Management of self-powered air conditioning systems

Abstract

The invention relates to management of a self-powered air conditioning system. An energy management system includes: a utility server providing a load shape; an aggregator in communication with the utility server; a plurality of buildings; a plurality of assets associated with the plurality of buildings, at least one of the assets being an energy storage device; wherein the aggregator is configured to at least one of (i) supply of energy from the energy storage device to meet the load shape, or (ii) change a setting of an asset to meet the load shape.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 627,655, filed on January 31, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 685,872, filed on August 22, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] The embodiments described herein relate to air - conditioning systems.

[0003] Electric power drives a large number of devices and equipment in commercial, industrial, residential applications, and data centers. For example, electric power drives lights, motors, household appliances, medical devices, computers, air - conditioning systems, electric vehicle charging stations, data center processing and cooling requirements, and many other electrical devices. In most regions, power utilities generate and distribute electricity (through an AC power grid). Shortages and / or increased costs associated with factors such as the use of fossil fuels, the intermittency of renewable resources, power demand and supply variability, and increasing energy demands significantly affect the power cost and continuous availability for consumers and businesses. Generally, shortages and / or increased costs often occur during peak - demand times. Peak demand can occur based on the time of day, such as in the morning or in the evening. On a more random basis, peak demand (or demand greater than available supply) may occur due to natural disasters or during extended periods of, for example, cloudiness (if power from the grid comes from solar energy) or wind variability (if power from the grid comes from wind turbines). For example, a hurricane or earthquake may damage the generators and / or power grid of a power utility, resulting in a significant loss of electrical power to commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Repair of these damaged lines and generators may take hours, days, or weeks. Various sites may also lose power from the grid for other reasons, including maintenance. During these times of lost power, the sites may be unable to continue operating. In addition, an increasing number of data centers have significantly increased the demand for energy from the grid.

[0004] Often, during peak - demand times, electric power from the grid is more expensive. For example, power utilities may use low - cost generators during periods of minimum demand and further use high - cost generators during periods of peak demand. Unfortunately, existing infrastructure has not adequately addressed these different costs associated with peak demand and minimum demand. Thus, commercial, industrial, data center, and residential applications typically draw power from the grid during peak - demand times, regardless of the higher cost associated with its generation.

[0005] Some energy consumers, such as commercial, industrial, data center, and residential users, may be driven by factors other than cost, such as the desire to support sustainable energy options (as further described below). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to an embodiment, an energy management system includes: a utility server that provides a load profile; an aggregator that communicates with the utility server; a plurality of buildings; and a plurality of assets associated with the plurality of buildings, where at least one of the assets is an energy storage device; wherein the aggregator is configured to perform at least one of the following: (i) supply energy from the energy storage device to meet the load profile, or (ii) change the settings of the assets to meet the load profile.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include: wherein the aggregator includes a plurality of aggregators.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include: wherein the load profile includes a width and a height.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include: wherein the energy storage device is discharged to meet the width and the height of the required load profile.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include: scheduling the load profile in real time or in advance to meet the width and the height of the required load profile.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include: wherein the assets include a plurality of energy storage devices.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include: wherein the aggregator discharges the plurality of energy storage devices to meet the load profile requested by the utility server.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include: wherein the aggregator charges the plurality of energy storage devices after meeting the load profile requested by the utility server.

[0014] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: wherein the aggregator changes the settings of the assets to meet the load profile.

[0015] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: wherein the aggregator performs (i) supplying energy from the energy storage device to meet the load profile, and (ii) changing the settings of the assets to meet the load profile.

[0016] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: wherein the aggregator is configured to manage the energy usage of one or more of the plurality of buildings and / or the plurality of assets to meet the load profile requested by the utility server.

[0017] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: wherein the utility server, the aggregator, the plurality of buildings, and the plurality of assets are arranged in a multi-level architecture.

[0018] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: wherein the utility server, the aggregator, the plurality of buildings, and the plurality of assets are arranged in a mesh architecture.

[0019] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: wherein the energy storage device is configured to power a first unit of an air conditioning system.

[0020] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: wherein the first unit is an outdoor unit of the air conditioning system.

[0021] In another embodiment, a method for energy management includes obtaining a load profile from a utility server; at an aggregator, initiating at least one of the following: (i) supplying energy from an energy storage device to meet the load profile; or (ii) changing the settings of assets to meet the load profile.

[0022] In another embodiment, a computer program is embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program includes instructions for causing a processor to implement a process for energy management. The process includes: obtaining a load profile from a utility server; at an aggregator, initiating at least one of the following: (i) supplying energy from an energy storage device to meet the load profile; or (ii) changing settings of assets to meet the load profile.

[0023] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Given the following description and drawings, these features and elements and their operation will become more apparent. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non-limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0025] Figure 1 A system in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0026] Figure 2 A controller in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0027] Figure 3A An electrical architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0028] Figure 3B An electrical architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0029] Figure 4A An electrical architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0030] Figure 4B An electrical architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0031] Figure 5A An electrical architecture of a constant-speed compressor with a DC architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0032] Figure 5B An electrical architecture of a constant-speed compressor with an AC architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0033] Figure 5C An electrical architecture of a variable-speed compressor with a DC architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0034] Figure 5D An electrical architecture of a variable-speed compressor with an AC architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0035] Figure 6Depicts the electrical architecture of a compressor powered by a multilevel inverter in an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7 Depicts a phase leg of a five-level multiphase inverter in an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 8 Depicts the communication between a controller, a thermostat, and a remote system in an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 9 Depicts the control process in an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 10 Depicts the architecture for multilevel energy management in an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 11 Illustrates load shaping by a group of air conditioning systems with energy storage devices in an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0041] For current global electrification and decarbonization efforts, there is an encouragement to use efficient, optimized all-electric air conditioning systems that provide comfort while being dispatchable (on-off, adjustable, or variable) under different pricing conditions or after receiving a utility signal. By way of example, a utility signal can be received from an electrical AC grid and can include an Independent System Operator (ISO), which can include an independent, federally regulated entity established to coordinate regional transmission in a non-discriminatory manner and ensure the reliability and security of the power system; or a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), which can operate most of the large electric power systems across a geographical area and is generally an independent, membership-based non-profit organization that ensures reliability and optimizes supply and demand bids for wholesale electric power or from a virtual power plant, which is generally considered to include the connected aggregation of distributed energy (DER) technologies that provide demand flexibility and renewable energy. References to a utility refer to one or more entities involved in power generation, transmission, and / or distribution.

