3897results about "Systems intergating technologies" patented technology

A system uses an intelligent load controller for managing use of a consumable resource at an associated load. The controller has a resource measuring component for measuring the rate of use of the resource by the associated load, including measuring at least one of an instantaneous usage rate and a usage rate over an integration period and a load status component for receiving load status data for the associated load. The controller also has a communication component for receiving control messages from and sending load status messages to other associated controllers; a memory for storing a load control goal set; and a load control computer program responsive to the resource measuring component, the load status component, the control messages from other associated controllers and the load control goal set, to determine a load operating level for, and provide control commands to, the associated load.

Solar power systems and structures are mountable to a power distribution structure, e.g. a power pole or tower, which supports alternating current (AC) power transmission lines. An exemplary power generation structure is fixedly attached to and extends from the power distribution structure, and comprises a mounting rack. A solar array, comprising at least one solar panel, is affixed to the mounting rack. A DC to AC invertor is connected between the DC outputs of the solar array and the AC power transmission lines. The length of the solar array is generally in alignment with the power distribution structure, and the width of the solar array is greater than half the is circumference of the power distribution structure. The mounting rack and solar array may preferably be rotatable, such as based on any of location, time of day, or available light.

A combiner box is used to collect direct current from solar panels or other energy sources. The combiner box integrates all means necessary for ground fault detection, current monitoring, voltage monitoring, and power monitoring. The combiner box may include a communication interface suitable for Web enabled monitoring, electronic notifications of system status, and/or remote control of system functions. In one embodiment, the combiner box uses integrated circuits and printed circuit board technology to achieve new efficiencies in manufacturing, installation and system analysis at the string level. A separate hand piece may be used by installers to test the performance of the combiner box, installation of the solar panels, performance of the solar panels and connections between the solar panels and the combiner box.

A system for characterizing malicious activity in an intelligent utility grid system includes a system storage in which to store a database including a plurality of rules. A collector is operable to collect and store in the system storage information-technology (IT) data including IT-related activity from the intelligent grid system. A complex event processing (CEP) bus is operable to receive non-IT data including location-specific event data from a plurality of electronic sources, the CEP bus further operable to disregard the non-IT data failing to meet a predetermined level of relevance to one of a plurality of risk-related events. A processor is operable to apply the plurality of rules to the relevant non-IT data to: associate an undesired event with reference to the IT-related activity; and determine a probability that the undesired event is indicative of malicious activity. The processor further applies a risk characterization to the undesired event based on the probability and the IT-related activity.

The power of DC electrical sources is combined onto a DC buss, such that each source behaves independently from any other source attached to the buss. In one embodiment, a converter module is attached to each of a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels and its output is attached in a parallel manner to a common buss that forms the input to a DC AC inverter. The converter module includes a Maximum Power Point Tracking component that matches the output impedance of the panels to the input impedance of the converter module. The converter also includes a communication component that provides parametric data and identification to a central inverter. Data generated by each converter module is transmitted over the power line or by wireless means and is collected at the inverter and forwarded to a data collection and reporting system.

A utility employs a method for estimating available operating reserve. Electric power consumption by at least one device serviced by the utility is determined during at least one period of time to produce power consumption data. The power consumption data is stored in a repository. A determination is made that a control event is to occur during which power is to be reduced to one or more devices. Prior to the control event and under an assumption that it is not to occur, power consumption behavior expected of the device(s) is estimated for a time period during which the control event is expected to occur based on the stored power consumption data. Additionally, prior to the control event, projected energy savings resulting from the control event are determined based on the devices' estimated power consumption behavior. An amount of available operating reserve is determined based on the projected energy savings.

The present disclosure provides for distributed resource scheduling performed by an advanced resource scheduling (ARS) module implemented on a distributed grid management (DGM) server in a power system. The ARS module is configured to automatically generate a resource schedule for controllable distributed energy resources (e.g., resources that are remotely controllable by DGM server and ARS module) in a distribution network of the power system, such as power generation resources and energy storage resources, to provide power in a cost-effective (e.g., optimal) manner. The ARS module is configured to take into account the operating limits of the distributed energy resources (DERs), the cost curves of the DERs, the system load demand, and other operating constraints to determine the most economical operating plan for the DERs, using an optimization technique such as the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm.

