Method and apparatus for controlling loads in electric power systems by

Abstract

This invention discloses a load management system for reducing the peak load in an electrical power distribution network. This invention monitors, records and reduces the peak load present in an electrical distribution network by deferring power service from and cycling power service to preselected transformer loads during periods of peak power demand. The peak load control function of the present invention is controlled by a power monitor which is located at the distribution transformer. The power monitor measures the ambient temperature and the power load on an associated distribution transformer and initiates the peak load control function whenever the product of the temperature factor and the measured load rises above a preset control point. Initiation of the peak load control function completely defers power service from a first group of low priority loads and activates a timing and switching mechanism which cycles power service among selected groups of controlled loads in a preselected order. As the peak load decreases, the peak load control function is terminated and full service is returned to all of the transformer loads. The point at which the control operation is initiated is a function of the maximum magnitude of the uncontrolled load and is automatically set and retained to provide a control point at which the peak load control function will be initiated in the future.