machine and a dryer, etc., which may be controlled by separate circuit breakers of the smart electrical panel 502. In additional examples, the components 504 may include a room or other sized area of ​​the premises 106, which may be controlled by separate circuit breakers of the smart electrical panel 502.

[0046] The metering device 108 may control the smart electrical panel 502 to remove power application from specific components 504 at the premises 106 to maintain the premises 106 below the consumption limit of the peak resource management plan 400. In some examples, the smart electrical panel 502 may prioritize the components 504 and intelligently control the application or removal of power to various components 504 based on the priority of the components 504. In some examples, the metering device 108 may control the smart electrical panel 502 while also directly controlling various components of the premises 106. For example, the metering device 108 may control one or more resource consuming devices to reduce resource consumption to zero or non-zero levels. The non-zero level may include a reduction from a peak consumption level of the one or more resource consuming devices.

[0047] Figure 6is an example flow chart of a process 600 for assigning a peak resource management plan 400 to premises of a resource allocation network 100 according to some embodiments described herein. At block 602, the process 600 involves assigning a peak resource management plan 400 to a plurality of premises 106. The plurality of premises 106 may include all or substantially all premises 106 within the resource allocation network 100. In an example, each of the premises 106 may be assigned one of a plurality of separate plans that make up the peak resource management plan 400. The premises 106 may be evenly or substantially evenly divided between the separate plans of the peak resource management plan 400 to maintain fairness between all premises 106 within the resource allocation network 100 while maintaining the total consumption of the resource allocation network 100 below the resource production capacity of the resource allocation network 100.

[0048] At block 604, the process 600 involves sending a peak resource management signal to a plurality of premises 106 of the resource allocation network 100 to initiate the peak resource management plan 400 at the premises 106. For example, the peak resource management system 102 may send the peak resource management signal to the metering devices 108 of the premises 106. In some examples, the peak resource management system 102 may send the signal through a mesh network of metering devices within the resource allocation network 100. In additional examples, other communication types such as a cellular communication network, a wide area network, or a combination of communication networks may be used to send the signal to the metering devices 108.

[0049] The peak resource management signal may be sent by the peak resource management system 102 when it is determined that a critical resource period has begun or is about to begin. The signal may be an indication to the metering device 108 that the peak resource management plan 400 should begin. In some examples, the signal may be a single broadcast command from the peak resource management system 102 to start the plan 400 at all metering devices 108 within the resource allocation network 100. In an example, the broadcast time of the mesh network of metering devices 108 may take about 10 minutes to reach all endpoints. Each of the metering devices 108 may be assigned a specific peak resource management plan 400. The plan 400 may be assigned based on a local area network identification (LAN ID), a geographic location, or other parameters of the metering device 108. The broadcast message from the peak resource management system 102 may be a command to start the pre-assigned plan 400 at the metering device 108.

[0050] Figure 7is an example flow diagram of a process 700 for controlling premises power consumption using peak resource management plans 400 according to some implementations described herein. At block 702, the process 700 involves receiving one or more peak resource management plans 400 at a premises 106. In an example, a metering device 108 of a premises 106 may be pre-assigned with one or more peak resource management plans 400. In an additional example, the metering device 108 may receive the plan 400 from the peak management system 102.

[0051] At block 704, process 700 involves receiving incentive information, premium cost information, or both during a peak resource management period. The incentive information may include a premium price for selling energy back to resource allocation network 100 during the peak management period, and the premium cost may include a premium cost for exceeding usage limits established by peak resource management plan 400 during the peak resource management period. In some examples, metering devices 108 of premises 106 may intelligently control consumption of premises 106 by considering the premium information and the cost information.

[0052] At block 706, the process 700 involves receiving a peak management period signal at a premises 106. The peak management period signal may be an instruction for the metering device 108 to initiate a peak resource management plan 400. In some examples, the peak management period signal may include an indication of a specific point in time at which the peak resource management plan 400 should begin. By identifying a specific point in time for beginning the peak resource management plan 400, each of the premises 106 may begin the plan 400 in a manner that avoids unintended overlap of peak resource consumption periods 402 of premises 106 that include different plans 400. In examples where the metering device 108 includes multiple plans 400, the peak management period signal may identify the specific plan 400 that the metering device 108 is to initiate.

[0053] At block 708, the process 700 involves determining whether the peak resource consumption period 402 of the peak resource management plan 400 is active at the premises 106. If the peak resource consumption period is active, then at block 710, the process 700 involves controlling energy consumption at the premises 106 to be below a peak consumption limit established by the peak resource consumption period 402 of the peak resource management plan 400. In an example, the metering device 108 may consider the priority designations of various loads in the premises 106 to meet the peak consumption limit. For example, a higher priority load may remain in a consuming state until all lower priority loads have been removed to meet the peak consumption limit.

