Active Grid Load Management With Settlement-Grade Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric power grid management systems lack real-time measurement and verification capabilities for load shedding, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in demand response programs, and are unable to effectively create operating reserves or track power savings, failing to meet regulatory standards such as those set by FERC and NERC.
Innovation Solution
An IP-based active power load management system that communicates with distributed power consuming and supplying devices, providing real-time data and control commands to manage power usage and generate settlement-grade data for revenue-grade metrology, enabling accurate tracking of power savings and creation of operating reserves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional one-way RF communication systems are used for demand response, then device control capability is achieved, but real-time measurement and verification of load shedding is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where smart meters continuously measure and report load shedding data back to the utility system in real-time. This two-way communication enables verification of actual load reduction, providing precise measurement while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces smart meters as intermediary devices that bridge the gap between controlled loads and the utility system. These smart meters perform local measurement and verification, then communicate results to the utility, enabling accurate load shedding measurement without requiring direct complex communication between all system components.
2Measurement precision
If statistical estimations are used for demand response effectiveness, then system simplicity is maintained, but accuracy of power savings tracking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables smart meters to autonomously perform measurement, verification, and reporting of load shedding data. Each smart meter independently tracks its own associated loads and communicates results to the utility system, eliminating the need for complex centralized statistical estimation while maintaining high accuracy and reasonable processing efficiency.
3Reliability
If real-time measurement and verification systems are implemented, then settlement-grade data accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs smart meters with multi-functionality, combining base metering capabilities with advanced load shedding measurement and verification functions. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple functions including energy measurement, load control, and settlement-grade data reporting, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in communication protocols and data formats to enable settlement-grade measurement capabilities. By adopting standardized protocols such as IEEE 2030.5 and ANSI C12.30, the system achieves reliable measurement and verification without requiring proprietary complex communication infrastructure.
4Productivity
If demand response programs use blanket commands to turn off devices, then load management is achieved, but secondary peaks are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load management where smart meters and controlled devices can adjust their operation based on real-time grid conditions and user preferences. Rather than blanket on/off commands, the system enables flexible, dynamic response including partial load reduction, time-based control, and user-customizable settings, thereby avoiding secondary peaks while maintaining load management effectiveness.
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 relating to activities by the power consuming devices and/or the power supplying devices; and wherein the information is transformed by the system into settlement grade data corresponding to the activities of the power consuming devices and/or the power supplying devices.