Energy distribution system including source prioritization

Abstract

An energy distribution system includes at least a first energy storage system including a controller and at least one energy storage unit configured to store an amount of energy. The controller includes a memory storing an energy metadata file. The energy metadata file includes energy type elements and energy source elements.

Description

[0001] Introduction

[0002] This disclosure relates to energy distribution and management systems, and more particularly to an energy distribution system configured to include energy prioritization based on one or more criteria.

[0003] To provide a desired driving range, electric vehicles and some hybrid electric vehicles include a high-capacity battery system capable of storing a large amount of energy. In some examples, the vehicle can be configured to recycle excess energy from the vehicle to an external energy source through an external device. Due to the mobile nature of electric vehicles and the ability to charge electric vehicles from multiple different sources, electric vehicles often receive and distribute energy provided by a variety of different types of energy sources, including green energy and non-renewable energy.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a system for prioritizing the types of energy received and distributed by an electric vehicle battery system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, an energy distribution system includes at least a first energy storage system that includes a controller and at least one energy storage unit configured to store a quantity of energy. The controller includes a memory that stores an energy metadata file. The energy metadata file includes an energy type element and an energy source element.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the energy type element includes at least a first fossil fuel energy category, at least a first green fuel energy category, and an unknown type category.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the at least first green energy category includes a plurality of green energy categories.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a quantity of energy is associated with the metadata file in a replaceable energy association manner.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a quantity of energy is associated with the metadata file in a per-unit energy association manner.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the memory also stores instructions for causing the controller to implement a method for prioritizing energy distribution, the method including identifying a first prioritization condition for a pending energy transfer, transferring energy units that match the prioritization condition in the energy transfer, and determining a response when the energy transfer is not complete and the energy units that match the prioritization condition are exhausted.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, determining a response includes identifying a second prioritization condition and transmitting an energy unit that matches the second prioritization condition.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, determining a response includes ending an energy transfer.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the prioritization condition includes at least one of an energy type and an energy source.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the energy type includes at least one of green energy, wind energy, solar energy, and hydroelectric energy.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the energy source includes at least one of a power grid, an energy cost, and a charging location.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the controller is configured to manage an energy metadata file through a remote connection with one of a cloud service and a remote server.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, at least the first energy storage system includes an electric vehicle energy storage system.

[0018] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for prioritizing an energy flow between energy storage systems includes: identifying a primary prioritization condition for a pending energy transfer; identifying, by reading an energy metadata file corresponding to an energy source, an energy unit within the energy source that matches the primary prioritization condition; transmitting, in an energy transfer from the energy source to an energy destination, the energy unit that matches the primary prioritization condition; and determining a response when the energy transfer is not complete and the energy units that match the primary prioritization condition are exhausted.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, determining a response when the energy transfer is not complete and the energy units that match the primary prioritization condition are exhausted includes stopping the energy transfer.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, determining a response when the energy transfer is determined to be incomplete and the energy units that match the primary prioritization condition are exhausted includes identifying at least one secondary prioritization condition and transmitting an energy unit that matches the at least one secondary prioritization condition.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the energy metadata file includes an energy type element and an energy source element.

[0022] The energy metadata file is an alternative tracking energy metadata file in addition to one or more features described herein.

[0023] The energy metadata file is a per-unit metadata file in addition to one or more features described herein.

[0024] One of the energy source and the energy destination is a vehicle energy storage system in addition to one or more features described herein.

[0025] When viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the following detailed description, other features, advantages, and details are presented by way of example only, and the detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is an exemplary vehicle;

[0028] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a vehicle connected to a charging station;

[0029] Figure 3 is a visual representation of stored energy by energy type;

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a method for prioritizing the use of energy types in a single vehicle; and

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary method for tracking and prioritizing the use of energy types in an entire energy distribution system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that in all the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term "module" refers to a processing circuit, which may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes one or more software or firmware programs, and a memory, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. As used herein, the term "controller" refers to any computerized control system, including a dedicated control system, a general vehicle controller, a control program distributed over multiple systems, or any similar control architecture.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, an energy storage system for an electric vehicle includes a battery controller. The battery controller includes a memory that stores an energy metadata file. The energy metadata file tracks the energy source, quantity, and type stored within the energy storage system. In one example, the energy metadata file tracks which portion of the stored energy is green (renewable) energy, which portion of the energy is fossil fuel-based (non-renewable) energy, and which portion of the energy has an unknown source.

