Hierarchical Load Dispatch for Grid Stability and Circuit Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing demand response systems face conflicts between grid-level commands and load limitations, such as circuit-level current draw constraints and concurrent ancillary services, which can interfere with the intended use of loads and lead to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical control system for aggregated load resources that divides loads into sub-aggregations, determines draw constraints and dispatches, and communicates these to individual loads to satisfy both short-term and long-term operational requirements, optimizing load dispatches to minimize costs while adhering to constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grid-level commands are issued to adjust load draw for frequency regulation, then grid stability is improved, but circuit-level current draw constraints may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aggregation of loads into multiple sub-aggregations, each managed by a downstream dispatch engine. This segmentation allows the system to distribute and coordinate control actions across different load groups, ensuring that circuit-level constraints are respected while achieving overall grid stability objectives through hierarchical coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces downstream dispatch engines as intermediary components between the root dispatch engine and individual loads. These intermediaries receive aggregate draw requirements from upstream and translate them into load-specific dispatches that satisfy both grid-level objectives and local circuit constraints, effectively mediating between conflicting requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ancillary services are provided concurrently by the same aggregation, then service versatility is improved, but conflicting draw requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the provision of ancillary services by creating separate control pathways within the hierarchical structure. Different downstream dispatch engines can manage different sub-aggregations for different services (e.g., frequency regulation, voltage support), allowing concurrent service provision while coordinating draw requirements to avoid conflicts at the load level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic coordination mechanisms where the hierarchical dispatch system continuously adjusts draw requirements based on real-time grid conditions and service priorities. The system dynamically allocates draw demands across sub-aggregations to satisfy multiple ancillary service requirements simultaneously while preventing conflicts through real-time optimization.
3Productivity
If hierarchical control structure is implemented to coordinate multiple objectives, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into modular hierarchical layers with clearly defined responsibilities. Each dispatch engine operates semi-independently within its layer, processing local constraints and passing aggregated requirements upstream or distributing commands downstream. This segmentation improves operational efficiency through specialized processing while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the hierarchical dispatch engines to be multi-functional, capable of handling multiple types of ancillary services and constraint types within a unified framework. This universality allows the system to coordinate multiple objectives efficiently without requiring separate specialized systems for each function, thereby improving productivity while containing complexity through consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
An aggregation comprises: loads that draw electricity, and a hierarchy including a root dispatch engine at the top of the hierarchy, downstream dispatch engines each servicing downstream points comprising further downstream dispatch engines or loads, and the loads at the bottom of the hierarchy. Each downstream dispatch engine sends draw dispatches to its downstream points such that the total draw computed by summing the draw dispatches equals a draw dispatch received by the downstream dispatch engine from the dispatch engine above it in the hierarchy. The sent draw dispatches also satisfy downstream point draw constraints communicated to the downstream dispatch engine from its downstream points. In a method, a baseline long-term draw dispatch is determined for the aggregation, and the baseline long-term draw dispatch is modulated over a shorter time interval based on a short-term draw requirement to determine a draw dispatch for the aggregation.