Grid Load Control With Real-Time Load Shed Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric power load control systems are inefficient and inaccurate for measuring actual load shed and location, lacking real-time measurement and verification capabilities necessary for effective operating reserves and compliance with regulatory standards.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for actively controlling power load management using IP-based messages communicated over a network with distributed power consuming devices, enabling real-time tracking of power usage and generation of power supply values (PSV) for both individual customers and utilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional one-way RF communication systems are used for demand response, then load control can be implemented, but real-time measurement and verification of actual load shed is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload shed measurement accuracyVSAvoidreal-time verification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a two-way communication system where load control devices send telemetry data back to the utility system in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the utility to verify actual load shed amounts and locations, transforming the traditional one-way control into a closed-loop system with measurement and verification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces smart meters and communication modules as intermediary devices between the utility control system and customer load devices. These intermediaries capture real-time consumption data and transmission status, enabling accurate measurement of load shed without requiring direct utility monitoring of end devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If blanket load control commands are sent to geographic areas, then peak load management is achieved, but secondary peaks occur and consumer incentives are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak load management effectivenessVSAvoidsecondary peak generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static blanket control with dynamic, device-level control where individual load control devices can be selectively activated or deactivated based on real-time grid conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to manage peak load by targeting specific devices rather than entire geographic areas, avoiding the synchronized restart that causes secondary peaks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the load control system into individual controllable devices rather than treating geographic areas as monolithic units. By controlling devices independently, the system can stagger load management actions and avoid simultaneous device restarts that create secondary peaks, while still achieving effective peak load reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If statistical estimations are used to measure demand response effectiveness, then program implementation is simplified, but accuracy for operating reserves and regulatory compliance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram implementation simplicityVSAvoiddemand response measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces statistical estimation methods with direct electronic measurement through smart meters and communication modules. These devices automatically capture real-time consumption data and transmission status, substituting manual or estimated measurement processes with automated, precise electronic metering that provides accurate data for operating reserves and regulatory compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of information

If historical information is transmitted via smart meters for after-the-fact verification, then compliance evidence is provided, but real-time control and settlement capabilities are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompliance verification capabilityVSAvoidreal-time control responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time telemetry and communication capabilities that provide compliance verification data as load control actions occur, rather than relying on post-event historical data transmission. This preliminary action approach enables the utility to verify compliance and adjust control strategies in real-time, eliminating the time delay inherent in after-the-fact verification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12210367B1System and methods for actively managing electric power over an electric power grid

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 CAUSAM ENERGY INC

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.