Method and apparatus using distributed intelligence for applying real time pricing and time of use rates in wide area network including a headend and subscriber
US6167389A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S50/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A control system is disclosed which varies the operation of consumer's devices to minimize influx currents across a power grid. Power consuming devices are scheduled to operate in accordance with varying pricing tiers. As customers schedule the operation of various devices and appliances in accordance with pricing tiers, when the tiers change, the current drain on the power grid increases significantly. Even increasing the strain on the power grid is the fact that the startup current for electric motors is up to six times their normal operating current. When started, as electric motors place a heavy strain on a power grid, the power strain lead to the disruption of power to the very consumers requiring more power. The present invention randomizes the start up times of the controlled devices so as to minimize the strain of the power grid as each one comes on line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.