A grid-connected photovoltaic electrical power system with both array level and string level remote monitoring and production and efficiency analysis capabilities. The inventive system includes an array level monitoring component, software for recording and analyzing data obtained through the array level monitoring component, and a string level monitoring component.

The power flexibility of energy loads is maximized using a value function for each load and outputting optimal control parameters. Loads are aggregated into a virtual load by maximizing a global value function. The solution yields a dispatch function providing: a percentage of energy for each individual load, a time-varying power level for each load, and control parameters and values. An economic term represents the value of the power flexibility to different players. A user interface includes for each time interval upper and lower bounds representing respectively the maximum power that may be reduced to the virtual load and the maximum power that may be consumed. A trader modifies an energy level in a time interval relative to the reference curve for the virtual load. Automatically, energy compensation for other intervals and recalculation of upper and lower boundaries occurs. The energy schedule for the virtual load is distributed to the actual loads.

A renewable energy resource management system manages a delivery of a power requirement from a multi-resource offshore renewable energy installation to an intelligent power distribution network. The installation includes multiple renewable energy resource components and is capable of variably and independently generating power from each to microgrids comprising the intelligent power distribution network so that the entire power requirement is satisfied from renewable energy resources. An electricity grid infrastructure is also disclosed in which power production is balanced with power consumption so that power storage requirements are minimized.

System, methods and apparatus for coupling photovoltaic arrays are disclosed. The apparatus may include a first input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a first photovoltaic array; a second input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array; a contactor configured to switchably couple the neutral line of a first photovoltaic array to the a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array, the contactor being remotely controllable.

Apparatuses and methods for configuring and managing solar panels to form strings of photovoltaic energy generators with improved performance and reduced cost. The photovoltaic energy generators are connected via one or more combined local management units (CLMUs), each having a plurality of direct current converters connected to and configured to receive direct current power from a respective solar panel. A controller unit shared by the CLMU's direct current converters is utilized to separately control the operation of each converter such that the power extracted from the solar panels is maximized. A communications unit coupled with the controller unit is utilized to facilitate communications between the controller unit and a system unit remote from the CLMU to report measurements and receive control signals.

An Energy and Cost Savings Calculation System is provided that automates the determination of energy and cost savings due to energy conservation measures. The system provides Multi-Variant, Non-Linear (MVNL) load forecasting techniques, energy and cost savings calculations, and Weather Ranking. The load forecasting technique may accept numerous external parameters as input. The technique may use multiple Baselines. It may also use multiple Basic Reference Periods to reduce the load forecasting error. The load forecasting technique may utilize external parameters that are updated on a daily basis, such as dry bulb temperature, dew point temperature, solar condition, and interval meter data. The technique may use Baseline Extensions to perform forecasts and Reference Period Modifications to enhance accuracy. The system may calculate energy and cost savings using Complex Rates and time-of-use (TOU) energy data. The system may rank a plurality of sources providing weather data to identify the most accurate weather data.

A computer-implemented method of operating a wireless intelligent solar power reader (WISPR) module includes receiving a command from an external device, the command requesting an output power reading from a photovoltaic (PV) module and transmitting the output power request to the photovoltaic module. The WISPR Module receives the output power reading from the photovoltaic module and transmits the output power reading to the external device. In an embodiment of the invention, the command also requests meteorological information from a weather instrument located in proximity to the WISPR module and the WISPR modules transmit the meteorological request to the weather instrument. The WISPR module receives the meteorological reading from the weather instrument and transmits the meteorological reading to the external device.

