Grid Load Management via IP Messaging for Operating Reserves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric utilities face challenges in integrating renewable energy sources and managing power load to avoid the need for additional fossil-based generation capacity, while ensuring grid stability and reliability, particularly during peak demand periods.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for actively managing power load on an electric grid using IP-based messaging with distributed power consuming and supplying devices, including smart meters, to create operating reserves and track power savings, utilizing advanced communication protocols and telemetry for real-time load curtailment and demand response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If load control mechanisms are implemented to defer additional generation capacity, then the need for fossil-based generation is reduced, but the complexity of managing distributed power devices and communication infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server system performs multiple functions including communicating with distributed power devices, tracking power consumption and savings, managing load control directives, and creating operating reserves. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall infrastructure complexity while achieving load control objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that mediates between utility control centers and distributed power consuming/supplying devices. This intermediary handles communication protocols, data aggregation, and control directives, simplifying the interface between legacy utility systems and modern distributed energy resources.
2Measurement precision
If real-time tracking of power savings is implemented for individual customers and utilities, then accountability and compensation accuracy improve, but the complexity of data collection and verification systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power consumption tracking, power savings calculation, and verification functions into a unified server-based system. This consolidation integrates data collection from multiple distributed devices, aggregates information, and performs calculations in one centralized location, reducing the complexity that would arise from distributed tracking across numerous independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server continuously monitors power consumption, compares it against baseline values, tracks savings in real-time, and provides this information back to both utility operators and customers. This feedback loop enables accurate compensation while maintaining system simplicity through automated rather than manual verification processes.
3Reliability
If operating reserves are created through load curtailment rather than additional generation, then grid stability is enhanced during peak demand, but the need for sophisticated control and coordination systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server system pre-establishes communication channels and data collection mechanisms with distributed power devices before peak demand periods occur. Baseline power consumption data is collected and stored in advance, enabling rapid calculation of potential operating reserves when needed, rather than requiring complex real-time negotiations or system reconfiguration during critical peak periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the grid management function into distributed components (individual power consuming and supplying devices) that can independently report status and receive control directives, coordinated by a central server. This segmentation allows flexible creation of operating reserves by selectively curtailing or adjusting specific distributed devices based on real-time grid conditions, simplifying control compared to managing centralized generation assets.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing power on an electric power grid including a server for communicating IP-based messages over a network with distributed power consuming devices and/or power supplying devices, the IP-based messages including information including a change in state of the power consuming device(s), a directive for a change in state of the power consuming device(s), a priority message, an alert, a status, an update, a location with respect to the electric power grid, a function, device attributes, and combinations thereof.