Maintaining Nominal AC Frequency in a Power Grid Using Stochastic Control Techniques

Abstract

The University of Central Florida invention enables companies to maintain a nominal alternating current (AC) frequency in an electrical power grid, providing cost savings for consumers and companies. AC flowing through an electrical power grid has a nominal frequency rating of approximately 50 or 60 hertz (Hz). Yet, in most cases, too many loads draw too much power from the grid, causing the AC frequency (generated by AC power sources) to fall below the nominal value. Such deviations can cause system malfunctions and damage turbine generators (for example, the blades). Existing methods for maintaining nominal AC frequency have proven costly and inefficient.

In response to these issues, the UCF invention provides techniques for applying stochastic control of one or more loads at consumer premises in a distributed manner. The capability helps to ensure that the frequency of the AC electrical power through the grid does not exceed a nominal frequency for an extended period. Thus, the UCF technology offers a cost-effective solution for companies such as power utilities, energy aggregators, appliance manufacturers, and building construction companies.

Technical Details: The UCF invention comprises techniques for stochastically determining whether to reduce AC provided to a load. Techniques are employed at consumer premises, enabling companies to aggregate stochastic control of AC electrical power to loads at multiple consumer premises. As long as sufficient consumer premises have stochastically controlled AC power consumption load(s), the AC returns to the nominal frequency when the load(s) in an initial set of consumer premises have their AC consumption diminished or reduced, for example, to zero.

In one example application, a control system stochastically controls AC electrical power to a load. The control system includes a deterministic controller (or controller circuitry) and a stochastic filter (or stochastic filter circuitry). Optionally, the deterministic controller and the stochastic filter are stored and executed in one or more processing systems or circuits. Each processing circuit may comprise state machines or neural networks.

The stochastic control system can include an optional communications circuitry, a frequency detector (or frequency detector circuitry), or an optional power switch. Alternatively, each communications circuitry, frequency detector, and power switch may be external to the system or not used.

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