System and method for creating dynamic nanogrid and for aggregating electrical power consumers to participate in energy marketplace

Abstract

The application relates to systems and methods for creating a dynamic nanogrid and for aggregating electrical power consumers to participate in an energy marketplace. Disclosed is an apparatus having a form factor adapted to a metal electrical circuit breaker panel, the apparatus comprising: a switch coupled to a processor, a load terminal, and a power connector adapted to a main wire compatible with the metal electrical circuit breaker panel; a wireless network module having a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor; an antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver, the antenna protruding from the metal electrical circuit breaker panel; a current sensor coupled to the load terminal and a processor configured to: sample a current conducted to the load terminal using the current sensor; and in response to receiving a command from the house power controller to power off the load terminal via the wireless network module, opening the switch upon detecting the sampled AC current zero crossing when a load connected to the load terminal is in an active state.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with national application number 201780070945.2, the application date of which is July 2, 2019, and the name of the invention is “Systems and methods for creating dynamic nanogrids and for aggregating electric power consumers to participate in energy markets”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of power management, and more particularly to systems and methods for managing aggregations of electric power consumers to participate in energy markets. Background Art

[0003] In the United States, electric power utility companies are highly regulated by both the federal and state governments. Generally speaking, the retail rates charged by such companies for the electricity they supply are not set by the open market. Instead, retail rates are set by the Commission or other regulatory tribunals through a formal administrative process that takes into account current and forecasted future demand, the costs of establishing or obtaining access to new sources of supply, and a variety of other factors. Wholesale rates are typically based on the Independent System Operator (ISO) market, but not in all regions.

[0004] Within the regulated market for electric power, there are power generation facilities known as "baseload plants," "load following plants," and "peak load plants." Baseload plants are typically large, low-cost facilities that operate continuously to meet the base demand for electricity in a given service area. As the name implies, load following plants are typically intended to operate when demand (load) is high, and to limit or curtail operation when demand is low. Peak load plants (which are often used to refer to 10-minute and 30-minute reserves as part of the ancillary services market) are typically intended to operate only intermittently to meet peak demand in a service area, or to meet demand in the event of an eventuality such as a power plant failure. Therefore, the need for a peak load plant to actually operate may occur on only a few days each year, and may last for only a few hours.

[0005] In order to participate in the energy market, regulations require that a facility generate a minimum output power level (e.g., 100 kW), be able to generate that power online within a predetermined period of time following a request from the grid operator, and remain online for a predetermined minimum period of time. Under current regulations, peak load power plants are paid a premium rate for the electricity they supply. This is reasonable given the extremely intermittent operation of such plants, the state of readiness they must maintain, and the importance of ensuring that peak demand is met without interruption.

[0006] Recently, the Court considered the question of whether, under current regulations, market participants could consist of facilities that reduce electrical loads in a given service area, thereby reducing electricity consumption rather than generating additional electricity. The Court answered the question in the affirmative, thereby creating an opportunity to develop new facilities that are eligible to participate in the full range of established energy markets, including but not limited to ancillary services (10 and 30 minute reserves, frequency control and regulation), real-time markets, day-ahead markets, and forward capacity markets, but that operate on a model that reduces consumption rather than increases generation.

[0007] Another concern is in homes, businesses, or other premises equipped with solar (photovoltaic or PV) panels. The vast majority of such installations are grid-tied systems, meaning that excess power generated by the solar PV panels is sent back to the power grid, and any additional power required by the premises is provided by the grid. Due to anti-islanding laws, when the power grid fails, all grid-tied systems are no longer operational, even if the solar PV panels can generate electricity that can be used on the premises. In recent years, islanded inverters have made it possible to continue using solar PV panels while still complying with anti-islanding laws. These auxiliary inverters work in conjunction with batteries and critical load panels to provide limited power to critical loads to homes, businesses, or premises. However, critical loads are "fixed" because they must be selected in advance and wired to a critical load panel separate from the main circuit breaker panel. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, groups of homes, businesses or other electric power consuming houses are aggregated and collectively controlled to dynamically reduce loads in sufficient amounts, and with sufficient speed and duration, to participate in energy markets as market participants, including as peak load power plants. Although the amount of electricity consumption reduced for a single house is typically small, the total reduced consumption for an aggregate of only a few thousand homes or businesses may be on the order of several hundred kilowatts. By electing to participate in the aggregate, each home, business or other house contributes to substantial ongoing savings efforts and can share in the revenue received from the provider. Similarly, when electricity costs are low, loads that are inactive during peak hours can be activated, thereby saving the cost of operating those loads during peak hours.

[0009] Each home, business or other house participating in the aggregation is provided with a house power controller and a smart circuit breaker that enlarges a conventional circuit breaker or fuse. The house power controller and the smart circuit breaker can be installed during construction or as a renovation. The house power controller may include: a processor; a memory; a display that can function to provide a user interface; an interface for smart circuit breakers, major appliances, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, water heaters; and an interface for solar, geothermal, micro-hydroelectric or wind power generation and inverters, batteries, generators, other renewable power sources, home automation systems, schedulers or user control devices. The house power controller may also include an interface for environmental sensors (e.g., temperature, air pressure, voltage, current, motion detectors) and other sensors of interest. The house power controller may also include a wide area network (WAN) connection or other suitable network connection for communicating with an aggregation server or other system that may be remotely located.

[0010] Each smart circuit breaker can be electrically actuated and interfaced with a conventional circuit breaker that can be manually actuated. Each smart circuit breaker includes: a power meter; a wireless transceiver for communicating with other smart circuit breakers and a house power controller; a circuit breaker controller; a memory and a display. For lighting circuits, the smart circuit breaker also includes a dimmer. The memory can be used to temporarily store data of interest about the status, power consumption, operating history, etc. of the smart circuit breaker. Advantageously, the smart circuit breaker can be constructed in a form factor that is compatible (i.e., adapted to comply) with circuit breaker panels provided by major electrical equipment manufacturers (e.g., Square D by Schneider Electric, General Electric Company, Siemens, Murray by Siemens, Thomas & Betts by ASEA Brown Boveri, and Crouse-Hinds by Eaton).

[0011] Because smart circuit breakers are typically installed inside metal circuit breaker panels, there is typically considerable interference to wireless communications to and from the circuit breakers. To overcome such interference, a wireless mesh network can be established among the wireless transceivers associated with the smart circuit breakers. The wireless mesh network enables messages received by a designated gatekeeper wireless transceiver to propagate across all other wireless transceivers while reducing congestion in communications with the house power controller. The gatekeeper wireless transceiver is responsible for transmitting messages originating from any other wireless transceiver to the house power controller, and forwarding messages received from the house power controller to one or more other wireless transceivers. To further reduce interference, the gatekeeper wireless transceiver can be located near a hole in the circuit breaker panel. A single hole, or a hole possibly combined with a wire run through the hole, can enable satisfactory wireless communications between the gatekeeper wireless transceiver and the house power controller. Alternatively, the hole can accommodate a small antenna coupled to the gatekeeper wireless transceiver.

[0012] Through its own wireless transceiver, the wireless mesh network, and the gatekeeper wireless transceiver, each smart circuit breaker can send messages to the premises power controller. Such messages can report the instantaneous amount of power consumed, the average power consumed over a given time period, changes in the amount of power consumed, status information, or other data of interest. Such data can be temporarily stored by the premises power controller before it is forwarded to an aggregation server or other system.

[0013] Each smart circuit breaker may also receive messages from the premises power controller. One type of message causes the circuit breaker to actuate, thereby opening the circuit and disconnecting the associated load, or closing the circuit and connecting the load to a line (grid) source, a renewable power source, a backup generator, or an energy storage device, such as a differential battery, an electrochemical battery, and a chemical energy storage system (hereinafter referred to as an after battery) on the premises. Thus, one advantage provided by the present invention is that critical loads within the premises do not need to be wired to a separate dedicated circuit breaker panel in order to maintain power to those loads when the grid is down.