[0042] The embodiments described herein relate to an air conditioning system that includes an electrical energy storage system (such as a battery, supercapacitor) to provide the level of dispatchability required for interconnection with the power grid.

[0043] Figure 1Illustrates system 100 in an example embodiment. System 100 includes components of an air conditioning system. The phrase "air conditioning" is intended to include one or more of heating, cooling, ventilation, humidification, dehumidification, refrigeration, hot water heating, chilled water or fluid, air filtration, and other known air handling operations, or any combination of the operations described above. The air conditioning system can include known types of systems, such as heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, chillers, split systems, packaged systems, single package systems, etc. Air conditioning system 100 includes a first unit 200 and one or more second units 250. Depending on the nature of the air conditioning system, the first unit 200 and the (one or more) second units 250 can be located separately (indoors or outdoors) or co-located (indoors or outdoors). For example, in a split system, the first unit 200 is an outdoor unit (e.g., compressor and heat exchanger), and the (one or more) second units 250 are indoor units (e.g., expansion mechanism, heat exchanger). In a packaged system (e.g., rooftop or ground-mounted), the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 are co-located within a single footprint outside the building. In a chiller, the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 can be co-located (indoors or outdoors) or located separately. Some single package systems can have the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 co-located inside the building.

[0044] In Figure 1 the example shown, the first unit 200 can be an outdoor unit of a split system located on the ground plane next to building 102, on the roof of building 102, or any other location. The (one or more) second units 250 can be located inside building 102 (as is common for split systems). It should be understood that Figure 1 is an example, and the embodiment is not limited to split systems.

[0045] System 100 includes a controller 220, a power converter 230, and an energy storage device (ESD) 240. Figure 1 is an example embodiment, and the location of the components is not limited to Figure 1The positions shown. For example, the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 can be separate from the first unit 200 that houses the compressor 242, the drive 244, the fan 246, and the load(s) 248. The first unit 200 can include a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the first unit 200. This allows the components of the described embodiments to be retrofitted into an existing first unit 200 of an air conditioning system and / or an existing second unit 250 of an air conditioning system. One or more of the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 can be located in the first unit 200. One or more of the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 can be located outside the first unit 200 or adjacent to the first unit 200. One or more of the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 can be located in the building 102.

[0046] The first unit 200 can include a heat exchanger (not shown) that serves as a condenser / gas cooler and / or serves as an evaporator as part of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0047] In the figures, the positions of all components in the drawings are examples, and the embodiments include modifications to the positions of the components shown in the drawings. For example, a component shown as connected to the first unit 200 can be a retrofit component added to an existing first unit 200. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] The controller 220 can communicate with an air conditioning controller system controller and / or an energy storage device controller. In some embodiments, a single controller can implement all the functions of the controller 220, the air conditioning controller, and the energy storage device controller. The controller 220 communicates with the components of the described system using wired and / or wireless connections that are not shown in the drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 The system and its embodiments described herein allow one or more components of an air conditioning system and other loads not associated with the air conditioning system to be powered solely by the AC grid, solely by the energy storage device 240, and by a combination of the AC grid and the energy storage device 240. The one or more components of the air conditioning system include the components in the first unit 200 and the components in the second unit 250.

[0050] Figure 2Depicts a controller 220 according to an embodiment. The controller 220 includes a sensor interface 222, which can obtain operating parameters of the air conditioning system, such as pressure, temperature, etc. As is known in the art, the controller 220 can adjust the operation of the air conditioning system based on the sensed operating parameters. The controller 220 includes a processor 224 that controls the operation of the control system 100. The processor 224 can be implemented using a general-purpose microprocessor that executes a computer program stored on a storage medium to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, the processor 224 can be implemented in hardware (e.g., ASIC, FPGA) or in a combination of hardware / software. The processor 224 allows the controller 220 to perform local computations, also known as edge computing. The processor 224 can send commands to other components of the air conditioning system 100 based on the results of the local computations.

[0051] The controller 220 includes a memory 226, which can store computer programs, reference data, sensor data, etc. that can be executed by the processor 224. The memory 226 can be implemented using known devices, such as random access memory. The controller 220 includes a communication unit 228 that allows the controller 220 to communicate with other components of the system 100, such as the first unit 200, the second unit 250, and the thermostat 260. The communication unit 228 can be implemented using a wired connection (e.g., LAN, Ethernet, twisted pair, etc.) and / or a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi, near field communication (“NFC”), Bluetooth, etc.).

[0052] In some embodiments, communication unit 228 may provide high-speed data communication via an existing wiring system and / or provide communication with newer devices having a high-speed bus while maintaining communication with existing devices (e.g., having an RS-485 communication bus). In some embodiments, the HVAC device may include four lines for data communication: power supply, ground, data +, and data -. Among these lines, data + and data - are used to carry low-speed standard RS-485 data. The power supply line is used to power the wall control and comes from the second unit 250. This same power supply line is carried to the first unit 200, although it is generally not used. The ability to utilize the power supply line and the ground line of the four-wire system (referred to as "power line communication" (PLC) technology) allows digital / data signals to be sent via the power supply line. In some embodiments, PLC technology may allow data transmission at gigabit rates or near gigabit rates using standard two-wire cabling. This includes the two lines represented by the power supply and ground of the HVAC device. It should be appreciated that other data transmission speeds are possible. In some embodiments, the communication unit 228 of the present disclosure may be configured such that when PLC high-speed communication is occurring via the power supply line and the ground line of the four-wire system, low-speed RS-485 communication may also be occurring on the data + line and the data - line. In some embodiments, the ability to use high-speed communication or a combination of high-speed and low-speed communication enables the controller 220 to utilize algorithms based on machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI). In some embodiments, high-speed and low-speed communication may occur approximately simultaneously (e.g., within a few milliseconds of each other). This may allow communication with both standard HVAC lines and RS-485 controlled devices as well as HVAC devices containing additional PLC transceivers. This may be advantageous because both new high-speed HVAC devices and existing RS-485 HVAC devices can coexist on the existing wiring of a building.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 , the power converter 230 is used to perform any necessary power conversions, including one or more of AC-AC, AC-DC, DC-AC, and DC-DC. The power converter 230 may include several power converters at different locations in the system 100. The (one or more) power converters 230 may operate in a bi-directional manner such that one or more of the power conversions are bi-directional. As Figure 1As shown, the power converter 230 is connected to an AC and / or DC power source and / or load. The power converter 230 can also supply power to loads in the building 102, including the second unit 250 (if in the building 102), the thermostat 260, and the load 270. In a conventional mode, the loads in the building 102 would receive AC power directly from the AC grid. The controller 220 can select whether the power will come from the AC grid or from the power converter 230. Example embodiments of the power converter 230 are described herein.