[0034] Additionally, the energy metadata file tracks the energy source (e.g., the power grid, a home storage unit, a commercial charging station, etc.). In further examples, the energy metadata file can track the cost of the energy received from any given source, the moment when the energy is received from the energy source, and any other available information regarding the energy. In an example where energy is transferred between two systems (e.g., a home charger and an electric vehicle), where each system has an energy metadata file, the metadata file of the transferred energy can be provided to the receiving system so that the metadata information in each system can be effectively updated, and the flow of energy units through an energy distribution system can be continuously tracked.

[0035] The energy metadata file can utilize replaceable tracking or per-unit tracking. As used herein, "replaceable tracking" refers to a tracking method where energy is treated as a replaceable item, and where the portions and sources of the energy are stored as a percentage of the total charge. In one example, for a certain quantity of energy, the replaceable tracking method will be able to identify energy of 80% green energy, 10% fossil fuel energy, and 10% unknown source. Any energy transferred from the electric vehicle will include metadata identifying the transferred energy as 80% green energy, 10% fossil fuel energy, and 10% unknown source.

[0036] As used herein, "per-unit tracking" refers to a tracking method where energy is treated as discrete units, and the metadata file tracks a certain quantity of energy corresponding to each category. For example, the per-unit tracking method will identify the type, source, and any other available information of each received energy unit, and the energy metadata file stores the information of each received unit. Energy transferred according to the per-unit tracking method includes metadata that identifies the source and type of each transferred energy unit and any available supplementary information, such as cost, the entity's payment for the energy, etc.

[0037] Some exemplary embodiments further include instructions stored in the memory and configured to cause the controller to prioritize energy transfer based on conditions related to the metadata file. For example, these conditions can prevent the transfer of energy obtained from a supplementary work charger, prioritize the transfer of green energy, prioritize the transfer of energy to certain systems, etc.

[0038] Continuing to refer to the overall system described above, Figure 1 an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10 is shown. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 that at least partially defines a passenger compartment 14. The body 12 also supports various vehicle subsystems, including a propulsion system 16, an energy storage unit (battery system 22), and other subsystems to support the functions of the propulsion system 16 and other vehicle components, such as a braking subsystem, a suspension system, a steering subsystem, etc.

[0039] The vehicle 10 can be an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine system 18 and at least one electric motor assembly. For example, the propulsion system 16 includes a first electric motor 20 and a second electric motor 21, and the electric motors 20 and 21 can be configured to drive wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle 10. Any number of electric motors located at various additional positions around the vehicle 10 can be used to power the corresponding systems and subsystems.

[0040] The battery system 22 can be electrically connected to the electric motors 20 and 21 and / or other components such as vehicle electronics. The battery system 22 can be configured as a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and includes a plurality of power units that are divided into a plurality of sections. A battery system controller 24 (or referred to as controller 24) is included within the battery system 22 and controls the charging and discharging functions of the battery system 22. In an alternative configuration, the controller 24 can be a general vehicle controller that is remote from the battery system 22 and is configured to control a plurality of systems and / or subsystems. The general vehicle controller can be located at any position within the vehicle 10. In another alternative, the controller 24 can be a distributed control system that includes a plurality of coordinated controllers throughout the vehicle 10, including controllers within the battery system 22 and controllers remote from the battery system 22.

[0041] In any example, the controller 24 includes a memory 25 that stores an energy metadata file 27. The energy metadata file 27 stores metadata about the energy stored in the battery system 22. The metadata includes, but is not limited to, data identifying the source and type of the energy stored in the battery system 22. In some examples, additional supplementary data is stored along with the source and type of the energy.

