Dynamic Load Reduction via Consumer Response Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utilities face challenges in dynamically matching resource supply to demand, as static device groups for load reduction are burdensome to reconfigure and less effective due to user override, leading to inefficient resource conservation.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines an area for load reduction by analyzing past statistics to rank consumers and devices based on their historical response to load reduction requests, dynamically selecting devices for power-down or shutdown to achieve desired resource savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static device groups are manually configured for load reduction, then device grouping is simple to set up, but reconfiguration is burdensome and effectiveness decreases due to user override
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static device groups into dynamic groups that automatically adjust based on real-time conditions. The system continuously monitors user behavior, device status, and load conditions to dynamically reconfigure which devices belong to load reduction groups, eliminating manual reconfiguration while maintaining effectiveness through adaptive response to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops that monitor user responses to load reduction events and automatically adjust future group configurations. By tracking whether users override load reduction commands and analyzing device usage patterns, the system refines its grouping strategy to improve compliance and effectiveness without requiring manual intervention.
2Loss of energy
If devices are powered down or shut off during load reduction, then resource demand is reduced, but user compliance decreases when users continually reject the load reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively configuring optimal device groups before load reduction events occur. By pre-analyzing device characteristics, user behavior patterns, and historical compliance data, the system prepares customized groups that are more likely to achieve user compliance when load reduction is needed, rather than reactively managing groups after failures occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of device grouping based on multiple factors including device type, usage patterns, user compliance history, and current load conditions. By dynamically adjusting grouping parameters rather than using fixed configurations, the system adapts to individual user preferences and behaviors, improving compliance while maintaining energy conservation goals.
3Device complexity
If static device groups are used for load reduction, then configuration is straightforward, but devices are continually powered down even when users are not complying
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically monitoring compliance metrics and adjusting device group configurations without manual intervention. When users fail to comply with load reduction requests, the system automatically detects this through feedback mechanisms and reconfigures groups to exclude non-compliant devices or adjust their inclusion, ensuring accurate load reduction while maintaining simple operation for users.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method determines an area for a load reduction of resources. Statistics regarding a past history of load reductions for a plurality of consumers in the area is then determined. Load reduction ratings for the plurality of consumers based on the statistics is then determined. The load reduction rating may be used to rank the consumers based on the result of past load reductions. A list of consumers and devices is then determined for the load reduction. For example, consumers and associated devices are selected based on their load reduction rating. The amount of savings is calculated to be equal to an amount of load reduction that is desired. A signal requesting a load reduction is then sent for the determined consumers and devices.