Active Grid Element Registration for Verified Load Curtailment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric power management systems lack the capability to effectively manage and track power savings for individual customers and utilities, and fail to provide real-time, accurate load shedding and verification, leading to inefficiencies and non-compliance with measurement and verification standards.
Innovation Solution
The system transforms grid elements into active grid elements through network-based registration and IP-based messaging, enabling real-time communication and management of energy flows, load curtailment, and operating reserves, while tracking power savings and complying with regulatory standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional macro-generation and transmission subsystems are used for power management, then bulk power transport to distribution systems is achieved, but the system cannot effectively manage or track power savings for individual customers and distributed supply sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management system into distributed energy resource (DER) specific components, including DER meters, DER controllers, and utility system components. Each DER element is individually identified and tracked through unique identifiers, enabling granular monitoring of power savings at the customer level rather than aggregated macro-level management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where DER meters measure power consumption and generation, controllers verify load shedding effectiveness, and utility systems receive real-time data on power savings. This feedback mechanism enables verification of compliance and tracking of individual customer contributions to operating reserves.
2Productivity
If load curtailment controls are used to manage power load curves, then power supplied to predetermined service points is reduced, but real-time verification and measurement of power savings are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical load curtailment controls with an intelligent verification system using DER meters, controllers, and utility system components. Instead of simply deactivating loads, the system uses electronic measurement and communication technologies to precisely measure and verify power savings in real-time, providing accurate data on the effectiveness of load management actions.
3Extent of automation
If the system transforms grid elements into active grid elements through registration, then real-time communication and management of energy flows is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal registration system where DER controllers and utility system components serve multiple functions: they register new DER elements, manage real-time communication, verify compliance, and generate reports. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into an integrated platform, reducing overall system complexity while enabling real-time automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.