Targeted Load Shedding for Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power grid emergency load control methods, such as automatic load shedding, often disconnect critical infrastructures during brownouts, and existing technologies do not provide targeted and inexpensive solutions to minimize brownout risks while sparing critical infrastructures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where the energy supplier has temporary control over power-intensive devices via a data line network to selectively switch off individual or groups of devices, using remote-controllable mains switches and M2M communication, allowing for precise load reduction without affecting essential services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic load shedding is implemented to counter brownouts, then the power grid stability is improved, but critical infrastructures such as hospitals, public transport, and communication networks are disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the load control approach by dividing consumers into different categories (critical vs. non-critical infrastructures) and applying differentiated control measures. Critical infrastructures are excluded from automatic load shedding while non-critical consumers are subject to controlled disconnection, thereby maintaining grid stability without harming essential services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different consumer groups differently based on their criticality. Instead of uniform load shedding across entire districts, the system applies selective control where critical infrastructures receive protected status and continue operating, while non-critical consumers experience load management measures.
2Reliability
If entire grid areas are switched off during brownouts, then the power plant and grid infrastructure are protected, but the impact on consumers is maximized and critical services are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments consumers into protected categories (critical infrastructures) and non-protected categories (non-critical consumers). This segmentation enables differentiated treatment where grid protection measures are applied selectively to non-critical loads only, minimizing consumer impact while still achieving infrastructure protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying full load shedding to entire districts, the patent implements partial action by targeting only the portion of loads that are non-critical. This partial load control achieves sufficient grid protection without the excessive disruption of complete area blackouts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If targeted load control of individual devices is implemented, then critical infrastructures are spared, but the system complexity increases due to device-by-device control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-classifying consumers into critical and non-critical categories before brownout events occur. This pre-categorization stores identification data and control parameters in advance, enabling rapid automated decision-making during emergencies without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where consumers provide identification information about their criticality status, and the control system responds with appropriate measures. This structured feedback loop simplifies the control architecture by using clear categorical responses rather than complex continuous control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for emergency load control in a power grid supplied by an energy supplier 1, through which small consumers, such as private households and small industrial customers, are supplied with electricity, wherein electrical devices or groups of devices connected to the power grid are assigned to the small consumers, the operation of which can be controlled via a data line network 9, wherein the energy supplier 1 interrupts the operation of individual electrical devices or groups of devices via direct access to the data line network in the event of a critical network condition.