System and method for creating dynamic nano-grid and aggregating power consumers to participate in energy market

Abstract

To enable dynamic management of electric power at the time of power failure of a power supply grid and shortage of electric power from a power generation source of facilities.SOLUTION: A group of residences, enterprises, or other power consuming facilities are aggregated and commonly controlled so as to dynamically reduce a load at a sufficient rate and by a sufficient amount to participate in an energy market as a market participant. The participation includes participation as a peak load power generation plant. While an amount of reduction in power consumption for single facilities is typically very small, a sum of the reduced consumption for an aggregate of just a few thousand residences or enterprises may be on an order of several hundreds of kilowatts. A premises power controller may cooperate with an intelligent circuit breaker, which may include a dimmer. The premises power controller allows for dynamic management of individual loads at each facility.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of power management, and more particularly to a system and method for managing a collection of power consumers to participate in an energy market. [Background technology]

[0002] In the United States, electric utility companies are highly regulated by both federal and state governments. Generally, the retail prices that such companies charge for the electricity they supply are not determined by the free market. Rather, retail prices are set by commissions or other regulatory review bodies through a formal administrative process that takes into account current and projected future demand, the costs of building and accessing new sources of supply, and a variety of other factors. Wholesale prices are often, but not in all areas, based on the Independent System Operator (ISO) market.

[0003] Within regulated electricity markets, there are generating facilities known as "baseload generating plants," "load following generating plants," and "peak load generating plants." Baseload generating plants are typically large, low-cost facilities that operate continuously to meet the base demand for electricity in a given service area. Load following generating plants, as the name suggests, are generally intended to operate when demand (load) is high, but limit or throttle operation when demand is low. Peak load generating plants are often used to refer to the 10- and 30-minute reserves that are part of the ancillary service market, and are generally intended to operate only intermittently to meet peak demand within a service area, or to meet demand during contingencies such as a power plant failure. Thus, the actual need to operate a peak load generating plant may occur only a few days each year and may last only a few hours.

[0004] To participate in the energy market, facilities are required by regulation to generate a minimum output power level (e.g., 100 kW), be able to bring power online within a prescribed time after a request from the grid operator, and remain online for a prescribed minimum period of time. By general rule, peak-load generating plants are paid a premium price for the electricity they supply. This price is justified given the extremely intermittent operation of such generating plants, the state of readiness they must maintain, and the importance of ensuring that peak demand is continually met.

[0005] In recent years, courts have considered the question of whether, under the general rule, market participants can consist of facilities that reduce the electrical load in a given service area, thereby reducing electricity consumption as opposed to generating additional electricity. Courts have indicated that in answering this question in the affirmative, it creates an opportunity to develop new facilities that are eligible to participate in all of the established energy markets, including, for example, ancillary services (including 10- and 30-minute reserves, frequency control, and output regulation), real-time markets, day-ahead markets, and forward capacity markets, but that operate under a model of reducing consumption and not increasing generation.

[0006] Another issue of concern appears in homes, businesses, or other facilities equipped with solar (photovoltaic, or PV) panels. The majority of such facilities are grid-tie systems, meaning that excess power generated by the solar panels is sent back to the power grid, and any additional power needed within the facility is provided by the power grid. According to anti-islanding laws, if the power grid fails, all grid-tie systems will no longer operate, even if the solar panels are able to generate usable power within the facility. Recently, islanding inverters have made it possible to continue using the solar panels while still complying with anti-islanding laws. These secondary inverters work in conjunction with a battery and a critical load panel to provide limited power to the critical loads within the home, business, or facility. However, the critical loads are "fixed" because they must be pre-selected and wired to a critical load panel that is separate from the main circuit breaker panel. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a group of homes, businesses, or other power consuming facilities are aggregated and commonly controlled to dynamically reduce their loads at a sufficient rate and by a sufficient amount to participate as market participants in the energy market. Participation includes participation as a peak load power plant. While the amount of reduction in power consumption for a single facility is usually very small, the total reduced consumption of a collection of just a few thousand homes or businesses may be on the order of hundreds of kilowatts. By choosing to participate in the collection, each home, business, or other facility can contribute to an ongoing substantial energy conservation effort and share in the revenues received from the provider. Similarly, inactive loads can be activated during peak periods when the cost of electricity is low, saving the cost of operating those loads during peak periods.

[0008] Each home, business, or other facility participating in the cluster is equipped with a campus power controller and an intelligent circuit breaker that augments a conventional circuit breaker or fuse. The campus power controller and the intelligent circuit breaker may be installed during construction or by facility retrofit. The campus power controller may include a processor; memory; a display device capable of providing a user interface; interfaces for intelligent circuit breakers, major appliances, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and water heaters; and interfaces for solar, geothermal, micro-hydro, or wind power generators and inverters, storage batteries, generators, other renewable power sources, home automation systems, schedulers, or user control devices. The campus power controller may further include interfaces for environmental sensors (e.g., temperature detectors, air pressure detectors, voltage detectors, current detectors, motion detectors) and other sensors of interest. The campus power controller may further have a wide area network (WAN) connection or other suitable network connection to communicate with an aggregation server or other systems that may be located in remote locations.

[0009] Each intelligent circuit breaker can be electrically operated and can be connected to a conventional circuit breaker that can be manually operated. Each intelligent circuit breaker includes a power meter, a wireless transceiver for communicating with other intelligent circuit breakers and with the premise power control, a breaker control device, a memory, and a display device. In the case of a lighting circuit, the intelligent circuit breaker further includes a dimmer. The memory may be used to temporarily store data of interest regarding the intelligent circuit breaker's status, power consumption, operation history, etc. The intelligent circuit breakers may be advantageously made in a form factor that is compatible with (i.e., configured to fit with) circuit breaker panels provided by major manufacturers of electrical equipment (e.g., Schneider Electric's Square D, General Electric Company, Siemens AG, Siemens AG's Marie, Thomas & Besso of Asea Brown Boveri, and Claus-Heins of Airton).

[0010] Because intelligent circuit breakers are typically installed in metal breaker panels, there is typically a significant amount of interference in communications between the breakers. To overcome such interference, a wireless mesh network may be established between wireless transceivers associated with the intelligent circuit breakers. The wireless mesh network allows messages received by a designated gatekeeper wireless transceiver to be propagated across all other wireless transceivers while reducing congestion in communications between the premise power controllers. The gatekeeper wireless transceiver is responsible for transmitting messages originating from any of the other wireless transceivers to the premise power controller and for relaying messages received from the premise power controller to one or more of the other wireless transceivers. To further reduce interference, the gatekeeper wireless transceiver may be located in close proximity to an opening in the breaker panel. The opening alone, or possibly in combination with wiring extending through the opening, may allow good wireless communication between the gatekeeper wireless transceiver and the premise power controller. Alternatively, the opening may accommodate a small antenna coupled to the gatekeeper wireless transceiver.

[0011] Each intelligent circuit breaker may transmit various messages to the premise power controller via its own wireless transceiver, the wireless mesh network, and the gatekeeper wireless transceiver. Such messages may report the amount of power consumed instantaneously, the average power consumed over a given time, changes in power consumption, status information, or other data of interest. Such data may be temporarily stored by the premise power controller before the data is communicated to an aggregation server or other system.

[0012] Each intelligent circuit breaker can also receive messages from the site power controller. One type of message can cause the circuit breaker to trip, thereby opening the circuit and disconnecting the associated load, or closing the circuit and connecting the associated load to a source voltage (power grid), a renewable power source, or a backup generator, or to an energy storage device such as a differential pressure cell, an electrochemical battery, or a chemical energy storage system (hereinafter battery) on the site. Thus, one advantage provided by the present invention is that critical loads on the site do not need to be wired to a separate, dedicated circuit breaker panel in order to maintain a supply of power to those loads when the power grid fails.

[0013] The facility may further include an AC-DC converter, the output of which may be coupled to a DC-AC inverter with power factor control, which in turn may be coupled to a dimmable load. The output of the converter (DC) may be coupled to the inverter, and the power factor of the inverter may be changed with inversion to AC. The change in power factor reduces the amount of active power absorbed by the dimmable load, thereby providing a further improvement in overall efficiency and contributing to reduced consumption as part of the aggregate's activity as a market participant.

[0014] Another advantage provided by the present invention is that when the power grid is operational and renewable power sources are generating "excess" power within the facility, if possible and profitable under prevailing circumstances, the intelligent circuit breakers can be dynamically managed to consume the available "excess" power by connecting additional loads (e.g., rechargeable batteries and electric vehicles first, followed by swimming pool heaters, auxiliary water heaters, etc.) rather than selling such power to the power company.

