Point-of-Use Water Flow Control for Utility Demand Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water utilities face challenges in dynamically managing water consumption to reduce electrical energy usage, as they lack point-of-use control capabilities to respond effectively to electrical demand response signals, limiting their ability to reduce energy consumption beyond scheduling changes in pumping.
Innovation Solution
A water management system with a demand response controller that receives signals to reduce electrical power consumption, selects point-of-use devices for flow reduction or shut-off, and transmits control signals to implement and terminate demand response conditions dynamically, incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence for autonomous adjustments and compliance with regulatory restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If water utilities use traditional pumping scheduling changes to reduce energy consumption, then some energy reduction is achieved, but the reduction is limited and cannot respond dynamically to electrical demand response signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water distribution system into multiple controllable zones with individual demand response controllers and point-of-use devices. This segmentation enables independent control of water flow in different regions, allowing dynamic response to electrical demand signals by adjusting flow in specific zones rather than system-wide pumping schedule changes, thereby achieving both energy reduction and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control through demand response controllers that receive real-time electrical demand response signals and automatically adjust water flow parameters. The point-of-use devices dynamically modify flow rates based on received control signals, enabling the system to adapt quickly to changing electrical conditions without relying on static pumping schedules, thus resolving the contradiction between energy reduction and dynamic response capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If point-of-use flow control is implemented to achieve significant energy reduction, then energy consumption decreases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The demand response controllers and point-of-use devices are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as flow control mechanisms and as communication nodes in the network. These devices can perform multiple functions including receiving control signals, processing demand response logic, adjusting flow rates, and providing feedback, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components and mitigating system complexity despite the distributed control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through autonomous demand response controllers that automatically process electrical demand signals and adjust water flow without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized control. The point-of-use devices autonomously execute flow adjustments based on received signals, reducing the operational complexity and eliminating the need for extensive human monitoring and management of the distributed control system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional water utility operations are maintained, then operational simplicity is preserved, but the ability to respond to electrical demand management signals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where demand response controllers continuously monitor electrical demand response signals and adjust water flow parameters accordingly. The point-of-use devices provide feedback on actual flow conditions, enabling automatic closed-loop control that enhances demand response capability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making algorithms that eliminate the need for complex manual operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A water management system includes a demand response controller. The demand response controller configured to receive a demand response signal that specifies a reduction in electrical power consumption by a water utility. The demand response controller is also configured to select a point of use device (PUD) to implement a reduction in water consumption responsive to the demand response signal. The demand response controller is further configured to transmit, to the PUD, a control signal that specifies a reduction in water flow controlled by the PUD.