[0054] At block 712, process 700 involves calculating an incentive to export power to resource allocation network 100, a premium cost for exceeding any resource consumption limits established by peak resource management plan 400, or both. For example, when premises 106 sells power back to resource allocation network 100, the incentive may be calculated based on the premium price associated with the peak management period. Similarly, when premises 106 exceeds the consumption limits of plan 400, the premium cost may be calculated based on the premium associated with exceeding the consumption limits. In some examples, this information collected at block 712 may be sent to a head-end system along with other metrology information to generate a bill associated with resource consumption at premises 106. In additional examples, this information may be used to adjust control of consumption at premises 106 during future peak management periods.

[0055] At block 714, process 700 involves determining whether the peak management period is still active. In some examples, the peak management period may last for a preset period of time. In additional examples, the peak management period may cease (e.g., when it is determined that the critical resource period has ended) in the event that the peak management system 102 sends an additional signal to cancel the peak management period. If the peak management period is still active, process 700 may return to block 708 to determine whether the peak resource consumption period 402 is active. If the peak management period is no longer active, process 700 may return to block 706 to wait for an additional peak management period signal to initiate the peak resource management plan 400 at premises 106. When process 700 returns to block 706 to wait for an additional peak management period signal, process 700 may also include controlling premises 106 to restore standard consumption levels.

[0056] If, at block 708, it is determined that the peak resource consumption period 402 is not active, then at block 716, the process 700 involves controlling energy consumption at the premises 106 to be below the limited consumption level limit established by the limited resource consumption period 404 of the peak resource management plan 400. The process 700 may then return to block 712 to calculate incentives and costs associated with resource generation or consumption at the premises 106.

[0057] Figure 8An exemplary computing device for managing the consumption of resources at the premises during peak consumption periods according to some embodiments described herein is illustrated. Any suitable computing system may be used to perform the operations described herein. The example of the computing device 800 depicted includes a processor 802 communicatively coupled to one or more memory devices 804. The processor 802 executes a computer executable program code 830 stored in the memory device 804, accesses data 820 stored in the memory device 804, or both. Examples of the processor 802 include a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), a field programmable gate array ("FPGA"), or any other suitable processing device. The processor 802 may include any number of processing devices or cores, including a single processing device. The functionality of the computing device may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0058] The memory device 804 includes any suitable non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing data, program code, or both. Computer-readable media may include any electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage device capable of providing computer-readable instructions or other program code to the processor. Non-limiting examples of computer-readable media include flash memory, ROM, RAM, ASIC, or any other medium from which a processing device can read instructions. Instructions may include processor-specific instructions generated by a compiler or interpreter from code written in any suitable computer programming language, including, for example, C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, Java, or a scripting language.

[0059] The computing device 800 may also include a number of external or internal devices, such as input or output devices. For example, the computing device 800 is shown as having one or more input / output ("I / O") interfaces 808. The I / O interfaces 808 may receive input from an input device or provide output to an output device. One or more buses 806 are also included in the computing device 800. The bus 806 communicatively couples one or more components of a corresponding one of the computing devices 800.

[0060] The computing device 800 executes program code 830, which configures the processor 802 to perform one or more operations described herein. For example, the program code 830 causes the processor to execute Figure 1-Figure 7 The operations described in .

[0061] The computing device 800 also includes a network interface device 810. The network interface device 810 includes any device or device group suitable for establishing a wired or wireless data connection to one or more data networks. The network interface device 810 can be a wireless device and have an antenna 814. The computing device 800 can use the network interface device 810 to communicate with one or more other computing devices that implement computing devices or other functions via a data network. In some examples, the interface device 810 can provide a cellular network communication function, a mesh network communication function, or any other communication function for the computing device 800.

[0062] The computing device 800 may also include a display device 812. The display device 812 may be an LCD, LED, touch screen, or other device operable to display information about the computing device 800. For example, the information may include an operating state of the computing device, a network state, and the like.

[0063] In an example, the computing device 800 may form part of a metrology device, such as the metrology device 108. In such an example, the data 820 stored in the memory device 804 may include metrology data. In addition, the program code 830 may include program code that can be accessed by the processor 802 to perform metrology operations associated with the metrology device 108.

