Plug-in Load Control Apparatus for Peak Demand Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Public utility companies face increasing energy demand due to modern loads, leading to peak loads during short periods, necessitating costly upgrades to infrastructure to maintain network capacity, despite efforts like demand management and congestion pricing.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that interrupts power supply to electrical loads during congestion periods, indicated by a control signal, allowing consumers to override if necessary, thereby deferring infrastructure upgrades by enabling more modern loads on existing networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distribution network infrastructure is upgraded to maintain sufficient capacity for peak loads, then the network can support modern loads during congestion periods, but substantial financial investments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load management by enabling the control apparatus to receive congestion signals from the utility company and automatically interrupt power supply to connected loads during peak demand periods. This dynamic response allows the existing static infrastructure to adapt to varying demand conditions without requiring capacity upgrades for peak periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the power outlet and the electrical load. It receives control signals from the utility company's congestion management system and translates them into load interruption commands, serving as a mediator that enables demand-side management without infrastructure modifications.
2Productivity
If interruptive demand tariffs or congestion pricing are implemented to influence energy consumption, then peak demand can be reduced, but existing electricity meters require interface to ripple control receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a power connection device (plug and socket) and as a demand response execution device (receiver and interrupter). This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus enables consumers to self-manage their energy consumption by providing override functionality where users can manually reactivate loads during congestion periods if needed. This self-service capability empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their energy usage without requiring complex centralized control.
3Quantity of substance
If more modern loads are connected to the existing electricity distribution network, then energy consumption increases, but the network capacity becomes insufficient during peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic demand management by interrupting loads during identified congestion periods while allowing operation during normal periods. This periodic action pattern enables the network to support higher overall load connections by temporarily reducing demand during peak periods when congestion occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus (1) for controlling an electrical load (2) has a housing (28), a plug (12) mounted to the housing (28) for connecting the control apparatus (1) to the power outlet (4), a socket (10) mounted to the housing (28) for connecting the control apparatus (1) to the electrical load (2), and a receiver unit (6) mounted within the housing (28) and coupled to the plug (12) and the socket (10). In use, the receiver unit (6) receives a control signal that is indicative of an impending congestion period. Upon receipt of the control signal, the receiver unit (6) interrupts supply of power to the socket (10) and, hence, switches the electrical load (2) off.