[0014] The premises may also include an AC-DC converter, the output of which is coupled to a DC-AC inverter with a power factor control, which in turn is coupled to a dimmable load. The output (DC) of the converter is coupled to the inverter, where the power factor may be modified in conjunction with inversion of the AC. The modified power factor reduces the amount of actual power absorbed by the dimmable load, thereby providing a further improvement in overall efficiency, as well as helping to reduce consumption as part of the aggregated performance as a market participant.

[0015] Another advantage provided by the present invention is that when the power grid starts up and renewable sources are generating "surplus" power on the premises, the smart circuit breakers can be dynamically managed to connect additional loads (e.g., first charging available batteries and electric vehicles, followed by swimming pool heaters, auxiliary water heaters, etc.) to consume the available "surplus" power, rather than selling such power to the utility company, if possible and advantageous considering the circumstances at the time.

[0016] Yet another advantage provided by the present invention is that each individual load can be dynamically managed by the premises power controller to both improve the overall efficiency of the premises and enable the premises to function as part of an aggregate participating energy market.

[0017] Yet another advantage provided by the present invention is that user-oriented functions such as lighting control (including dimming) can be performed without the need for separate conventional lighting control equipment.

[0018] Yet another advantage provided by the present invention is that when the premises power controller in conjunction with the smart circuit breakers dynamically manages the premises, the premises maintains a high level of functionality and acts as its own nano-grid when the grid is down. Conversely, when the grid is up, the present invention can take advantage of time-of-use pricing by managing the load based on need and pricing structure.

[0019] In general, each premises power controller is programmed to dynamically manage power consumption within the premises according to a plurality of predetermined schemes. Such power management schemes may include, for example, a "normal" scheme when the power grid is started, an "emergency" scheme when the power grid is shut down, a "renewable favorable" scheme when environmental conditions are favorable to a renewable power source associated with the premises, a "renewable unfavorable" scheme when environmental conditions are unfavorable to the renewable power source, and a "market transaction" scheme when the premises must operate within an aggregation participating in an independent system operator market, including providing ancillary services (e.g., acting as a peak load generator), etc.

[0020] When the regional grid controller or other authority signals to the aggregation server that a market participant is needed to meet demand, the aggregation server uses the WAN to instruct the house power controllers within the aggregation to initiate their "market transactions" or similar power management schemes. In response, each house power controller, affected by an overriding command issued by the house owner or other authority, continues to dynamically disconnect individual loads by wirelessly sending appropriate messages to the smart circuit breakers. The disconnected loads may remain disconnected for the entire time that the aggregation acts as a market participant, or alternatively, may be reconnected through an authorized override. Once the aggregation server receives a signal that the aggregation no longer needs to act as a market participant, the server sends a message to the house power controllers, instructing them to resume their "normal" power management scheme or another appropriate scheme.

[0021] The premises power controller may also issue notifications to users regarding power management related events. For example, if the house is equipped with solar panels, and the premises power controller receives a weather forecast for sunshine, a notification may be sent to the user's email address, mobile phone, or other device to remind the user to plug in an electric vehicle for charging, turn on an auxiliary water heater, or take other actions to fully use the power expected to be generated by the solar panels. Additionally, during periods of unusually high energy costs or very low expected production, notifications may be issued to users, reminding them to take steps to limit usage, such as ensuring doors and windows are closed, reducing lighting needs, or minimizing other loads. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The following description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electric power grid according to an aspect of the present invention, wherein groups of electricity consuming premises are aggregated and jointly managed to participate in an energy market; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the electric power control system of Class 1 house shown in; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the electric power control system of the 2 types of houses shown in; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the electric power control system of the three types of houses shown in; Figure 5 yes Figure 2 , 3 , a block diagram of the house power controller shown in 4; Fig. 6A is a block diagram of a smart circuit breaker for two 15A / 120VAC circuits; Figure 6B is a block diagram of a smart circuit breaker for two 15A / 120VAC circuits including two dimmer circuits; Figure 6C It is a diagram of Figure 6B A voltage-time graph of a type of sinusoidal dimming implemented by a dimmer circuit; Fig.6D 1 is a waveform illustrating phase-cut dimming; Fig. 7A and 7B A circuit breaker panel populated with standard circuit breakers paired with smart circuit breakers having dimmers is illustrated; Figure 7C is a schematic diagram illustrating a gatekeeper transceiver within a circuit breaker panel and a wireless mesh network interconnecting the gatekeeper transceiver with wireless transceivers associated with smart circuit breakers; Fig.7D is a schematic diagram illustrating that a lighting control keypad may be used as an alternative to or in addition to a property power controller for controlling a smart circuit breaker; Figure 8 is a block diagram of a gatekeeper transceiver including power monitoring capability; Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing that when the aggregation is providing auxiliary services, Figure 1 A flowchart of the high-level operation of the aggregation server shown in; Fig.10 It's a picture. Figure 2 , 3 , a flow chart of the communication between the house power controller and the smart circuit breaker shown in 4; Figures 11A-11H is a flow chart illustrating a high level control method implemented by a premises power controller for each of Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 premises; Fig. 12A Here is a flow chart of the house power controller managing the HVAC load: Fig. 12B It is illustrated in Fig. 12A Electricity cost-temperature graphs for exemplary reference points and conditions processed in the flowchart of; Fig.13A is a flow chart of a house power controller managing a dimmable (lighting) load; Fig. 13B It is illustrated in Fig.13A Electricity cost-light intensity graphs for exemplary reference points and conditions processed in the flowchart of FIG. Fig.14 is a flow chart of a house power controller managing a power factor controllable load; Fig.15 is a flow chart of a house power controller managing a non-dimmable load; Fig.16 is a flow chart of a house power controller managing diversion load; Fig.17A is a flow chart of a house power controller managing electric vehicle loads; Fig. 17B is a graph of electricity cost versus the share of travel time required to charge the battery of an electric vehicle; Fig. 17C is the electricity cost-idle charging level curve; Fig.18A is a flow chart of the house power controller calculating the virtual energy price; Fig.18B It's a picture. Fig.18A A graph of the exemplary supply cost transfer function referenced in ; and Fig.19 is a flow chart illustrating an example of user notification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 A portion of an electric power grid 100 is shown, including a regional grid controller 102 associated with an independent system operator (ISO) or a regional transmission organization (RTO). The regional grid controller 102 has a two-way communication link 104 with each of the following, namely, a utility-scale intermittent generation (wind turbine) plant 106, a traditional baseload (nuclear) plant 108, a traditional peaking (gas turbine) plant 110, and an aggregation server 112. The aggregation server 112 has a two-way communication 114 with a wide area network (WAN) 116, which in turn has a two-way communication with each house that is part of the aggregation 118.

[0024] The houses forming the cluster 118 may be classified into one of three categories. Class 1 houses are houses that do not include any solar or other renewable power sources (collectively referred to as "renewable sources"), nor any batteries capable of storing large amounts of power, but may include backup generators that can be used to power some or all of the houses when the power grid 100 is unavailable. Class 1 houses typically draw power only from the power grid 100 (unidirectionally) when the power grid 100 is available.

[0025] Class 2 premises are premises that include at least one renewable source and possibly a backup generator, but do not include a large capacity battery. Class 2 premises draw power from the power grid 100 when the renewable source is offline or insufficient to meet the needs of the premises, but can deliver power to the power grid 100 when there is a surplus. Thus, Class 2 premises are characterized by bidirectional power flow.

[0026] Class 3 premises are premises that include at least one renewable source and one or more large capacity batteries, and possibly a backup generator. Similar to Class 2 premises, Class 3 premises may draw power from or deliver power to the power grid 100 depending on environmental conditions, the needs of the premises, and other factors. As described in detail below, an aggregation 118 representing a mix of Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 premises may be managed as a single entity that operates as an energy market participant based on a model of reduced power consumption, possibly combined with generation from battery storage.

