Power Network Load Coordination via Communication Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing electrical energy distribution in power networks are inefficient, particularly in reducing peak loads and optimizing energy use among consumers, as they fail to effectively control energy consumption patterns and rely on outdated technologies like electromechanical contactors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving communication units that manage controllable consumers by exchanging information on energy demand and supply, allowing for flexible timing and intensity of energy usage, and enabling the integration of local energy generation and storage to balance network loads, with the ability to switch and limit power consumption or supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing control systems like electromechanical contactors are used to switch consumers on or off, then some energy distribution control is achieved, but the effectiveness is limited and the system complexity increases without significant improvement in peak demand reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical contactors with electronic control devices that communicate via data connections. These electronic systems use digital communication protocols to coordinate consumer switching, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switching mechanisms while achieving more effective peak demand reduction through intelligent scheduling algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control devices exchange information about desired energy consumption and potential energy supply through data connections, creating a feedback loop that enables coordinated decision-making. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust consumer switching based on real-time grid conditions, improving energy distribution efficiency without increasing hardware complexity.
2Productivity
If control devices target consumers based on time of day or electricity prices, then some demand management is achieved, but the effectiveness in relieving peak demand strain is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables control devices to schedule consumer operation in advance based on predicted peak demand periods and available energy supply. By performing preliminary scheduling actions, the system proactively shifts load away from peak periods rather than reactively responding to price signals, achieving more effective peak demand reduction while maintaining consumer flexibility through pre-negotiated scheduling windows.
3Loss of energy
If communication units coordinate energy consumption and supply among controllable devices, then energy distribution is optimized and peak loads are reduced, but the system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication functions into a unified data exchange protocol that handles both consumer demand information and supplier capacity information in a single communication framework. This consolidation reduces the number of separate communication channels needed, optimizing energy distribution while limiting the increase in communication network complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for distributing electrical energy in a power network in which several users (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3x), each with at least one consumer (5, 10), are connected to an energy supplier (ES) via a power network, and in which individual controllable consumers (5) are controlled to adjust the current flow. Furthermore, the invention relates to a communication unit (1) for controlling controllable consumers (5) of a user (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3x) in a network with several controllable consumers (5) connected to an energy supplier.The object of the present invention is to provide a method for distributing electrical energy in a power network and a communication unit for controlling controllable consumers, thereby relieving the power network and achieving a better distribution of energy demand. This is achieved according to the invention by providing at least one group (12, 23) of users (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), each of whom is assigned a communication unit (1) that controls at least one controllable consumer (5) of the respective user (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) and exchanges information about the energy demand of the user (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) with other communication units (1) in order to adjust it according to the needs of the energy supplier (ES).that the communication unit (1) has a connection unit for connecting to other communication units (1) of other users (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3x) and a control unit for controlling at least one controllable consumer (5), wherein this controllable consumer (5) is connected to the control unit.