Appliance Load Control via Generated Serial Number Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utilities face challenges in managing peak power demand without investing in smart meters or head end systems, as simultaneous appliance usage can lead to power grid overload and outages, necessitating a method to control load spikes without sophisticated infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a serial number for appliances to alter parameters like runtime and temperature setpoints, enabling demand response events through one-way communication, allowing for load shedding and peak reduction without requiring smart meters or complex infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart meters or head end management systems are deployed to manage peak power demand, then load control capability is improved, but system complexity and infrastructure investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load control functionality from the centralized smart meter infrastructure and embeds it directly in simple appliance devices. Each appliance independently generates a load control signal based on its own operation status and communicates it via existing power lines, eliminating the need for complex head-end management systems while maintaining peak demand management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance autonomously generates load control signals based on its own operational parameters without requiring external smart meter instructions. The device self-manages its power consumption patterns by embedding control logic within the appliance itself, reducing dependency on sophisticated infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If simultaneous appliance usage is allowed during peak times, then consumer convenience is improved, but power grid overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic load management by cycling appliances through different operational states. The load control signal alternates between allowing normal operation and inducing reduced operation or shutdown based on accumulated power consumption thresholds, creating a rhythmic pattern that prevents sustained peak loads while maintaining consumer convenience over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary load management by monitoring and accumulating power consumption before peak overload occurs. The load control signal is generated in advance based on predicted power demand thresholds, preventing grid overload before it happens rather than reacting after the problem arises.
3Reliability
If load shedding is implemented to reduce peak demand, then power grid stability is improved, but consumer energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes operational parameters such as temperature setpoints, cycle durations, and power levels rather than simply shutting down appliances. The load control signal modifies these parameters to reduce instantaneous power demand while maintaining acceptable performance levels, thereby avoiding the energy waste associated with complete shutdowns and subsequent restarts.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods (200) and a system are disclosed for one or more appliances (102, 104, 106) including a controller (110) for managing power consumption within a household. The controller (110) is configured to receive and process a signal (112) indicative of one or more energy parameters of an associated energy utility, including at least a peak demand period or an off-peak demand period. A generated serial number is obtained from an original serial number (108) of the appliance (102, 104, 106) or controller (110), which is configured for a signal (112) to communicate to the appliance (102, 104, 106) within a population and command the appliance (102, 104, 106) to operate in an energy savings mode and a normal mode at various time periods. The generated serial number (GSN) is used to segregate a total population into segments to provide granularity in assigning DR activations and deactivations based upon the GSN.