Local metering response to data aggregation in distributed grid node

Abstract

Data aggregation enables a local control response at a consumer node of a distributed grid network. A consumer node includes a local energy meter. The meter receives multiple inputs indicating an electrical condition of the grid network and local operating conditions. The meter can aggregate the grid network and local operation conditions inputs with power demand for a local load coupled to the consumer side of the point of common coupling monitored by the energy meter. The energy meter calculates a mix of real and reactive power to output from a local energy source, based on the aggregated data. A local power converter outputs the calculated power from the local energy source.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]The present application is a nonprovisional application based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 021,085, filed Jul. 4, 2014, and claims the benefit of priority of that provisional application. The provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference.[0002]The present application is related to the following U.S. patent applications filed concurrently herewith, and having common ownership: U.S. patent application Ser. No. TBD [P016], entitled “HIERARCHICAL AND DISTRIBUTED POWER GRID CONTROL,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. TBD [P018], entitled “DISTRIBUTED POWER GRID CONTROL WITH LOCAL VAR CONTROL,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. TBD [P020], entitled “HIERARCHICAL AND DISTRIBUTED POWER GRID GENERATION,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. TBD [P021], entitled “TOTAL HARMONIC CONTROL,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. TBD [P022], entitled “ENERGY SIGNATURES TO REPRESENT COMPLEX CURRENT VECTORS,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. TBD [P026], entitled “POWER GRI...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a power grid system that is controlled by a centralized management system to keep voltage levels and power factor in-phase with current delivered on the grid. The traditional grid infrastructure is expensive to build and maintain, and requires the pushing of energy out from the central power source to the consumers, which can be hundreds of miles away. The patent proposes a new system that incorporates data aggregation and control decision based on the aggregation of data from different sources, such as utility power lines with associated poles and towers, substations, and other infrastructure. The new system is designed to be more efficient, cost-effective, and responsive to the needs of different consumers.

Problems solved by technology

Traditional grid infrastructure is expensive to build and maintain.

Furthermore, it requires the pushing of energy out from the central power source to the consumers, which can be hundreds of miles away.

Typically, motorized equipment drawing power from the grid will cause a degradation of power factor of the grid.

Newer switching power supply designs in modern electronics further complicate the power factor and voltage regulation of the grid by requiring reactive power and introducing noise back onto the grid.

The consumer typically sees the power in Watt-hours which gives the cost of the energy delivered to the premises.

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