[0015] Yet another advantage provided by the present invention is that the dynamic management of each individual load by the campus power controller improves the overall efficiency of the facility while allowing the facility to function as part of an aggregate that participates in the energy market.

[0016] Yet another advantage provided by the present invention is the ability to implement user-directed functionality such as lighting control, including dimming, without the need for separate conventional lighting control devices.

[0017] Yet another advantage provided by the present invention is that when a facility is dynamically managed by a campus power controller in conjunction with an intelligent circuit breaker, the facility maintains a higher level of functionality and acts as a nanogrid itself when the power grid fails. Conversely, when the power grid is operational, the present invention can take advantage of time-of-use pricing by managing the load based on a demand pricing structure.

[0018] Typically, each on-site power controller is programmed to dynamically manage on-site (facility) power consumption according to a number of predefined plans, such as a "normal" plan when the power grid is operational, an "emergency" plan when the power grid fails, a "renewable favorable" plan when environmental conditions are favorable for renewable sources, a "renewable unfavorable" plan when environmental conditions are unfavorable for renewable sources, and a "market trade" plan when the facility must function within an aggregation participating in an independent system operator market, including providing ancillary services (e.g., operating as a peak load generating plant).

[0019] When a regional grid controller or other authority notifies the aggregation server that it needs a market participant to meet demand, the aggregation server uses the WAN to instruct the campus power controllers in the aggregation to begin a "market trading" or similar power management plan. In response, each campus power controller dynamically disconnects individual loads by wirelessly sending an appropriate message to an intelligent circuit breaker, upon priority command issued by the facility owner or other authority. The disconnected loads may remain disconnected for the duration of the aggregation's function as a market participant, or may be reconnected by authorized priority command. When the aggregation server receives a signal that the aggregation no longer needs to function as a market participant, it issues a message to the campus power controllers to resume a "normal" power management plan or another appropriate plan.

[0020] The campus power controller may also issue various notifications to the user regarding power management related events. For example, if the facility is equipped with solar panels and the campus power controller receives a sunny weather forecast, a notification may be sent to the user's email address, cell phone, or other device to remind the user to plug in and charge their electric vehicle, turn on the auxiliary water heater, or take other action to fully utilize the power predicted to be generated by the solar panels. Additionally, during periods of unusually high energy costs or very low predicted production, various notifications may be issued to the user to remind the user to take steps to limit usage, such as ensuring windows and doors are closed, reducing lighting demand, or minimizing other loads. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] In the following description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of a power grid in which a group of power consuming facilities are aggregated and commonly managed for participation in an energy market, according to one aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a power control system for the Class 1 facility shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a power control system for the Class 2 facility shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a power control system for the Class 3 facility shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the premise power control device shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4A and 4B. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an intelligent circuit breaker for two 15A / 120V AC circuits. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an intelligent circuit breaker for two 15A / 120V AC circuits, including two dimmer circuits. [Figure 6C] 6C is a voltage-time graph illustrating sinusoidal dimming of the type implemented by the dimmer circuit of FIG. 6B. [Figure 6D] FIG. 11 is a waveform diagram showing phase cut dimming. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit breaker panel populated with standard circuit breakers mated with intelligent circuit breakers with dimmers. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit breaker panel populated with standard circuit breakers mated with intelligent circuit breakers with dimmers. [Figure 7C] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating gatekeeper transceivers in a circuit breaker panel and a wireless mesh network interconnecting the gatekeeper transceivers with wireless transceivers associated with intelligent circuit breakers. [Figure 7D] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating that an illuminated keypad may be used as an alternative or addition to a premise power control device to control an intelligent circuit breaker. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gatekeeper transceiver with power monitoring functionality. [Figure 9] 2 is a flow diagram illustrating high level operation of the aggregation server shown in FIG. 1 when the aggregation is providing ancillary services. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating communication between the premises power control device and the intelligent circuit breaker shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a high level control method implemented by the premise power controller for each of class 1, class 2, and class 3 facilities. [Figure 11B] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a high level control method implemented by the premise power controller for each of class 1, class 2, and class 3 facilities. [Figure 11C] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a high level control method implemented by the premise power controller for each of class 1, class 2, and class 3 facilities. [Figure 11D] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a high level control method implemented by the premise power controller for each of class 1, class 2, and class 3 facilities. [Figure 11E] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a high level control method implemented by the premise power controller for each of class 1, class 2, and class 3 facilities. [Figure 11F] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a high level control method implemented by the premise power controller for each of class 1, class 2, and class 3 facilities. [Figure 11G] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a high level control method implemented by the premise power controller for each of class 1, class 2, and class 3 facilities. [Figure 11H] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a high level control method implemented by the premise power controller for each of class 1, class 2, and class 3 facilities. [Figure 12A] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram for a premise power controller to manage HVAC loads. [Figure 12B] 12B is a graph of power cost versus temperature showing example reference points and an example situation addressed in the flow diagram of FIG. 12A. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram for a premise power control device to manage dimmable (lighting) loads. [Figure 13B] 13B is a graph of power cost versus light intensity showing example reference points and an example situation addressed in the flow diagram of FIG. 13A. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram for a premise power control device to manage a power factor controllable load. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram for a premises power control device to manage non-dimmable loads. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram for the on-site power control device to manage shunt loads. [Figure 17A] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram for a local power control device to manage the load of an electric vehicle. [Figure 17B] 1 is a graph of electricity cost versus the fraction of trip time required to charge the battery of an electric vehicle. [Figure 17C] 1 is a graph of power cost versus reactive charge level. [Figure 18A] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram for the premises power controller to calculate the virtual energy price. [Figure 18B] 18B is a graph illustrating the example supply cost transfer function referenced in FIG. 18A. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating various examples of user notification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] 1 illustrates a portion of a power grid 100 that includes a regional grid controller 102 associated with an independent system operator (ISO) or regional transmission organization (RTO). The regional grid controller 102 has bidirectional communication links 104 with each of a utility-scale intermittent (wind turbine) power plant 106, a conventional base load (nuclear) power plant 108, a conventional peak load (gas turbine) power plant 110, and an aggregation server 112. The aggregation server 112 has bidirectional communication 114 with a wide area network (WAN) 116, which in turn has bidirectional communication with each facility that is part of an aggregation 118.

[0023] The facilities making up the aggregation 118 can be categorized into one of three classes: Class 1 facilities are those facilities that do not include solar or other renewable power sources (collectively "renewable power sources") or batteries capable of storing large amounts of power, but may include backup generating equipment that can power some or all of their facilities when the power grid 100 is unavailable. Class 1 facilities typically draw power only (in one direction) from the power grid 100 when the power grid 100 is available.

[0024] A Class 2 facility is one that includes at least one renewable source and possibly also includes a backup generating unit, but does not include a large battery capacity. Class 2 facilities draw power from the power grid 100 when the renewable sources are offline or insufficient to meet the facility's demand, but can supply power to the power grid 100 when there is a surplus. Class 2 facilities are therefore characterized by a bidirectional power flow.

[0025] Class 3 facilities are facilities that include at least one renewable source, as well as one or more large capacity batteries, and possibly further include backup power generation equipment. Similar to class 2 facilities, class 3 facilities can draw power from or supply power to the power grid 100 depending on environmental conditions, facility demand, and other factors. As described in more detail below, the aggregation 118 represents a mix of class 1, class 2, and class 3. The aggregation 118 may be managed as a single entity acting as an energy market participant based on a reduced power consumption model, possibly combined with generation from batteries.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a Class 1 facility 200. The Class 1 facility 200 may correspond to, for example, a single-family home that does not include any renewable sources or large-capacity batteries, but may include a backup power generation device 228. To improve clarity and consistency, previously described elements, such as the WAN 116, will have their previously assigned reference numbers throughout this specification unless otherwise noted. The premise power controller 202 communicates via wireless link 216 with various energy control modules, such as an HVAC status control module (thermostat) 204; a circuit breaker panel 206 populated with intelligent circuit breakers 222; a subpanel 208 populated with intelligent circuit breakers 226 including dimmers; an electric vehicle (EV) charging controller 210; and smart appliances 212. Load conductors 220 connect the individual intelligent circuit breakers 222 to the EV charging controller 210, smart appliances 212, electric water heater 214, and other non-lighting loads (not shown). Conductors 224 connect lighting devices (not shown) through the panel 206 to individual intelligent circuit breakers with dimmers 226 located within the subpanels 208 .

