Method and system for automated control of local power usage incorporating reprogramming and replacing power consumption controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current demand response systems rely heavily on human intervention, which is inefficient and unreliable, especially during critical 'day of' events requiring rapid demand reduction, and often fail to account for real-time pricing and comfort factors, leading to incomplete or ineffective demand curtailment.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated system that uses RF signals to control HVAC devices and other power-consuming equipment based on temperature and humidity levels, along with supplemental energy sources, to implement demand reduction actions without human involvement, optimizing demand response through hierarchical control strategies and artificial intelligence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human intervention is used to manage demand response events, then flexibility in decision-making is maintained, but response time and reliability are insufficient for critical 'day of' events
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs automated control logic and thresholds before demand response events occur. When events are triggered, pre-configured actions are executed immediately without human delay, ensuring both reliability and rapid response time for critical day-of events
Solution Approach 2:
The demand response system operates autonomously by self-monitoring power consumption, self-evaluating against predefined criteria, and self-executing control actions. This eliminates human intervention delays while maintaining consistent, reliable decision-making based on objective thresholds
2Productivity
If automated control is implemented without considering comfort factors, then demand reduction efficiency increases, but participant comfort and satisfaction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies differentiated control strategies to different devices and locations based on their specific characteristics and comfort requirements. Critical comfort zones maintain stricter temperature controls while less sensitive areas allow greater demand reduction, achieving both efficiency and comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system dynamically adjusts control parameters in real-time based on monitored conditions. When comfort thresholds are approached, the system modulates device operation to maintain comfort while still achieving demand reduction objectives, preventing participant discomfort
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring and automated reprogramming of power consumption controllers is implemented, then demand response precision and effectiveness improve, but system complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal communication protocols and standardized controller interfaces that work across multiple device types and manufacturers. This multi-functionality approach enables precise real-time monitoring of diverse power consumption devices without requiring custom complex integration for each device
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a centralized control platform that acts as an intermediary between utility companies and end-user devices. This mediator handles the complexity of real-time communication, data aggregation, and automated reprogramming, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus providing fully automatic control of energy consuming or producing devices within a building or group of buildings, the system automatically reprogramming a power consumption controller (PCC) responsive to a failure to achieve a performance goal for a respective controlled device and automatically replacing the PCC responsive to a continued failure to achieve the performance goal.