Energy allocator

• US 4,277,691 A
• Filed: 06/14/1979
• Issued: 07/07/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lawrence M. Lunn
• Original Assignee: Lawrence M. Lunn
• Inventors: Lunn, Lawrence M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hix, L. T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SCHREYER, STAFFORD
• Application Number:
  US06/048,615
• Time in Patent Office: 754 Days
• Field of Search: 307/34, 307/35, 307/38, 307/39, 307/62, 307/117, 307/32, 307/126, 364/464, 364/492, 323/2, 323/3
• US Class Current: 307/35
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/58 The condition being electrical
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/14 by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/3225 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/222 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving

Abstract

A system for allocating energy adapted to be coupled to a plurality of conditioning equipment systems utilized to alter a plurality of corresponding first conditions. Thermal sensors for monitoring the conditions in each of a plurality of environments are coupled to allocation circuitry which provides for activation of control channels of the allocation circuitry in an order determined by the relative demand for conditioning of the plurality of environments. When two or more environments are determined to have the same demand for conditioning, the control channels of the allocation circuitry are activated in a controlled order. When a predetermined number of control channels have been activated, the process of allocation is terminated by the allocation circuitry. When more than the predetermined number of control channels is activated in case of a failure of the system, an alarm is activated and all previously activated control channels are deactivated. The allocation circuitry also provides for energization of only one of the plurality of conditioning equipment systems at a time after a power failure or if two or more channels of the allocation circuitry are activated during a given time interval.

Claims

1. A system for allocating energy, adapted to be coupled to a plurality of conditioning equipment systems, each altering a corresponding one of a plurality of first conditions in response to a corresponding one of a plurality of first signals comprising:

first means for developing, in the absence of a second signal, a plurality of third signals in an order determined by the relative deviation of each of said plurality of corresponding first conditions from each of a plurality of corresponding predetermined second conditions; and

for developing, in the absence of said second signal and in a controlled order, those of said plurality of third signals identifying those of said plurality of corresponding first conditions having substantially the same deviation from corresponding ones of said plurality of predetermined second conditions; and

for developing a fourth signal in response to said second signal;

second means coupled to said first means for developing said second signal when a predetermined number of said third signals is developed by said first means; and

third means, coupled to said first means and adapted to be coupled to said plurality of conditioning equipment systems for developing, in response to said fourth signal, said plurality of first signals corresponding to said third signals developed, in the absence of said second signal, by said first means.

2. A system for allocating energy according to claim 1 wherein said first means includes:

first generating means for developing a fifth signal the level of which varies from a first level to a second level in a predetermined manner during a first interval of time;

second generating means for developing a plurality of sixth signals each having a level which is a function of the deviation of one of said plurality of first conditions from a corresponding one of said plurality of predetermined second conditions;

first comparing means, coupled to said first generating means and to said second generating means, for comparing said level of each of said plurality of sixth signals to said level of said fifth signal and for developing a corresponding one of a plurality of seventh signals when said level of said fifth signal has a predetermined relationship with one of said plurality of sixth signals;

first control means, coupled with said second means and said first generating means, for developing said fourth signal in response to said second signal; and

first switching means coupled to said first comparing means and said first control means, for developing, in the absence of said fourth signal and during said first time interval, said plurality of third signals corresponding to each of said plurality of seventh signals in an order determined by the order of development of said plurality of corresponding seventh signals and in said controlled order, when said seventh signals are developed at substantially the same time.

3. A system for allocating energy according to claim 2 wherein said second means includes:

summing means coupled to said first switching means for developing an eighth signal having a magnitude which is proportional to the number of said plurality of third signals developed by said first means;

first reference means for developing a ninth signal having a predetermined magnitude; and

second comparing means, coupled to said summing means and said reference means, for developing said second signal when said eighth signal has a predetermined relationship with said ninth signal.

4. A system for allocating energy according to claim 3 wherein said first generating means includes reset means for resetting said fifth signal to said first level during a second interval of time and coupled to said first control means for developing said fourth signal during said second interval of time.

5. A system for allocating energy according to claim 4 wherein said third means includes:

signal transforming means coupled to said first control means for transforming said fourth signal into a predetermined duration tenth signal; and

first memory means, coupled to said first switching means and said signal transforming means, for developing, in response to said tenth signal, said plurality of first signals corresponding to said third signals developed, in the absence of said second signal, by said first means.

6. A system for allocating energy according to claim 5 wherein said first memory means further includes second switching means for delaying said plurality of first signals in a manner such that only one of said plurality of first signals will be developed at a time and a minimum predetermined time interval will exist between the development of any two consecutively developed first signals.

7. A system for allocating energy according to claim 6 wherein said second means further includes averaging means, coupled to said first reference means and said second generating means, for developing an eleventh signal which is proportional to the average level of said plurality of sixth signals, thereby providing for control of the magnitude of said ninth signal in response to said average level of said plurality of sixth signals.

8. A system for allocating energy according to claim 7 wherein said second means further includes a second control means, coupled to said first reference means, for controlling the minimum level and rate of change between the maximum level and said minimum level of said ninth signal in response to said eleventh signal.