Systems and methods for managing power supplied over an electric power grid by an electric utility and/or other market participants to multiple power consuming devices, each of which having a Power Supply Value (PSV) associated with its energy consumption and/or reduction in consumption. Power flow to the power consuming devices is selectively enabled and disabled, or power-reduced thereto, by one or more controllable devices controlled by the client device. Power control messages from a controlling server indicate amounts of electric power to be reduced and an identification of at least one controllable device to be instructed to disable or reduce a flow of electric power to one or more associated power consuming devices.

A method of power system dispatch control solves power system dispatch problems by integrating a larger variety of generation, load and storage assets, including without limitation, combined heat and power (CHP) units, renewable generation with forecasting, controllable loads, electric, thermal and water energy storage. The method employs a predictive algorithm to dynamically schedule different assets in order to achieve global optimization and maintain the system normal operation.

The present invention is directed to a method of residential emissions trading and a residential emissions trading commodity. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention is a method for identifying, quantifying, and aggregating reductions in residential emissions into a tradable commodity. The step of quantifying the emissions reduction may further comprise the steps of measuring an energy savings resulting from the energy savings opportunity and calculating the emissions reduction resulting from the energy savings. The method may further comprise the steps of verifying the quantification of the emissions reduction and monitoring the residential energy savings opportunities and the quantification of the emissions reduction.

Methods and systems are disclosed for managing a plurality of power resource assets from a central control center, operating the plurality of power resource assets in an automated fashion as a single power plant.

Described herein are apparatuses, systems and methods for configuring and managing the combination of strings of photovoltaic energy generators to improve the energy production performance of such generators. The strings of photovoltaic energy generators are connected to terminals in a combiner box having receptacles for receiving removable modular units of various types. Removable modular units with measurement capabilities are used in the combiner boxes to measure the direct current input provided by the strings; and in light of the measurements, the removable modular units can be selectively downgraded to simpler units that do not have measurement capabilities to reduce cost, and/or selectively upgraded to more sophisticated units that can adjust the output of the respective strings, such as upconverting the output voltage of the respective strings, to improve the performance of the strings.

Apparatuses and methods for configuring and managing solar panels to form strings of photovoltaic energy generators with improved performance and reduced cost. The photovoltaic energy generators are connected via one or more combined local management units (CLMUs), each having a plurality of direct current converters connected to and configured to receive direct current power from a respective solar panel. A controller unit shared by the CLMU's direct current converters is utilized to separately control the operation of each converter such that the power extracted from the solar panels is maximized. A communications unit coupled with the controller unit is utilized to facilitate communications between the controller unit and a system unit remote from the CLMU to report measurements and receive control signals.

An apparatus, system and method in an electrical system using power system information or data associated therewith having a time component associated therewith sampled or obtained from the electrical system at a local and a remote location, wherein the local and remote data are time aligned and used to provide control, monitoring, metering, and/or automation to the electrical system. The local IED may be adapted to receive power system data from the remote IED, time align the local and remote synchronized power system data, and perform math operations on the local and remote power system data.

Systems, methods, and devices related to a microgrid system for providing power to a facility. A self-contained power system provides power to a facility using a combination of power storage elements and renewable energy sources. A connection to an external power grid may also be provided. The system optimizes power flow to the facility using power from the storage elements and the renewable energy sources and, if necessary, the external power grid. The optimization process predicts future power usage by the facility using power usage data from a predetermined time window. The optimization process can also take into account predicted energy generation amounts by the renewable energy sources. To optimize economic effects, the optimization process can also determine whether to buy and when to buy power from the external power grid.

A method and apparatus are provided for a home energy management platform. The platform includes using a whole house power sensor or subset thereof. Data from the power sensor are analyzed using advanced statistical and machine learning techniques for extracting detailed usage information and generating specific energy saving measures, among other relevant information. In an embodiment, a gateway console is provided that has various communication capabilities. The gateway console may communicate with and control HAN devices. The gateway console may collect data from the power sensor as well as HAN devices and upload such collected data to servers for the analysis processing. Certain amounts of data processing and analysis may be performed at a server or at the local level, such as at the power sensor, gateway, or other HAN device, as well. The platform may include a user interface, such as web, mobile, email, mail, phone call, etc.