[0027] The wireless communication link 216 may be implemented using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or any of a number of other commercially available wireless technologies. Such a wireless communication link significantly reduces the cost and time required to install the premise power controller 202. Alternatively, if the design of a particular facility or the materials used in a particular facility do not transmit wireless communication, a wired communication link (e.g., Ethernet) may be used by adding appropriate interfaces to the premise power controller 202 and other devices shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] The standby generating equipment 228 is coupled to a transfer switch 232 by conductors 230. The transfer switch 232 is coupled to the breaker panel 206 by conductors 234. The transfer switch 232 is also coupled to a utility power meter (not shown) by conductors 218. In the event of a power grid 100 failure, the transfer switch 232 moves to the position shown in FIG. 2. This allows the standby generating equipment 228 to supply power to the critical loads managed by the on-site power controller 202, as described below. Advantageously, again, non-critical loads can be disconnected under the direction of the on-site power controller 202 during a power grid 100 failure.

[0029] In general, the campus power controller 202 is responsible for managing power consumption within the facility 200. Among other features and capabilities, the campus power controller 202 is responsible for dynamically activating individual intelligent circuit breakers 222, 226 to disconnect individual loads, thereby reducing power consumption for the facility 200 and contributing to the collective operating as an energy market participant. As will be described in more detail below, there may be more than one campus power controller 202 within a given facility for purposes such as redundancy and load sharing.

[0030] 3 illustrates a Class 2 facility 300. A Class 2 facility may correspond to, for example, a single-family home that includes a solar panel array (renewable power source) 302 and an inverter 304, and further includes a backup power generator 228, but does not include a large battery. The inverter 304 is coupled to the circuit breaker panel 206 by conductors 306. In addition to converting DC to AC, the inverter 304 may include an internal disconnect mechanism that serves to isolate the renewable power source 302 in the event of a power grid 100 (FIG. 1) failure and the backup power generator 228 being activated. Alternatively, a separate disconnect mechanism (not shown) may be provided between the inverter 304 and the circuit breaker panel 206.

[0031] All other elements are substantially similar to those shown in Figure 2, with two important exceptions. First, the presence of renewable power source 302 allows facility 300, under favorable environmental conditions, to generate more power than facility 300 consumes, in which case excess power can be provided to power grid 100 via a utility power meter (not shown). Second, the programming of premise power controller 202 must take into account renewable power source 302 and inverter 304, as described in more detail below.

[0032] 4 illustrates a class 3 facility 400. In the class 3 facility 400, there is a renewable power source 302 along with a battery / charging controller 402, an electric vehicle (EV) battery / stand-alone battery 403, and a solar panel / battery inverter 404. The battery / charging controller 402 is coupled to and charges the electric vehicle battery / stand-alone battery 403, which is further coupled to the inverter 404. The inverter 404 serves to convert the DC output by the renewable power source 302 or the electric vehicle battery / stand-alone battery 403 to AC, which is provided to the breaker panel 206 by conductors 406.

[0033] The transfer switch 232 operates to disconnect the breaker panel 206 from the power grid 100 ( FIG. 1 ) when the power grid 100 fails, thereby allowing the renewable power sources 302, the battery charge controller 402, and the inverter 404 (or the backup power generating device 228) to supply power to the critical loads connected to particular intelligent circuit breakers 222 by conductors 408. Conversely, during a power grid 100 failure, non-critical loads such as the EV charging controller 210, the smart appliances 212, and the electric water heater 214 may be disconnected by each activating their respective intelligent circuit breakers 222 in response to one or more messages received from the premise power controller 202 to conserve power.

[0034] Also shown is an AC-DC converter 410, the output of which is coupled to a DC-AC inverter with power factor control 412, which in turn is coupled to a dimmable load 414. The AC-DC converter 410 and the DC-AC inverter with power factor control 412 communicate with the premise power controller 202 via wireless communication link 216. As described in more detail below, the converter 410 can be used in combination with the inverter 412 to advantageously alter the power factor to reduce the amount of active power absorbed by the dimmable load 414.

[0035] 5 is a block diagram of the indoor power controller 202. The controller board 500 may be based on a commodity embedded system and includes 1 GB DDR (Double Data Rate) memory 502, 32 GB flash memory 504, a processor 505, and a 16 GB micro SDHC card 506. A reset button 508 is coupled to a GPIO interface 509. The controller board 500 further includes a USB / mini USB interface 510; an Ethernet interface 512; an I2C interface 514; a 1-Wire interface 532; an SPI interface 516 coupled to a Wi-Fi module 524; four UART interfaces 518 (one of which is coupled to a Bluetooth module 522); and an RGB interface 520 coupled to an LCD TFT touch screen 526. The 3D tracking gesture controller 528 is coupled to the touchscreen 526 and to a projected-capacitive touchscreen controller 530 which is further coupled to the I2C interface 514.

[0036] As described above in connection with Figures 2, 3 and 4, the indoor power controller 202 can wirelessly communicate with the intelligent circuit breakers 222 and other devices within a given facility using the Wi-Fi module 524 or Bluetooth module 522. A user can configure and operate the indoor power controller 202 using the touch screen 526 by displaying various on-screen icons, buttons, controls, messages, status information, menus or other desired user interface elements (not shown). For example, the touch screen 526 may be used to create, modify or select power management plans; create, modify or select schedules; obtain status information regarding various system components; connect or disconnect individual intelligent circuit breakers; override or disable current operation of the indoor power controller 202; and otherwise configure, modify and operate the indoor power controller 202. Alternatively, a user can wirelessly operate the indoor power controller 202 using a smart phone, tablet or other device having suitable applications and wireless network connectivity. Additionally, the premises power controller 202 may be integrated with and controlled by a home automation system.

[0037] FIG. 6A is a block diagram of the intelligent circuit breaker 222 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. As shown, the intelligent circuit breaker 222 supports two 15A / 120V AC circuits. A processor with an on-board Bluetooth transceiver functions as the breaker controller 600. The breaker controller 600 can be implemented using a Rigado BMD-200 module or similar commercially available components. The breaker controller 600 is coupled to a serial wire debug (SWD) connector 626, a 4D debug connector 628, a GPIO expander 610, an integrated graphics controller 604, and a power measurement digital signal processor (DSP) 608. The power measurement DSP 608 is also coupled to a voltage sense line 638 and a current sense line 640.

[0038] An LCD 602 ​​and a 16 GB micro SD card are coupled to the embedded graphics controller 604. A pair of relays 630 are respectively coupled between a pair of screw terminals 620 and a pair of Hall effect sensors 618. Each of the pair of screw terminals 620 serves as a connection point with a conventional 15A / 120V AC circuit breaker (not shown), such as an arc fault interrupter that can be manually actuated. Alternatively, the relays may be embodied as mechanically actuated switches to eliminate the need for a conventional circuit breaker while still providing sufficient safety. Each of the pair of screw terminals 622 serves as a connection point with a desired load (not shown). An AC-DC power supply 624 outputs +12V DC and +3.3V DC to power the intelligent circuit breaker 226. As an alternative to using the power measurement DSP 608 to output a pulse when the sensed voltage and sensed current are close to zero, a zero crossing detection circuit 628 may be used to generate a square wave output signal that is coupled to the breaker controller 600.

[0039] The circuit breaker controller 600 uses its on-board Bluetooth® connectivity to communicate with other circuit breaker controllers and establishes a wireless mesh network between all circuit breaker controllers. The presence of the mesh network advantageously allows a single circuit breaker controller, or a designated gatekeeper transceiver, in a circuit breaker panel to communicate with the premise power controller (FIG. 2) and propagate such communications to all other circuit breaker controllers. Alternatively, the wireless mesh network may be established using Zigbee, Z-wave, or other suitable technology.

[0040] The LCD 602 ​​may be used to display a variety of information (e.g., current state of the circuit breaker, circuit breaker setting, instantaneous power consumption, circuit breaker identifier such as zone, and diagnostic codes). A microSD card 606 may be used to store power consumption data and other data of interest until a scheduled time when such data is transferred to the premise power controller 202 or aged out and discarded.

[0041] Among other utilities, the power measurement DSP 608 can calculate the instantaneous power consumption for each load connected to the screw terminals 622 individually, as well as the average and peak power consumption within a specified time period. The power measurement DSP 608 may be further configured to output various pulses (on dedicated pins ZX0, ZX1 coupled to the breaker controller 600) when the current and voltage are close to zero.

