Renewable Load Switching for Voltage and Peak Demand Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The instability of renewable energy supply due to climatic and seasonal variations causes voltage regulation issues and peak demand problems, leading to localised voltage fluctuations and premium charges for consumers, making it difficult to manage energy distribution effectively.
Innovation Solution
A load controlling device that measures renewable energy output using sensors and a controller to connect or disconnect electrical loads based on energy parameters, ensuring stable energy distribution and avoiding peak demand thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If renewable energy generators are connected to supply electrical power to loads, then the use of renewable energy increases and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced, but voltage regulation problems occur due to over-supply of electrical power back into the power grid
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the energy parameter from the energy sensor and uses this feedback to dynamically control the switching device, adjusting the connection of loads based on real-time renewable energy output levels to prevent over-supply and voltage regulation issues
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the connection and disconnection of electrical loads based on varying renewable energy output conditions, making the load configuration flexible rather than fixed to match the unstable renewable energy supply
2Power
If the amount of electrical loads is increased to meet peak demand, then the power supply capacity increases, but peak demand threshold is exceeded resulting in premium charges
Solution Approach 1:
The controller determines the optimal amount of loads to connect in advance based on predicted or measured renewable energy availability, preparing the system to utilize renewable energy before peak demand periods occur, thereby avoiding premium charges
3Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy output varies due to climatic and seasonal variations, then the adaptability to environmental conditions increases, but the stability of energy supply decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy sensor provides continuous feedback on renewable energy output levels, enabling the controller to detect variations due to climatic and seasonal conditions and adjust the load configuration accordingly to maintain stable energy supply
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (load connection status) in response to changes in renewable energy output parameters, adapting the energy distribution configuration to match varying environmental conditions while maintaining supply stability
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a device for controlling at least one of a plurality of electrical loads that are being supplied by at least one renewable energy generator and/or an electrical mains supply. The device comprises an energy sensor for measuring an energy parameter, wherein the energy parameter equates to a value representative of the amount of energy output by the energy sensor, the energy parameter of the energy sensor being directly proportional to the output of the at least one renewable energy generator; a controller means for determining the amount of electrical loads that can be connected or disconnected on the basis of the measured energy parameter; a switching device for connecting and disconnecting the at least one electrical load based on an output of the controller means; and wherein as the energy parameter varies the output of the controller means varies to connect and disconnect electrical loads.