Grid Power Coordinator for Real-Time Load Curtailment Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems struggle to efficiently manage power supply and load curtailment on electric power grids, particularly for micro-scale supplies, due to compliance difficulties and high costs, and lack real-time verification and tracking of load shedding, leading to inefficiencies and secondary peak events.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for actively managing power supply and load curtailment using IP-based messaging and a Coordinator to communicate with grid elements, devices, and utilities, enabling real-time control and tracking of power consumption and savings, and creating operating reserves through a network of controllable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If micro-scale power supply is introduced to the grid, then power supply flexibility and distribution efficiency are improved, but compliance difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments power supply management into modular components: individual controllable devices, device groups, and aggregation levels. Each micro-scale supply source is treated as an independent segment that can be managed separately through IP-addressable identifiers, while collectively contributing to grid-level power management. This segmentation allows micro-supplies to comply with grid standards without requiring full-scale utility infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The Coordinator serves as a universal platform that manages diverse power supply sources (renewable, non-renewable, storage devices) through a common IP-based messaging interface. The system provides multi-functionality by handling both individual device control and aggregated group management, enabling micro-scale supplies to interface with the grid through standardized protocols regardless of their specific technology type.
2Reliability
If real-time load curtailment control is implemented, then grid stability and power management efficiency are improved, but system complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Coordinator acts as an intermediary between the Energy Management System and individual controllable devices. It receives IP-based messages from the EMS, processes them into device-specific control commands, and distributes them to appropriate devices or device groups. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a standardized communication interface that shields individual devices from complex grid-level management logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback through IP-based messaging that enables bidirectional communication between the Coordinator, devices, and EMS. Device status, power consumption data, and control responses are continuously reported back to the Coordinator, which verifies compliance and adjusts control strategies accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures grid stability while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated verification.
3Productivity
If IP-based messaging and Coordinator are used for real-time control, then communication efficiency and tracking accuracy are improved, but network infrastructure requirements and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each controllable device is equipped with IP addressing and messaging capabilities, enabling it to autonomously communicate with the Coordinator and receive control commands. Devices self-identify, self-report status, and self-adjust operation based on received commands, eliminating the need for complex centralized control hardware at each device location. This self-service approach improves communication efficiency while reducing overall implementation costs through standardized, off-the-shelf networking components.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for managing power supplied over an electric power grid from at least one power supply source. A coordinator manages communications between at least one server and the at least one power supply source, wherein the server is operable to initiate power commands, wherein the communications comprise an actual amount of power supply available for the electric power grid from the at least one power supply source, and wherein the at least one power supply source is operable to provide power supply to the electric power grid based on the power commands.