[0042] In one embodiment, the battery system 22 is connected to an external power source 32 such as a home power supply, a power grid, a charging station, etc. via a charger 30. Once connected, the controller 24 can cause the battery system 22 to charge (bring power into the battery system 22) or discharge (transfer power from the battery system 22) via the charger 30. When the charger 30 is connected to the external power source 32, a communication is established between the controller 24 and the corresponding controller on the external power source 32 via any form of data connection including wired or wireless and using any communication protocol.

[0043] When the external power source 32 includes its own energy metadata file 27, the controller 22 can exchange metadata with the external power source 32, and the controller 22 updates the metadata file 27 on the vehicle 10 with the information provided by the external power source 32. When the external power source 32 does not have an energy metadata file 27, the corresponding controller of the external power source 32 can be polled by the controller 24 for information about the generated energy source and type and any other relevant information. When the external power source 32 does not have a controller and / or cannot transmit information about the energy source and type, the controller 24 can infer the energy source and / or type of each unit based on the context of the receiving unit. In some examples, the controller 24 can determine the possible type and energy source based on weather, season, location, charging station ID, time of day, phone tracking app, and / or any similar system. In another example, the possible type and source of energy can be determined by the vehicle 10 using data that identifies public charging stations and private grid connections, where the data is stored locally at the vehicle 10 or remotely in a cloud storage system.

[0044] For example, if the vehicle 10 is typically in a usage location between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, then the controller 24 can infer that the energy received between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm is received from the power source 32 at the usage location. In an alternative example, in cases where the energy source or type cannot be determined sufficiently from the context information, the controller 24 can identify such energy as an unknown source.

[0045] Using the energy metadata file 27, classify the energy sources by tracking the energy generation methods (e.g., solar, hydro, wind, coal, nuclear, etc.) of each energy unit received by the vehicle 10 and tracking the energy sources (public charging stations, local grid connections, employer-provided charging, etc.). Tracking the energy through the metadata file enables the controller 24 to classify each energy unit and preferentially allocate energy from certain sources and / or certain types of energy units. In some examples, the energy metadata file may also include additional information other than the type and source of the energy. This information is referred to as supplementary information and may include, but is not limited to, the time, weather, season, location, charging station ID, customer configuration, unit price, entity paying for the energy, etc. that may be associated with a particular power unit. In some cases, when the energy metadata files are stored in a central storage device, data across multiple energy metadata files can be aggregated and the energy flow through the distribution system (e.g., energy usage within an electric vehicle fleet) can be tracked.

[0046] The implementation of the energy metadata file 27 can prioritize the energy distribution based on the energy type or source (e.g., the renewable or green degree of a given energy source, the costliness of a given energy source, who pays for a given energy unit, etc.).

[0047] Exemplary applications may include, but are not limited to:

[0048] Residential solar energy used to charge the vehicle's RESS or residential backup RESS for later use can be prioritized to compensate for non-renewable energy supplied by the connected grid.

[0049] The green energy stored in a stationary storage RESS can be used to charge the vehicle's RESS for propulsion or as storage for excess green energy spillover, which can be used for various purposes later.

[0050] Excess green energy at the generation source can be stored in the vehicle battery system 22 for use when non-green energy production is needed to meet demand or in the case of changes in time of day, weather, or season.

[0051] In some examples, depending on the use or prioritization of green energy, the stored energy distribution can be selectively used to maximize available tax credits or other financial incentives.

[0052] Continuing to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 is schematically shown Figure 1A vehicle 10 is connected to a charger 104 of an external energy source 32 through a charging port 30 on the vehicle. Both the charging port 30 and the charger 104 can transfer electric power to and from their respective systems (the vehicle 10 and the external energy source 32). The external energy source 32 also includes a controller 102. The controller 102 includes an energy metadata file tracking system similar to the one included in the vehicle controller 24 on the vehicle, and the controllers 102 and 24 can communicate wirelessly with each other. In an alternative example, the controllers 102 and 104 can communicate directly or indirectly with each other by wire, or be configured to communicate via any available device.