[0054] The energy storage device 240 is configured to provide at least a portion of the power to operate one or more of the components of the air conditioning system, such as the first unit 200, the second unit(s) 250, along with the indoor load(s) 270 and any other loads, under certain circumstances. The energy storage device 240 can be implemented using devices for storing electrical energy, including, for example, one or more of batteries, battery modules, battery cells, supercapacitors, etc. The battery 240 can include a number of cells in modular form or as a standalone multi-cell array. The battery 240 can be made up of a single or multiple self-contained systems, battery modules, or individual cells. The battery 240 (such as a complete plug and play battery) can include a case, wires, cells, and modules. For example, the battery 240 can include a set of cells configured as a self-contained mechanical and electrical unit. The energy storage device 240 can include other components (e.g., an ESD management system (ESDMS)), which is electrically coupled to the energy storage device 240 and can be adapted to communicate with the controller 220 directly or through the ESDMS.

[0055] The first unit 200 also includes components that serve as part of the air conditioning system and includes a compressor 242, one or more drives 244, a fan 246, and other loads 248, as well as a control unit (not shown). The heat exchanger (not shown) in the first unit 200 can act as an evaporator or a condenser / gas cooler. These components are described in more detail herein when relevant to the embodiments.

[0056] In a split system, inside the building 102, one or more second units 250 are positioned to condition one or more zones of the building 102. A variety of known second units can be used to implement the second unit 250, including variable air volume (VAV) units, liquid-cooled second units, fan coil units, furnaces, air handlers, etc., which typically include heat exchangers. In other types of systems (e.g., packaged systems or chiller systems), the second unit(s) 250 can be located outdoors and include any form of heat exchanger, such as a cooling tower, etc.

[0057] The optional thermostat 260 provides a user interface for the air conditioning system 100 and allows a user to input the operating mode of the air conditioning system 100, input set points for the respective zones of the system 100, etc. The indoor load 270 may be supplied with electrical power by the first unit 200. The indoor load 270 includes various loads such as appliances, lighting, electric vehicle chargers, etc. The thermostat 260 is not required, and other techniques may be used for the control of the air conditioning system.

[0058] Figure 3A An electrical architecture in an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 3A The positions of the components in are an example, and any of the components may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements may be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] As Figure 3A shown, the AC grid 302 is connected to the first unit 200 via a grid disconnect device 304 under the control of the controller 220. This allows the first unit 200 to be powered by the energy storage device 240 independently of the AC grid 302. The first unit 200 may also be powered by both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240 in combination. The disconnect device 304 may also be implemented as a mechanical switch (e.g., controlled by the controller 220) or implemented using software (by the controller 220 by controlling one or more power converters).

[0060] The AC grid 302 is connected to indoor AC loads 308 (such as air handlers, or any fixtures in a residential, commercial, industrial building, or data center). The AC grid 302 is also provided to an AC / AC converter 310, which supplies regulated AC power to the compressor drive 244A of the compressor 242 and the fan 246. The AC / AC converter 310 may control the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the AC power supplied to the compressor drive 244A of the compressor 242 and the fan 246.

[0061] The AC power grid 302 can also be connected to one of the unidirectional or bidirectional AC / DC converters 312 that interface the AC power bus 305 with the DC power bus 313. The DC power bus 313 supplies power to the DC load 248, which may be located in the first unit 200. Under certain conditions, the DC power bus 313 supplies power to one or more components (e.g., the compressor 242 and the fan 246) in the components of the air conditioning system through the bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 and the AC / AC converter 310. This allows one or more components in the components of the air conditioning system to operate independently of or in combination with the AC power grid 302. The bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 also allows the power from the DC bus 313 to be directed to the AC power grid 302.

[0062] The DC power bus 313 can be powered by the energy storage device 240. In the charging mode, the DC power bus 313 is used to charge the energy storage device 240 (charger not shown). The DC power bus 313 can also be powered by one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, such as solar DC power, wind DC power, geothermal DC power, fuel cells, etc. The DC / DC converter 316 can be used to couple the auxiliary DC source 314 to the DC power bus 313. The DC power bus 313 can supply power to the indoor DC load 318. The DC / DC converter 320 can be used to couple the indoor DC load 318 to the DC power bus 313. The DC / AC converter 347 can be used to couple the DC power bus 313 to the indoor AC load 308 (through the disconnecting device 348). In some operating modes, the energy storage device 240 is used to supply power to the indoor AC load 308. The AC / AC converter 310, the AC / DC converter 312, the DC / DC converter 320, the DC / DC converter 316, and the DC / AC converter 347 can be Figure 1 implementations of the medium power converter 230. In some embodiments, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 are connected to the AC power bus 305 through a DC / AC converter (not shown). In other embodiments, the one or more auxiliary power sources provide AC power, which is connected to the AC bus 305 and / or the DC bus 313 through an appropriate AC / AC converter or AC / DC converter.

[0063] The compressor drive 244A can be implemented in various ways. In one embodiment, the compressor drive 244A is a switch, such as a contactor or a relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the output of the AC / AC converter 310. In other embodiments, the compressor drive 244A can be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter.

[0064] An optional DC / DC converter 241 can provide power conversion between the energy storage device 240 and the DC power bus 313. The DC / DC converter 241 can be a bidirectional converter for boosting or reducing the DC voltage, such that the energy storage device 240 can power the DC power bus 313 and the DC power bus 313 can charge the energy storage device 240. The DC / DC converter 241 can be part of the energy storage device 240 or can be a component separate from the energy storage device 240.

[0065] Figure 3A The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308 can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity rates, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 Example conditions are discussed.

[0066] Figure 3B depicts the electrical architecture in an example embodiment. Figure 3B The location of the components in is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) (s). This allows components to be retrofitted to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 3B Similar to Figure 3A, except that the AC / AC converter 310 is eliminated. The compressor 242 is provided with power from the compressor drive 244A. The compressor drive 244A can be a switch that connects the compressor 242 to the AC power bus 305, such as a contactor or a relay. In other embodiments, the compressor drive 244A can be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter. The compressor drive 244A can be controlled by the controller 220.

[0068] The fan 246 is provided with power from the fan drive 244B. The fan drive 244B can be a switch that connects the fan 246 to the AC power bus 305, such as a contactor or a relay. In other embodiments, the fan drive 244B can be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter. The fan drive 244B can be controlled by the controller 220.

