Two-Way Power Load Control System with Feedback Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric utility load management systems lack efficiency in measuring actual load shed and location of load deferral due to the absence of a return path in one-way wireless communications, leading to approximate load calculations and inefficiencies in power reduction strategies.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a two-way communication method to manage power load by determining which controllable devices to enable or disable, tracking power savings, and issuing corrective messages to maintain power reduction events, even in the presence of customer overrides, through a network of client devices and system controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If one-way wireless communication is used to control appliances during peak hours, then power reduction commands can be transmitted to customers, but the system cannot accurately measure actual load shed or track power savings due to lack of return path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-way communication system where the utility control center sends power reduction commands to customer premises equipment, and the CPE devices return status information and power consumption data. This feedback mechanism enables accurate tracking of actual load shed and power savings, resolving the measurement accuracy problem while maintaining power reduction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication infrastructure (two-way positive confirmation system) between the utility control center and customer devices. This intermediary enables bidirectional information exchange, allowing the system to both issue power reduction commands and receive accurate measurements of load shed, thereby simultaneously achieving power reduction efficiency and measurement precision.
2Loss of energy
If blanket commands are sent to turn off devices during peak hours, then power load is reduced, but the system lacks ability to track individual device status and location of load deferral
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blanket power reduction approach into individual device-level control. Instead of treating all devices uniformly, the system can target specific appliances (air conditioners, water heaters, pool pumps) at specific customer locations. The two-way communication enables tracking of each device's status, providing both peak load reduction and detailed information about where and how much load is deferred.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-way communication system provides feedback from each customer premises device to the utility control center, enabling the utility to track individual device status, location of load deferral, and actual power savings. This resolves the information loss problem while maintaining the energy reduction benefit of blanket commands.
3Ease of operation
If RF controlled relay switches are attached to customer appliances, then remote control is enabled, but the system cannot verify actual device operation or calculate power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the customer premises equipment universal by integrating multiple functions: it serves as both a control receiver (receiving power reduction commands via wireless communication) and a measurement device (calculating power consumption and tracking device status). This multi-functional CPE resolves the contradiction by enabling both remote control and accurate power consumption measurement through a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the CPE device calculate and report back power consumption data and operational status to the utility control center. This feedback loop enables verification of actual device operation and accurate calculation of power consumption, enhancing both remote control capability and measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system manages consumption of power supplied by at least one electric utility to multiple power consuming devices. Power flow to the power consuming devices is enabled and disabled by controllable devices controlled by one or more client devices. According to one embodiment, a group of one or more client devices to which to communicate a power control message is determined. The power control message indicates at least one of an amount of electric power to be reduced and an identification of one or more controllable devices to be instructed to disable a flow of electric power to one or more associated power consuming devices. The power control message is communicated to the determined group of client devices to initiate a power reduction event. Subsequent to initiation of the power reduction event, a determination is made that at least one controllable device has prematurely exited the power reduction event.