Heating System Startup Randomization to Reduce Grid Load Peaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The synchronous commissioning of heating systems leads to load peaks and instabilities in the energy network, particularly due to the simultaneous startup of heat pumps and electric heaters, causing voltage drops and customer complaints, which existing methods fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates a random variable to determine a new start time for heating systems, dispersing the startup times of high-load components, thereby avoiding load peaks by setting a time offset for the programmatic start time, allowing for independent operation without user involvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heating systems are synchronized to start at fixed program times, then operation simplicity is improved, but load peaks and network stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static fixed start times to dynamic randomized start times. The control device generates a random offset value that is added to the base start time, creating a dynamically adjusted start time for each heating system. This dynamic adjustment disperses the simultaneous startup of multiple heating systems, reducing peak loads on the energy network while maintaining operational simplicity through automated randomization.
2Productivity
If heat pump compressors are started simultaneously, then heating system productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to voltage drops and grid instabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing a random offset value in the control device before the actual startup occurs. This pre-generated random offset is then added to the base start time to determine the final startup moment. By preparing the randomization parameter in advance, the system ensures that heat pump compressors are still started efficiently while avoiding simultaneous startups that cause voltage drops and grid instabilities.
3Device complexity
If factory-installed standard timer programs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but load peaks occur due to synchronized startups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the time parameter of the startup program. Instead of using a fixed standard timer program start time, the system generates a random offset value and adds it to the base start time. This changes the temporal parameter of the startup, dispersing peak loads while maintaining the simplicity of factory-installed timer programs. The random offset parameter is generated automatically, requiring no user intervention or complex reprogramming.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The proposed method for operating a heating system comprises the following steps: a) generating a random variable, b) defining a new start time incorporating the random variable, c) commissioning at least one component of the heating system at the start time defined in step b). Steps a) to c) can be performed at least once in a predefined sequence. However, steps a) and b) can also be performed only once, and the heating system can then always be operated with the new start time. The proposed method avoids instabilities in a power grid by synchronously commissioning heating systems at a programmed time. User involvement and structural modifications to heating systems are not required.