[0069] Figure 3B The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the one or more second units 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308, can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the one or more second units 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether the power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors, such as the utility status, the utility electricity price, the status of the energy storage device 240, the consumer preference, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 Example conditions are discussed.

[0070] Figure 4A depicts the electrical architecture in another exemplary embodiment. Figure 4AThe position of the components in the figure is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] In Figure 4A the compressor drive 244A and the fan 246 are DC-powered and thus there is no need for an AC / AC converter 310. The bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 allows the energy storage device 240 to supply power to one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or feed power from the DC bus 313 to the AC grid 302 (under certain conditions). The bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 connects the AC power bus 305 to the DC power bus 313 through an interface.

[0072] The compressor drive 244A can be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the DC power bus 313. In other embodiments, the compressor drive 244A can be a power converter, such as a DC / AC converter or a DC / DC converter. The compressor drive 244A can be controlled by the controller 220.

[0073] Figure 4A The electrical architecture of allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308, can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors, such as utility status, utility electricity rates, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 are discussed.

[0074] Figure 4B depicts an electrical architecture in another exemplary embodiment. Figure 4B The positions of the components in [FIGURE] are an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows components to be retrofitted to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 4B Similar to Figure 4A , except that the fan 246 includes a fan drive 244B. The fan drive 244B can be a switch, such as a contactor or relay, that connects the fan 246 to the DC power bus 313. In other embodiments, the fan drive 244B can be a power converter, such as a DC / AC converter or a DC / DC converter. The fan drive 244B can be controlled by the controller 220.

[0076] Figure 4B The electrical architecture of [FIGURE] allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308, can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors, such as utility status, utility electricity rates, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 discusses example conditions.

[0077] Figure 5A depicts the DC electrical architecture of the constant speed first unit 200 in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5AThe position of the components in the middle is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements can be added to sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in combination with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected (via a DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240. As Figure 5A shown, AC power from the AC grid 302 is supplied to the power converter 230 through the grid disconnect device 304. The power converter 230 includes an AC / DC converter 370 and a DC / AC converter 372. The output of the DC / AC converter 372 is provided to the compressor 242 through the compressor drive 244A. Since the compressor 242 is a constant speed compressor, the compressor drive 244A can be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay.

[0079] Both the AC / DC converter 370 and the DC / AC converter 372 operate under the control of the controller 220. Between the AC / DC converter 370 and the DC / AC converter 372 is a DC link 371, which is optionally connected to the energy storage device 240 through a DC / DC converter 241. Under this arrangement, the energy storage device 240 can be charged by the power converter 230. Alternatively, the energy storage device 240 can supply DC power to the DC link 371 to power the DC / AC converter 372 and the compressor 242. This allows the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302 or in combination with the AC grid 302. The AC / DC converter 370 can be bidirectional to allow the energy storage device 240 to supply power to the AC grid 302 and charge from the AC grid 302.

[0080] The controller 220, the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, the DC / DC converters 32 and 316, and the DC / AC converter 347 and the DC / DC converter 241 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system to enable the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302 or operate under the power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. It also allows auxiliary power sources to be added in a modular manner.

[0081] Figure 5A The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308 can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors such as the utility status, the utility electricity price, the status of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 discussed example conditions.

[0082] Figure 5B depicts the AC electrical architecture of the constant speed first unit 200 in an example embodiment. Figure 5B The location of the components in is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows for retrofitting of components to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in combination with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected (via a DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0084] In Figure 5BIn [the figure], the power converter 230 includes a DC / DC converter 241 coupled to an energy storage device 240 and an AC / DC converter 370. The AC / DC converter 370 can be bidirectional to allow the energy storage device 240 to supply power to the AC grid 302 and to be charged from the AC grid 302. Since the compressor 242 is a constant speed compressor, the compressor drive 244A can be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay.

[0085] The controller 220, the power converter 230, and the energy storage device 240 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system to enable the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302 or to operate under power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240.

[0086] Figure 5B The electrical architecture [of the air conditioning system] allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls the various power converters. Other loads, such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308, can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power, alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240, one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) and / or other loads. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors, such as utility status, utility electricity rates, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 Example conditions are discussed below with reference to

[0087] Figure 5C depicts the DC electrical architecture of the variable speed first unit 200 in an example embodiment. Figure 5C The location of the components in [the figure] is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] Figure Similar to ​ , except that the compressor drive 244A provides variable speed operation of the compressor 242. Other loads 248 of the first unit 200 may be powered from the output of the DC / AC converter 372.

[0089] The controller 220, the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the DC / DC converter 241 may be retrofitted to an existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system to enable the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302, or to operate under power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240.

[0090] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 may be used in combination with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may be connected (via a DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0091] ​ The electrical architecture of allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 may be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308 may be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity rates, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to ​ discusses example conditions.

[0092] ​ Depicts the DC electrical architecture of the variable speed first unit 200 in an example embodiment. ​The position of the components in the middle is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows for retrofitting of the components to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be added to sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0093] ​ Similar to ​ , except that the compressor drive 244A provides variable speed operation of the compressor 242. Other loads 248 of the first unit 200 can be powered from the AC power bus 305.

[0094] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in combination with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected (via the DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0095] The controller 220, the power converter 230, and the energy storage device 240 can be retrofitted to an existing first unit 200. This allows for the addition of the energy storage device 240 to an existing air conditioning system to enable the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302, or to operate under power from both the AC grid and the energy storage device 240.

[0096] ​The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308 can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity price, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to ​ Example conditions are discussed.

[0097] ​ An electrical architecture with a variable speed compressor drive in an example embodiment is depicted, which includes a multilevel inverter. For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. ​ The location of the components in is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0098] As ​ shown in, AC power from the AC grid 302 is supplied to the power converter 230 through the grid disconnect device 304. The power converter 230 includes an AC / DC converter 380 and a multilevel inverter 382. The output of the multilevel inverter 382 is provided to the compressor 242. The output of the multilevel inverter 382 can be a multi-phase multilevel waveform configured to drive the multi-phase motor of the compressor 242. In an example embodiment, the multilevel inverter 382 is a five-level three-phase inverter. In another example embodiment, the multilevel inverter 382 is a three-level three-phase inverter.

