Circuit-Level Load Shedding for Service Capacity Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load management systems require significant upgrades or replacements of infrastructure, are costly, and lack scalability, making them inefficient for managing increasing electric loads at grid edges.
Innovation Solution
A load management system comprising a service measurement device, interrupting devices, load measurement devices, and a controller that measures service entrance current and load currents, and instructs interrupting devices to disconnect or connect electrical circuits based on measured data, allowing for automatic load shedding and capacity management without requiring extensive infrastructure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional infrastructure upgrades are implemented to handle increased electric load, then service capacity is improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic load management where the controller autonomously monitors service entrance current and load currents, then automatically instructs interrupting devices to disconnect or connect circuits based on capacity conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex centralized control infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational state (connected/disconnected) of electrical circuits based on real-time monitoring of service entrance current and load currents, allowing flexible adaptation to varying capacity conditions without physical infrastructure changes
2Extent of automation
If traditional load management systems are deployed, then load control capability is improved, but cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments load management into independent circuit-level control units with interrupting devices and measurement devices that can be deployed individually across multiple circuits, allowing scalable implementation without requiring complete system replacement
Solution Approach 2:
Each circuit equipped with the system autonomously monitors its own load current and responds to controller instructions to disconnect or connect, providing distributed self-managing capability that reduces centralized control complexity and cost
3Power
If infrastructure is upgraded to accommodate rapid load growth, then service capacity is improved, but implementation time and disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves capacity management through software-controlled parameter changes (circuit connection/disconnection states) rather than physical infrastructure changes, enabling rapid deployment and dynamic adaptation without construction or installation delays
Data Source
AI summary
A system for load management of circuits connected to circuit breakers of an electrical distribution panel comprises a housing distinct from the panel; connection ports on the housing each pair of which defines a load path for locating electrically in series between a breaker and a load in a corresponding circuit such that load current of the circuit passes through the load path; a first current measurement device in the housing to measure input current to the panel; circuit interrupter assemblies respectively in the load paths each comprising a current interrupting device and a current measurement device in series therewith; and a controller in operative communication with the first current measurement device and the circuit interrupter assemblies and configured to (i) receive input panel current measurements, (ii) receive load current measurements, and (iii) configure selected interrupting devices in open-circuit states responsive to a determination based on said current measurements.