Demand response system for control of electric consumers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional demand response systems cause user inconvenience by relying solely on cost or price information for controlling household appliances, leading to inefficient peak power reduction during high electricity rates.
Innovation Solution
A demand response system that adjusts the energy output of household appliances based on varying power rates by generating different demand response levels, allowing appliances to dynamically change their operation according to received power rate information, thereby reducing peak power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional demand response systems limit household appliance operation based solely on cost or price information, then power consumption during peak rates is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts appliance operation levels based on real-time DR signals rather than simply on/off control. The controller modifies operational parameters (temperature, speed, power output) to achieve gradual load reduction while maintaining acceptable performance, resolving the contradiction between energy reduction and user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of appliances (e.g., temperature setpoints, compressor speed, heating power) in response to DR signals. This allows flexible adjustment of power consumption while maintaining functional performance, avoiding complete shutdown that would cause user inconvenience.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If household appliances completely shut down during high power rates, then electricity costs are reduced, but service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complete shutdown, the system applies partial action by reducing appliance operation to a controlled extent. The controller adjusts parameters to achieve sufficient power reduction while maintaining minimum service quality, avoiding total interruption of service.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically balances power reduction and service quality by continuously adjusting operational parameters based on DR signals and appliance state. This dynamic control ensures service quality is maintained at acceptable levels while achieving electricity cost reduction.
3Extent of automation
If demand response control is implemented without user input options, then automation is improved, but user control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it automatically processes DR signals and controls appliances, while also accepting and processing user commands. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate in both automatic and user-controlled modes, resolving the contradiction between automation and user control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user commands can override or modify automatic control actions. The controller monitors both DR signals and user inputs, adjusting appliance operation based on combined information, ensuring both automation effectiveness and user control authority.
Data Source
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AI summary
A demand response (DR) system includes a DR control unit to generate different DR levels having different power rates for each power unit, and transmit a current DR level, and a household appliance to receive the DR level from the DR control unit, and differentially control energy output of a product in response to the received DR level so as to reduce power consumption of the product. As a result, the DR system reduces power consumption when power rates are high so as to reduce electricity bills.