DER Aggregation Control Using User Preferences for Demand Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current centralized control models for virtual power plants (VPPs) struggle to effectively aggregate distributed energy resources (DERs) without adversely affecting electricity consumers, as they fail to consider site-specific activities, DER sizes, and operating costs, leading to inefficient utilization and high costs.

Innovation Solution

An aggregation engine that incorporates user input and site-specific preferences to optimize the participation of DERs in demand response events, using an optimization algorithm to determine the optimal allocation of power changes among sites, ensuring economic efficiency and minimizing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If centralized control models are used to aggregate DERs, then coordination and optimization of DER participation is improved, but site-specific preferences and user control are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination of DER participationVSAvoidsite-specific preferences

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides control into two segments: centralized optimization engine for aggregate DER coordination and local user interface for site-specific preferences. This segmentation allows both centralized automation and local adaptability to coexist without conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer between centralized control and local DER operations that translates user preferences into optimization parameters. This intermediary preserves user control while enabling centralized coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If DERs are aggregated without considering site-specific activities, then aggregation efficiency is improved, but consumer service quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaggregation efficiencyVSAvoidconsumer service quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of site-specific activities and DER capabilities before aggregation. By evaluating site conditions in advance, the system can optimize aggregation efficiency while preserving consumer service quality through informed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If DER participation is optimized centrally, then overall cost reduction is improved, but individual site costs and preferences are ignored

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall electricity costsVSAvoidindividual site preferences

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback loops where individual site costs and preferences are continuously communicated to the centralized optimization engine. This feedback mechanism allows the system to reduce overall costs while respecting individual site characteristics through iterative optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12199424B2Electrical system control with user input, and related systems, apparatuses, and methods

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 ENEL X SRL

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for economically optimal control of an electrical system. Some embodiments include an input device to receive input from a user. The site information may include an indication from the user of a site participation preference for a response event for an aggregation opportunity.