[0042] By knowing when the zero crossings of the current and voltage occur, the breaker controller 600 ensures that the relay 630 switches (i.e., the intelligent circuit breaker 222 opens and closes) only upon the occurrence of the zero crossings. Advantageously, this tends to reduce arcing and extend the useful life of the relay 630.

[0043] An intelligent circuit breaker suitable for a single 30A / 220V AC circuit can be implemented using the various components shown in FIG. 6A, except that a Rigado BMD-300 module is used in place of breaker controller 600.

[0044] FIG. 6B is a block diagram of the intelligent circuit breaker with dimmer 226 as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4. Most of the components are the same as those shown in FIG. 6A. However, instead of a relay 630, the intelligent circuit breaker with dimmer 226 includes an isolation circuit 632 coupled between the GPIO expander 610 and two pairs of Gallium Nitride High Electron Mobility (GaN HEMT) transistors 636. A control circuit 634 for each of the transistors 636 functions as a dimmer. Each pair of transistors 636 is connected to a power measurement DSP 608 and is also coupled to one of the Hall effect sensors 618. Conventional dimmers utilize silicon-based field effect transistors (FETs) or triacs (TRIACs), both of which have a higher on-resistance (R) than GaN HEMT components. on ) for a given amount of current, which is problematic and potentially dangerous in circuit breaker panels with densely packed components. To dissipate heat efficiently, conventional dimmers require large heat sinks that are poorly or not at all suitable for conventional circuit breaker panels. By using GaN HEMT components in dimmers, a significant reduction in heat dissipation is advantageously achieved without the need for large heat sinks, thereby allowing more circuitry to be safely packed into a given area.

[0045] The dimming function can be implemented using a conventional phase-cut dimming technique, as shown in FIG. 6D. When using phase-cut dimming, the breaker controller 600 must be able to switch the GaN HEMT transistor 636 on and off at a frequency of 120 Hz. Forward and reverse phase-cut dimming can be implemented by switching the transistor near the appropriate rising or falling edges of the line waveform. Alternatively, a pulse-width modulation dimming technique, sometimes called sine-wave dimming, may be used, as shown in FIG. 6C. When using sine-wave dimming, the GaN HEMT transistor 636 must be able to be switched at a much higher frequency (e.g., 100 kHz or higher) compared to phase-cut dimming, and a low-pass filter must be used to remove high frequencies from the output sine wave (i.e., the low-pass filter has a cutoff frequency less than this high frequency) while allowing the line frequency to pass with little attenuation. In order for the breaker controller 600 to be able to signal the transistor 636 quickly enough, it may be necessary to bypass the GPIO expander 610 and connect the (GPIO) of the breaker controller 600 directly to the isolation circuit 632. Another alternative would be a pulse width modulated driver circuit, such as the Fairchild Semiconductor FL77944MX, which converts an analog or digital input signal into a pulse width modulated output signal.

[0046] 7A and 7B, a circuit breaker panel 700 is populated with intelligent circuit breakers with dimmers 226, each connected by a pair of conductors 704 to a pair of standard (i.e., conventional) 20A circuit breakers 702 and also connected to loads 1, 2 (not shown). Alternatively, the intelligent circuit breakers may be connected to a pair of conductors embodied as a busbar in the circuit breaker panel 700 obviating the use of conventional circuit breakers 702. Each pair of standard circuit breakers 702 is mounted adjacent to and above the corresponding intelligent circuit breaker with dimmer 226 to which it is connected. A display 602 is mounted on the front of each intelligent circuit breaker with dimmer 226. The breaker controller 600 in each intelligent circuit breaker with dimmer 226 may communicate directly with the premise controller 202 via the wireless link 216 or indirectly via a mesh network.

[0047] FIG. 7C shows a circuit breaker panel 706 populated with intelligent circuit breakers with dimmers 226. For clarity, the standard circuit breakers that would normally occupy the space between the intelligent circuit breakers with dimmers 226 have been omitted. A main breaker 718 is conventionally located near the top or bottom of the circuit breaker panel 706. The main breaker 718 functions to connect / disconnect all of the standard circuit breakers (not shown) and the intelligent circuit breakers with dimmers 226 using a main conductor 218 that passes through an opening 708 located at the top end of the circuit breaker panel 706. The main conductor 218 is connected to a power company power meter (not shown). A wireless mesh network 714 is established between all of the intelligent circuit breakers with dimmers 226 and a gatekeeper transceiver 712 coupled to an antenna 716.

[0048] Due to interference with wireless communications typically caused by the (metal) circuit breaker panel 706, the gatekeeper transceiver 712 may be assigned a dedicated role to communicate with the premise power controller 202 (FIG. 2) via a wireless communication link 216. An antenna 716 protruding from the circuit breaker panel helps to overcome the interference, as does placing the gatekeeper transceiver 712 near the opening 708. Also, if excessive interference occurs in a particular environment, an alternative communication technology may be selected for the gatekeeper transceiver 712 without affecting the intelligent circuit breaker with dimmer 226. For example, the gatekeeper transceiver 712 may have Bluetooth® connectivity to join the mesh network 714. However, the gatekeeper transceiver 712 may also have a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, optical transceiver, infrared (IR) transceiver, or an insulated wire link to communicate with the premise power controller 202.

[0049] The gatekeeper transceiver 712 may further include a power monitoring function to measure the total power consumption (or excess power) in the main conductors 218. A current transformer (also called a CT) 710 is coupled to each main conductor 218 and also coupled to the gatekeeper transceiver 712. As best seen in FIG. 8, the gatekeeper transceiver 712 may include many of the same components as the intelligent circuit breaker 222 (FIG. 6A). Additionally, the Bluetooth® low energy module 800 provides the functionality to participate in a mesh network 714 and communicate with the premise power controller 202. The power measurement DSP 608 is coupled to the current transformer 710 (current sense line) as well as the power source 624 (voltage sense line), which allows for the calculation of the total power consumption (or excess power) in the main conductors 218.

[0050] 7D illustrates a facility where a lighting control keypad may be used within the facility to implement various user-directed functions via the intelligent circuit breaker 222 or the intelligent circuit breaker with dimmer 226 as an alternative or addition to the facility power controller 202. Wireless lighting control keypads 722 are commercially available from a number of vendors. The wireless lighting control keypads 722 may be placed in various locations within the facility to control lamps 724 or other lighting fixtures (not shown). The lamps 724 are each connected to the intelligent circuit breaker with dimmer 226 by conductors 728.

[0051] In general, each wireless lighting control keypad 722 typically includes a processor, microcontroller, or the like, capable of executing some or all of the same software executed by the indoor power controller 202 described herein. Additionally, each wireless lighting control keypad 722 typically has wireless network connectivity capabilities, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Using such network connectivity capabilities, the keypad 722 can establish a wireless communication link 730 with the intelligent circuit breaker 222 or the intelligent circuit breaker with dimmer 226. Thus, the wireless lighting control keypad 722 can be used either in place of or in conjunction with the indoor power controller 202 to turn on or off lamps 724 (or other lighting loads) as well as to dim those lamps.

[0052] 9 illustrates a high level operation of the aggregation server 112 (FIG. 1). In step 900, the aggregation server 112 receives a message from the regional grid controller ISO / RTO 102 to provide power. Next, in step 902, the aggregation server 112 determines how much load shedding and battery storage is available within the aggregation 118 by communicating with the on-premise power controllers 202 associated with each facility within the aggregation. The aggregation server 112 then proceeds to step 904 and prioritizes specific facilities and loads based on the information collected in step 902, based on the class of facility, load specifications, and geographic location (e.g., the profile of the particular facility).

[0053] Next, in step 906, the aggregation server 112 executes its "market trading" power management plan by sending a message to each campus power controller 202 in the aggregation 118. In general, when a given campus power controller 202 executes its "market trading" plan, it causes certain loads in the facility to be "removed" or disconnected (by tripping associated intelligent circuit breakers). As a result, class 3 facilities that include batteries with large storage capacity can connect such batteries to supply power to the power grid. Next, in step 908, the aggregation server 112 implements a demand response reduction curve in accordance with ISO market rules.