[0053] During the basic implementation of the energy metadata file 27 system, when the vehicle operator initially connects the vehicle charging port 30 to the charger 104, the controller 24 in the vehicle 10 can initiate communication with the controller 102 in the external energy source 32. When energy is exchanged from one of the vehicle 10 or the external energy source 32 to the other of the vehicle 10 or the external energy source 32, the controllers 24 and 102 transmit the energy type (solar, wind, fossil fuel, nuclear energy, etc.) of each unit of energy transferred, as well as any available supplementary information (such as price, time of day when the energy is generated, etc.). The energy metadata file 27 in each of the controllers 24 and 102 is updated, and each of the vehicle 10 and the external energy source 32 monitors and tracks the type and source of each unit of energy contained in its energy storage.

[0054] In some examples, such as for a house or a power grid, the external energy source 32 can provide different types of energy according to the time of day. For example, a house connected to a solar panel can provide solar energy during the day, but can obtain energy from a local power grid operated by burning coal at night. In such an example, the source can directly notify the receiving system, or the type can be inferred from the supplementary information (such as the time of day).

[0055] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and 2 , Figure 3It is a visual representation of a "type" classification of the energy stored in the battery system 22 on the vehicle 10 when tracking energy through the energy metadata file 27. The quantity of all shapes represents the total energy 200. In one example, each energy unit within the shape is divided into three parts: green energy 202, non-renewable energy 204, and energy from an unknown source 206, where the space within each part corresponds to a certain amount of energy with that classification. The space within each classification can also be further divided into sub-categories, such as solar energy 210, wind energy 212, hydroelectric energy 214, and unknown green energy 216. Similar divisions can exist within the non-renewable energy 204 part, including coal, nuclear, natural gas, and any similar energy sources. The classification types listed herein are exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0056] Figure 3 The classification type shown in is a visual representation of the information of a single axis, and the "source" classification of each energy unit can be visualized and sub-classified in a similar manner.

[0057] Referring again to Figure 2 and continuing to refer to Figure 3 , when starting an energy transfer, one or more of the controllers 24, 102 can transmit the prioritization conditions of the energy transfer. The prioritization conditions establish the preferred or required types and classifications of the energy that should be transferred first. For example, the controller 24 of the vehicle 10 can establish a prioritization condition (i.e., all non-renewable energy is transferred from the vehicle 10 at the earliest opportunity) so that the vehicle 10 operates under green energy 202. Similarly, the external power source 32 can establish a prioritization condition that the energy previously drawn from the external power source 32 should be transferred first. In yet another case, when both systems have prioritization conditions, the controllers 24, 102 can combine the prioritization conditions and start the transfer when the energy matches both conditions. Or, when the prioritization conditions conflict with each other, the controllers 24, 102 can use a balancing protocol to determine which prioritization condition to implement. In some such cases, each prioritization condition can be given a weight corresponding to its importance, and the controller 24, 102 can implement the prioritization condition with the higher weight.

[0058] When the energy that matches the prioritization condition has been exhausted, the controllers 24, 102 can end the transfer (if required by the conditions) or can switch to a lower-priority energy type (if preferred by the conditions).

[0059] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 - 3 , Figure 4 shows a chart 300 that illustrates the energy flow of a vehicle, such as using the energy metadata file 27 systemFigure 1 and 2 of vehicle 10.

[0060] Initially, at step 310, vehicle 10 is charged (receives energy into battery system 22) at a solar charging station 210 away from its home.

[0061] After being fully charged or completely charged, vehicle 10 completes a planned trip at step 312. In the example shown, the planned trip is a trip from the solar charging station to home.

[0062] Once at home, at step 314, vehicle 10 can be connected to the home system. Once connected, controller 24 can determine in "Available Excess Green Energy" check 316 whether excess energy is available within battery system 22. This corresponds to the prioritization condition of "Using Excess Green Energy" 202.

[0063] When there is no excess green energy 202, no energy is transferred from vehicle 10 due to the prioritization condition, and at step 318, vehicle 10 returns to the solar charging station.

[0064] When there is available excess green energy 202, in step 320 of transferring the excess green energy 202 to the home, the excess green energy 202 is transferred to the home system.