[0027] Figure 2 A Class 1 home 200 is shown, which may represent, for example, a single family home that does not include any renewable sources or bulk batteries, but may include a backup generator 228. For improved clarity and consistency, previously introduced elements (such as WAN 116) should retain previously designated reference numerals throughout this specification unless otherwise noted. The home power controller 202 communicates with energy control modules (such as HVAC status and control module (thermostat) 204), a breaker panel 206 populated with smart breakers 222, a subpanel 208 populated with smart breakers including dimmers 226, an electric vehicle (EV) charging controller 210, and smart appliances 212 via wireless links 216. Load conductors 220 connect each smart breaker 222 with the EV charging controller 210, smart appliances 212, electric water heater 214, and other non-lighting loads (not shown). Wires 224 connect lighting elements (not shown) via panel 206 to respective smart circuit breakers, which have dimmers 226 located within subpanel 208 .

[0028] The wireless communication link 216 may utilize Wi-Fi or any of a number of other commercially available wireless technologies. Such a wireless communication link greatly reduces the cost and time required to install the premises power controller 202. Alternatively, if the design of a particular house or the materials used in a particular house are not conductive for wireless communication, a wireless communication link can be provided between the premises power controller 202 and the premises power controller 202. Figure 2 Add appropriate interfaces on the other devices shown to use a wired communication link (e.g., Ethernet).

[0029] Backup generator 228 is coupled to transfer switch 232 via conductor 230. Transfer switch 232 is coupled to circuit breaker panel 206 via conductor 234. Transfer switch 232 is also coupled to a utility company meter (not shown) via conductor 218. When power grid 100 is down, transfer switch 232 moves to Figure 2 , which enables backup generator 228 to power critical loads managed by premises power controller 202, as described below. Here again, non-critical loads can be advantageously disconnected under the direction of premises power controller 202 while power grid 100 is still down.

[0030] Generally speaking, the premises power controller 202 is responsible for managing power consumption in the premises 200. Among other features and capabilities, the premises power controller 202 is responsible for dynamically actuating various smart circuit breakers 222, 226 to disconnect various loads, thereby reducing power consumption of the premises 200, and facilitating aggregation, which is practiced as an energy market participant. As described in detail below, there may be more than one premises power controller 202 in a given premises for purposes of redundancy, load sharing, etc.

[0031] Figure 3 A Class 2 house 300 is shown, which may represent, for example, a single family home that includes a solar panel array (renewable source) 302 and an inverter 304 and a backup generator 228, but does not include a bulk battery. The inverter 304 is coupled to the circuit breaker panel 206 via a conductor 306. In addition to converting DC to AC, the inverter 304 may also include an internal disconnect that functions to disconnect the power grid 100 ( Figure 1 ) is shut down and the backup generator 228 is active to isolate the renewable source 302. Alternatively, a separate disconnect (not shown) may be provided between the inverter 304 and the circuit breaker panel 206.

[0032] All other components are basically similar to Figure 2 , with two notable exceptions. First, given the presence of renewable source 302, premises 300 may generate more electricity than it consumes under favorable environmental conditions, in which case the excess electricity may be delivered to power grid 100 via a utility company meter (not shown). Second, as described in detail below, programming of premises power controller 202 must account for renewable source 302 and inverter 304.

[0033] Figure 43 types of houses 400 are shown, where a renewable source 302 is present along with a battery / charge controller 402, an EV car battery / stand-alone battery 403, and a solar / battery inverter 404. The battery / charge controller 402 is coupled to and charges the car battery / stand-alone battery 403, which in turn is coupled to the inverter 404. The inverter 404 functions to convert the DC output of the renewable source 302 or car battery / stand-alone battery 403 into AC, which is provided by wires 406 to the panels 206.

[0034] When the power grid 100 is shut down, the transfer switch 232 operates to connect the panel 206 to the power grid 100 ( Figure 1 ) is disconnected, which enables the renewable source 302, the battery charge controller 402, and the inverter 404 (or alternatively, the backup generator 228) to power the critical loads connected to the specific smart circuit breaker 222 via the conductor 408. Conversely, to save power when the power grid 100 is down, non-critical loads such as the EV charge controller 210, the smart appliances 212, and the electric water heater 214 can be disconnected by actuating their corresponding smart circuit breakers 222 in response to one or more messages received from the premises power controller 202.

[0035] Also shown is an AC-DC converter 410, the output of which is coupled to a DC-AC inverter 412 with power factor control, which in turn is coupled to a dimmable light load 414. The AC-DC converter 410 and the DC-AC inverter 412 with power factor control communicate with the house power controller 202 via a wireless communication link 216. As described in detail below, the converter 410 in combination with the inverter 412 can be used to advantageously alter the power factor so as to reduce the amount of actual power absorbed by the dimmable light load 414.

[0036] Figure 5 5 is a block diagram of the house power controller 202. The controller board 500 (which may be based on a commercial embedded system) includes 1 GB of double data rate memory 502, 32 GB of flash memory 504, a processor 505, and a 16 GB micro SDHC card 506. A reset button 508 is coupled to the GPIO interface 509. The controller board 500 also includes: a USB / mini USB interface 510, an Ethernet interface 512, an I2C interface 514, a 1-Wire interface 532, an SPI interface 516 coupled to a Wi-Fi module 524, four UART interfaces 518 (one of which is coupled to a Module 522), and RGB interface 520 coupled to LCD TFT touch screen 526. 3D tracking and gesture controller 528 is coupled to touch screen 526 and projected capacitive touch controller 530, which in turn is coupled to I2C interface 514.

[0037] As above combined Figure 2 , 3 4, the house power controller 202 may use the Wi-Fi module 524 or Module 522 communicates wirelessly with smart circuit breakers 222 and other devices within a given house. Touch screen 526 can be used to display icons, buttons, controls, messages, status information, menus, or other desired user interface elements (not shown) on the screen to enable a user to configure and operate the house power controller 202. For example, touch screen 526 can be used to: create, modify, or select a power management scheme; create, modify, or select a scheduled plan; obtain status information about various system components; connect or disconnect various smart circuit breakers; override or disable the current operation of the house power controller 202; and otherwise configure, modify, and operate the house power controller 202. Alternatively, the user can operate the house power controller 202 wirelessly using a smart phone, tablet device, or other device including an appropriate application and wireless network connection. In addition, the house power controller 202 can be integrated with and controlled by a home automation system.

[0038] Fig. 6A Yes Figure 2 , 3 4 and 5. As shown, the smart circuit breaker 222 supports two 15A / 120VAC circuits. The processor of the transceiver serves as a circuit breaker controller 600. The circuit breaker controller 600 can be implemented using a Rigado BMD-200 module or similar commercially available components. The circuit breaker controller 600 is coupled to a serial wire debug (SWD) connector 626, a 4D debug connector 628, a GPIO expander 610, an embedded graphics controller 604, and a power measurement digital signal processor (DSP) 608. The power measurement DSP 608 is also coupled to a voltage sense line 638 and a current sense line 640.

[0039] LCD 602 ​​and 16GB micro SD card are coupled to embedded graphics controller 604. A pair of relays 630 are coupled between a pair of screw terminals 620 and a pair of Hall effect sensors 618, respectively. Each of a pair of screw terminals 620 serves as a connection point with a conventional 15A / 120VAC circuit breaker (not shown) that can be manually actuated, such as an arc fault circuit breaker. In an alternative, the relay can be embodied as an actuated mechanical switch to eliminate the need for a conventional circuit breaker while providing adequate safety. Each of a pair of screw terminals 622 serves as a connection point with a desired load (not shown). AC to DC power supply 624 outputs +12VDC and +3.3VDC to power smart circuit breaker 226. As an alternative to using power measurement DSP 608 to output pulses when the sensed voltage and current are close to zero, a zero crossing detection circuit 628 can be used to generate a square wave output signal, which is coupled to circuit breaker controller 600.

