The Essence of Device Communication Tied with Distributed Energy

The Essence of Device Communication Tied with Distributed Energy

3.24.04

Wade Troxell, Professor/Director, Colorado State University

Joe Fuetsch, Student, Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University

Power system communication is a vital feature in our technological society. Power failures and rolling blackouts are financially draining to many of the information and high tech providers. According to ICF Consulting, "the total economic loss from the August 21st blackout is estimated to be 10.3 billion dollars". It became evident on August 21, 2003 an increase in communication between power producers and users would help to alleviate cascading blackouts.

The need to eliminate power failures is essential. The most sensible response to creating power reliability is to implement distributed energy united with real time information, providing supply and demand energy values. Power communication is beginning a new phase as a result of the increased use of distributed energy technology. Platte River Power Authority in Colorado requires a dedicated telephone line for meter communications. This communication line presents an opportunity for power optimization for power authorities and consumers.

Communication potential contains high and low demand times with cost values. As a result of this shared information, power management will accurately avoid expensive peak rate structures. The ability to increase power production on-site and at a specific power load will be beneficial to power authorities.

Benefits include:

A reduction in the amount of needed capacity
A lower demand on transmission lines
A reduction in the need for out-sourced power

Distributed energy resources coupled with communication and power increasing or load shedding capabilities provides power authorities with varying potential. These possibilities provide desirable outcomes with minimal capital cost for power authorities.

The electric power system is nearing capacity, and high load demand times put the power system at a volatile state of failure. Demands well above the rated transmission capacities lead to overloads and uncontrollable cascading failures, as proved in August 2003. The need for communication is clear.

Transferring information via communication terminals to and from power producers and consumers offer the capacity to shift and manipulate loads. Power instabilities will be absorbed within the EPS before power producers and transmission lines are overloaded. Large consumers offer great opportunities for intense power management. Demand and consumption ratios can be skillfully managed with appropriate time utilization to ensure power reliability and cost benefits. Power distribution with in a building needs to become digital network of power producing and consuming devices. Programmable power layouts within a building are essential for independent and intelligent power management. For example, the system receives information from power authorities stating, the supply is low and thus costs will be high, the building can change its present power structure to reduce its overall consumption until the power authorities send new information.

The building’s power structure changes might include:

A reduction in lighting
Building HVAC temperature reduction
Other cycling devices
Increasing DE power production

Through evaluation of these elements systems may formulate clever changes to better accommodate high utility prices and future load requirements.

The communication between load consuming devices and power sources must accommodate abruptly changing situations and be able to evaluate corrective strategies immediately. This is why advanced programming and computer software packages must be used in order to optimally utilize device power. The advent of digital programming allows information to be sent within vary small increments of time providing a tremendous opportunity for power systems. Responses must be able to evaluate incoming power quality, power loads, and forecast future loads based on changing and adverse conditions.

The present electrical power system is due for a dramatic change and communication plays a significant importance in any reliable system. If change is not accepted soon by power authorities catastrophic failures will continue to plague our electric power system.