Branch Circuit Relay Control for Selective Load Shedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit management systems are costly and lack flexibility in managing power distribution within a building, particularly in response to grid disconnections, power restrictions, or demand-response programs.
Innovation Solution
A circuit management system (CMS) that includes multiple energy sources, a distribution system, and CMS relay modules with current sensors and relays, allowing for autonomous operation to manage power distribution by disconnecting lower-priority branch circuits and reconnecting higher-priority ones based on available energy and demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive battery backup power or wholesale replacement of existing electrical distribution systems is used, then power management functionality is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker automatically performs load shedding and restoration functions without requiring expensive battery backup systems or wholesale replacement of electrical distribution infrastructure. The system uses existing circuit breaker components to provide intelligent power management, eliminating the need for additional costly infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker is designed to perform multiple functions including overcurrent protection, automatic load shedding, and selective circuit restoration within a single device, eliminating the need for separate expensive battery backup systems and complex electrical distribution replacements.
2Ease of operation
If conventional circuit management systems are used, then basic power distribution is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability in managing power during grid disconnections are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions, automatically transitioning between normal operation, load shedding, and selective restoration modes. The system can adaptively respond to grid disconnections, power restrictions, and demand-response programs by dynamically controlling circuit connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor power supply conditions, load status, and grid availability to automatically make intelligent decisions about load shedding and circuit restoration, providing flexible adaptability without requiring expensive external management systems.
3Reliability
If manual circuit breaker reset is required upon tripping, then circuit protection is maintained, but productivity and response time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker automatically performs the restoration function that would otherwise require manual intervention. After detecting favorable conditions, the system autonomously closes tripped circuits to restore power, eliminating the need for manual reset while maintaining proper circuit protection through its built-in monitoring and control logic.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The CMS enables efficient and flexible power management by selectively disconnecting and reconnecting branch circuits, optimizing energy use during power restrictions, and ensuring continuous electrical supply to critical loads.
Implementation Method 1
Each CMS relay module may also include a relay (e.g., solid-state relay or electromechanical relay) arranged to connect and disconnect the branch load from the circuit breaker in response to a control signal received by the CMS relay module
Implementation Method 2
Each CMS relay module may include a current sensor to measure a current of the branch circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing electrical loads includes monitoring current of the branch circuits to determine an electricity demand of the branch circuits. The method includes comparing an available supply with the electricity demand. Each of the branch circuits are connected to the available supply by a circuit breaker that requires manual reset (e.g., if tripped) connected in series with a controllable relay. The method includes controlling the controllable relays to connect and disconnect the branch circuits from the available supply.