[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates various exemplary communications between the local power controller 202 (FIG. 5) and the intelligent circuit breaker 222 (FIG. 6A) or the intelligent circuit breaker with dimmer 226 (FIG. 6B). At step 1000, each of the intelligent circuit breakers 222 and 226 is in a reset off state, after which at step 1002, each of the intelligent circuit breakers is initialized. At step 1004, each of the initialized intelligent circuit breakers 222 and 226 waits for a query from the local power controller (PPC) 202. Upon receiving a query (e.g., via wireless link 216), a comparison is made between the address contained in the query and the address associated with the intelligent circuit breaker 222 or 226 that received the query. If the addresses do not match, the intelligent circuit breaker 222, 226 continues to wait for the next query at step 1004. If the addresses match, at step 1008, a determination is made as to whether the query includes a control command. If the query includes a control command, the intelligent circuit breaker 222, 226 configures its relay 630 (FIG. 6A) or dimmer 634, 636 (FIG. 6B) to match the received control command and sends an acknowledgement to the local power controller 202 in step 1012. In operation, the intelligent circuit breaker transmits the instantaneous power consumption of the load to the local power controller at predetermined intervals.

[0055] Alternatively, if the determination at step 1008 indicates that no control command was received, then at step 1014 the intelligent circuit breaker 222, 226 checks its power reading status. If the status has changed compared to the last known status, as determined at step 1016, then at step 1018 the intelligent circuit breaker 222, 226 transmits its power reading to the local power controller and then waits for an acknowledgement from the local power controller at step 1020. If at step 1016 the power reading status has not changed, then at step 1022 the intelligent circuit breaker 222, 226 transmits an indication of no change to the local power controller 1022 and then waits for an acknowledgement from the local power controller at step 1024.

[0056] 11A-11H show a high level control method implemented by the indoor power controller 202 for each of class 1, class 2 and class 3 facilities. The method starts at step 1100, followed by step 1101 where the indoor power controller 202 starts searching for another indoor power controller 202 in the facility (e.g. using wireless discovery services). A delay is then introduced at step 1103. Then, at step 1105, a determination is made as to whether an indoor power controller has been found to broadcast. If no indoor power controller has been found to broadcast, the control flow proceeds to step 1107 where the only indoor power controller 202 present starts broadcasting. Then, a first determination step 1102 is made as to whether the facility (system) in which the indoor power controller 202 is located is a class 1 facility. If the facility is a class 1 facility, the control flow proceeds to step 1104 (FIG. 11C). If the facility is not a class 1 facility, then at decision step 1106 it is determined whether the facility is a class 2 facility, and if so, control flow proceeds to step 1108 (FIG. 11D). If the facility is not a class 2 facility, then at decision step 1110 it is determined whether the facility is a class 3 facility, and if so, control flow proceeds to step 1112 (FIG. 11F).

[0057] If, at step 1110, it is determined that the facility is not a Class 3 facility, control flow proceeds to step 1109 where the on-premise power controller 202 is queried for the current virtual energy price. The term "virtual energy price" is used herein to refer to a value that serves as a proxy for the relative scarcity or abundance of energy. Each activity associated with a load or energy source in a given facility is associated with either a threshold or a scaling factor for the virtual energy price. In its simplest formulation, a system based on virtual energy prices can implement a prioritized list of loads or energy sources that can be both discretely and smoothly transitioned (i.e., can transition smoothly and discretely in the consumption or production of electricity) with the selection of loads based on temporal usage (e.g., recent usage). In more sophisticated embodiments, such a system can model the entire activity of the energy market.

[0058] By selecting the same units and comparable quantities as are common in the public energy market, users can specify their priorities once and for all in actual dollars. If a facility pays the market price for energy, it can utilize the power grid, and the market price is provided by the aggregation server 112. This is particularly meaningful to users. In some cases, the virtual energy price is calculated to perform various activities necessary for efficient management of system resources and may have no relationship to the public market energy costs.

[0059] Instead of calculating a virtual energy price, a state machine may be implemented that accesses a lookup table or other data structure to obtain values ​​that are suitable references or substitutes for the purposes described herein.

[0060] Next, in step 1111, a determination is made whether the virtual energy price is above the notification threshold. If the virtual energy price is not above the notification threshold, control flow loops back to step 1102. If the virtual energy price is above the notification threshold, which means a user notification should be sent, control flow proceeds to step 1113 (FIG. 19).

[0061] Referring back to step 1105, if a (second) broadcasting indoor power controller 202 is found, the control flow proceeds to step 1115, where wireless communication is established between the discovered (master) indoor power controller 202 and the (subordinate) indoor power controller 202 performing this step. Next, in step 1117, the subordinate indoor power controller 202 obtains measurements from any sensors attached to it. Then, in step 1119, the subordinate indoor power controller 202 collects user input. Next, in step 1121, the subordinate indoor power controller 202 attempts to transmit its sensor measurements and user activity to the master indoor power controller 202.

[0062] In step 1123, a determination is made whether the attempted transmission to the master indoor power controller failed. If the transmission failed, the control flow loops back to step 1101. If the transmission did not fail (i.e., the transmission was successful), the control flow proceeds to step 1125 where the slave indoor power controller 202 attempts to read the system status and pending commands from the master indoor power controller 202. Then, in step 1127, a determination is made whether the attempted read failed. If the read failed, the control flow loops back to step 1101. If the read did not fail (i.e., the read was successful), the control flow proceeds to step 1129 where the slave indoor power controller 202 updates its user interface according to the previously read system status and executes the new command. If transmission fails at step 1121 or reception fails at step 1125, the master campus power controller 202 is considered to have been removed, powered down, or failed, and a new controller is selected at step 1101. In this manner, multiple redundant campus power controllers 202 can be operated within a given facility.

[0063] 11C (Class 1 Facility), in step 1114, the campus power controller 202 determines whether the public power grid 100 (FIG. 1) is available. If not, then in step 1126, a determination is made whether a (backup) generating unit 228 (FIG. 2) is available. If the backup generating unit is not available, control flow returns to FIG. 11A. If the backup generating unit 228 is available, then in step 1128, the campus power controller 202 determines whether the backup generating unit is on. If the backup generating unit is not on, then in step 1130, the campus power controller 202 turns on the backup generating unit, after which control flow returns to FIG. 11A. If in step 1128, the campus power controller 202 determines that the backup generating unit is on, then control flow proceeds to step 1132 (FIG. 18A) to establish a virtual energy price, and then proceeds to step 1124 (FIG. 11H).

[0064] If the campus power controller 202 determines in step 1114 that the public power grid 100 is available, control flow proceeds to step 1116 where it is determined whether energy price data is available. The energy price data may be provided to the campus power controller 202 via the WAN 116 by the aggregation server 112 or other external information source. If the energy price data is available, control flow proceeds to step 1124 (FIG. 11H). If the energy price data is not available, control flow proceeds to step 1118 where it is determined whether the campus power controller 202 has received an explicit command (message) from the aggregation server 112 that the aggregation 118 is acting or preparing to act as an energy market participant. Such a command means that the campus power controller 202 must prepare to reduce loads within the facility in order for the aggregation 118 to meet the regulatory requirements of an energy market participant. If such a command is received, the control flow proceeds to step 1120 where the campus power controller 202 finds a virtual energy price that meets the requirements of the aggregation 118 acting as a market participant by simulating the campus power consumption.

[0065] If at decision step 1118, an explicit command was not received from the aggregation server 112 (i.e., the aggregation 118 does not currently need to act as a market participant), control flow proceeds to step 1122 where the virtual energy price is set to a default value. Control flow then proceeds to step 1124 (FIG. 11H).

[0066] 11D (Class 2 Facility with at least one renewable source and a backup generator, but no large battery capacity), in step 1133, the on-premise power controller 202 determines whether the public power grid 100 (FIG. 1) is available. If the public power grid 100 is not available, control flow proceeds to step 1134, where a determination is made whether an islanded inverter / product is available. If an islanded inverter / product is not available, control flow returns to FIG. 11A. If an islanded inverter / product is available, control flow proceeds to step 1132, where a virtual energy price is calculated (FIG. 18A). Next, in step 1138, the on-premise power controller 202 compares the calculated virtual energy price to the on-threshold of the backup generator. If the calculated virtual energy price is greater than the on-threshold of the backup generator (i.e., it is economical to operate the backup generator), control flow proceeds to step 1140, where a minimum off-time of the generator has elapsed. If the minimum power plant off time has elapsed, then in step 1142 the on-site power controller 202 turns on the backup power plant (a non-renewable power source) and then the control flow proceeds to step 1124 (FIG. 11H).