[0040] The circuit breaker controller 600 uses its onboard The mesh network advantageously enables a single circuit breaker controller within a circuit breaker panel, or alternatively a designated gatekeeper transceiver, to communicate with the premises power controller ( Figure 2 ) to communicate, and propagate such communications to all other circuit breaker controllers. Alternatively, a wireless mesh network may be established using Zigbee, Z-wave or other suitable technologies.

[0041] LCD 602 ​​may be used to display a variety of information (e.g., the current state of the circuit breaker, the configuration of the circuit breaker, instantaneous power consumption, an identifier of the circuit breaker (such as its zone), and diagnostic codes). Micro SD card 606 may be used to store power consumption data and other data of interest until a predetermined time when such data is forwarded to premises power controller 202 or discarded as stale data.

[0042] The power measurement DSP 608 is capable of calculating, among other values, the instantaneous power consumption, the average power consumption over a specified time period, and the peak power consumption, individually for each load connected to the screw terminals 622. The power measurement DSP 608 can also be configured to output pulses (on dedicated pins ZX0, ZX1 coupled to the circuit breaker controller 600) when the current and voltage approach zero.

[0043] By knowing when zero crossings of current and voltage occur, circuit breaker controller 600 ensures that relays 630 are switched simultaneously (ie, smart circuit breakers 222 open or close) only when zero crossings occur. This advantageously reduces arcing and tends to extend the service life of relays 630.

[0044] In addition to replacing the circuit breaker controller 600 with the Rigado BMD-300 module, it is possible to use Fig. 6A The components shown in the figure are used to implement a smart circuit breaker suitable for a single 30A / 220VAC circuit.

[0045] Figure 6B Yes Figure 2 , 3 4 and 5. The block diagram of the smart circuit breaker with dimmer 226 is shown in FIG. Most components are similar to Fig. 6A 6. However, instead of relay 630, the smart circuit breaker with dimmer 226 includes an isolation circuit 632 coupled between GPIO expander 610 and two pairs of gallium nitride high electron mobility (GaN HEMT) transistors 636, which together with their corresponding controls 634 function as dimmers. Each pair of transistors 636 is coupled to power measurement DSP 608 and one of Hall effect sensors 618. Conventional dimmers utilize silicon-based field effect transistors (FETs) or TRIACs, both of which have a higher on-resistance (R) than GaN HEMT components. on ). As a result, conventional dimmers must dissipate more heat for a given amount of current, which is problematic and potentially unsafe in circuit breaker panels with tightly packed components. To dissipate heat effectively, conventional dimmers require large heat sinks that do not fit well or at all in conventional circuit breaker panels. Significant reductions in heat dissipation are advantageously achieved by using GaN HEMT components for dimmers without the need for bulky heat sinks, thereby enabling more circuits to be safely packed in a given area.

[0046] The dimming function can be realized by using the conventional phase-cut dimming technology, such as Fig.6D . With phase-cut dimming, the circuit breaker controller 600 must be able to turn the GaN HEMT transistor 636 on and off at a frequency of 120 Hz. Forward and reverse phase-cut dimming can be achieved by switching the transistor near the appropriate leading or trailing edge of the line waveform. Alternatively, pulse width modulation dimming techniques (sometimes referred to as sine wave dimming) can be used, such as Figure 6C. With sine wave dimming techniques, the GaN HEMT transistor 636 must be switched at a much higher frequency (e.g., about 100 kHz or more) than with phase cut dimming, and a low pass filter is used to remove the higher frequencies from the output sine wave (i.e., having a cutoff frequency less than the higher frequency) and allow the line frequency to pass with little attenuation. To ensure that the circuit breaker controller 600 can signal the transistor 636 with sufficient speed, it may be necessary to bypass the GPIO expander 610 and connect (the GPIO of) the circuit breaker controller 600 directly to the isolation circuit 632. Another alternative would be a pulse width modulation driver (such as the Fairchild Semiconductor FL77944MX) that converts an analog or digital input signal into a pulse width modulated output signal.

[0047] Now go to Fig. 7A and 7B , the circuit breaker panel 700 is populated with: smart circuit breakers with dimmers 226, each dimmer 226 connected to a pair of 20A standard (i.e., conventional) circuit breakers 702 via a pair of wires 704; and loads 1 and 2 (not shown). In an alternative, the smart circuit breakers can be connected to a pair of wires embodied as a busbar of the circuit breaker panel 700, thereby eliminating the use of conventional circuit breakers 702. Each pair of standard circuit breakers 702 is mounted above and adjacent to the smart circuit breaker with dimmer 226 to which it is connected. A display 602 is mounted on the front of each smart circuit breaker with dimmer 226. The circuit breaker controller 600 within each smart circuit breaker with dimmer 226 can communicate directly with the house controller 202 via a wireless link 216, or alternatively can communicate indirectly via a mesh network.

[0048] Figure 7C A circuit breaker panel 706 is shown populated with smart circuit breakers with dimmers 226. To improve clarity, standard circuit breakers that typically fill the spaces between the smart circuit breakers with dimmers 226 are omitted. A main circuit breaker 718 is conventionally located near the top or bottom of the circuit breaker panel 706. The main circuit breaker 718 functions to connect / disconnect all standard circuit breakers (not shown) and smart circuit breakers with dimmers 226 using main conductors 218 that pass through holes 708 located in the top edge of the circuit breaker panel 706. The main conductors 218 are connected to utility power meters (not shown). A wireless mesh network 714 is established among all smart circuit breakers with dimmers 226 and a gatekeeper transceiver 712 coupled to an antenna 716.

[0049] Since interference with wireless communications is typically caused by the (metal) circuit breaker panel 706, the gatekeeper transceiver 712 may be assigned the sole responsibility for communicating with the premises power controller 202 ( Figure 2 ) communications. Antenna 716 protruding from the circuit breaker panel helps overcome interference, as does positioning gatekeeper transceiver 712 near hole 708. In addition, if a particular environment generates too much interference, an alternative communication technology can be selected for gatekeeper transceiver 712 without affecting the smart circuit breaker with dimmer 226. For example, gatekeeper transceiver 712 can be provided with connected to participate in the mesh network 714 , but the gatekeeper transceiver 712 may also be provided with a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, an optical transceiver, an infrared (IR) transceiver, or an isolated wired link for communicating with the premises power controller 202 .

[0050] The gatekeeper transceiver 712 may also include a power monitoring function for measuring the total power consumption (or remaining) at the main conductors 218. A current transformer 710 is coupled to each main conductor 218 and to the gatekeeper transceiver 712. Figure 8 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the gatekeeper transceiver 712 may include a number of smart circuit breakers 222 ( Fig. 6A ) the same components. In addition, The low energy module 800 provides functionality for participating in the mesh network 714 and communicating with the premises power controller 202. The power measurement DSP 608 is coupled to the current transformer 710 (current sense line) and the power supply 624 (voltage sense line), thus enabling the calculation of the total power consumption (or surplus) at the main conductor 218.

[0051] Fig.7D The following house is illustrated: a lighting control keypad can be used as an alternative to or in addition to the house power controller 202 to perform user-oriented functions through the smart circuit breaker 222 or the smart circuit breaker with dimmer 226. Wireless lighting control keypads 722 commercially available from many suppliers can be located in various places in the house to control lamps 724 or other lighting elements (not shown). The lamps 724 are connected to the smart circuit breakers with dimmers 226 by wires 728, respectively.

[0052] In general, each wireless lighting control keypad 722 typically includes a processor, microcontroller, etc., which is capable of running some or all of the same software run by the premises power controller 202 as described herein. In addition, each wireless lighting control keypad 722 typically includes: a wireless network connection, such as Wi-Fi or Using such a network connection, the keypad 722 can establish a wireless communication link 730 with the smart circuit breaker 222 or a smart circuit breaker with a dimmer 226. Thus, any wireless lighting control keypad 722 can be used as an alternative to or in conjunction with the premises power controller 202 to turn lights 724 (or other lighting loads) on or off and to dim such lights.