9. A system for allocating energy according to claim 8 wherein said first switching means includes:

third generating means, coupled to said first control means, for developing a plurality of twelfth signals in said controlled order in the absence of said fourth signal; and

second memory means, coupled to said third generating means, said first comparing means and said first memory means, for developing during said first time interval in the absence of said fourth signal, each of said third signals corresponding to said seventh signals developed by said first comparing means, said third signals being developed in the order of development of said seventh signals and in the order of development of said twelfth signals.

10. A system for allocating energy according to claim 9 wherein said summing means includes:

second reference means for providing a reference signal level;

current sinking means, coupled to said second memory means, for developing a plurality of uniform signals, each being responsive to a separate one of said plurality of said third signals; and

common impedance means, coupled to said second reference means and said current sinking means, for developing said eighth signal having a magnitude proportional to the number of said uniform signals developed by said current sinking means.

11. A system for allocating energy according to claim 10 wherein said first memory means further includes third switching means for providing each of said plurality of first signals by way of one of a plurality of contact closures to be adapted to control a corresponding one of said plurality of conditioning equipment systems.

12. A system for allocating energy according to claim 11 wherein said second means further includes:

third reference means for developing a thirteenth signal having a predetermined magnitude;

alarm means for providing an identifiable alarm in response to a fourteenth signal; and

third comparing means coupled to said third reference means, said summing means, and said alarm means for developing said fourteenth signal when said eight signal has a predetermined relationship with said thirteenth signal.

13. A system for allocating energy according to claim 12 wherein said alarm means is coupled to said first memory means for interrupting the production of said plurality of first signals when said fourteenth signal is being produced by said third comparing means.

14. A system for allocating energy according to claim 13 wherein said third means further includes indicating means, coupled to said third switching means, for indicating which of said plurality of first signals is being developed by said first memory means.

15. A conditioning equipment control system comprising:

a power source;

a plurality of switches;

a plurality of conditioning equipment units, each altering a variable in a respective one of a plurality of selected environments or locales, each conditioning equipment system being coupled through a respective one of said switches to the power source for operation thereby, each of said conditioning equipment units having a predetermined, known power demand;

means for generating a first signal corresponding to a desired value for the variable in a respective environment or locale;

means for generating a second signal corresponding to an actual value for the variable in a respective environment or locale;

means for comparing the respective first and second signals and for closing various ones of said switches in response to such comparison, said switches being closed in a controlled order determined by the differences between the respective desired values and actual values;

means for generating weight signals corresponding to each of said power demands;

means for combining the weight signals related to the power demands of the various units whose switches are closed;

means for generating a peak demand reference signal; and

means for generating a disabling signal when the combined weight signals achieve a predetermined relation to the peak demand reference signal to prevent use of power from said power source in excess of said peak demand.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein at least two of said conditioning equipment units have power demands different from each other, said means for generating weight signals generating a first weight signal corresponding to a first one of said different power demands, said means for generating weight signals further generating a second weight signal difference from the first weight signal and corresponding to the second of said different power demands.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the means for generating a disabling signal further includes means for predicting when the added weight signal corresponding to the power demand of a unit whose switch is to be closed will result in a combined weight signal violating said predetermined relation to the peak demand reference signal, and for generating said disabling signal in response to such predicted violation.

18. A conditioning equipment control system comprising:

a power source;

a plurality of switches;

a plurality of conditioning equipment units, each altering a variable in a respective one of a plurality of selected environments or locales, each conditioning equipment system being coupled through a respective one of said switches to the power source for operation thereby, each of said conditioning equipment units having a predetermined, known power demand;

means for generating a first signal corresponding to a desired value for the variable in a respective environment or locale;

means for generating a second signal corresponding to an actual value for the variable in a respective environment or locale;

means for generating weight signals corresponding to each of said power demands;

means for generating a peak demand reference signal;

means for comparing the respective first and second signals and for closing various ones of said switches in response to such comparison, said switches being closed in a controlled order determined by the differences between the respective desired values and actual values;

means for combining the weight signals related to the power demands of the various units whose switches are closed; and

means for generating a disabling signal when the combined weight signals achieve a predetermined relation to the peak demand reference signal to prevent use of power from said power source in excess of said peak demand;

said comparing means including means for predicting when the added weight signal corresponding to the power demand of a unit whose switch is to be closed will result in a combined weight signal violating said predetermined relation to the peak demand reference signal;

said means for generating a disabling signal also generating said disabling signal in response to such predicted violation.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein at least two of said conditioning equipment units have power demands different from each other, said means for generating weight signals generating a first weight signal corresponding to a first one of said different power demands, said means for generating weight signals further generating a second weight signal different from the first weight signal and corresponding to the second of said different power demands.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said predetermined relation is equality.