[0067] If the calculated virtual energy price is less than or equal to the standby generator's on threshold in step 1138, or if the standby generator's minimum off time has not yet elapsed in step 1140, control flow proceeds to step 1144 where the on-site power controller 202 determines whether the calculated virtual energy price is less than the standby generator's off threshold. The standby generator's on and off thresholds are different to provide hysteresis, thereby avoiding a condition in which the standby generator is cycling on and off. If the calculated virtual energy price is less than the standby generator's off threshold, the on-site power controller 202 then determines whether the standby generator's minimum on time has elapsed in step 1146, and if so, proceeds to step 1148 where the standby generator is turned off. If, in step 1144, the calculated virtual energy price is greater than or equal to the standby generating set off threshold (i.e., they are equal within the hysteresis band), or, in step 1146, the standby generating set minimum on-time has not yet elapsed, control flow proceeds to step 1124.

[0068] Referring again to step 1133, if the public power grid 100 is available, control flow proceeds to step 1150 where it is determined whether the utility company serving the facility pays for the net production of power. If the utility company does not pay for the net production of power, control flow proceeds to step 1152 where the campus power controller 202 forecasts the campus power production for the day, and then in step 1154 sets the virtual energy price to the rate charged by the utility company.

[0069] Next, in step 1156, the premise power controller 202 uses the virtual energy price and the forecast to simulate premise power consumption. If, based on the simulation, no net power production is expected in the next 24 hours (i.e., all the power production in the premise will be consumed), the control flow proceeds to step 1124 (FIG. 11H). Alternatively, if, in step 1158, net power production is expected in the next 24 hours, the virtual energy price is decreased in step 1160 (i.e., the virtual energy price is decreased because the premise is expected to have excess power). In step 1162, it is determined whether the (decreased) virtual energy price is a minimum. If not, the control flow loops through steps 1156, 1158, 1160, and 1162, where the virtual energy price is repeatedly decreased, until the virtual energy price reaches a minimum. Once the virtual energy price reaches a minimum, the control flow can proceed to step 1124.

[0070] Referring again to step 1150, if the utility company serving the facility pays for the net production of electricity, control flow proceeds to step 1164 where a determination is made whether energy price data is available. If energy price data is available, control flow proceeds to step 1124. If energy price data is not available, then in step 1166 a determination is made whether an explicit command (message) has been received from the aggregation server 112. If no explicit command (message) has been received, i.e., the aggregation 118 does not currently need to act as a market participant, control flow proceeds to step 1170 where the virtual energy price is set to a default value, after which control flow proceeds to step 1124. If, in step 1166, a command is received from the aggregation server 112 (i.e., the aggregation 118 needs to act as a market participant and the on-premise power controller 202 needs to reduce load), in step 1168 the on-premise power controller 202 simulates on-premise power consumption and finds a virtual price that meets the requirements of the aggregation 118 acting as a market participant.

[0071] 11F and 11G (Class 3 facility including at least one renewable source and one or more large capacity batteries, and further including a backup generator), the campus power controller 202 determines in step 1172 whether the public power grid 100 (FIG. 1) is available. If the public power grid 100 is not available, the control flow proceeds to step 1174, where the campus power controller 202 simulates campus power consumption using virtual energy prices. Concurrently with the branching of step 1174, step 1191 is performed. In step 1191, the battery charge / discharge follows the load / supply while the battery capacity is greater than the minimum state of charge. In step 1176, a determination is made whether battery depletion is predicted within the next 24 hours. If it is uncertain whether battery depletion will occur within the next 24 hours, the control flow proceeds to step 1124 (FIG. 11H).

[0072] If battery depletion will occur within the next 24 hours, control flow proceeds to step 1178 where the virtual energy price is increased (i.e., a facility power shortage is predicted so the virtual energy price is increased). Next, in step 1180, it is determined whether the (increased) virtual energy price is greater than the power generation set on threshold. If the (increased) virtual energy price is not greater than the power generation set on threshold, control flow proceeds to step 1124. If the (increased) virtual energy price is greater than the power generation set on threshold, control flow proceeds to step 1182 where the power generation set is turned on (non-renewable power source) if the power generation set is off and the minimum off time has elapsed, and then control flow proceeds to step 1124.

[0073] Referring back to step 1176, if the battery is not predicted to be depleted within the next 24 hours, the control flow proceeds to step 1184 where a determination is made as to whether a battery overrun is predicted within the next 24 hours. If a battery overrun is not predicted within the next 24 hours, the control flow proceeds to step 1124. If a battery overrun is predicted within the next 24 hours, the control flow proceeds to step 1186 where the virtual energy price is decreased, representing a predicted surplus of power at the facility. Next, in step 1188, a determination is made as to whether the virtual energy price is less than the generator off threshold. If the virtual energy price is not less than the generator off threshold, the control flow proceeds to step 1124. If the virtual energy price is less than the generator off threshold, then in step 1190, the on-premise power controller 202 turns off the generator if the generator is on and the minimum run time has elapsed.

[0074] Referring back to step 1172, if the public power grid 100 is available, control flow proceeds to step 1192 where the local power controller 202 performs a look-ahead of the predicted time-cost curve. Then, in step 1194, it is determined whether the next peak on the predicted time-cost curve is positive or negative. If a negative peak is predicted, control flow proceeds to step 1196 where a determination is made whether initiating charging immediately would minimize the costs incurred during the charging cycle. If initiating charging immediately would not minimize the costs incurred during the charging cycle, control flow proceeds to step 1124. If initiating charging immediately would minimize the costs incurred during the charging cycle, control flow proceeds to step 1198 where the local power controller 202 allows battery charging to commence, and then control flow proceeds to step 1124.

[0075] If a positive peak is predicted at step 1194, control flow proceeds to step 1200 where a determination is made whether the product of the sale revenue minus the purchase cost and the battery efficiency if battery discharge is initiated immediately is greater than the minimum operating profit (i.e., the discharge will produce a minimum profit that justifies the wear and tear on the equipment). If the product is greater than the minimum operating profit, control flow proceeds to step 1205 where a determination is made whether the trading efficiency would be greater than the minimum operating profit if battery discharge is initiated immediately. If the trading efficiency would be greater than the minimum operating profit if battery discharge is initiated immediately, control flow proceeds to step 1204 where battery discharge is initiated. If battery discharge is not greater than the minimum operating profit if battery discharge is initiated immediately, control flow proceeds to step 1202 where a determination is made whether an explicit command (message) to act as a market participant is received from aggregation server 112. If an explicit command (message) is received from the aggregation server 112, the control flow proceeds to step 1204 to start battery discharge. If an explicit command (message) is not received from the aggregation server 112, the control flow proceeds to step 1124.

[0076] FIG. 11H is logically connected with each of FIG. 11C, FIG. 11E, and FIG. 11G. Following step 1124, in step 1206, it is determined whether any loads remain to be processed under the control of the premise power controller 202. If no loads remain to be processed, the control flow returns to the point from which the method of FIG. 11H was called. If loads remain to be processed, the control flow proceeds to step 1208 where a determination is made whether the load under consideration is an HVAC system. If the load under consideration is an HVAC system, the control flow proceeds to step 1220 (FIG. 12A). If the load under consideration is not an HVAC system, in step 1210, a determination is made whether the load is dimmable, and if so, the control flow proceeds to step 1222 (FIG. 13A).

[0077] If the load is not dimmable, then in step 1211 a determination is made whether the load is of a type that can reduce the amount of active power absorbed by the load by controlling the power factor (PF). If the load is such, control flow proceeds to step 1213 (FIG. 14). If the load is not such, control flow proceeds to step 1212 where a determination is made whether the load is not dimmable, and if so, control flow proceeds to step 1224 (FIG. 15). If not dimmable, then in step 1214 a determination is made whether the load is a shunt load, and if so, control flow proceeds to step 1226 (FIG. 16). If not a shunt load, then in step 1216 a determination is made whether the load is an electric vehicle, and if so, control flow proceeds to step 1228 (FIG. 17A). In step 1218, the load is determined to be an unmanaged load, although the power consumption of the load may still be measured (eg, by an intelligent circuit breaker to which the load is connected).

[0078] FIG. 12A illustrates how the campus power controller manages HVAC loads. In step 1230, the campus power controller 202 measures zone temperatures in the facility. Such measurements can be made, for example, using temperature sensors connected to the campus power controller 202 as described above. Next, in step 1232, a global virtual energy price is queried if not already available. The global virtual energy price may have been calculated using the logic above. Using the measured temperature and the calculated global virtual energy price, a point on the graph of FIG. 12B is searched for. In step 1236, a determination is made whether the point is above the cost-temperature curve D of the graph (e.g., the point indicated by reference letter G in FIG. 12B). If the point is above the cost-temperature curve D, control flow proceeds to step 1238, which indicates that no action is to be taken because energy usage is not justified, and then returns to FIG. 11H (i.e., the HVAC loads are not activated).

