Managing electric energy distribution to multiple loads using selective capping

摘要

An electric energy distribution system may include plural loads configured to receive electric energy from a common feed or branch. Each of the loads may be configured to operate in at least first and second modes such that it may consume current, VA or power up to a first cap when running in its first mode and up to a second cap when running in its second mode. The first cap may be higher than the second cap. A sensor component may monitor a parameter that corresponds to an aggregate amount of electric energy being consumed by all of the plural loads from the common feed or branch. A manager component may be configured, when the parameter meets or exceeds the threshold, to select one of the loads currently running in its first mode and to cause the selected load to run in its second mode.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
configuring at least first and second setting for each respective device of a plurality of devices such that the respective device consumes current, a volt-ampere product, or power up to a first cap when running at the respective device's first setting and up to a second cap when running at the respective device's second setting wherein the first cap is higher than the second cap; supplying electric energy to the devices from a common source and running each of the devices at their respective first setting, the devices drawing current through a circuit breaker; sensing a parameter that is proportional to an aggregate amount of electric energy consumed by the devices from the common source, wherein the parameter is an electric current flowing through a circuit branch that supplies the devices, the circuit breaker connected in the circuit branch; storing a table that associates an identifier of the circuit branch with each of the devices in the circuit branch, the table indicating which setting of the first and second setting each respective device of the devices is currently operating at; determining that the parameter has reached or exceeded a threshold that corresponds to a trip level of the circuit breaker; and responsive to the determining, selecting, based on the table, a device of the devices currently running at its first setting, and sending a command to the selected device to cause the selected device to operate at its second setting.