[0099] The multilevel inverter 382 synthesizes a sinusoidal current waveform to operate and control the compressor 242. Conventionally, this has been accomplished with a two-level inverter. Integration with the energy storage device 240 allows for a natural progression to higher-order inverters. Three-level and five-level inverters require independent power supplies to set the voltage levels. In ​ the embodiment of, the energy storage device 240 can set the voltage levels. The energy storage device 240 can include internally connected battery modules in series. The multilevel inverter 382 directly uses the battery modules for each required voltage level, thus enabling the benefits of a multilevel inverter. The multilevel inverter 382 benefits from lower harmonic output and lower dv / dt device stress. The multilevel inverter 382 increases reliability by its ability to reconfigure to a lower number of levels (by the integration of relays or back-to-back switches to connect or disconnect the battery modules) after a fault has occurred.

[0100] ​ A phase leg of a five-level multiphase inverter in one embodiment of the multilevel inverter 382 is shown. The energy storage device 240 includes at least four battery modules 240A, 240B, 240C, and 240D connected in series. The combination of the battery modules 240A, 240B, 240C, and 240D and the neutral point n provides five voltage levels for creating a sinusoidal output waveform on one phase. Generally, using N battery module voltages provides an N + 1 level output waveform for each phase. The switches S1 - S4 and S1' - S4' are controlled by the controller 220 to generate a sine wave as known in the art. By the integration of relays or back-to-back switches to connect or disconnect the battery modules, the multilevel inverter 382 can be reconfigured to fewer levels.

[0101] The voltage levels used in the multilevel inverter 382 do not need to be supplied by separate battery modules. The voltage levels for creating the sinusoidal output waveform can be created using one battery module (by splitting the battery voltage with a capacitor, for example).

[0102] Reference ​, both the AC / DC converter 380 and the multilevel inverter 382 operate under the control of the controller 220. Between the AC / DC converter 380 and the multilevel inverter 382 is a DC link 381, which is connected to the energy storage device 240. Under this arrangement, the energy storage device 240 can be charged by the power converter 230. Alternatively, the energy storage device 240 can supply DC power to the DC link 381 to power the multilevel inverter 382 and the compressor 242. This allows the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302 or to operate under power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. The AC / DC converter 380 can be bidirectional to allow the energy storage device 240 to supply power to the AC grid and to charge from the AC grid.

[0103] ​ The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302 in combination. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls the various power converters. Other loads such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308 can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether the power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors such as the utility status, the utility electricity price, the status of the energy storage device 240, the consumer preference, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to ​ discussed.

[0104] In the above embodiments, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be used to provide DC power. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can include sources such as solar DC power, wind DC power, geothermal DC power, fuel cells, etc.

[0105] ​Depicts the communication between the controller 220, the thermostat 260, and the remote system 410 in an example embodiment. As noted above, the controller 220 can be integrated as part of an air conditioning controller and / or a battery controller, or be standalone and communicate with an air conditioning controller and / or an energy storage controller. The controller 220 communicates with the thermostat 260 via a local link 400. The local link 400 can be a wired connection (e.g., twisted pair, four-wire, power line communication, Modbus, CAN bus, etc.) and / or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi, radio, or Bluetooth, NFC, etc.). The thermostat 260 can also be implemented using a software application operating on a user device (e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer). The thermostat 260 can also provide occupancy, past performance, and weather information to the controller 220.

[0106] One or both of the controller 220 and the thermostat 260 can communicate with the remote system 410 via a network 406. The network 406 can be a long-distance network and can be implemented via various communication protocols. The network 406 can be implemented via one or more networks, such as but not limited to one or more of the following networks: WiMax, local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), personal area network (PAN), campus area network (CAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless wide area network (WWAN), or any broadband network, and is further capable of implementing the following technologies, such as (by way of example): Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Matter, fixed wireless data, 2G, 2.5G, 3G (e.g., 3G network based on UMTS / WCDMA), 4G, IMT-Advanced, pre-4G, LTE-Advanced, 5G, 6G, Mobile WiMax, WiMax2, Wireless MAN Advanced Network, Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, iBurst, UMTS, HSPDA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, UMTS-TDD, 1xRTT, EV-DO, messaging protocols, such as TCP / IP, SMS, MMS, Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), etc., Instant Messaging and Presence Protocol (IMPP), Instant Messaging, USSD, IRC, or any other wireless data network, broadband network, or messaging protocol.

[0107] The remote system 410 can be embodied as any type of processor-based computing or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to computers, servers, workstations, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, mobile computing devices, wearable computing devices, network devices, web devices, distributed computing systems (such as cloud computing), processor-based systems, and / or consumer electronic devices. The remote system 410 provides information used by the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260 to implement energy management routines that control how the one or more components of the air conditioning system and the load 270 consume power. The information provided by the remote system 410 can include utility pricing (which indicates the cost of electricity on the AC grid 302) and weather information (which can be used to predict future utility pricing and the use of the one or more components of the air conditioning system). Utility pricing and weather can be pushed to or pulled by the remote system 410 using known networking techniques. Utility pricing and / or weather can be determined in real time or be a forecast of future conditions.

[0108] In the embodiments described above, the controller 220 communicates with the components of the described system using wired and / or wireless connections (which are not illustrated in the figures). Depending on the power source used in the operating mode (e.g., one or more of AC grid power, energy storage device power, auxiliary power source, etc.), the controller 220 sends command signals to various system components (e.g., AC / DC converters 310, 312, DC / AC converter 347, DC / DC converters 320, 316, 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / AC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380, and / or multilevel inverter 382, AC disconnect 304, etc.) to route power to one or more components of the air conditioning system, such as the first unit 200, the second unit(s) 250, along with the indoor load(s) 270 and any other load.

[0109] ​Depicts the energy management process in an example embodiment. This process can be performed by the controller 220 and / or by the thermostat 260. At 600, the controller 220 determines whether there is a request to reduce energy usage, or whether there are any other communication signals, such as a change in energy pricing, or an incentive. A utility provider may request a reduction in energy usage during a specific time period to avoid service disruptions (e.g., brownout) or other penalties or incentives, such as a change in pricing. A request to reduce energy usage may be accompanied by an incentive (e.g., a $5 credit on the next energy bill). A request for reduction may also originate from an energy consumer, such as a data center, where the data center needs to maintain its processing and / or cooling load and encourages other users to reduce their consumption to ensure energy availability.

[0110] If there is a request to reduce energy usage, the process proceeds to 602, where the user (e.g., a customer of the utility) can approve or reject the request to reduce energy usage. The approval or rejection determination may be pre-established by the user and pre-programmed into the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260. For example, the user may wish to always reduce energy consumption regardless of the terms. The user may wish to never reduce energy consumption regardless of the terms. The user may wish to reduce energy consumption only when the utility offers an incentive. The approval or rejection determination at 602 may also be real-time, where the user inputs approval or rejection of the reduction in energy consumption via the thermostat 260 or via a mobile device.