[0079] On the other hand, if step 1236 determines that the point is below the cost-temperature curve D (e.g., the points indicated by reference letters E or H in FIG. 12B), control flow proceeds to step 1240 where a determination is made whether the zone temperature will cross a user-defined setpoint (indicated by reference letter A in FIG. 12B) during the HVAC Minimum Run Time (MRT). If so, this means that the minimum run time for the HVAC system will cause the zone temperature to increase or decrease too much, and control flow returns to FIG. 11H.

[0080] If the zone temperature does not cross the user-defined setpoint during the minimum HVAC system run time, then in step 1242 it is determined whether the minimum HVAC system off time has elapsed. If the minimum HVAC system off time has not elapsed, meaning it is too early to run the HVAC system again, the control flow returns again to FIG. 11H. If the minimum HVAC system off time has elapsed, the control flow proceeds to step 1244 where the premise power controller 202 calculates a trajectory that will move the point of interest onto curve D while respecting any system constraints. An acceptable trajectory will keep the point of interest on curve D for at least the minimum HVAC system off time. Then, in step 1246, the HVAC system operation is scheduled for the duration of the trajectory calculated in step 1244.

[0081] FIG. 13A illustrates how the campus power controller 202 manages dimmable (lighting) loads (e.g., sets the power level of the load). After step 1222 (of FIG. 11H), control flow proceeds to step 1300 where a query of the global virtual energy price is made, as described above. Next, in step 1302, the campus power controller 202 finds the closest point(s) on the cost-light intensity curve (indicated by reference letter C in FIG. 13B). It is then determined in step 1304 whether step 1302 returned more than one closest point. If more than one closest point was not returned, control flow proceeds to step 1308 where the single closest point (the closest point) is determined. K The closest point (the color value) is multiplied by a user set intensity value in step 1310 to produce the final illumination intensity. Alternatively, if more than one closest point was returned in step 1304, control flow proceeds to step 1306 where cubic interpolation is used to find a single interpolated closest point. This interpolated closest point is used for the multiplication in step 1310. After step 1310, control flow returns to FIG. 11H.

[0082] FIG. 14 illustrates how the local power controller 202 manages a load with a controllable power factor (PF) to reduce the amount of active power consumed by the load. Following step 1213, the control flow proceeds to step 1215, where the local power controller 202 initializes a power factor controller. The power factor controller may be represented, for example, by a combination of an AC-DC converter 410 and a DC-AC inverter 412 with a power factor controller (FIG. 4). Next, in step 1217, the local power controller 202 checks the power reading status and the current power factor (PF) of the load. Following this, in step 1219, a search is performed to determine the minimum power factor (PF) that the load can handle. In step 1221, a (reduced PF) is set according to this minimum power factor (PF), thereby reducing the amount of active power consumed by the load. After step 1221, the control flow returns to FIG. 11H.

[0083] FIG. 15 illustrates how the indoor power controller 202 manages non-dimmable loads. Following step 1224, control flow proceeds to step 1400 where a global virtual energy price is queried as described above. In step 1402, a determination is made as to whether the global virtual energy price is above a user-set threshold. If the global virtual energy price is above a user-set threshold, control flow proceeds to step 1404 where a determination is made as to whether the minimum on-time of the non-dimmable load of interest has elapsed. If the minimum on-time has elapsed, in step 1406, the indoor power controller 202 disconnects the non-dimmable load (i.e., the indoor power controller 202 trips an intelligent circuit breaker connected to the load) and sets a timer (minimum off-time), after which the control flow returns to FIG. 11E. Alternatively, if in step 1404 the minimum on-time of the non-dimmable load of interest has not yet elapsed, the control flow returns to FIG. 11H.

[0084] If the global virtual energy price is not above the user set threshold in step 1402, control flow proceeds to step 1408 where a determination is made whether the global virtual energy price is below the user set threshold. If the global virtual energy price is not below the user set threshold, control flow returns to FIG. 11H. If the global virtual energy price is below the user set threshold, control flow proceeds to step 1410 where a determination is made whether the minimum off time for the non-dimmable load has elapsed. If the minimum off time for the non-dimmable load has not elapsed, control flow returns to FIG. 11H. If the minimum off time for the non-dimmable load has elapsed, in step 1412 the non-dimmable load is connected and a timer (minimum on time) is set before control flow returns to FIG. 11H.

[0085] FIG. 16 illustrates how the campus power controller 202 manages shunt loads. Following step 1226, control flow proceeds to step 1500 where a global virtual energy price query is performed as described above. Next, in step 1501, a determination is made whether a load is currently connected to the system. If a load is not currently connected to the system, control flow proceeds to step 1503 where a determination is made whether its virtual energy price is below the user notification threshold. If the virtual energy price is not below the user notification threshold, control flow returns to FIG. 11H. If the virtual energy price is below the user notification threshold, control flow proceeds to step 1113 (FIG. 19).

[0086] Referring back to step 1501, if it is determined that a load is currently connected to the system, control flow proceeds to step 1502 where a determination is made whether the virtual energy price is above a user set threshold. If the virtual energy price is above a user set threshold, then in step 1504 a determination is made whether the shunt load's minimum on time has elapsed. If the minimum on time has not elapsed, control flow returns to FIG. 11H. If the minimum on time has elapsed, in step 1506 the shunt load is disconnected and a timer (minimum off time) is set before control flow returns to FIG. 11H.

[0087] If the virtual energy price is not above the user set threshold in step 1502, control flow proceeds to step 1508 where a determination is made as to whether the virtual energy price is below the user set threshold. If the virtual energy price is not below the user set threshold, control flow returns to FIG. 11H. If the virtual energy price is below the user set threshold, control flow proceeds to step 1510 where a determination is made as to whether the shunt load minimum off time has elapsed. If the shunt load minimum off time has not elapsed, control flow returns to FIG. 11H. If the shunt load minimum off time has elapsed, the premise power controller 202 connects the shunt load and sets a timer (minimum on time) in step 1512 before returning to FIG. 11H.

[0088] FIG. 17A illustrates a method for a campus power controller to manage the charging of an electric vehicle load. Following step 1228, in step 1599, a determination is made as to whether the load is properly connected to the system (i.e., whether the electric vehicle is properly connected to its charging controller). If the load is not properly connected to the system, control flow proceeds to step 1601, where it is determined whether the virtual energy price is below the notification threshold. If the virtual energy price is not below the notification threshold, control flow returns to FIG. 11H. If the virtual energy price is below the notification threshold, control flow proceeds to step 1113 (FIG. 19).

[0089] If, at step 1599, it is determined that the load is properly connected to the system, control flow proceeds to step 1600, where it is determined whether the user has requested a charge cycle. If the user has requested a charge cycle, control flow proceeds to step 1610, where the electric vehicle begins charging, and then returns to FIG. 11H. If the user has not requested a charge cycle, control flow proceeds to step 1602, where it is determined whether a trip is scheduled within the next 24 hours. If a trip is not scheduled within the next 24 hours, control flow proceeds to step 1606, where it is determined whether the global virtual energy price is lower than the reactive charge level-cost curve, shown by reference letter C in FIG. 17C. If the global virtual energy price is lower than the reactive charge level-cost curve, control flow again proceeds to step 1610, where charging begins. If the global virtual energy price is not lower than the invalid charge level-cost curve, the control flow proceeds to step 1608, where it is determined whether the electric vehicle's battery charging cycle covers the minimum energy price period provided by the public power grid (PPG). If the electric vehicle's battery charging cycle covers the minimum energy price period provided by the public power grid (PPG), the control flow again proceeds to step 1610 to start charging. If the electric vehicle's battery charging cycle does not cover the minimum energy price period provided by the public power grid (PPG), the control flow returns to FIG. 11H. If in step 1602 it is determined that a trip is scheduled within the next 24 hours, the control flow proceeds to step 1604, where it is determined whether the global virtual energy price is lower than the charge deprivation-cost curve, shown by reference letter C in FIG. 17B, over the duration of the trip. If the global virtual energy price is lower than the charge deprivation-cost curve over the duration of the trip, the control flow again proceeds to step 1610 to start charging. If the global virtual energy price is not lower than the charge scarcity-cost curve for the duration of the trip, control flow proceeds to step 1606 as described above.

