IP Load Management With Smart Breakers for Verified Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power load management systems lack accurate tracking of power savings and emissions reduction, and are susceptible to security threats due to one-way communication and lack of device-specific control, making them inefficient and unreliable for utilities and customers.

Innovation Solution

An IP-based power management system with smart breakers and appliances that allow two-way communication, enabling precise tracking of power savings and emissions reduction, and incorporating security measures to protect against unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If one-way communication is used in power load management systems, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and security are worsened due to susceptibility to unauthorized access and lack of verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication system complexityVSAvoidsystem security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements two-way communication between utility control centers and customer premises equipment, allowing verification commands to be sent and execution status to be reported back. This feedback mechanism enables the utility to confirm that load control commands were properly authorized and executed, significantly improving system reliability and security while maintaining reasonable device complexity through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If generic load control is implemented without device-specific tracking, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of power savings is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking system complexityVSAvoidpower savings tracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power load management system into distinct controllable devices at customer premises (such as air conditioners, water heaters, and other appliances). Each device can be individually identified, controlled, and tracked through unique device identifiers. This segmentation enables precise measurement of power savings by specific device and customer while using standardized communication protocols to maintain reasonable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or generic load control methods with automated IP-based communication systems that use electronic messaging to identify, control, and track specific devices. This substitution of mechanical/manual systems with automated electronic tracking enables precise measurement of power savings without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the automation handles tracking calculations and reporting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If active load management with two-way communication is implemented, then reliability and security are improved, but device complexity and communication infrastructure requirements are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem securityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs IP-based communication protocols that are universally applicable across different devices and networks. The same communication infrastructure can handle multiple functions including command transmission, status reporting, verification, and device identification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved reliability and security through active two-way communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If detailed tracking of power consumption and emissions reduction is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time for data collection and processing is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower savings tracking accuracyVSAvoiddata collection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having customer premises equipment continuously monitor and record power consumption data of controllable devices before utility-initiated load control events. This pre-collection of baseline data eliminates the need for intensive real-time data gathering during actual load management events, thereby achieving precise measurement of power savings and emissions reduction without significant time loss. The system is already prepared with the necessary data when control actions are taken.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12422874B2System, method, and apparatus for actively managing consumption of electric power supplied by one or more electric power grid operators

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 CAUSAM ENERGY INC

AI summary

Systems, methods and apparatus for power management in an electric power grid are disclosed. A power flow to a plurality of power consuming devices in the electric power grid is enabled and disabled by a plurality of controllable devices under the control of one or more client devices. An apparatus receives a power control command and select at least one client device to which to issue a power reduction message. The power reduction message comprises an amount of electric power to be reduced to at least one of the plurality of power consuming devices for a predetermined time. A database stores information relating to power consumed by the plurality of power consuming devices based on measurement and verification.