[0111] If the user approves in 602 to reduce energy usage, the process proceeds to 604, where one or more components of the air conditioning system (if needed) and / or other loads are at least partially powered by the energy storage device 240. This may involve opening the AC disconnect device 304 (e.g., the power from the AC grid 302 is zero), and only using the energy storage device 240 to power one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads. Operating one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads may also include using both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240 in combination to power the one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads. The controller 220 may limit the amount of power drawn from the AC grid 302 by controlling various power converters 230 in the system (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / AC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / DC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380, and / or multilevel inverter 382) to reduce the amount of AC power drawn from the AC grid. The energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302 are used in combination to power one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or one or more loads.

[0112] Using the energy storage device 240 to operate the one or more components of the air conditioning system may also include limiting the amount of power used from the AC grid 302 to a power limit (e.g., 1 kW over a 2-hour period). The controller 220 may limit the amount of power drawn from the AC grid 302 by controlling various power converters 230 in the system (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / DC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / DC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380, and / or multilevel inverter 382) to reduce the amount of AC power drawn from the AC grid 302. At 604, other loads may be powered by the energy storage device 240, and the other loads include (one or more) indoor loads 270, which may include (one or more) indoor DC loads 318 and / or (one or more) indoor AC loads 308. The process returns to 600.

[0113] At some point, the energy storage device 240 will lack sufficient charge such that one or more components of the air conditioning system will need to be powered only by the AC grid 302. The controller 220 can detect when the state of the energy storage device 240 (such as state of charge (SOC), state of health (SoH), voltage, temperature, etc.) is outside of acceptable limits for powering one or more components of the air conditioning system or other loads. If the state of the energy storage device 240 is outside of acceptable limits, then one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads need to be powered by the AC grid 302. This results in interrupting the discharge of the energy storage device 240 and / or initiating charging of the energy storage device 240.

[0114] If the utility or some other source has not requested a reduction in energy use at 600, the process proceeds to 606 where the controller 220 determines whether the system 100 should use power from the energy storage device 240. An example of a situation where the system 100 should use power from the energy storage device 240 occurs when the utility power is at peak price, near grid capacity, or at least one of in grid capacity. This determination can be made in real time or can be made in advance using a forecast and communicated from the utility to the air conditioning system. Peak price does not necessarily require that the price of electricity be at a maximum, but is generally known in the art as a period of time with a higher than average energy cost. Whether the utility is at peak price can be determined by utility pricing obtained from the remote system 410 or current or future weather information obtained from the remote system 410. This information can also be stored locally in the controller 220. If the utility is at peak price, near grid capacity, or at least one of in grid capacity, the process proceeds to 604 where one or more components of the air conditioning system and the load 270 (including the indoor AC load 308 and / or other loads) are powered by the energy storage device 240 alone or in combination with the AC grid 302. As noted above, the controller 220 can limit the amount of power drawn from the AC grid 302 by controlling various power converters 230 in the system. When determining that the system should use power from the energy storage device 240, peak price and grid capacity of the utility power are not the only factors that can be relied upon.

[0115] Regarding grid capacity, information about grid capacity and the current grid load can be obtained from a remote system such as a source of utility pricing. If the AC grid 302 is at grid capacity or near grid capacity (e.g., within a threshold range of grid capacity and optionally increasing), it may be prudent to use power from the energy storage device 240 to avoid a power interruption.

[0116] Another example of a situation where the system should use power from the energy storage device 240 occurs when the user requests a reduction in energy use. The user can use the thermostat 260 to put the system 100 into a reduced energy use mode (e.g., an eco-friendly mode), which causes the system to use power from the energy storage device 240 to power one or more components of the air conditioning system.

[0117] In another example, based on data from block 602 (e.g., user consent) or based on data from block 600 (e.g., a request to reduce energy use), the system can use power from the energy storage device 240 based on machine learning (ML) and / or artificial intelligence (AI) control algorithms implemented by the controller 220.

[0118] If, at 606, the system should not use power from the energy storage device 240, the process proceeds to 608, where the energy storage device 240 uses the AC grid 302 to charge. At 610, the controller 220 determines whether the battery state is within acceptable limits, including the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SoH), temperature, voltage, or a state that exceeds safety and / or operating limits. If so, the process returns to 600. At 610, the controller 220 can detect parameters of the energy storage device 240 to confirm that parameters such as the health state of the battery, operating range, temperature range, voltage, capacity, etc. are within valid limits.

[0119] It should be noted that the energy storage device 240 can be charged even when the utility power is at peak price. This can include fault modes, test modes, etc. Thus, charging the energy storage device 240 is not limited to off-peak utility power price times.

[0120] If, at 610, the energy storage device has a state that is not within acceptable limits, the process proceeds to 612, where the energy storage device 240 can be charged (if the SoC is low) or can be completely disconnected (if the energy storage device 240 is not operating within safety and / or operating limits).

[0121] Although ​ involves operating one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads to reduce power consumption, other techniques can also be used to reduce power consumption, such as using a variable speed drive to reduce the compressor speed, changing the thermostat set point, etc. In other embodiments, the utility can request an increase in energy use. The request can be a real-time request or a future request based on predicted conditions. Increasing energy use can include charging the energy storage device 240.

[0122] If the thermostat 260 is equipped with a processor 261, then ​One or more operations of the process may be performed by thermostat 260. Processor 261 may be implemented using a general-purpose microprocessor that executes a computer program stored on a storage medium to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, processor 261 may be implemented in hardware (e.g., ASIC, FPGA) or in a combination of hardware / software. Controller 220 and the thermostat may perform all or some of the operations in ​ the operation.

[0123] In other embodiments, controller 220 and / or thermostat 260 perform system enhancement routines to improve the performance of the overall air conditioning system based on optimization (including model predictive control) or machine learning techniques, considering carbon impact, energy performance, energy cost, life cycle cost, impact on the life of the equipment, reliability. The system enhancement routines may operate with or without information about weather, occupancy, historical usage, customer preferences, equipment performance maps (HVAC, battery), likelihood of energy outages, etc. Machine learning techniques regarding customer preferences, usage, flexibility in temperature decisions, cost, environmental issues, etc. may be used to improve control logic and optimization. Other control strategies (such as pre-cooling and pre-heating) with advantages regarding cost, performance, efficiency, environment, comfort, reliability may be implemented by controller 220 and / or thermostat 260.

