Responsive Load Control with Remote Feedback Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Responsive load systems using autonomous control devices face tracking errors due to inaccuracies in frequency monitoring and under-performance of electrical loads, leading to instability in electricity supply and unreliable service.
Innovation Solution
A responsive load system with a remote controller and load controllers that measure and adjust power consumption based on detected imbalances, using parameter measuring devices and communication devices to apply corrections to power consumption adjustments, minimizing delays and tracking errors by applying offsets to power consumption adjustments determined by power consumption controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If autonomous control devices are used to quickly respond to power imbalances, then response speed is improved, but tracking errors occur due to frequency monitoring inaccuracies and load under-performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the remote controller receives data from autonomous load controllers, identifies tracking errors by comparing actual performance against expected performance, and sends correction signals back to adjust the responsive load service. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to maintain both fast response and high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller acts as an intermediary between the autonomous load controllers and the power distribution network. It coordinates the actions of multiple autonomous controllers, monitors their performance, and provides centralized adjustments to ensure accurate tracking of the desired responsive load service while maintaining the speed benefits of autonomous operation.
2Reliability
If centralized control systems are used to manage responsive load services, then tracking accuracy is improved, but response time increases due to communication latency
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into autonomous load controllers that operate independently at the local level, making immediate responses to frequency deviations without waiting for centralized commands. The remote controller provides high-level coordination and correction, separating the time-critical response function from the accuracy-critical monitoring function.
Solution Approach 2:
Autonomous load controllers are pre-configured with the authority and capability to immediately adjust load consumption in response to frequency deviations. This preliminary empowerment allows them to act without waiting for centralized approval, reducing response time while the remote controller subsequently verifies and corrects their actions for accuracy.
3Speed
If autonomous load controllers operate independently without centralized coordination, then response speed is maintained, but service reliability decreases due to cumulative tracking errors
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller continuously monitors the aggregate responsive load service delivered by autonomous controllers and implements a feedback mechanism to identify and correct tracking errors. This feedback loop maintains service reliability while preserving the fast response capabilities of autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller serves as an intermediary that coordinates the independent actions of autonomous load controllers. It aggregates their responses, compares against expected performance, and provides corrective signals to ensure the cumulative service meets reliability requirements while maintaining the speed benefits of decentralized operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling a number of load controllers (10), each of which is operatively connected to one or more electrical loads (6) that are connected to a grid, results in a reduction in tracking errors, which arise when aggregated local devices fail to deliver the expected amount of responsive load service. Each load controller (10) monitors the operating frequency of the grid network (8) and is adapted to adjust power consumption of one or more of its electrical loads (6) in response to excursions of the operating network frequency from its nominal value. The load controllers (10) are in communication with a remote controller (14) and aggregated together to provide a responsive load service. The remote controller (14) is adapted to monitor the deviation of grid frequency from its nominal value and to determine adjustments to the responsive load service delivered by the electrical loads of each load controller. The remote controller (14) thereafter sends a correction signal to each load controller (10), which causes the respective load controller (10) to apply a correction to its responsive load service by way of an offset to its power consumption adjustments.