A device is provided for monitoring and controlling various power system device and elements. The device generally includes a communications channel for receiving phasor data associated with a location on the power system. The device further includes a logic engine which performs scalar, vector and/or other complex calculation based on the phasor data to provide control data or an output signal for effecting the various other power system devices or elements to provide local or wide area protection, control, and monitoring to maintain power system stability.

A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.

The present invention relates to a power system and provides a method for considering the network security constraints of in the operation of economic dispatch of power systems, which comprises the power flow constraint of branches, the static voltage stability constraint and the transient stability constraint, and provides an effective way for coordinating contradiction between the economy and security of power system operation. The security region based security-constrained economic dispatching method comprises the following steps: step 1, calculating the coefficients for the active power static security region, the cut-set voltage stability region and the dynamic security region respectively; step 2: building the models for security region based security-constrained economic dispatch; step 3: solving the unit on/off state optimal sub-problem through Social Evolutionary Programming; step 4: calculating the generation cost, the static voltage stability margin and the transient stability margin in the dispatching period; step 5: obtaining a feasible economic dispatching scheme, otherwise, return to step 3. The invention is mainly applied in load dispatching optimization.

A computer processor implemented method of measuring, monitoring, comparing and diagnosing the power generated of at least two renewable power systems provided to at least two consumers and alerting at least one of consumers in the event of comparative underperformance, the method taking into account at least two diagnostic variables including weather and the renewable power system cover status (such as covered by snow), wherein the at least one data server determines comparative information for a predetermined geographic area based upon at least two diagnostic variables, and at least two normalized performances to provide a comparative value; and informing the consumer of the comparative value in the event of an underperforming comparative value.

A voltage control arrangement for a system of multiple windfarms with transmission lines. Voltage is regulated at a point of regulation on the system, such as a high voltage substation or other system bus. Regulation is achieved at the point of regulation by sensing the voltage, comparing to a reference voltage, and adjusting the reactive power output of the wind turbines and other equipment in the system. The regulation point may be shifted to another point if needed to respect voltage limits at that points of the system after attempting to shift reactive load to restore voltage within limits at the other points in the system. The reference voltage may be adjusted to minimize losses for the system of multiple windfarms and transmission lines. A loss optimizing algorithm is applied to the combined multiple windfarm and transmission line to shift reactive load among local windfarms to minimize losses and to shift reactive load among individual wind turbines within an individual windfarm.

The invention relates to an assessment method of efficient operation of an intelligent power distribution network. The assessment method comprises the steps of: (1) determining boundary conditions; (2) determining service objects; (3) building an assessment index system which includes a power distribution network safety index, a power distribution network reliability index, a power distribution network economical efficiency index, a power distribution network high operation quality index and a power distribution network intelligence index; (4) determining assessment index numerical values of single items; (5) scoring for single items of assessment indexes; (6) performing comprehensive scoring of the assessment index system; and (7) judging whether efficient operation of the power distribution network is achieved according to a comprehensive score of the assessment index system in Step (6). The assessment method for efficient operation of the intelligent power distribution network in the invention has a relatively wide range of application, can comprehensively assess the operating state of the intelligent power distribution network, and an assessment result provides an importance basis for decision-making work of power grid dispatching, planning and operation management personnel.

In one aspect, a solar inverter which can be connected to at least one photovoltaic generator at the input end and to a power system at the output end is provided. The solar inverter includes an inverter module, an electronic control unit at least for diagnosing an inverter module, and a bus interface for technically connecting the electronic control unit to a communication bus. The electronic control unit cyclically outputs a piece of status information of the solar inverter on the communication bus, and outputs an error message on the communication bus, cyclically reads status information of other solar inverters that are connected to the communication bus, and outputs an error message on the communication bus in case at least one expected additional piece of status information fails to be output. Whereby, the need for a separate monitoring unit is eliminated.