[0124] ​ Depicts system 900 for multi-level energy management in an example embodiment. Sustainability and net-zero goals utilize highly intermittent renewable resources and energy storage not only in a centralized manner but also in a highly decentralized manner. In order to work properly together, these numerous loads, sources, and storage assets must exchange data and have a high degree of collaboration and flexibility. When aggregated, previously called grid consumers may have as high a degree of power negotiation as traditional utilities. When aggregated, system 900 involves a highly dynamic negotiation scenario between utilities and individual consumers.

[0125] ​ Depicts a multi-level architecture including three levels. It is understood that the three-level architecture is an example, and the system may be implemented with one or multiple levels to aggregate different loads, storage devices, and sources and produce an optimal result that meets the desired output, including utility management of power and energy consumption distribution.

[0126] The utility server 904 is located at the top level of a multi-level architecture and provides utility-related information such as the current electricity price on the AC power grid 302, the current electricity availability on the AC power grid 302, the future electricity price on the AC power grid 302, the future electricity availability on the AC power grid 302, and the like. The utility server 904 can also generate a load profile to be met by one or more air conditioning devices, including self-powered air conditioning systems as described herein. The utility server 904 can be embodied as any type of processor-based computing or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to a computer, server, workstation, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, mobile computing device, wearable computing device, network device, web device, distributed computing system (such as cloud computing), a processor-based system, and / or a consumer electronic device.

[0127] At the next level down in the architecture are one or more aggregators 906. The (one or more) aggregators 906 can be embodied as any type of processor-based computing or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to a computer, server, workstation, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, mobile computing device, wearable computing device, network device, web device, distributed computing system (such as cloud computing), a processor-based system, and / or a consumer electronic device. Multiple aggregators 906 can be used in the system 900, where each aggregator 906 is associated with a region, which can include one or more buildings, district levels, data centers, clusters, sub-levels, and the like.

[0128] At the next level down in the architecture are one or more buildings 908. The term "building" is intended to encompass a wide variety of structures and facilities, such as residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare, military, data centers, district loops, educational, and the like. One or more of the buildings 908 can be at the same level in the architecture of the (one or more) aggregators 906. Each building 908 includes a controller 910. Each controller 910 can be implemented using the controller 220 and / or thermostat 260 as described herein. The controller 910 performs communication with the (one or more) aggregators 906 and the assets 912.

[0129] At the next level down in the architecture are one or more assets 912 associated with each building 908. The assets 912 can be energy consumers, storage devices, and / or energy producers. Example assets 912 include equipment, energy storage devices, electric vehicles, air conditioning systems, heat pumps, chillers, appliances, and the like. Refer to ​Any load, source, storage device, etc. discussed can also be an asset 912 in addition to other devices, including intensive heat producer devices (e.g., coolers and processors) in a data center.

[0130] Lower-level sub-assets 914 can be located beneath each asset 912 in the architecture. As ​ shown, an example sub-asset 914 includes an air conditioning unit 914 (e.g., outdoor unit, indoor unit, etc.), which is located beneath an air conditioning asset 912. The air conditioning unit 914 is merely an example of a sub-asset, and it is understood that various sub-assets can exist in the architecture 900.

[0131] (One or more) aggregators 906 act as negotiators between the building 908 (including assets 912 and sub-assets 914) and the utility server 904. The system 900 provides multi-level capabilities to dynamically and / or proactively negotiate energy / electricity contributions from individual consumers to the aggregation level and to the utility level, in order to be able to a) meet individual consumer expectations (comfort, energy, carbon); b) meet utility requirements (asset utilization, carbon emissions); c) maximize revenue at the aggregation level, including meeting sustainability goals; and d) dynamically respond to unplanned events / interruptions / situations.

[0132] Individual consumers will be able to pre-determine decisions such as pre / delay cooling, heating, data processing schedulers, use of electrical equipment, and adjust them in real time based on the incentives to be provided to meet the overall requirements and satisfaction levels. Alternatively, the system can be fully autonomous, acting based on best practices without consumer pre-determination, and correcting system behavior based on individual consumer feedback. The system 900 can utilize a hybrid of model predictive control for forecasting / control, supplemented with machine learning and multi-agent control, clustering, inference, and optimization and negotiation schemes.

[0133] ​ A multi-level architecture is depicted. It is understood that the multi-level architecture is an example, and the system 900 can be implemented in other configurations to aggregate different loads, storage devices, and sources and produce optimal results to meet the desired outputs, including utility management of power and energy consumption distribution. For example, the system 900 can be implemented using a mesh architecture, in which the utility server 904, (one or more) aggregators 906, (one or more) buildings 908, (one or more) controllers 910, (one or more) assets 912, and (one or more) sub-assets 914 are interconnected in a mesh network. The system 900 can also be implemented in a hybrid multi-level / mesh architecture.

[0134] ​illustrates how a group of air conditioning systems with an energy storage device 240 coordinates to meet the load profile from the utility. By using ​ system 900 in, the load profile requested in advance or in real time by the utility can be met by one or more assets 912 with an energy storage device 240 across one or more buildings 908. In operation, the utility server 904 will pass the upcoming load profile to the aggregator(s) 906. The load profile can indicate the time, width, and height, which define the amount of power required by the asset(s). The load profile parameters include the width (e.g., duration) and height (e.g., power capacity), and also include time characteristics such as start time, ramp rate, and decay rate. Another important load profile parameter is the aggregation perimeter, also known as the basis of the location. ​ illustrates how battery 1 can be discharged at a different rate than battery 2, which significantly changes the shape of the first discharge.

[0135] The aggregator 906 coordinates the charging and discharging of the energy storage device 240 at each asset 912 with the controller(s) 910 to meet the load profile provided by the utility server 902, and then recharges the energy storage device 240. System 900 has the ability to forecast the available dispatchable power and / or load at each asset 912. This information can be used as an input to the decision-making process by the asset 912, the building(s) 908, the controller(s) 910, and / or the aggregator 906.

[0136] ​ depicts an example of charging and discharging one or more energy storage devices 240 to meet the utility load profile. From time 0 to time 5, one or more energy storage devices 240 of the asset are charged from the AC grid 302. This is represented by the charging cycle, which shows the increased load on the AC grid 302 and the available stored power across one or more energy storage devices 240 increasing from -3KW to 0KW. From time 9 to 15, one or more energy storage devices 240 are charged from the AC grid 302. This is represented by the charging cycle, which shows the increased load on the AC grid 302 and the available stored power across one or more energy storage devices 240 increasing from 0KW to 3KW.

