Load Control Transponder for Demand Response and Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems lack an autonomous, emergency override capability to stabilize the electrical grid during unexpected events, relying solely on system reliability without considering supply-side economics or consumer preferences.
Innovation Solution
A Demand Response method utilizing a Load Control Transponder (LCT) that allows consumers to set preferences for reducing energy consumption based on price points, with the ability to self-declare emergencies and automatically adjust usage to maintain grid stability, using TWACS or similar communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the utility uses traditional reliability-based load control to maintain grid stability during peak demand, then grid stability is improved, but consumer preference and cost control are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load control system into two independent components: (1) utility-initiated reliability-based control that ensures grid stability, and (2) consumer-initiated price-based control that accommodates consumer preferences. The LCT device enables consumers to independently set their preferred load reduction levels and receive price signals, while the utility maintains its ability to initiate emergency load shedding. This segmentation allows both grid stability and consumer preference accommodation to coexist without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling consumers to autonomously manage their energy consumption through the LCT device. Consumers can set their own load reduction preferences, receive real-time price signals, and automatically adjust their energy usage without utility intervention. This self-service mechanism allows consumers to accommodate their own preferences while contributing to grid stability, resolving the contradiction between utility control and consumer autonomy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the utility implements price-based demand response to allow consumer choice, then consumer preference accommodation is improved, but autonomous emergency response capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring consumers to pre-configure their load reduction preferences and thresholds through the LCT device before emergency situations occur. Consumers establish their preferred levels of load reduction and price sensitivity in advance, creating a ready-to-execute response plan. When emergencies occur, the pre-configured settings enable immediate automated response without requiring real-time consumer decisions, thus maintaining both consumer preference accommodation and autonomous emergency response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the load control system adaptable to different operating conditions. The LCT device can operate in multiple modes: normal price-based demand response mode where consumers exercise choice, and emergency mode where pre-configured automated responses are activated. The system dynamically transitions between these modes based on grid conditions, allowing consumer preference accommodation during normal operation while ensuring autonomous emergency response when needed.
3Device complexity
If the utility relies solely on manual intervention during grid crises, then system complexity is reduced, but response time and effectiveness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the LCT device as an intermediary between the utility and consumer equipment. The LCT receives and processes utility signals, applies consumer-preferred control logic, and automatically adjusts connected loads. This intermediary enables automated emergency response without requiring complex utility-side control systems or manual intervention, achieving fast response time with minimal added complexity by distributing intelligence to the consumer side.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of Demand Response (DR) utilizing a Load Control Transponder (LCT) installed at the location of an electricity consumer. A DR program, in conjunction with the LCT, allows a consumer to determine, in advance, when they will reduce their demand on an electricity supply system. The consumer is informed of price points at which the cost of energy increases due to overall demand. The consumer then determines if, and when, they will reduce their demand on the system when a price point is reached. In addition, when an unplanned, critical event occurs, the method enables the utility to bypass any intermediate consumer established settings and immediately and directly drop the level of energy consumption to the consumer's lowest selected level for continuing service thereby to shed sufficient load on the system to maintain an adequate level of electricity supply. Once the event has been resolved, the method enables the utility to restore the consumer's previous level of usage.