[0053] Fig. 9 The aggregation server 112 ( Figure 1 ) at a high level. At step 900, the aggregation server 112 receives a message from the regional grid controller ISO / RTO 102 to provide power. Next, at step 902, the aggregation server 112 continues to determine how much load reduction and battery storage is available within the aggregation 118 by communicating with the house power controller 202 associated with each house within the aggregation. Based on the information collected during step 902, the aggregation server 112 continues at step 904 to prioritize specific houses and loads based on the class of the house, load specifications, and geographic location (e.g., a profile for a specific house).

[0054] Next, at step 906, the aggregation server 112 transmits a message to each premises power controller 202 within the aggregation 118 to run its "market transaction" power management scheme. Generally speaking, when a given premises power controller 202 runs its "market transaction" scheme, this will cause specific loads in the premises to be "shed" or disconnected (by actuating associated smart breakers), and for Class 3 premises that include batteries with significant storage capacity, may also result in such batteries being connected to supply power to the grid. Next, at step 908, the aggregation server 112 follows ISO market rules to implement the demand response reduction curve.

[0055] Fig.10 The house power controller 202 ( Figure 5 ) and intelligent circuit breaker 222( Fig. 6A ) or with a dimmer 226 ( Figure 6B) is an exemplary communication between smart circuit breakers of the present invention. At step 1000, each smart circuit breaker 222 and 226 is in a reset closed state, and then each such smart circuit breaker is initialized at step 1002. At step 1004, each initialized smart circuit breaker 222 and 226 waits for a query from the house power controller 202. When a query is received (e.g., via wireless link 216), a comparison is made between the address contained in the query and the address associated with the smart circuit breaker 222, 226 that received the query. If the addresses do not match, the smart circuit breakers 222, 226 continue to wait for another query at step 1004. If the addresses match, a determination is made at step 1008 as to whether the query includes a control command. If so, the smart circuit breakers 222, 226 set their relays 630 ( Fig. 6A ) or dimmer 634, 636 ( Figure 6B ) to match the received control command and sends an acknowledgement to the premises power controller 202 at step 1012. During operation, the smart circuit breaker transmits the instantaneous power consumption of the load to the premises power controller at predetermined intervals.

[0056] Alternatively, at step 1008, if the determination indicates that no control command has been received, the smart circuit breaker 222, 226 checks its power reading state at step 1014. If the state has changed from the last known state (as determined at step 1016), the smart circuit breaker 222, 226 sends its power reading to the premises power controller 1018 and then waits for confirmation from the premises power controller at step 1020. If no change in the power reading state is found at step 1016, the smart circuit breaker 222, 226 sends an indication 1022 of no change to the premises power controller at step 1022 and then waits for confirmation from the premises power controller at step 1024.

[0057] Figures 11A-11HA high level control method is illustrated as implemented by a house power controller 202 in each of Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 houses. The method begins at step 1100, followed by step 1101, where the house power controller 202 begins searching (e.g., using a wireless discovery service) for another controller 202 within the house. This is followed by a delay at step 1103. Next, at step 1105, a determination is made as to whether a broadcasting house power controller has been discovered. If not, control proceeds to step 1107, where the only house power controller 202 present begins broadcasting. This is followed by a first decision step 1102, which determines whether the house (system) in which the house power controller 202 is located is a Class 1 house. If so, control proceeds to step 1104, and to FIG. 11. If not, decision step 1106 determines whether the house is a Class 2 house, and if so, control proceeds to step 1108 ( Fig. 11C If not, decision step 1110 determines whether the house is a Class 3 house, and if so, control proceeds to step 1112 ( Fig.11D ).

[0058] If at step 1110, a determination is made that the house is not a Class 3 house, the control flow proceeds to step 1109, at which a query is made to the house power controller 202 for the current virtual energy price. The term "virtual energy price" is used in this specification to refer to a value that serves as a proxy for the relative scarcity or abundance of energy. Each action associated with a load or source within a given house is associated with a threshold or scaling factor for the virtual energy price. In its simplest formulation, a system based on a virtual energy price can implement a priority list of loads or sources that can perform both discrete and smooth transitions (i.e., can smoothly transition and discretely transition electricity consumption or generation) and select loads based on time usage (e.g., recency of usage). In more complex implementations, such a system can model the entire dynamics of the energy market.

[0059] By picking an amount that has the same units and magnitude as is typical on the public energy market, it is possible for the user to specify his or her priorities once and for all, and in real dollars. In the case where the house pays market rates for energy, the power grid is available, and the market rates are provided by the aggregation server 112, this is particularly meaningful to the user. In other cases, the virtual energy price will be calculated to carry out the actions required to effectively manage the system resources, and will have no relationship to the cost of energy on the public market.

[0060] As an alternative to calculating a virtual energy price, a state machine may be implemented that accesses a lookup table or other data structure to obtain a value that is a suitable reference or proxy for the purposes described herein.

[0061] Next, at step 1111, a determination is made whether the virtual energy price is above the notification threshold. If not, control loops to step 1102. If yes, meaning a user notification should be sent, control proceeds to step 1113 (FIG. 18).

[0062] Referring again to step 1105, if a (secondary) broadcasting premises power controller 202 is found, control proceeds to step 1115, where wireless communication is established between the found (primary) premises power controller 202 and the (secondary) premises power controller 202, thereby effecting this step. Next, at step 1117, the secondary premises power controller 202 takes measurements from any sensors attached thereto. Next, at step 1119, the secondary premises power controller 202 collects user input. Next, at step 1121, the secondary premises power controller 202 attempts to transmit its sensor measurements and user actions to the primary premises power controller 202.

[0063] At step 1123, a determination is made as to whether the attempted transmission to the primary house power controller failed. If so, control loops back to step 1101. If not (meaning the transmission was successful), control proceeds to step 1125, at which the secondary house power controller 202 attempts to read the system status and pending commands from the primary house power controller 202. Next, at step 1127, a determination is made as to whether the attempted read failed. If so, control loops back to step 1101. If not (meaning the read was successful), control proceeds to step 1129, at which the secondary house power controller 202 updates its user interface based on the previously read system status and executes the new command. If the transmission failed at step 1121, or the reception failed at step 1125, it is assumed that the primary house power controller 202 has been removed, powered off, or failed, and election of a new controller is effected at step 1101. In this manner, multiple redundant property power controllers 202 may be operated within a given property.

[0064] Reference now Fig. 11C (Class 1 House), the house power controller 202 determines at step 1114 that the public power grid 100 ( Figure 1 ) is available. If not, then in step 1126, a (backup) generator 228 ( Figure 2 ) is available. If no generator is available, the control flow returns to Fig.11AIf the backup generator 228 is available, the premises power controller 202 determines at step 1128 whether the backup generator is on. If not, the premises power controller 202 turns the generator on at step 1130, after which control returns to Fig.11A If at step 1128, the premises power controller 202 determines that the generator is on, then control proceeds to step 1132 ( Fig.17A ) to establish a virtual energy price, and then proceed to step 1124 ( Fig.11H ).

[0065] If at step 1114, the premises power controller 202 determines that the public power grid 100 is available, then control proceeds to a determination of whether energy price data is available at step 1116. The energy price data may be provided to the premises power controller 202 by the aggregation server 112 or other external source via the WAN 116. If the energy price data is available, then control proceeds to step 1124 ( Fig.11H ). If energy price data is not available, the control flow proceeds to step 1118 to determine whether the house power controller 202 has received an explicit command (message) from the aggregation server 112 that the aggregation 118 is acting or preparing to act as a participant in the energy market. Such a command means that the house power controller 202 must prepare to reduce the load on the house in order for the aggregation 118 to meet the regulatory requirements of an energy market participant. Assuming such a command is received, the control flow proceeds to step 1120, at which the house power controller 202 simulates the house power consumption to find a virtual energy price that will meet the requirements of the aggregation 118 to act as a market participant.

