Dynamic Energy Management

Panel: Visions of the Future: Big New Ideas for Energy Efficiency

Authors:
Kelly E. Parmenter, Global Energy Partners, LLC
Patricia Hurtado, Global Energy Partners, LLC
Greg Wikler, Global Energy Partners, LLC
Clark W. Gellings, Electric Power Research Institute

Abstract

Dynamic Energy Management is an innovative approach to managing load at the demand-side. It incorporates the conventional energy use management principles represented in demand-side management, demand response, and distributed energy resource programs and merges them in an integrated framework that simultaneously addresses permanent energy savings, permanent demand reductions, and temporary peak load reductions. This is accomplished through a system comprising smart end-use devices and distributed energy resources with highly advanced controls and communications capabilities that enable dynamic management of the system as a whole. The components build upon each other and interact with one another to contribute to an infrastructure that is dynamic, fully-integrated, highly energyefficient, automated, and capable of learning. These components work in unison to optimize operation of the integrated system based on consumer requirements, utility constraints, available incentives, and other variables such as weather and building occupancy. Dynamic Energy Management is not simply a repackaging of energy efficiency, demand response, and distributed generation practices. It is a framework that brings together these three practices in a manner that yields a higher and more sustainable magnitude of improved efficiency, both at the customer site and for the utility grid in general. This simultaneous implementation of measures sets this approach apart from conventional energy use management and eliminates any inherent inefficiencies that may otherwise arise from a piecemeal deployment strategy.