Smart Meter Load Control via Probability Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical grids lack the ability to predict and manage the starting times of power-consuming devices, leading to potential overload and inefficiencies, as they do not interact directly with these devices to optimize energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method determines a probability distribution of starting times for power-consuming devices based on ideal shiftable and non-shiftable loads within the electrical grid, allowing for optimized scheduling through smart meters or energy management systems to indirectly control device operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical grid allows power consuming devices to operate freely without coordination, then device operation flexibility is maintained, but aggregate load may exceed grid operation capacity leading to higher costs or grid failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smart meter or energy management system as an intermediary between the electrical grid and power consuming devices. This intermediary receives operation requests from devices, determines probability distributions for starting times based on ideal shiftable load, and sends control instructions back to devices. This mediator enables coordinated load management while preserving device autonomy and user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter of device operation by determining a probability distribution of starting times based on the ideal shiftable load. Instead of fixed or user-chosen start times, devices operate at randomly determined times within their requested time windows, with the probability distribution optimized to keep aggregate load at ideal levels. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction between reliability and operational flexibility.
2Productivity
If many power consuming devices start to operate at the same time, then individual device availability is maximized, but aggregate load exceeds grid capacity resulting in higher operation cost or grid failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic load distribution by determining probability distributions for device starting times based on the ideal shiftable load profile. Devices are scheduled to operate at different times within their available time windows, creating a periodic or distributed operation pattern rather than simultaneous startup. This spreads energy consumption across different periods, preventing peak loads and reducing operation costs.
3Reliability
If the electrical grid implements centralized control of all power consuming devices, then aggregate load optimization is achieved, but device operation autonomy and user convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables devices to self-manage their operation by having them submit operation requests with their desired time windows and energy consumption profiles. The smart meter or energy management system processes these requests autonomously, determining probability distributions and sending control instructions without requiring continuous user intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains device autonomy while achieving coordinated load management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control by determining probability distributions for device starting times rather than using fixed schedules. The system adapts to each device's specific characteristics (energy consumption profile, time window) and adjusts the probability distribution accordingly. This dynamic approach preserves device versatility and adaptability while achieving efficient load management.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to load control in an electrical grid (110). Operation of a power consuming device (125) in the electrical grid (110) is controlled. An ideal shiftable load of the electrical grid (110) is received or accessed. A probability distribution of starting time of the power consuming device (125) is determined based on the ideal shiftable load of the electrical grid (110). Then a starting time for the operation of the power consuming device (125) is determined in accordance with the probability distribution of starting time. An instruction is then sent to cause the power consuming device (125) to be started at the starting time.