[0066] If at determination step 1118, no explicit command has been received from the aggregation server 112 (meaning that the aggregation 118 is not currently required to function as a market participant), then control proceeds to step 1122 where the virtual energy price is set to a default value and then to step 1124 ( Fig.11H ).

[0067] Now go to Fig. 11C (a Class 2 building that includes at least one renewable source and a backup generator but does not include a large capacity battery), the building power controller 202 determines at step 1133 that the public power grid 100 ( Figure 1 ) is available. If not, control proceeds to step 1134 where a determination is made as to whether an islanded inverter / generation is available. If not, control returns to Fig.11A If yes, then at step 1132, control proceeds to calculate the virtual energy price ( Fig.17A). Next, at step 1138, the premises power controller 202 compares the calculated virtual energy price to a predetermined backup generator on threshold. If the calculated virtual energy price is greater than the backup generator on threshold (meaning that it is economical to run the backup generator), flow control determines at step 1140 whether the minimum off time of the generator has elapsed. If so, the premises power controller 202 turns on the (non-renewable source) backup generator at step 1142, and control proceeds to step 1124 ( Fig.11H ).

[0068] If at step 1138, the calculated virtual energy price is less than or equal to the backup generator on threshold, or at step 1140, the minimum off time of the backup generator has not yet passed, the control flow proceeds to step 1144, where the premises power controller 202 determines whether the calculated virtual energy price is less than the generator off threshold. It should be noted that the on and off thresholds of the backup generator are different to increase hysteresis and avoid the situation where the backup generator cycles on and off. If the calculated virtual energy price is less than the generator off threshold, the premises power controller 202 next determines at step 1146 whether the generator minimum on time has passed, and if so, continues at step 1148 to turn off the generator. If at step 1144, the calculated virtual energy price is not less than the generator off threshold (i.e., they are equal within the hysteresis loop), or at step 1146, the generator minimum on time has not yet passed, the control flow proceeds to step 1124.

[0069] Referring again to step 1133, if the public power grid 100 is available, control proceeds to step 1150, where a determination is made as to whether the utility company serving the premises is paying for net power generation. If not, control proceeds to step 1152, where the premises power controller 202 forecasts on-premises power generation for the day, followed by step 1154, where the virtual energy price is set to the rate charged by the utility company.

[0070] Next, at step 1156, the premises power controller 202 simulates premises power consumption using the virtual energy price and forecast. If, based on the simulation, no net power generation is expected over the next 24 hours (i.e., all power generation on the premises will be consumed), control proceeds to step 1124 ( Fig.11H). Alternatively, if at step 1158, net electricity generation is expected within the next 24 hours, then at step 1160 the virtual energy price is reduced (i.e., because a surplus of electricity is expected for the house, the virtual energy price is reduced). At step 1162, a determination is made as to whether the (reduced) virtual energy price is at a minimum value. If not, control flow loops through steps 1156, 1158, 1160, and 1162, iteratively reducing the virtual energy price until it reaches a minimum value, thereby enabling control flow to proceed to step 1124.

[0071] Referring again to step 1150, if the utility company serving the premises pays for net electricity generation, then the control flow proceeds to step 1164 where a determination is made whether energy price data is available. If yes, then the control flow proceeds to step 1124. If no, then a determination is made at step 1166 whether an explicit command (message) has been received from the aggregation server 112. If no, meaning that the aggregation 118 is not currently required to act as a market participant, then the control flow proceeds to step 1170 where the virtual energy price is set to a default value and then to proceed to step 1124. If at step 1166 a command is received from the aggregation server 112 (meaning that the aggregation 118 is required to act as a market participant and the premises power controller 202 needs to reduce load), then at step 1168 the premises power controller 202 simulates the premises power consumption to find a virtual price that satisfies the requirements for the aggregation 118 to act as a market participant.

[0072] Reference now Fig.11F and 11G (Class 3 premises including at least one renewable source and one or more large capacity batteries and backup generators), the premises power controller 202 determines at step 1172 that the public power grid 100 ( Figure 1 ) is available. If not, control proceeds to step 1174, where the premises power controller 202 simulates premises power consumption using a virtual energy price. Step 1191 is performed in parallel with step 1174 branch, where battery charge / discharge follows load / supply when the battery capacity is greater than the minimum state of charge. At step 1176, a determination is made as to whether battery depletion is expected within the next 24 hours. If it is unclear whether battery depletion will occur within the next 24 hours, control proceeds to step 1124 ( Fig.11H ).

[0073] If battery depletion will occur within the next 24 hours, control proceeds to step 1178 where the virtual energy price is increased (i.e., the virtual energy price is increased because power scarcity is forecast for the house). Next, at step 1180, a determination is made whether the (increased) virtual energy price is greater than the generator on threshold. If not, control proceeds to step 1124. If yes, control proceeds to step 1182 and turns on the (non-renewable source) generator, if it was off and the minimum off time has passed, then proceeds to step 1124.

[0074] Referring again to step 1176, if there is no battery depletion expected within the next 24 hours, control proceeds to step 1184 where a determination is made as to whether there will be a battery overrun predicted within the next 24 hours. If not, control proceeds to step 1124. If yes, control proceeds to step 1186 and the virtual energy price is reduced, again indicating the expected power surplus for the house. Next, at step 1188, a determination is made as to whether the virtual energy price is less than the generator off threshold. If not, control proceeds to step 1124. If yes, at step 1190, the house power controller 202 turns off the generator, assuming it was on and the minimum run time has elapsed.

[0075] Referring again to step 1172, if the public power grid 100 is available, control proceeds to step 1192, where the premises power controller 202 performs a look ahead on the expected time-cost curve. Next, at step 1194, a determination is made whether the next peak on the expected time-cost curve is positive or negative. If a negative peak is expected, control proceeds to step 1196, where a determination is made whether starting charging now will result in a minimum cost during the charging cycle. If not, control proceeds to step 1124. If yes, control proceeds to step 1198, where the premises power controller 202 enables the battery to begin charging, and then proceeds to step 1124.

[0076] If a positive peak is expected at step 1194, control proceeds to step 1200 where a determination is made as to whether the product of the sales revenue minus the purchase cost and the battery efficiency is greater than the minimum cycle gain (i.e., whether the discharge will produce a minimum benefit to justify the wear on the equipment) if the battery is now to be discharged. If so, control proceeds to step 1205 where a determination is made as to whether the sales efficiency is greater than the minimum cycle gain if the battery is now to be discharged. If so, control proceeds to step 1204 and the battery discharge is initiated. If not, control proceeds to step 1202 where a determination is made as to whether an explicit command (message) has been received from the aggregation server 112 to be acted upon as a market participant. If so, control proceeds to step 1204 to initiate the battery discharge. If not, control proceeds to step 1124.

[0077] Fig.11H At step 1124, Fig. 11C , 11E and 11G are logically connected, followed by a determination at step 1206 as to whether there are still any loads (one or more) to be processed under the control of the premises power controller 202. If not, the control flow returns to the point at which the Fig.11H If so, control proceeds to step 1208, which is a determination of whether the load under consideration is an HVAC system. If so, control proceeds to step 1220 ( Fig. 12A If not, then at step 1210 a determination is made as to whether the load is dimmable, and if so, control proceeds to step 1222 ( Fig.13A ).

[0078] If the load is not dimmable, then at step 1211 a determination is made as to whether the load is of a type for which the power factor (PF) can be controlled to reduce the amount of actual power absorbed by the load. If so, control proceeds to step 1213 ( Fig.14 If not, control proceeds to step 1212 where a determination is made as to whether the load is non-dimmable, and if so, control proceeds to step 1224 ( Fig.15 If not, then at step 1214 a determination is made as to whether the load is a transfer load, and if so, control proceeds to step 1226 ( Fig.16 If not, then at step 1216 a determination is made as to whether the load is an electric vehicle, and if so, control proceeds to step 1228 ( Fig.17AAt step 1218, it is determined that the load is an unmanaged load, but its power consumption may still be measured (eg, via a smart circuit breaker to which the load is connected).