[0065] Once the excess energy has been transferred, vehicle 10 can return to the solar charging station at step 318.

[0066] After returning to the solar charging station, vehicle 10 returns to the initial step 310 and is charged again from the solar charging station.

[0067] Although each step and check of Figure 4 are listed closely together, it should be understood that expected delays may occur between the operations or executions of each step. For example, charging from the solar charging station (step 310) can occur during the course of a workday while the operator of vehicle 10 is at work. In this example, the following steps 312, 314, 316, 320 will occur after the owner of vehicle 10 gets off work, and the return to the solar station step 318 will occur the next time the owner of vehicle 10 returns to work.

[0068] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 - 3 , Figure 5Shows a general method 500 for applying prioritization conditions for first using green energy to the power generation source 32. Initially, in step 510, the controllers 24, 102 receive power from any type or source and classify the energy using the energy metadata file 27. While receiving the energy, the system receiving the energy monitors its own energy requirements and determines in check 520 whether there is excess green energy provided from various power sources. When there is no excess green energy, the system continues to receive power and monitor the received power.

[0069] When there is excess green energy, method 500 preferentially receives the green energy in step 530 and stores the excess green energy in an energy storage system (e.g., battery system 22), and determines in check 540 whether the excess green energy is needed. If the excess green energy is not currently needed, method 500 continues to receive and store the excess energy.

[0070] When the excess energy is needed, in step 550, the previously stored excess green energy is transferred from the storage device to any connected system that needs energy. When using energy, method 500 continuously checks in check 560 to determine whether the green energy in the energy storage system has been exhausted. When the stored green energy has not been exhausted, method 500 returns to check 540 and determines whether more energy is still needed. If the green energy has been exhausted, then in step 570, power from other sources is utilized, and method 500 returns to the initial check 520 to determine whether there is excess green energy.

[0071] Referring to all the drawings, in some examples, the energy metadata file 27 can be shared with a central database via the Internet, cloud services, cellular phone data connections, or any other data connection, and the central database converges the energy metadata files 27 from all participating systems. The central database can track the flow of energy of various types and sources through the energy ecosystem, and the data can be used to determine charging station locations, energy transfer times / conditions, or any similar information.

[0072] Some aspects explained above are summarized below by numbered examples.

[0073] Example 1. An energy distribution system, comprising:

[0074] At least a first energy storage system, the energy storage system including a controller and at least one energy storage unit configured to store a certain amount of energy, the controller including a memory storing an energy metadata file, and wherein the energy metadata file includes an energy type element and an energy source element.

[0075] Example 2. The energy distribution system according to Example 1, wherein the energy type elements include at least a first fossil fuel energy category, at least a first green fuel energy category, and an unknown type category.

[0076] Example 3. The energy distribution system according to Example 2, wherein the at least first green energy category includes a plurality of green energy categories.

[0077] Example 4. The energy distribution system according to Example 1, wherein the certain amount of energy is associated with the energy metadata file in a replaceable energy association manner.

[0078] Example 5. The energy distribution system according to Example 1, wherein the certain amount of energy is associated with the energy metadata file in a per-unit energy association manner.

[0079] Example 6. The energy distribution system according to Example 5, wherein the memory further stores instructions for causing the controller to implement a method for prioritizing energy distribution, the method comprising:

[0080] Identifying a first prioritization condition for a pending energy transfer;

[0081] Transmitting an energy unit that matches the first prioritization condition during the energy transfer; and

[0082] When the energy transfer is not completed and the energy units that match the first prioritization condition are exhausted, determining a response.

[0083] Example 7. The energy distribution system according to Example 6, wherein determining the response includes identifying a second prioritization condition and transmitting an energy unit that matches the second prioritization condition.

[0084] Example 8. The energy distribution system according to Example 6, wherein determining the response includes ending the energy transfer.

[0085] Example 9. The energy distribution system according to Example 6, wherein the first prioritization condition includes at least one of an energy type and an energy source.

[0086] Example 10. The energy distribution system according to Example 9, wherein the energy type includes at least one of green energy, wind energy, solar energy, and hydroelectric energy.

