IP Grid Load Control With Real-Time Curtailment Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power load management systems lack real-time measurement, verification, and settlement capabilities, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in load shedding, and fail to create effective operating reserves for utilities and market participants, especially in managing renewable energy integration and peak demand.

Innovation Solution

An IP-based system for actively controlling power load management, including a server that communicates with distributed devices, tracks power consumption, and provides real-time power control commands, enabling accurate load curtailment and generation of operating reserves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional one-way RF communication systems are used for demand response, then device control capability is achieved, but real-time measurement and verification of load curtailment is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload curtailment measurementVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where smart meters continuously measure and report load curtailment data back to the utility system in real-time. This two-way communication enables verification of actual load reduction, providing precise measurement while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The smart meter serves multiple functions: it acts as both a billing meter and a real-time load measurement device. By integrating these functions into a single universal device, the system achieves precise load curtailment measurement without adding separate complex measurement infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If statistical estimation methods are used for demand response verification, then system simplicity is maintained, but accuracy and reliability of operating reserves are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating reserves reliabilityVSAvoidverification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces statistical estimation methods with direct electronic measurement and communication. Smart meters provide actual real-time data on load curtailment, substituting mathematical models and estimates with precise physical measurements, thereby achieving high reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The smart meter automatically measures and reports load curtailment data without requiring external verification infrastructure. Each device performs its own measurement and communication, enabling reliable operating reserve verification through distributed self-measuring units rather than centralized complex verification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If blanket load shedding commands are issued to geographic areas, then implementation simplicity is achieved, but secondary peaks are created and consumer satisfaction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload management operationVSAvoidsecondary peaks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the load management approach from geographic blanket commands to individual device-level control. By addressing specific controllable devices rather than entire geographic areas, the system maintains operational simplicity while preventing secondary peaks through targeted, device-specific load management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic, real-time control of individual devices based on current grid conditions and device status. Rather than static geographic zoning, the dynamic adjustment of individual device commands allows flexible load management that avoids creating secondary peaks while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Speed

If historical data transmission methods are used for demand response verification, then communication infrastructure simplicity is maintained, but real-time settlement and verification capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous real-time data transmission from smart meters to the utility system, replacing periodic historical data reporting. This continuous action enables immediate verification and settlement of demand response events, achieving high speed through persistent connections using standardized protocols that manage complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12517539B2System and methods for actively managing electric power over an electric power grid

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 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.