Connected Energy Data Management for Granular Demand Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated demand response (ADR) systems lack customer control and granularity in managing energy usage, especially in interconnected systems and devices, leading to inefficient energy management and pricing fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
The system facilitates data collection and analysis from connected devices, allowing energy retailers to transmit pricing data and signals to consumers, enabling them to adjust energy consumption and predict demand, while ensuring transparency, privacy, and confidentiality through data bifurcation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional automated demand response systems are used to manage energy loads, then utility demand management is improved, but customer control and granularity in managing energy usage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments energy management into multiple hierarchical levels: utility-level ADR systems for macro demand management, premises-level energy management systems for building-wide coordination, and device-level controls for granular appliance management. This segmentation allows each level to operate independently with appropriate autonomy, improving both utility demand management and customer control simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control where ADR strategies are not fixed but adapt based on real-time conditions. Customers can dynamically adjust their preferences, constraints, and priorities through user interfaces. The energy management system continuously learns from user feedback and automatically refines control strategies, enabling flexible adaptation to changing customer needs while maintaining effective demand response
2Extent of automation
If discrete ADR systems are installed for single associated loads, then automated control signaling from utility providers is improved, but system integration and coordination across multiple devices deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete ADR systems and energy management functions into a unified cloud-based energy management platform. This platform consolidates utility-level ADR signaling, premises-level coordination, and device-level control into a single integrated system that communicates through standardized protocols, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary energy management system that acts as a mediator between utility providers and connected devices. This intermediary translates utility-level ADR signals into device-specific control commands, coordinates multiple devices at the premises level, and provides a standardized interface that simplifies integration without reducing the extent of automation
3Productivity
If ADR systems engage in specified actions based on automated control signaling, then utility demand response is improved, but customer flexibility and granular control over ADR decisions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-level feedback mechanisms where customer preferences, constraints, and priorities are continuously fed back into the energy management system. The system monitors customer responses to ADR events and automatically adjusts control strategies based on this feedback. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to maintain effective demand response while adapting to individual customer needs and preferences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing customers to dynamically adjust their ADR preferences, constraints, and priority settings. The system supports varying degrees of customer control from fully automated to manual override modes. Control parameters such as acceptable temperature ranges, time windows for load shifting, and priority levels for different devices can be modified in real-time based on customer needs
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing data generated by connected systems and/or devices in connection with energy usage and/or management decisions. In certain embodiments, a gateway device in communication with one or more connected devices may be configured to receive energy management signal information and apply one or more policies in connection with the management of the connected devices. Responses generated in connection with such energy management decisions may be reported securely in a manner that respects various stakeholder concerns relating to transparency, confidentiality, privacy, auditability, and/or affirmation of data provenance.