Demand Response Computing Device for Targeted Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current demand response systems are unable to target specific customers and locations on the grid effectively, leading to increased chances of grid failure and overuse of demand response programs, as they transmit signals to all customers simultaneously, causing load leveling issues.
Innovation Solution
A computing device that receives customer data including location and preference selections to selectively identify and transmit signals to specific participants based on their location and chosen demand response programs, allowing for targeted signal delivery and staggered transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signals are transmitted to all customers simultaneously, then the utility can manage peak load conditions broadly, but it causes load leveling issues and increases the risk of grid failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the customer base into different groups based on their demand response program enrollments and characteristics. Instead of transmitting signals to all customers simultaneously, the system divides customers into multiple segments and transmits signals to each segment at different times or under different conditions. This segmentation prevents load leveling by distributing the demand response load across different time periods and customer groups, thereby improving grid reliability.
2Productivity
If signals are transmitted to all customers, then the utility can maximize demand response participation, but it leads to overuse of certain demand response programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing signal transmission based on individual customer characteristics, program enrollments, and historical behavior. Each customer receives signals tailored to their specific demand response program preferences and capacity, rather than a uniform approach. This ensures that customers participate in demand response programs at optimal levels without overuse, maintaining high overall participation while adapting to local customer needs and program constraints.
3Loss of information
If the utility transmits pricing signals during peak demand times, then customers can be apprised of heightened energy prices, but it does not prevent overuse of demand response programs by certain customers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring customer responses to pricing signals and demand response events. The system tracks which customers are participating in demand response programs, their consumption patterns during peak times, and their responsiveness to pricing signals. This feedback information is used to adjust future signal transmission strategies, refine customer segmentation, and prevent overuse by identifying customers who may need additional incentives or alternative programs. The feedback loop enables continuous optimization of demand response program utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device for use with a demand response system is provided. The computing device includes an interface for receiving customer data that includes at least a location for each customer and/or a preference selection made by each customer associated with at least one demand response program. A processor coupled to the interface and programmed to select a plurality of participants from the customer data to receive a plurality of signals representative of at least one demand response event. The processor selects the participants based at least in part on the customer location and/or the preference selection associated with each customer.