[0137] At time 15, the load profile appears, and one or more energy storage devices 240 are discharged to meet the load profile. The load profile has a width and height as specified by the utility. At ​In this case, from time 15 to time 21, two energy storage devices 240 are discharged to meet the load profile. This is represented by the discharge cycle, and the available storage power across one or more energy storage devices 240 is reduced from 3 KW to -3 KW. In addition to discharging the energy storage devices 240, the system 900 can also curtail or otherwise manage the demand of one or more buildings 908 and / or assets 912 to meet the load profile. For example, the system 900 can change the settings of one or more assets 912 to, for example, differently allocate the processing load in a data center, modulate the HVAC system, change the thermostat settings, reschedule industrial processes, change the chiller setpoint, etc., in order to ensure that the load profile is met in real time or before the load profile request. In coordination with discharging the energy storage devices 240, the system 900 can manage the power consumption of the buildings 908 and / or assets 912, for example, process data in other data centers / racks, change the chiller setpoint, change the thermostat setpoint, stop or slow down EV charging, turn off lights, etc. The aggregator 906 is configured to provide settings (e.g., setpoints) to one or more of the assets 912 while meeting the utility-level power demand with minimal penalty in terms of the energy consumption, load, or comfort satisfaction of the participants of the aggregator 906.

[0138] From time 21 to time 27, one or more energy storage devices 240 are charged from the AC grid 302. This is represented by the charging cycle, which shows the increased load on the AC grid 302 and the available storage power across one or more energy storage devices 240 increasing from -3 KW to 0 KW.

[0139] At time 29, a second load profile occurs, and one or more energy storage devices 240 are discharged to meet the load profile. In ​ this case, a single different energy storage device 240 can be discharged from time 29 to time 34 to meet the load profile. This is represented by the discharge cycle, and the available storage power across one or more energy storage devices 240 is reduced from 0 KW to -3 KW.

[0140] From time 34 to time 39, one or more energy storage devices 240 are charged from the AC grid 302. This is represented by the charging cycle, which shows the increased load on the AC grid 302 and the available storage power across one or more energy storage devices 240 increasing from -3 KW to 0 KW.

[0141] At time 39, a third load profile event occurs, and one or more energy storage devices 240 are discharged to meet the load profile. In ​Among them, a single different energy storage device 240 can discharge from time 39 to time 45 to meet the load profile. This is represented by a discharge cycle, and the available storage power across one or more energy storage devices 240 decreases from 0 KW to -3 KW. The charging and discharging cycles of one or more energy storage devices 240 continue to meet the utility load profile.

[0142] Assets 912 for meeting the load profile and associated energy storage devices 240 can be selected based on various criteria. The owner of the asset can choose to opt in or opt out of meeting the load profile, where opting in to meeting the load profile will result in a financial incentive for the owner of the asset. Aggregator 906 can select assets and associated energy storage devices 240 based on the charge state of the energy storage devices 240. It may also be helpful to periodically select certain energy storage devices 240 to meet the load profile and cycle the energy storage devices 240 through charge and discharge cycles. Note that the load profile can be negative, meaning the utility is trying to shed power from the AC grid 302. This results in a negative utility pricing for the assets 912 that receive power.

[0143] Methods for meeting the utility load profile include controlling the time and rate of charging and discharging of the energy storage device through the load of the air conditioning system in the building. This enables not only controlling the energy storage capacity applied from each air conditioning system to stabilize the grid, but also regulating the time and direction of the load applied to the grid, the height and width of the load profile, and the ramp-up rate and ramp-down rate. Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) is a technique that can be used to ensure comfort by switching the load from one air conditioning system to another when such constraints are applied.

[0144] The use of load shaping maximizes the compensation received by the participants while minimizing the impact on comfort and convenience through the cooperative effort of stabilizing the grid. The return on investment of their HVAC systems is increased by monetizing their demand flexibility.

[0145] As described above, embodiments may take the form of processor-implemented processes and apparatus for practicing those processes such as controller 220, utility server 904, aggregator 906, and controller 910. Embodiments may also take the form of computer program code embodied in a tangible medium such as a network cloud storage device, SD card, flash drive, floppy disk, CD ROM, hard drive, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiments. Embodiments may also take the form of computer program code that is stored, loaded, and / or executed by a computer and / or transmitted via some transmission medium such as wire or cable, fiber optic, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiments. When implemented on a general purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

[0146] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0147] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features of a particular embodiment, but the disclosure is not limited thereby. Instead, the disclosure may be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements heretofore not described but commensurate with the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure should not be regarded as limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for energy management, the system comprising: A utility server that provides a load profile; An aggregator in communication with the utility server; A plurality of buildings; A plurality of assets associated with the plurality of buildings, at least one of the assets being an energy storage device; Wherein the aggregator is configured to perform at least one of the following: (i) supply energy from the energy storage device to meet the load profile, or (ii) change the settings of the assets to meet the load profile.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein The aggregator comprises a plurality of aggregators.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The load profile includes a width and a height.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein The energy storage device is discharged to meet the width and the height of the required load profile.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein, Schedule the load profile in real time or in advance to meet the width and the height of the required load profile.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The assets include a plurality of energy storage devices.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The aggregator discharges the plurality of energy storage devices to meet the load profile requested by the utility server.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The aggregator charges the plurality of energy storage devices after meeting the load profile requested by the utility server.

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The aggregator changes the settings of the assets to meet the load profile.

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The aggregator performs (i) supply energy from the energy storage device to meet the load profile, and (ii) change the settings of the assets to meet the load profile.

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The aggregator is configured to manage the energy usage of one or more of the plurality of buildings and / or the plurality of assets to meet the load profile requested by the utility server.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The utility server, the aggregator, the plurality of buildings and the plurality of assets are arranged in a multi-level architecture.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The utility server, the aggregator, the plurality of buildings and the plurality of assets are arranged in a mesh architecture.

14. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The energy storage device is configured to power a first unit of an air conditioning system.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The first unit is an outdoor unit of the air conditioning system.

16. A method for energy management, the method comprising: Obtain a load profile from a utility server; At an aggregator, initiate at least one of the following: (i) supply energy from an energy storage device to meet the load profile; or (ii) change the settings of the assets to meet the load profile.

17. A computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the computer program comprising instructions for causing a processor to implement a process for energy management, the process comprising: Obtain a load profile from a utility server; At an aggregator, initiate at least one of the following: (i) supply energy from an energy storage device to meet the load profile; or (ii) change the settings of the assets to meet the load profile.

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