21. A conditioning equipment control system comprising:

a power source;

a plurality of switches;

a plurality of conditioning equipment units, each altering one of a plurality of variables in an environment or locale, each conditioning equipment unit being coupled through at least a respective one of said switches to the power source for operation thereby, and each of said conditioning equipment units having a predetermined, known power demand;

a plurality of means, each for generating a first signal corresponding to a desired value for a selected one of said variables in said environment or locale;

a plurality of means, each for generating a second signal corresponding to an actual value for a selected one of said variables in said environment or locale;

means for comparing the respective first and second signals and for closing various ones of said switches in response to such comparison, said switches being closed in a controlled order determined by differences between the respective desired and actual values;

means for generating weight signals related to each of said power demands;

means for combining the weight signals related to the power demands of the various units whose switches are closed;

means for generating a maximum demand reference signal; and

means for generating a disabling signal when the combined weight signals achieve a predetermined relation to the maximum demand reference signal to prevent use of power from said power source in excess of said maximum demand.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein at least two of said conditioning equipment units have power demands different from each other, said means for generating weight signals generating a first weight signal corresponding to a first one of said different power demands, said means for generating weight signals further generating a second weight signal different from the first weight signal and corresponding to the second of said different power demands.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the means for generating a disabling signal further includes means for predicting when the added weight signal corresponding to the power demand of a unit whose switch is to be closed will result in a combined weight signal violating said predetermined relation to the maximum demand reference signal, and for generating said disabling signal in response to such predicted violation.

24. A conditioning equipment control system comprising:

a power source;

a plurality of switches;

a plurality of conditioning equipment units, each altering one of a plurality of variables in an environment or locale, each conditioning equipment unit being coupled through at least a respective one of said switches to the power source for operation thereby, and each of said conditioning equipment units having a predetermined, known power demand;

a plurality of means, each for generating a first signal corresponding to a desired value for a selected one of said variables in said environment or locale;

a plurality of means, each of generating a second signal corresponding to an actual value for a selected one of said variables in said environment or locale;

means for comparing the respective first and second signals and for closing various ones of said switches in response to such comparison, said switches being closed in a controlled order determined by differences between the respective desired and actual values;

means for generating weight signals related to each of said power demands;

means for combining the weight signals related to the power demands of the various units whose switches are closed;

means for generating a maximum demand reference signal; and

means for generating a disabling signal when the combined weight signals achieve a predetermined relation to the maximum demand reference signal to prevent use of power from said power source in excess of said maximum demand;

said comparing means including means for predicting when the added weight signal corresponding to the power demand of a unit whose switch is to be closed will result in a combined weight signal violating said predetermined relation to the maximum demand reference signal;

said means for generating a disabling signal also generating said disabling signal in response to such predicted violation.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein at least two of said conditioning equipment units have power demands different from each other, said means for generating weight signals generating a first weight signal corresponding to a first one of said different power demands, said means for generating weight signals further generating a second weight signal different from the first weight signal and corresponding to the second of said different power demands.

26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said predetermined relation is equality.

27. A conditioning equipment control system comprising:

a power source;

a plurality of switches;

a plurality of conditioning equipment units, each altering a variable in a respective one of a plurality of selected environments or locales, each conditioning equipment system being coupled through a respective one of said switches to the power source for operation thereby, each of said conditioning equipment units having a predetermined, known power demand;

means for generating a first signal corresponding to a desired value for the variable in a respective environment or locale;

means for generating a second signal corresponding to an actual value for the variable in a respective environment or locale;

means for comparing the respective first and second signals and for closing various ones of said switches in response to such comparison;

means for closing said switches in a controlled order determined by the differences between the respective desired values and actual values;

means for generating weight signals corresponding to each of said power demands;

means for combining the weight signals related to the power demands of the various units whose switches are closed;

means for generating a peak demand reference signal;

said switch closing means including means for predicting when the added weight signal corresponding to the power demand of a unit whose switch is to be closed will result in a combined weight signal violating a predetermined relation to the peak demand reference signal; and

means for generating a disabling signal when said predicted combined weight signal achieves said predetermined relation to the peak demand reference signal to prevent use of power from said power source in excess of said peak demand.

28. A conditioning equipment control system comprising:

a power source;

a plurality of switches;

a plurality of conditioning equipment units, each altering one of a plurality of variables in an environment or locale, each conditioning equipment unit being coupled through at least a respective one of said switches to the power source for operation thereby, and each of said conditioning equipment units having a predetermined, known power demand;

a plurality of means, each for generating a first signal corresponding to a desired value for a selected one of said variables in said environment or locale;

a plurality of means, each for generating a second signal corresponding to an actual value for a selected one of said variables in said environment or locale;

means for comparing the respective first and second signals and for closing various ones of said switches in response to such comparison;

means for closing said switches in a controlled order determined by differences between the respective desired and actual values;

means for generating weight signals related to each of said power demands;

means for combining the weight signals related to the power demands of the various units whose switches are closed;

means for generating a maximum demand reference signal;

said switch closing means including means for predicting when the added weight signal corresponding to the power demand of a unit whose switch is to be closed will result in a combined weight signal violating a predetermined relation to the peak demand reference signal; and

means for generating a disabling signal when said predicted combined weight signal achieves said predetermined relation to the maximum demand reference signal to prevent use of power from said power source in excess of said maximum demand.