Gateway-Based Demand Response Using Device-Level Energy Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current demand response systems lack the intelligence and accuracy to effectively manage and control energy usage in usage areas, particularly during peak demand times, leading to inefficient energy production and infrastructure stress.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a gateway device that measures and adjusts the energy usage of electrically powered devices based on user profiles, allowing for intelligent and precise control of energy consumption, enabling energy providers to reduce usage during peaks and increase it when demand subsides, thereby leveling energy use across multiple usage areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If demand response systems turn off non-essential devices during peak demand, then energy usage is reduced, but control precision and intelligence are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments energy usage into individual device-level measurements rather than aggregate measurements. The gateway device communicates with each electrically powered device separately, allowing precise identification and control of specific devices contributing to peak demand, thereby improving control precision while reducing energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the gateway device monitors energy usage of individual devices, compares it against user profiles and demand conditions, and adjusts device operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent, precise control that responds dynamically to changing energy conditions.
2Productivity
If utility companies implement demand response systems, then peak demand is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves multiple functions: it measures energy usage of individual devices, stores user profiles, communicates with utility companies, and controls device operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing system complexity while achieving effective peak demand reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to automatically adjust their operation based on pre-stored user profiles and real-time energy conditions without requiring complex centralized control for each device. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effective demand response capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If individual device energy measurement is implemented, then control accuracy improves, but infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the measurement, communication, and control functions into a single gateway device that interfaces with the utility company. This consolidation reduces infrastructure requirements compared to having separate measurement and control systems for each device, while maintaining high control accuracy through individual device monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adjusting an energy usage of a usage area including a step of providing a gateway device for the usage area wherein the usage area comprises at least one electrically powered device and a step of determining an energy usage of the at least one electrically powered device. The method also includes a step of creating a user energy profile and a step of adjusting the energy usage of the at least one electrically powered device in the usage area based on the energy usage of the at least one electrically powered device and based on the user energy profile.