Space Conditioning Load Control With Local Comfort Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direct load control programs do not account for differences in insulation and space conditioning load sizes among consumers, leading to uncomfortable temperature rises during peak demand periods and reduced customer participation in load shedding programs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow local control of space conditioning loads by measuring room temperature and disabling direct load control if it exceeds a comfort temperature range, transitioning to temperature setback control and signaling the utility provider, enabling consumers to set their own comfort temperature limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If direct load control is used to reduce HVAC load during peak demand, then energy consumption is reduced and grid reliability is improved, but indoor temperature rises to uncomfortable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows each customer to set their own comfort temperature parameters (maximum and minimum temperatures) specific to their space, rather than applying uniform cycling control to all customers. This local customization enables each customer to define their acceptable temperature range, preventing uncomfortable temperature rises while still participating in load control programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the cycling control parameters based on customer-defined comfort temperatures. The maximum and minimum temperature limits are not fixed but are set by each customer according to their specific needs, allowing the system to adapt to individual space characteristics and customer preferences.
2Productivity
If cycling method is used with uniform temperature limits across all customers, then load reduction is controllable, but customer comfort varies significantly based on space insulation and load characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements customer-specific maximum and minimum temperature parameters that are tailored to each customer's space characteristics, insulation quality, and load requirements. This allows the system to maintain effective load control while adapting to the unique needs of each customer, preventing the one-size-fits-all approach from causing discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires customers to pre-set their comfort temperature parameters before the demand response event begins. This preliminary action allows the cycling control to be customized for each customer's specific space characteristics, ensuring comfort is maintained throughout the event without requiring real-time adjustments.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If maximum temperature limits are set for load shedding programs, then customer comfort is improved, but program costs increase due to reduced load control effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
By allowing each customer to set their own maximum temperature parameter based on their specific space characteristics and comfort preferences, the system optimizes the load control effectiveness for each individual customer. This prevents unnecessary early termination of load control events, thereby reducing overall program costs while maintaining customer comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Customers pre-set their maximum temperature limits before the demand response event, allowing the system to plan and execute load control more efficiently. This preliminary configuration reduces the need for costly real-time adjustments and enables better prediction of when load control can be effectively applied without compromising comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for establishing local control of a space conditioning load includes a switch for controlling a flow of energy for a space conditioning load. Control logic is operatively coupled to the switch, for receiving control parameters associated with a direct load control event from a utility provider. The control logic may also measure room temperature based on received temperature signals and determine if a room temperature is greater a comfort temperature range. The control logic may eliminate operation of a direct load control program if the room temperature is greater than or equal to the comfort temperature range. The control logic may log and signal back to the utility provider that the comfort temperature range is exceeded. The control logic may then restore local control of the switch and initiate a temperature setback control to a thermostat for the remainder of the control period.