Local Load Control System for Power Grid Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In deregulated energy infrastructure, the complex network of energy generation and distribution often leads to mismatches during peak demand periods, such as extremely hot or cold weather, where generators or distributors struggle to produce or deliver sufficient energy, necessitating a method to monitor and manage energy loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes processors and non-processor circuits, such as radio receivers and controllers, to monitor power system characteristics like voltage and frequency, and adjust load shedding based on predetermined criteria, using communication signals from electrical service providers to manage power distribution dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If load control systems are implemented to shed loads during peak demand, then energy delivery stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load control system automatically monitors power system characteristics and executes load shedding decisions without requiring complex external control infrastructure. The system serves itself by using locally available measurements and pre-programmed logic to make real-time decisions, reducing the need for complex communication and control infrastructure while maintaining reliability during peak demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes load shedding sequences and thresholds before peak demand events occur. By pre-configuring the control logic and measurement parameters, the system avoids the need for complex real-time decision-making infrastructure, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable energy delivery stability when needed most.
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of power system characteristics is performed, then load management precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs measurements at specific intervals rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for effective load management. The system monitors power system characteristics at predetermined times and triggers load shedding only when threshold violations are detected, optimizing the balance between monitoring accuracy and energy usage.
3Loss of energy
If load shedding is executed when voltage drops below baseline, then network strain is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system executes partial load shedding by selectively reducing specific loads rather than complete system shutdown. When voltage drops below the established baseline, the system sheds only the necessary portion of the load to restore voltage to acceptable levels, minimizing the impact on overall productivity while effectively reducing network strain and preventing cascading failures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for shedding loads based upon a power system characteristic, such as voltage or frequency, is provided. In one embodiment, a remote party, such as a power generator or utility, transmits a signal to a control device proximately located with a load device. Upon receipt of the signal, the control device measures the power system characteristic for a predetermined time to establish a baseline threshold. The control device then monitors the power system characteristic. When the power system characteristic falls outside the baseline threshold, the control device sheds load. In one embodiment, the loads are prioritized such that the load of least importance may be shed first.