Generator Power Dispatch Using Time-of-Use Cost Set Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for individuals to accurately predict or assess which form of electric power, either utility or alternative, will be most cost-effective at a given time or across any time period due to varying costs based on factors like time of day, day of week, and time of year.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that access historical energy usage data and performance characteristics of an electric generator to determine a set point for dispatching power, utilizing utility metered load data to decide when to switch between utility and generator power, collecting and transmitting performance and usage data for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If utility electric power is used, then power supply reliability is maintained, but cost increases due to varying time-of-use rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between utility power and generator power based on real-time cost conditions and performance data. The controller adjusts power source selection dynamically by comparing current utility rates with generator operating costs, enabling the system to adapt to varying time-of-use rates and minimize costs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by transitioning between different power sources based on cost parameters. When utility power costs exceed generator costs, the system switches to generator power; when utility power is cheaper or unavailable, it switches back to utility power, optimizing the cost-reliability balance through parameter-based decision making.
2Loss of energy
If generator power is used to reduce costs, then cost decreases, but system complexity increases due to need for monitoring and control
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically monitors utility rates, generator performance data, and operating conditions, then autonomously decides when to switch between power sources. The system serves itself by collecting performance data, analyzing cost-effectiveness, and executing power source transitions without manual intervention, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while maintaining optimal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops by continuously collecting generator performance data and utility rate information, comparing current conditions with historical data, and adjusting power source selection accordingly. This feedback mechanism automates the complex decision-making process, allowing the system to optimize costs while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring and data collection is implemented, then power dispatch optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it monitors utility rates, collects generator performance data, analyzes cost-effectiveness, determines optimal power dispatch timing, and executes switching decisions. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves comprehensive power dispatch optimization while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for determining how to dispatch power to a property from a generator are provided. According to certain aspects, a controller associated with the generator may retrieve or access a set of data indicating time of use rates associated with utility power, performance characteristics of the generator, and/or energy usage data. Based on the data, the controller may determine a set point corresponding to when it may be beneficial to dispatch generator power to the property instead of utility power. At the set point, the controller may facilitate supplementing power from utility power with power from the generator. Additionally, the controller may collect usage and performance data associated with dispatch of the generator power.