Micro Demand Response Control for Grid Peak and Valley Smoothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power grid systems face challenges in efficiently managing real-time energy demand fluctuations, leading to unnecessary power generation and waste, particularly due to the reliance on large power buffers that result in excessive fossil fuel consumption and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize network controls and signaling to manage electrical demand in real-time, allowing for automated micro-adjustments in power usage across the grid. This involves a centralized control system communicating with local facility controllers to adjust the operation of equipment, such as HVAC systems and lighting, to match grid demand, thereby reducing the need for large power buffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large power buffer is maintained to absorb unexpected demand spikes, then grid reliability is improved, but energy waste and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic demand adjustment by enabling real-time communication between the utility company and facility controllers. The system continuously monitors grid demand and automatically adjusts facility equipment operation to match actual demand conditions, replacing the static power buffer approach with a dynamic response mechanism that adapts to changing grid conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the utility company receives real-time data on actual power demand from the grid and sends control signals back to facility controllers. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to respond to actual demand conditions rather than relying on predetermined buffers, allowing continuous optimization of power usage based on real-time grid status.
2Loss of energy
If manual demand response is implemented with advance notice, then instantaneous demand is reduced, but response time and operational flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service demand response by equipping facility controllers with the capability to automatically adjust equipment operation based on real-time grid conditions. The controllers receive control signals and autonomously modify facility power consumption without requiring manual intervention or advance scheduling, enabling instantaneous response to utility company demand adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical demand response system with an automated electronic control system. Instead of relying on human operators to manually adjust equipment based on advance notice, the system uses electronic communication networks and automated controllers to instantly transmit control signals and adjust facility equipment, eliminating the time delays associated with manual response mechanisms.
3Reliability
If demand response is implemented at sub grid level in specific locations, then localized overload is addressed, but overall grid coordination and optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal demand response framework where the same automated control system operates across multiple sub grids and geographic locations. The utility company's centralized control system can simultaneously manage demand adjustments across numerous facilities and sub grids using a unified approach, enabling coordinated optimization throughout the entire grid rather than requiring separate complex systems for each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges previously separate demand response operations at different sub grid levels into a unified coordinated control mechanism. By integrating real-time communication and standardized control protocols across all facilities, the system combines localized demand adjustments into a cohesive grid-wide optimization strategy, reducing overall complexity while maintaining effective local overload management.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for dynamically and automatically adjusting the load on a power grid through micro adjustments of equipment coupled to the consumer side of the power grid. The system allowing for the automatic adjustment of equipment to either decrease or increase instantaneous power demand on the grid in response to peak demands and demand valleys to smooth the demand curve on the power grid. The system able to balance demand within the grid to adjust demand within various different portions of the power grid and allowing for reducing the power buffer supplied by electric utilities to reduce waste and carbon emissions.