[0087] Example 11. The energy distribution system according to Example 10, wherein the energy source includes at least one of a power grid, an energy cost, and a charging location.

[0088] Example 12. The energy distribution system according to Example 1, wherein the controller is configured to manage the energy metadata file through a remote connection with one of a cloud service and a remote server.

[0089] Example 13. The energy distribution system according to Example 1, wherein the at least first energy storage system includes an electric vehicle energy storage system.

[0090] Example 14. A method for prioritizing energy flow between energy storage systems, comprising:

[0091] Identifying a primary prioritization condition for a pending energy transfer;

[0092] Identifying an energy unit within the energy source that matches the primary prioritization condition by reading an energy metadata file corresponding to the energy source;

[0093] Transmitting, in an energy transfer from the energy source to an energy destination, the energy unit that matches the primary prioritization condition; and

[0094] Determining a response when the energy transfer is not completed and the energy units that match the primary prioritization condition are exhausted.

[0095] Example 15. The method according to Example 14, wherein determining the response when the energy transfer is not completed and the energy units that match the primary prioritization condition are exhausted includes stopping the energy transfer.

[0096] Example 16. The method according to Example 14, wherein determining the response when the energy transfer is not completed and the energy units that match the primary prioritization condition are exhausted includes identifying at least one secondary prioritization condition and transmitting the energy units that match the at least one secondary prioritization condition.

[0097] Example 17. The method according to Example 14, wherein the energy metadata file includes an energy type element and an energy source element.

[0098] Example 18. The method according to Example 17, wherein the energy metadata file is a replaceable trace energy metadata file.

[0099] Example 19. The method according to Example 17, wherein the energy metadata file is a per-unit metadata file.

[0100] Example 20. The method according to Example 14, wherein one of the energy source and the energy destination is a vehicle energy storage system.

[0101] The terms "a" and "an" are not limitations of quantity but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Throughout the specification, a reference to "an aspect" means that a particular element (e.g., a feature, a structure, a step, or a characteristic) described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. Additionally, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0102] When an element such as a layer, a film, a region, or a substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0103] Unless otherwise specified herein, all test standards are the most recent standards in effect prior to the filing date of the present application or, if priority is claimed, the test standards of the earliest priority application in which they appear.

[0104] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0105] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that various changes can be made and elements can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. An energy distribution system, comprising: At least a first energy storage system, the energy storage system including a controller and at least one energy storage unit configured to store a certain amount of energy, the controller including a memory storing an energy metadata file, and wherein the energy metadata file includes an energy type element and an energy source element.

2. The energy distribution system according to claim 1, wherein The energy type element includes at least a first fossil fuel energy category, at least a first green fuel energy category, and an unknown type category. Optionally, wherein the at least first green energy category includes a plurality of green energy categories.

3. The energy distribution system according to claim 1, wherein, The certain amount of energy is associated with the energy metadata file in a replaceable energy association manner.

4. The energy distribution system according to claim 1, wherein, The certain amount of energy is associated with the energy metadata file in a per-unit energy association manner, and wherein the memory further stores instructions for enabling the controller to implement a method for prioritizing energy distribution, the method including: Identifying a first prioritization condition for a pending energy transfer; Transferring energy units in the energy transfer that match the first prioritization condition; and When the energy transfer is not completed and the energy units that match the first prioritization condition are exhausted, determining a response.

5. The energy distribution system according to claim 4, wherein Determining that the response includes identifying a second prioritization condition, transferring energy units that match the second prioritization condition, and ending one of the energy transfers.

6. The energy distribution system according to claim 4, wherein The first prioritization condition includes at least one of an energy type and an energy source.

7. The energy distribution system according to claim 6, wherein, The energy type includes at least one of green energy, wind energy, solar energy, and hydroelectric energy.

8. The energy distribution system according to claim 7, wherein, The energy source includes at least one of a power grid, an energy cost, and a charging location.

9. The energy distribution system according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to manage the energy metadata file through a remote connection with one of a cloud service and a remote server.

10. The energy distribution system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least first energy storage system includes an electric vehicle energy storage system.

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