Networked Building Grid Balancing via Dynamic Energy Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical grids face inefficiencies and potential brownouts due to unpredictable energy consumption and integration of renewable energy sources, as existing building automation controllers rely on linear control theories and are not suited for real-time optimization with dynamic energy demands.

Innovation Solution

A networking control system communicates with utility control centers and building automation controllers to compare power supply and demand, instructing buildings to adjust their energy optimization levels, thereby balancing the grid by reducing energy efficiency temporarily when supply exceeds demand, preventing power sources from being shut down.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If building automation controllers use linear control theories to maintain energy efficiency, then energy optimization is improved, but grid balance and reliability deteriorate when supply exceeds demand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy optimizationVSAvoidgrid balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The building automation controller dynamically adjusts the energy optimization level based on real-time grid conditions. When the utility control center detects that power supply exceeds demand, it commands the BAC to reduce the optimization level from maximum to a lower level, allowing the building to consume more energy temporarily to absorb excess supply and maintain grid balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the optimization parameter from a fixed maximum level to a variable level that can be adjusted between 0-100%. The utility control center can command different optimization levels based on grid conditions, enabling the building to adapt its energy consumption profile to match supply-demand balance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If power generation sources are shut down when supply exceeds demand, then energy waste is reduced, but grid reliability and continuity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy wasteVSAvoidpower supply continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The building automation controller automatically adjusts its own energy consumption profile in response to grid conditions without requiring manual intervention. When commanded to reduce optimization, the BAC autonomously modifies building systems (HVAC, lighting, etc.) to increase energy uptake, allowing the power source to remain online and serve the building while maintaining grid balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The utility control center continuously monitors grid supply-demand balance and provides feedback commands to the BAC. When excess supply is detected, the control center commands reduced optimization levels; when balance is restored, it commands return to maximum optimization, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains reliability while preventing energy waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If building automation controllers operate at maximum energy optimization, then energy efficiency is improved, but adaptability to grid conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidgrid condition adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The building automation controller serves multiple functions: it maintains maximum energy optimization under normal grid conditions while also being capable of reducing optimization levels to adapt to grid balance requirements. This multi-functionality allows the same controller to prioritize energy efficiency when the grid is stable and adapt to grid needs when supply-demand balance is compromised.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11221597B2Systems and methods for balancing an electrical grid with networked buildings

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 OPTIMUM ENERGY LLC

AI summary

An electrical power grid includes multiple, networked buildings that receive electrical power from one or more power generation sources. A networking control system communicates with a utility control center to obtain information regarding the amount of power being supplied by the power generation sources. The networking control system further obtains information from one or more building automation controllers that are controllably associated with a plurality of networked buildings. The networking control system determines whether the total amount of power being supplied exceeds a total demand load for the plurality of buildings. And if so, the networking control system commands one or more of the building automation controllers to operate one or more of the buildings a reduced energy efficiency level, which may take the form of an optimization curve.