Smart Meter Load Shedding for Selective Grid Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load shedding techniques require disconnection of entire feeders or distribution system sections, which often include critical services like hospitals alongside non-critical loads, preventing the utility provider from maximizing non-critical load disconnection resources and distributing the load disconnection burden equitably among all ratepayers.
Innovation Solution
An Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) load shedding system that uses smart electricity meters with internal switches to disconnect non-critical loads from the grid while keeping critical loads connected, managed by a control server that communicates with meters to execute load shedding and restoration events through encrypted tokens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If entire feeders or distribution system sections are disconnected for load shedding, then the grid is protected from overload, but critical services sharing the same feeder are also disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distribution system into individual load-level entities using smart meters with integrated switches. Each smart meter can independently disconnect its associated load (residential, commercial, or critical) from the grid without affecting other loads on the same feeder. This granular segmentation enables selective load shedding that protects grid stability while preserving critical services.
2Reliability
If entire feeders are disconnected for load shedding, then grid overload is prevented, but the burden cannot be equitably distributed among all ratepayers
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting control to the individual smart meter level, the system can selectively disconnect non-critical loads while keeping critical loads connected. This enables equitable distribution of the load shedding burden across all non-critical ratepayers rather than forcing entire feeders to disconnect, allowing the utility to distribute demands response participation opportunities fairly throughout the service territory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts load disconnection based on real-time grid conditions and load characteristics. Smart meters can be individually controlled to disconnect or remain connected based on whether the associated load is critical or non-critical, allowing flexible and equitable burden distribution that adapts to varying grid needs and customer priorities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If smart meters with internal switches are deployed for selective load shedding, then targeted disconnection of non-critical loads is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switch functionality directly into the smart meter device, combining metering and load control functions in a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate switching devices and reduces overall system complexity despite enabling selective load disconnection. The smart meter becomes a self-contained control node that can independently disconnect its associated load based on grid conditions and load priority.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system for disconnecting loads from the electrical grid are disclosed. An application programming interface (API) frontend of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) load shedding system may receive a load shedding activation command; in response to receiving the load shedding activation command, the API frontend may deploy a load shedding token to one or more electricity meters of the AMI load shedding system, and cause the one or more electricity meters to disconnect corresponding loads from the one or more electricity meters.