Smart Grid Peak Demand Control via Device Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing maximum demand power control systems are limited in controlling power consumption beyond air conditioners and refrigerators, and their one-way power cutoff approach is inconvenient for users, failing to effectively manage peak power demand in a smart grid environment.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that involve receiving power use request information from multiple electrical devices, calculating overall power consumption, identifying scheduling intervals with higher-than-average usage, and adjusting the maximum power use time of specific devices to distribute peak demand more evenly, using a gateway and maximum demand power controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If maximum demand power control systems use one-way power cutoff approach to control peak power, then power consumption is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power allocation based on real-time power consumption patterns and predictions. Instead of static one-way cutoff, the controller continuously monitors power usage and adaptively schedules device operations to balance peak power control with user convenience, allowing flexible reconfiguration of power distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring actual power consumption and comparing it with predicted values. The controller uses this feedback to adjust scheduling decisions, ensuring that peak power control objectives are met while maintaining user convenience through intelligent, responsive control rather than rigid cutoffs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If maximum demand power controller limits controllable loads to traditional equipment only, then control simplicity is maintained, but system versatility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidsystem versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed with universal control capabilities that can manage diverse electrical devices including air conditioners, refrigerators, and other controllable loads. The controller uses standardized communication protocols and control mechanisms that work across different device types, enabling expanded versatility without significantly increasing control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls versatility expansion through parameter management rather than structural complexity increase. By adjusting control parameters such as power allocation coefficients, scheduling intervals, and device-specific settings, the system can accommodate new device types and control scenarios without fundamental redesign, maintaining simplicity while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If power scheduling shifts peak usage times of electrical devices, then peak power demand is reduced, but scheduling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak power demandVSAvoidscheduling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary power consumption predictions and scheduling calculations in advance of peak demand periods. By pre-computing optimal schedules based on predicted power usage patterns and device requirements, the system reduces actual-time scheduling complexity while achieving peak power demand reduction through pre-coordinated device operation shifts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduling system divides the control problem into manageable segments by handling individual devices or device groups separately. Each device's power scheduling is optimized independently based on its characteristics and constraints, then integrated into the overall schedule. This segmentation approach reduces overall scheduling complexity while effectively reducing peak power demand through coordinated time-shifting of multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9203240B2Method and system for power control of electrical devices using maximum power control algorithm

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 KT CORP

AI summary

A power control method includes: receiving a plurality of power use request information associated with a plurality of electrical devices, calculating a power consumption of the plurality of the electrical devices and an average value of the power consumption in a predetermined time period, based on the plurality of the power use request information, comparing the average value and the calculated power consumption in the predetermined time period to determine at least one scheduling interval in which the calculated power consumption is greater than the average value, and performing a scheduling in which a maximum power use time of at least one electrical device included in the at least one determined scheduling interval is moved to another interval The power use request information may be one from among time information and power consumption information corresponding to the operation of each of the plurality of the electrical devices.