Triac-Based Demand Limiting for Resistive Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resistive loads, such as heating elements, contribute significantly to peak electricity demand, leading to high energy costs and strain on the energy delivery system, as existing demand metering systems struggle to manage these loads effectively, especially during peak periods.
Innovation Solution
A triac-based consumption control circuit, integrated with a time or condition-based load controller, regulates electricity consumption by clipping the input sine wave, allowing for infinite variation in energy delivery to resistive loads based on schedules, real-time conditions, and user-defined parameters, thereby reducing demand during peak periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If demand metering systems are used to monitor and control peak electricity demand, then energy costs and strain on the energy delivery system are reduced, but the ability to effectively manage resistive loads during peak periods is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static demand metering to dynamic load control. The resistive load device is equipped with a controller that continuously monitors real-time electricity demand and dynamically adjusts its operation accordingly. During peak demand periods, the controller reduces or shuts off operation of the resistive load, while during off-peak periods, the load operates at full capacity. This dynamic adjustment enables effective demand management while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop control system. The controller receives real-time feedback about electricity demand conditions from the energy delivery system and uses this information to adjust the operation of the resistive load device. The system continuously monitors demand signals and modifies load operation in response, enabling effective peak demand management while ensuring the load operates optimally during off-peak periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If resistive loads operate at full capacity, then energy consumption is maximized for heating performance, but peak electricity demand increases causing high energy costs and system strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by scheduling the operation of resistive load devices based on time-of-day patterns and predicted demand cycles. The controller is programmed to operate loads at full capacity during off-peak periods when electricity demand is low, and to reduce or suspend operation during peak periods. This periodic operation pattern maintains adequate heating performance over the full day while significantly reducing peak electricity demand and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-heating spaces or fluids during off-peak periods before peak demand occurs. The controller anticipates upcoming peak demand periods and increases resistive load operation during off-peak hours to achieve desired temperature levels in advance. This allows the system to maintain heating performance while operating at reduced capacity during peak periods, thereby reducing peak electricity demand.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively limits electricity demand by reducing energy consumption by up to 50% during peak times, making the grid more friendly and reducing overall energy costs for consumers and utilities.
Implementation Method 1
the consumption control circuit is a triac-based control circuit that is operable to regulate the electricity consumption of the resistive load device at an infinite number of levels. When the consumption control circuit receives a control signal indicating that electricity consumption should be limited, the triac-based control circuit clips portions of the input sine wave to reduce the amount of electricity available for consumption by the resistive load device.
Data Source
AI summary
An electricity demand limiting system for limiting the electricity consumption of at least one resistive load device. The demand limiting system includes a consumption controller associated with the resistive load device that is operable to infinitely vary the amount of electricity being consumed by the load device. The consumption control device is in operative communication with a load controller such that the load controller can generate a control signal to affect the operation of the consumption control circuit. Preferably, the consumption control circuit is a triac-based circuit that receives the control signal from the load controller and limits the amount of electricity consumed by the resistive load device. The load controller can receive input signals from sensors monitoring the electricity delivery system or from the premise electricity meter. Further, the load controller can receive external inputs from a third party that determine the operation of the load controller in limiting the electricity demands of the resistive load device.