Grid Appliance Switching Using Real-Time Electricity Price Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical appliances do not dynamically adjust their electricity demand based on the current energy availability from the grid, limiting their ability to assist in grid balancing, especially with the increasing decentralization and variability of renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a switch module and a processing system that compares current electricity prices to a statistical quantity representing historical prices to control the transfer of electricity between the electrical grid and the appliance, allowing or impeding electricity supply based on price differences, thereby optimizing energy consumption and grid balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing electrical appliances operate with fixed schedules or simple thermostatic control, then their operation is simple and reliable, but their ability to dynamically adjust to grid conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch module as an intermediary component between the appliance and the grid. This switch module, controlled by the processing system, dynamically connects or disconnects the appliance from the grid based on real-time electricity price comparisons. The intermediary allows the appliance to adapt to grid conditions without requiring complex modifications to the appliance's core functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system continuously monitors real-time electricity prices, compares them to statistical quantities (such as rolling averages), and uses this feedback to control the switch module. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the appliance to automatically adjust its operation in response to changing grid conditions, improving adaptability while keeping the control logic relatively simple.
2Reliability
If electrical appliances operate without dynamic price adjustment, then their operation is straightforward, but their contribution to grid balancing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the processing system continuously compares real-time electricity prices to statistical quantities and adjusts the switch module's state accordingly. This feedback loop enables the appliance to contribute to grid balancing by operating during low-price periods (typically off-peak hours) and remaining offline during high-price periods, thereby providing demand-side response without requiring complex appliance modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating statistical quantities (such as rolling averages of electricity prices) and establishing decision thresholds before real-time operation. This allows the system to quickly respond to real-time price changes using pre-computed reference values, reducing the computational complexity required during actual grid operation while maintaining reliable grid balancing capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system continuously monitors and compares electricity prices in real-time, then optimal energy consumption is achieved, but computational resources and processing time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system performs preliminary computations by calculating statistical quantities (such as rolling averages of electricity prices) in advance and storing them for later comparison. This pre-computation approach allows the system to make rapid real-time decisions by simply comparing current prices against pre-calculated thresholds, significantly reducing the processing time required during actual operation while still achieving optimal energy consumption through continuous price monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for connecting an electrical appliance to an electrical grid. The system comprises a switch module and a processing system. The switch module is configured to electrically connect the electrical appliance and the electrical grid. The processing system is configured to compare a current electricity price for the electrical grid to a statistical quantity representing electricity prices for the electrical grid over a period, and, based on the comparison, operate the switch module to control the transfer of electricity between the electrical grid and the electrical appliance. The electricity price at a given time comprises the price set by an operator of the electrical grid to purchase from one or more electrical generators enough electricity to meet an expected demand for electricity from the electrical grid at the given time. Also disclosed is a method for connecting an electrical appliance to an electrical grid. Also disclosed are systems and methods for controlling the transfer of electricity between an energy system and one or more external energy sources.