Home Load Control for Peak Demand Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical supply networks face challenges in managing peak loads, particularly when multiple high-demand devices such as heat pumps and electric vehicle charging stations operate simultaneously, leading to potential overloads and network instability, which existing control measures are insufficient to address.
Innovation Solution
A method for selectively controlling loads in a home electrical supply network connected to a central unit, which determines peak loads and strategically switches off non-essential loads like electric vehicle charging stations or auxiliary heating systems first, prioritizing comfort and minimizing disruptions, while ensuring network stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all electrical consumers (heat pumps, charging stations) operate simultaneously, then the electrical supply network experiences high power demand, but this leads to overload and network instability
Solution Approach 1:
The control device proactively monitors power consumption and detects load peaks before they cause network overload. By identifying critical situations in advance and selectively switching off non-essential loads preemptively, the system prevents overload conditions while maintaining network stability.
2Reliability
If protective measures are implemented to prevent overload, then network stability is improved, but existing measures are insufficient when all consumers draw power simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the operational status of electrical loads based on real-time power consumption monitoring. It selectively switches off non-essential loads only when critical situations are detected, allowing the system to adapt its protective measures to actual network conditions rather than applying static protection schemes.
3Reliability
If multiple loads are switched off during peak demand, then network overload is prevented, but household comfort is significantly impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The control device applies selective control to different types of loads based on their essentiality. Non-essential loads (e.g., charging stations, auxiliary heating) are switched off during critical situations, while essential loads maintaining household comfort are preserved. This localized differentiation minimizes impact on household comfort while achieving network protection.
4Power
If the electrical supply network is expanded to handle peak loads, then network capacity is increased, but costly and multi-year grid expansions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control device enables the electrical supply network to self-regulate by autonomously monitoring power consumption and selectively managing load operation. This self-service capability allows the network to handle peak demands through intelligent load management rather than physical expansion, avoiding costly and time-consuming infrastructure projects.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling a plurality of loads (10, 11, 12, 13) in a house (20, 21) connected to an electrical supply network (30) is described. The method comprises the steps of determining a load peak in the electrical supply network (30) and, in response to the determination of the load peak, selectively switching off one of the plurality of loads (10, 11, 12, 13). A central unit (40), a control unit (25) in a house, and an electrical supply network (30) are also described.