IP Grid Load Control With Real-Time Demand Response Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power load management systems lack real-time measurement, verification, and communication capabilities to effectively manage load shifting, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in load deferral, and fail to meet regulatory requirements for demand response programs, particularly in integrating renewable energy sources and creating operating reserves.
Innovation Solution
An IP-based system for actively managing power load on the electric grid, utilizing IP-based messages for controlling power-consuming and supplying devices, including smart meters, load control devices, and a server for real-time communication and data aggregation, enabling accurate load curtailment and creation of operating reserves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If one-way RF transmit methods are used for demand response load management, then communication coverage is achieved, but real-time measurement and verification capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements two-way communication systems that provide real-time feedback between utility control centers and customer premises equipment. This enables measurement, verification, and reporting of load management actions, transforming one-way transmit systems into closed-loop feedback systems that deliver real-time data on power consumption and demand response participation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces smart meters and advanced metering infrastructure as intermediary devices that mediate between the utility grid and customer loads. These intermediaries capture real-time measurement data, verify load management actions, and transmit this information back to utility systems, enabling accurate tracking without requiring direct complex communication between all system components.
2Measurement precision
If statistical estimations are used to measure demand response effectiveness, then data processing is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces statistical estimation methods with direct electronic measurement systems. Advanced metering infrastructure and smart meters provide precise real-time measurement of power consumption, load management actions, and demand response participation, substituting mathematical approximations with actual measured data from sensors and meters deployed throughout the system.
3Loss of time
If historical information is transmitted via smart meters for after-the-fact evidence, then data storage requirements are reduced, but real-time control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements systems that perform preliminary actions by pre-configuring demand response events, setting customer preferences and constraints before peak load conditions occur. This enables automated real-time execution of load management actions without requiring extensive data transmission during critical response periods, as the control logic is already established in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and transmits only critical real-time data elements necessary for demand response control, rather than transmitting complete historical datasets. This selective data extraction reduces transmission volume while maintaining real-time responsiveness, focusing on essential measurements such as current power consumption, load status, and demand response event participation.
Data Source
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.