[0079] Fig. 12A A method for managing HVAC loads using a building power controller is illustrated. At step 1230, the building power controller 202 measures the temperature of a zone within the building. For example, such a measurement may be made using a temperature sensor interfaced with the building power controller 202, as discussed above. Next, at step 1232, if it is not already available, a query is made for the global virtual energy price, which may have been calculated by the aforementioned logic. Using the measured temperature and the calculated global virtual energy price, a query is made at Fig. 12B Locate a point on the graph of and, at step 1236, determine whether the point is above the cost-temperature curve D of the graph (e.g., Fig. 12B If yes, the control flow proceeds to step 1238, which indicates that the energy usage is unreasonable and no action is taken, and then returns to Fig.11H (ie, the HVAC loads are not activated).

[0080] On the other hand, if at step 1236, it is determined that the point is below the cost-temperature curve D (e.g., Fig. 12B If the HVAC minimum run time (MRT) is set to any point indicated by reference numerals E or H in the figure, control proceeds to step 1240, where a decision is made as to whether the zone temperature will exceed the user-defined set point (defined by Fig. 12B If yes, this means that the minimum operating time of the HVAC system will cause the temperature to increase or decrease excessively, and the control flow returns to Fig.11H .

[0081] If the minimum run time of the HVAC system will not cause the zone temperature to cross the user defined set point, then at step 1242, a determination is made whether the minimum shut-down time of the HVAC system has passed. If not, meaning it is too soon to run the HVAC system again, control flow returns again to Fig.11H If yes, then control proceeds to step 1244 where the premises power controller 202 calculates a trajectory that will move the point of interest above curve D while complying with any system constraints. An acceptable trajectory will keep the point of interest above curve D for a duration of at least the minimum off time of the HVAC system. This is followed by step 1246 where the HVAC system is scheduled to operate for the duration of the trajectory calculated in step 1244.

[0082] Fig.13A The method of managing a dimmable (lighting) load (e.g., setting its power level) by the premises power controller 202 is illustrated. Fig.11H ), control proceeds to step 1300 where a query is made for the global virtual energy price, as discussed above. Next, at step 1302, the house power controller 202 finds the nearest point(s) on the cost-light intensity curve (given by Fig. 13B Next, at step 1304, a determination is made as to whether more than one nearest point was returned at step 1302. If not, control proceeds to step 1308, where a single nearest (scalar) point is then multiplied by the user-set intensity value at step 1310 to produce the final lighting intensity. Alternatively, at step 1304, if more than one nearest point was returned, control proceeds to step 1306, where cubic interpolation is used to solve for a single interpolated nearest point, which is then used in the multiplication at step 1310. Control proceeds to step 1310 after step 1310. Fig.11H .

[0083] Fig.14 The diagram illustrates a method by which the house power controller 202 manages a load whose power factor (PF) can be controlled in order to reduce the amount of actual power consumed by the load. After step 1213, control proceeds to step 1215 where the house power controller 202 initializes a power factor controller, which can be represented, for example, by a combination of an AC-DC converter 410 and a DC-AC inverter 412 with a power factor control ( Figure 4 ). Next, at step 1217, the premises power controller 202 checks the power reading status and the current PF of the load. Next, at step 1219, the minimum PF that the load can handle is determined by lookup. At step 1221, the (reduced PF) is set according to the minimum PF, thereby reducing the amount of actual power consumed by the load. The control flow returns to after step 1221. Fig.11H .

[0084] Fig.15A method for the premises power controller 202 to manage a non-dimmable load is illustrated. After step 1224, control proceeds to step 1400 where a query for a global virtual energy price is presented, as discussed above. At step 1402, a determination is made whether the global virtual energy price is above a user set threshold. If so, control proceeds to step 1404 where a determination is made whether the minimum on time for the non-dimmable load of interest has elapsed. If so, at step 1406, the non-dimmable load is disconnected (i.e., the premises power controller 202 actuates the smart circuit breaker connected to the load) and a (minimum off time) timer is set, then returns to the control flow. Fig.11E Alternatively, at step 1404, if the minimum on time of the non-dimmable load of interest has not elapsed, control returns to Fig.11H .

[0085] If at step 1402, the global virtual energy price is not above the user set threshold, then control proceeds to step 1408 where a determination is made as to whether the global virtual energy price is below the user set threshold. If not, then control returns to Fig.11H If yes, then control proceeds to step 1410 where a determination is made as to whether the minimum off time for the non-dimmable load has elapsed. If no, then control returns to Fig.11H If yes, then at step 1412, a non-dimmable load is connected and a (minimum on time) timer is set, then returning to Fig.11H .

[0086] Fig.16 The method by which the premises power controller 202 manages the transfer of loads is illustrated. After step 1226, control proceeds to step 1500 where a query is made for the global virtual energy price, as discussed above. Next, at step 1501, a determination is made whether a load is currently connected to the system. If not, control proceeds to step 1503 where a determination is made whether the virtual energy price is below the user notification threshold. If not, control returns to step 1504. Fig.11E If yes, the control flow proceeds to step 1113 ( Fig.19 ).

[0087] Referring again to step 1501, if it is determined that the load is currently connected, the control flow proceeds to step 1502, where a determination is made whether the virtual energy price is above a user-set threshold. If so, a determination is made at step 1504 whether the minimum on time for transferring the load has passed. If the minimum on time has not passed, the control flow returns to Fig.11H If the minimum on time has passed, then at step 1506, disconnect the transfer load and set the (minimum off time) timer, then return to Fig.11H .

[0088] If at step 1502, the virtual energy price is not above the user set threshold, then control proceeds to step 1508 where a determination is made as to whether the virtual energy price is below the user set threshold. If not, then control returns to Fig.11H If the virtual energy price is below the user set threshold, control proceeds to step 1510 where a determination is made as to whether the minimum off time to transfer the load has elapsed. If not, control returns to Fig.11H If so, then return to Fig.11H Previously, at step 1512, the premises power controller 202 connects the transferred load and sets a (minimum on time) timer.

[0089] Fig.17A A method for a premises power controller to manage the charging of an electric vehicle load is illustrated. Following step 1228, a determination is made at step 1599 whether the load is properly connected to the system (i.e., whether the electric vehicle is properly connected to its charge controller). If not, control proceeds to step 1601 where a determination is made whether the virtual energy price is below a notification threshold. If not, control returns to Fig.11H If yes, the control flow proceeds to step 1113 ( Fig.19 ).

[0090] If it is determined at step 1599 that the load is properly connected to the system, the control flow proceeds to step 1600 to determine whether the user has requested a charging cycle. If so, the control flow proceeds to step 1610, where the electric vehicle begins charging, and then returns to step 1610. Fig.11H If not, control proceeds to step 1602, where a determination is made as to whether a trip is scheduled within the next 24 hours. If no trip is scheduled, control proceeds to step 1606, where a determination is made as to whether the global virtual energy price is lower than the price determined by Fig. 17C 16. If the global virtual energy price is lower than the idle level-cost curve, control proceeds to step 1610 again to start charging. If not, control proceeds to step 1608, where a determination is made as to whether the electric vehicle battery charging cycle will cover the minimum energy price period supplied by the public power grid (PPG). If yes, control proceeds to step 1610 again to start charging. If not, control returns to step 1609. Fig.11H If it is determined at step 1602 that a trip is scheduled within the next 24 hours, the control flow proceeds to step 1604 where a determination is made as to whether the global virtual energy price is lower than the price determined by Fig. 17B If yes, then the control flow proceeds to step 1610 again to start charging. If no, then the control flow proceeds to step 1606 as described above.

