Demand Response Strategy for Facility Load Control and Occupant Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current facility responses to demand events in the electric power industry often compromise occupant comfort and productivity, with limited customization and consideration for factors other than demand reduction.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that allow for an improved response to demand events by establishing a response strategy that selects and organizes resources to reduce power consumption, taking into account comfort considerations, user preferences, and other factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple electrical devices are controlled simultaneously to reduce demand during a demand event, then the demand reduction effectiveness is improved, but the impact on occupant comfort and productivity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments electrical devices into different priority groups (first priority, second priority, third priority) based on their importance to occupant comfort and productivity. This allows selective control of devices in a staged manner rather than simultaneous control of all devices, thereby reducing demand while minimizing impact on critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the control strategy based on real-time conditions including current demand levels, forecasted demand, and occupancy patterns. The priority assignments and control parameters can be modified during the demand event to optimize both demand reduction and occupant comfort, making the system adaptive rather than static.
2Ease of operation
If a standardized demand response control process is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different facility needs and occupancy patterns worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a universal demand response control framework that can be applied to various facility types and configurations. It incorporates multiple functions including automated priority-based control, manual override capabilities, and configurable parameters that allow the same system to adapt to different facility needs, occupancy patterns, and operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring priority levels and control parameters for different electrical devices and spaces before demand events occur. Facility operators can establish customized priority assignments and control strategies in advance, allowing the system to automatically execute appropriate responses during demand events without requiring real-time decision-making.
3Loss of energy
If demand reduction measures are applied for the full duration of the demand event, then the demand reduction effectiveness is improved, but the loss of time for critical operations worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by controlling only the necessary portion of electrical devices based on priority levels and forecasted demand trajectories. Instead of applying demand reduction measures for the full duration and extent of the demand event, the system selectively controls devices to achieve sufficient demand reduction while minimizing the duration and scope of impact on critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor actual demand reduction achievement, forecasted demand changes, and occupancy patterns during the demand event. This feedback allows the system to adjust control strategies in real-time, reducing or eliminating control measures when demand reduction targets are met or when critical operations require full power, thereby minimizing unnecessary time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling a load facility in response to a demand event. The method includes defining a plurality of resources of the load facility based on user input, establishing a response strategy for the demand event, and organizing the resources into the response strategy that specifies the resources and times during the demand event at which the resources are called to execute the one or more measures to reduce power consumption of one or more of the electrical devices, different ones of the resources called at different times during the demand event, and at least one of the resources called to execute the one or more measures, and further including executing the response strategy to reduce demand on the power grid from the load facility during the demand event.