[0064] Although the subject matter is described in detail with respect to certain aspects of the subject matter, it should be understood that those skilled in the art, after understanding the foregoing and subsequent contents, can easily produce substitutions, changes and equivalents to these aspects. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure has been presented for the purpose of illustration and not limitation, and does not exclude the inclusion of such modifications, changes and / or additions to the subject matter, which are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A system comprising: Measuring equipment; processor; as well as a non-transitory computer-readable memory comprising instructions executable by the processor to cause the processor to: Access the Peak Resource Management Plan; receiving a peak resource management signal, the peak resource management signal comprising an instruction to begin executing the peak resource management plan at the location; controlling the metering device to monitor premises resource consumption at the premises; determining that a peak resource consumption portion of the peak resource management plan is active; In response to determining that the peak resource consumption portion is active, controlling the premises resource consumption at the premises to a peak resource consumption level below the peak resource management plan; determining that a limited resource consumption portion of the peak resource management plan is active; as well as Responsive to determining that the limited resource consumption portion is active, controlling the premises resource consumption at the premises to a non-zero limited resource consumption level below the peak resource management plan.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The Peak Resource Management Plan includes: A first peak consumption period and a first limited resource consumption period of a first location associated with the metering device, wherein a second peak consumption period and a second limited resource consumption period of a second location associated with a second metering device are different from the first peak consumption period and the second peak consumption period.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The first peak consumption period and the second peak consumption period do not substantially overlap.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the processor to: receiving incentive information associated with controlling consumption of resources of the premises below a specified level; receiving premium cost information associated with controlling consumption of resources at the premises above a specified level; as well as The premises resource consumption is controlled using the incentive information and the premium cost information.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The peak resource consumption portion enables the premises resource consumption to be at least twice the premises resource consumption during the limited resource consumption portion.

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A smart panel is configured to control application of power to a plurality of devices, wherein controlling consumption of a premises resource at the premises includes controlling application of power by the smart panel to the plurality of devices.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Controlling the premises resource consumption to a non-zero finite resource consumption level below the peak resource management plan includes: assigning priority levels to a plurality of resource consuming devices; and A subset of the plurality of resource consuming devices having a lowest priority level is indicated to reduce resource consumption.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The premises comprises a portion of a microgrid system, wherein a first controller of the microgrid system receives a microgrid resource management plan from a second controller of a resource allocation network, and wherein the first controller of the microgrid system is configured to provide the peak resource management plan to each premises of the microgrid system based on the microgrid resource management plan.

9. A computer-implemented method comprising: The peak resource management plan is assigned by the peak management system to a first location and a second location in the resource allocation network, wherein the peak resource management plan includes: a first peak consumption period and a first limited resource consumption period of the first location; and a second peak consumption period and a second limited resource consumption period of the second location, wherein the first peak consumption period and the second peak consumption period are different; and The peak management system sends a peak resource management signal to the first location and the second location, wherein the peak resource management signal includes an instruction to start executing the peak resource management plan at the first location and the second location.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising: The peak resource management plan is assigned by the peak management system to a third location, wherein the third location is in a common resource allocation group with the first location and the second location, and wherein the peak resource management plan further comprises: a third peak consumption period and a third limited resource consumption period of the third location, wherein the first peak consumption period, the second peak consumption period, and the third peak consumption period are different; and The peak resource management signal is sent by the peak management system to the third location, wherein the peak resource management signal includes instructions to start executing a peak resource management plan at the first location, the second location, and the third location.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein: At least one of the first premises and the second premises includes a microgrid.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein: The peak resource management plan also includes a first peak consumption limit associated with the first peak consumption period and a first non-zero limited consumption limit associated with the first limited resource consumption period, and wherein the first peak consumption limit is greater than the first non-zero limited consumption limit.

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising: classifying, by the peak management system, additional locations as critical infrastructure components; as well as Instructions are provided by the peak management system to the additional locations to maintain resource consumption at typical operating levels.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising: Incentive information, premium cost information, or both are distributed by the peak management system to the first location and the second location.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform operations comprising: Access the Peak Resource Management Plan; receiving a peak resource management signal, the peak resource management signal comprising an instruction to begin executing the peak resource management plan at the location; controlling metering equipment to monitor consumption of premises resources at said premises; determining that a peak resource consumption portion of the peak resource management plan is active; In response to determining that the peak resource consumption portion is active, controlling the premises resource consumption at the premises to a peak resource consumption level below the peak resource management plan; determining that a limited resource consumption portion of the peak resource management plan is active; as well as Responsive to determining that the limited resource consumption portion is active, controlling the premises resource consumption at the premises to a non-zero limited resource consumption level below the peak resource management plan.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein: The Peak Resource Management Plan includes: A first peak consumption period and a first limited resource consumption period of a first location associated with the metering device, wherein a second peak consumption period and a second limited resource consumption period of a second location associated with a second metering device are different from the first peak consumption period and the second peak consumption period.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein: The first peak consumption period and the second peak consumption period do not substantially overlap.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, the operations further comprising: receiving a second peak resource management signal, wherein the second peak resource management signal includes an instruction to cancel the peak resource management plan at the location; as well as In response to receiving the second peak resource management signal, the premises is controlled to restore a standard resource consumption level.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein: The operation of controlling the premises resource consumption to below the non-zero finite resource consumption level of the peak resource management plan comprises: One or more resource consuming devices are instructed to reduce resource consumption to a zero or non-zero level, wherein the non-zero level comprises a reduction from a peak consumption level of the one or more resource consuming devices.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein: The instructions for commencing execution of the peak resource management plan at the locations also include a specific time for each location to which the peak resource management plan is assigned to begin executing the peak resource management plan.

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