Time-of-Use Set Point Scheduling for Energy Cost Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household and commercial devices that store energy, such as water heaters and HVAC systems, often operate inefficiently due to consistent energy usage patterns, which do not align with time-of-use pricing structures that incentivize energy consumption during specific periods, leading to higher financial costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for time use optimization that involves determining time-of-use pricing data, partitioning time into segments based on energy cost tiers, and creating an energy set point schedule for controllable devices to adjust their settings according to the pricing structure, using a computing device with logic to iteratively adjust the schedule based on actual energy usage and demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If energy is consumed consistently throughout the day, then device operation is simple and reliable, but energy costs increase due to not utilizing time-of-use pricing incentives
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating water or pre-cooling spaces during off-peak hours when energy costs are lower. The controller stores these thermal energy benefits in insulated tanks or building thermal mass, so that during peak pricing periods the device can maintain operation without consuming expensive energy, thus resolving the contradiction between simple operation and cost efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy storage capacity is increased, then time-of-use pricing incentives can be fully utilized, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by providing minimum necessary storage capacity rather than maximum possible capacity. The controller is designed to achieve sufficient cost savings with moderate storage tanks, rather than requiring excessive storage capacity. This resolves the contradiction by achieving acceptable energy cost reduction without the complexity and cost of maximum storage capacity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If set point adjustments are made frequently, then energy optimization is improved, but device wear and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by adjusting set points according to predetermined time-of-use pricing periods rather than continuously or frequently. The controller modifies operation patterns to align with pricing structure transitions (e.g., peak/off-peak boundaries), achieving energy optimization while limiting adjustment frequency to protect device reliability and reduce wear.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for time use optimization are provided. One embodiment of a method includes determining time of use pricing data associated with purchase of energy from an energy provider, partitioning a predetermined amount of time into a plurality of segments, where the plurality of segments corresponds with the higher cost tier and the lower cost tier, and creating an energy set point schedule for setting a set point of a controllable device, where the energy set point schedule sets the set point of the controllable device to a predetermined value for each of the plurality of segments. Some embodiments include determining energy utilized by the controllable device during at least a portion of the energy set point schedule and iteratively altering the energy set point schedule, based on a comparison of the energy utilized and a current status of the energy set point schedule.