[0091] Fig.18A A method for calculating a global virtual energy price for a given house is illustrated. At step 1700, a measurement is made of the total instantaneous power generation capacity of the house. That is, a measurement is made of the total energy generated by the house, which includes renewable sources and non-renewable generators, and is available for use. Next, at step 1702, a measurement is made of the total instantaneous energy demand within the house by managed and unmanaged loads. Control then proceeds to step 1704, where a calculation is made of the fraction of the total instantaneous power generation capacity currently needed by the house. Next, at step 1706, a calculation is made of the fraction of the total instantaneous power generation capacity currently needed by the house using the fraction of the total instantaneous power generation capacity generated by the house. Fig.18B The global virtual energy price is set by the supply cost transfer function denoted by reference numeral C in FIG. That is, the fraction of the total instantaneous power generation capacity calculated along Fig.18B The horizontal axis is positioned, which in turn is used to locate the corresponding point (on the transfer function C), whose ordinate is the global virtual energy price.

[0092] Fig.19 A method for issuing user notifications for a given house is illustrated. After step 1113, the control flow proceeds to step 1800, at which the house power controller 202 accesses the current notification context from the caller. Next, at step 1802, a determination is made whether the notification or a similar notification was previously sent to the user within a throttling window. If so, the control flow returns to the previous point where the method was called. If not, the control flow proceeds to step 1804, at which a determination is made whether the user's mobile device is accessible from the house mesh network. If so, the control flow proceeds to step 1812, at which a notification is sent to the user's mobile phone via the house mesh network, and then returns.

[0093] If at step 1804, the user's mobile phone is not accessible, then control proceeds to step 1806, in which a determination is made whether the user has requested mobile push notifications. If so, then control proceeds to step 1814, in which a request for a push notification event is sent to the aggregation server 112. If not, then control proceeds to step 1808, in which a determination is made whether the user has provided an email address at which to receive notifications. If so, then control proceeds to step 1816, in which a request for an email notification event is sent to the aggregation server 112, followed by step 1810, in which a display 526 ( Figure 5 ) and then returns.

[0094] The foregoing description has been directed to specific embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent that other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments while achieving some or all of their advantages. For example, it is expressly contemplated that the teachings of the present invention may be implemented as software (including computer-readable media with program instructions executed on a computer), hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. Therefore, this specification should be understood only by way of example and should not otherwise limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the goal of the appended claims is to cover all such variations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device having a form factor adapted to fit within a metal electrical circuit breaker panel, the device comprising: a switch coupled to the processor, the load terminals, and a power connector adapted to receive a main conductor compatible with the metal electrical circuit breaker panel; a wireless network module having a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor; an antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver, the antenna protruding from the metal electrical circuit breaker panel; a current sensor coupled to the load terminal and to the processor, the processor being configured to: sampling the current conducted to the load terminal using the current sensor; as well as In response to receiving a command to de-energize the load terminal from a house power controller via the wireless network module, the switch is opened after detecting a zero crossing of the sampled AC current when a load connected to the load terminal is in an active state.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the switch is one of a relay, an actuated mechanical switch, or a transistor.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: An arc fault circuit breaker is connected in series with the switch.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a voltage sensor coupled to the load terminals and to the processor, the processor further configured to: The voltage at the load terminals is sampled and the instantaneous power consumption of the load is calculated.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Calculate the total electrical consumption of the metal electrical breaker panel.

7. A device having a form factor adapted to fit within a metallic electrical circuit breaker panel, the device comprising: a transistor coupled to the processor, the load terminals, and a power connector adapted to receive a main conductor compatible with the metal electrical circuit breaker panel; a wireless network module having a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor; an antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver, the antenna protruding from the metal electrical circuit breaker panel; a zero crossing detector coupled to the load terminals and to the processor, the processor being configured to: in response to receiving a dimming command from a house power controller via the wireless network module, sending a signal to the transistor at a multiple of the line frequency to perform phase cut dimming using the zero crossing detector; as well as In response to receiving a command to de-energize the load terminals from the house power controller via the wireless network module, the switch is opened after detecting a zero crossing of the AC current when a load connected to the load terminals is in an active state.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor configured to send a signal to the transistor based on an integer multiple of the line frequency is further configured to perform reverse phase-cut dimming.

9. A device having a form factor adapted to fit within a metallic electrical circuit breaker panel, the device comprising: a transistor coupled to the processor, the load terminals, the low pass filter, and a power connector adapted to accommodate a main conductor compatible with a metal electrical circuit breaker panel; a wireless network module having a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor; an antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver, the antenna protruding from the metal electrical circuit breaker panel; a zero crossing detector coupled to the load terminals and to the processor, the processor being configured to: In response to receiving a dimming command from the house power controller via the wireless network module, sending a signal to the transistor using a pulse width modulation (PWM) frequency to implement sine wave dimming at line frequency, the low pass filter having a cutoff frequency lower than the PWM frequency; as well as In response to receiving a command from the house power controller via the wireless network module to de-energize the load terminals, the switch is opened after detecting a zero crossing of the AC current when a load connected to the load terminals is in an active state.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the transistor is a gallium nitride transistor.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the PWM frequency is at least 100 kHz.

12. A device having a form factor adapted to fit within a metallic electrical circuit breaker panel, the device comprising: a switch coupled to the processor, the load terminals, and a power connector adapted to receive a main conductor compatible with the metal electrical circuit breaker panel; a display coupled to the processor; a load terminal coupled to the switch; The switch conducts power via the load terminals; A wireless network module having a wireless transceiver; an antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver, the antenna protruding from the metal electrical circuit breaker panel; a sensor coupled to the load terminals and to the processor, the processor being configured to: using the sensor to measure a current at the load terminals and a voltage at the load terminals over a period of time; calculating the average electricity consumption during the said period; displaying the average power consumption on the display; as well as In response to receiving a command from the house power controller to de-energize the load terminal via the wireless network module, the switch is opened after detecting a zero crossing of the sampled AC current when a load connected to the load terminal is in an active state.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to display a state of the switch.

14. A device having a form factor adapted to fit within a metallic electrical circuit breaker panel, the device comprising: a switch coupled to the processor, the load terminals, and a power connector adapted to receive a main conductor compatible with the metal electrical circuit breaker panel; a wireless network module having a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor; an antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver, the antenna protruding from the metal electrical circuit breaker panel; as well as a current sensor coupled to the load terminal and to the processor, the processor being configured to: sampling the current conducted to the load terminal using the current sensor; as well as In response to receiving a command from the premises power controller via the wireless transceiver to de-energize the load terminals, the switch is opened upon detecting a zero crossing of the sampled AC current when a load connected to the load terminals is active.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a zero-crossing circuit coupled to the processor, the circuit configured to signal the processor when a zero-crossing of the conduction current is detected.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor configured to deactivate the switch is further configured to simultaneously open the switch upon a zero crossing of a conduction current and a zero crossing of a conduction voltage to the load terminal.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the power connector is coupled to a bus bar included within the metallic electrical circuit breaker panel.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the wireless network module is one of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the received command to power off the switch is issued from one of a smart phone or a tablet device.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to forward instantaneous power consumption data via the wireless transceiver.

21. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a display coupled to the processor and configured to show instantaneous power consumption data of a load coupled to the load terminals, the display being visible when the apparatus is installed in the metallic electrical circuit breaker panel.

22. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to show an identifier on the display, the display being visible when the apparatus is installed in the metallic electrical circuit breaker panel.

23. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to show a diagnostic code on the display, the display being visible when the apparatus is installed in the metallic electrical circuit breaker panel.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the switch is a transistor capable of withstanding a current of at least 15A and having a switching frequency of at least 100 kHz.

25. The device of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the switch is one of a relay or an actuated mechanical switch.

26. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the switch is a transistor.

27. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the sensor is a Hall Effect sensor.

28. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the switch is a transistor and a control to deactivate the transistor is isolated from the processor.

29. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the switch conducts at least 30A at a voltage of 220V or higher.

30. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein a command received via the wireless transceiver comprises an address associated with the apparatus.

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