[0090] FIG. 18A illustrates a method for calculating a global virtual energy price for a given facility. In step 1700, a measurement of the total instantaneous generating capacity in the facility is made, i.e., a measurement of the total available energy generated by the facility, including renewable and non-renewable sources. Next, in step 1702, the total instantaneous energy demand in the facility due to managed and unmanaged loads is measured. Then, the control flow proceeds to step 1704, where a calculation is made of the portion of the total instantaneous generating capacity currently required by the facility. Next, in step 1706, a supply cost transfer function, indicated by reference letter C in FIG. 18B, is used to set a global virtual energy price. That is, the position of the calculated portion of the total instantaneous generating capacity is found along the horizontal axis of FIG. 18B, and then this position is used to find the corresponding point (on the transfer function). The ordinate of this point is the global virtual energy price.

[0091] FIG. 19 illustrates a method for issuing a user notification for a given facility. Following step 1113, control flow proceeds to step 1800 where the campus power controller 202 retrieves the current notification context from the caller. Next, in step 1802, it is determined whether this or a similar notification has been previously sent to the user within the adjustment window. If this or a similar notification has been previously sent to the user within the adjustment window, control flow returns to the point from which the method was called. If this or a similar notification has not been previously sent to the user within the adjustment window, control flow proceeds to step 1804 where a determination is made whether the user's mobile device is accessible from the campus mesh network. If the user's mobile device is accessible from the campus mesh network, control flow proceeds to step 1812 where a notification is sent to the user's mobile phone via the campus mesh network, after which control flow returns.

[0092] If the user's mobile phone is not accessible in step 1804, the control flow proceeds to step 1806, where it is determined whether the user has requested mobile push notification. If the user has requested mobile push notification, the control flow proceeds to step 1814, where a request for a push notification event is sent to the aggregation server 112. If the user has not requested mobile push notification, the control flow proceeds to step 1808, where it is determined whether the user has provided an email address to receive notifications. If the user has provided an email address to receive notifications, the control flow proceeds to step 1816, where a request for an email notification event is sent to the aggregation server 112. In step 1810, a message is displayed on the display device 526 (FIG. 5) of the indoor power controller 202, and then the control flow returns.

[0093] The above description is of specific embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. For example, it is expressly contemplated that the teachings of the present invention may be embodied as software, including a computer-readable medium having program instructions executed on a computer, hardware, firmware, or combinations thereof. This description should therefore be understood as being by way of example only, and not as limiting the scope of the present invention. It is, therefore, the object of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

[0094] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are listed below. 1. One or more energy control modules configured to control power to one or more loads in a facility; a power control device connected to the one or more energy control modules, the power control device being operable to operate each of the energy control modules; Including, The power control device includes: Calculating a virtual energy price using a supply cost transfer function based on a ratio of the measured total instantaneous power demand in the facility to the total instantaneous generating capacity in the facility; Finding a closest point on a cost-intensity curve of a selected load based on the virtual energy price, the selected load being dimmable; determining a lighting intensity value for the selected load by multiplying a user-set lighting intensity value for the selected load by a scaling factor corresponding to the found closest point; simulating electrical energy consumption of the selected loads over a period of time using the virtual energy prices; determining whether the virtual energy price exceeds a virtual energy price threshold for the selected load during the time period; In response to determining that the virtual energy price exceeds the virtual energy price threshold for the selected load, initiate operation of an energy control module that controls the selected load to reduce the power. The system is configured as follows: 2. The power control device includes: Receive commands to reduce power consumption from an aggregation server acting as a participant in the energy market. 2. The system of claim 1, further configured as follows: 3. The power control device comprises: Enforcing a prioritized list of the one or more loads based on user-specified priorities. The method further comprises: 10. The system of claim 1, wherein each load can be determined as either a dimmable load or a discrete power load. 4. The power control device comprises: determining whether a measured temperature in the facility is below a cost-temperature curve of another selected load based on the virtual energy price, the other selected load being a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) load; maintaining the power to the other selected load in response to determining that the measured temperature within the facility is below the cost-temperature curve. 2. The system of claim 1, further configured as follows: 5. The power control device includes: finding a trajectory for moving the measured temperature onto the cost-temperature curve; Schedule operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) load for the duration of the trajectory. 5. The system of claim 4, further configured as follows: 6. The power control device includes: Setting the power levels of the selected loads to correspond to the lighting intensity values. 2. The system of claim 1, further configured as follows: 7. The power control device comprises: 3. Perform cubic interpolation to find the closest point on the cost-intensity curve. 2. The system of claim 1, further configured as follows: 8. The power control device comprises: determining whether the virtual energy price is lower than a scarcity-cost curve of another selected load, the another selected load being a battery of an electric vehicle; In response to determining that the virtual energy price is lower than the scarcity-cost curve, charging a battery of the electric vehicle. 2. The system of claim 1, further configured as follows: 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy control module includes any one of a lighting control device, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control device, a smart appliance, and an electric vehicle charging control device. 10. One or more circuit breakers configured to control power to one or more loads in a facility; a power control device connected to the one or more circuit breakers, the power control device operable to operate each of the circuit breakers; Including, The power control device includes: Calculating a virtual energy price using a supply cost transfer function based on a ratio of the measured total instantaneous power demand in the facility to the total instantaneous generating capacity in the facility; Finding a closest point on a cost-intensity curve of a selected load based on the virtual energy price, the selected load being dimmable; determining a lighting intensity value for the selected load by multiplying a user-set lighting intensity value for the selected load by a scaling factor corresponding to the found closest point; simulating electrical energy consumption of the load over a period of time using the virtual energy price; determining whether the virtual energy price exceeds the virtual energy price scaled by a scaling factor for the selected load during the time period; Initiate operation of a circuit breaker controlling the selected load to reduce the power in response to determining that the virtual energy price exceeds the virtual energy price scaled by the scaling factor. The system is configured as follows: 11. Calculate a virtual energy price using a supply cost transfer function based on a ratio of the measured total instantaneous electricity demand in the facility to the total instantaneous generating capacity in the facility; using one or more circuit breakers to control electrical power to one or more loads within said facility; Finding a closest point on a cost-intensity curve of a selected load based on the virtual energy price, the selected load being dimmable; determining a lighting intensity value for the selected load by multiplying a user-set lighting intensity value for the selected load by a scaling factor corresponding to the found closest point; simulating electrical energy consumption of the selected loads over a period of time using the virtual energy prices; determining whether the virtual energy price exceeds a virtual energy price threshold for the selected load during the time period; In response to determining that the virtual energy price exceeds the virtual energy price threshold for the selected load, initiating operation of a circuit breaker controlling the selected load to reduce the power. The method includes: 12. Receiving commands to reduce power consumption from an aggregation server acting as a participant in the energy market. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: 13. Enforcing a prioritized list of the one or more loads based on user-specified priorities. Further comprising: 12. The method of claim 11, wherein each load can be determined as either a dimmable load or a discrete power load. 14. determining whether a measured temperature in the facility is below a cost-temperature curve for another selected load based on the virtual energy price, the another selected load being a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) load; maintaining the power to the other selected load in response to determining that a measured temperature within the facility is below the cost-temperature curve. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: 15. Find a trajectory to move the measured temperature onto the cost-temperature curve; scheduling operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) loads for the duration of the trajectory; 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: 16. Setting the power levels of the selected loads to correspond to the lighting intensity values. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: 17. Performing cubic interpolation to find the closest point on the cost-intensity curve. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: 18. Determining whether the virtual energy price is lower than a scarcity-cost curve of another selected load, the another selected load being an electric vehicle battery; charging a battery of the electric vehicle in response to determining that the virtual energy price is lower than the scarcity-cost curve. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: 19. Reducing said virtual energy price in response to a projected net production of electric energy within said facility during said period. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: 20. Prioritizing said facilities based on the class of said facilities and the specification of said one or more loads. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

[0095] Other exemplary embodiments of the present invention are listed below. 1. A power control device coupled to a circuit breaker panel configured to receive power from a utility power grid or a facility power generation source; one or more components configured to interface with the circuit breaker panel, each component having a wireless transceiver and configured to control the power to one or more branch circuits having electrical loads of the facility when powered from the power grid, the components being operable by the power controller, the power controller wirelessly communicating with each component to operate the components; Including, The power controller dynamically manages the power via a wireless handheld device using the one or more components in response to an interruption of the power grid to the circuit breaker panel, and controls the power according to one or more schedules to distribute the power from a generation source of the facility to one or more branch circuits representing one or more critical loads selected from the electrical loads. Transmission It is configured to A system in which each critical load does not need to be wired to a dedicated circuit breaker panel. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the power control device is configured to disconnect selected non-essential loads from the electrical loads of the facility. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless mobile device is a mobile phone, and the power controller is further configured to provide power management notifications to the mobile phone of a user. 4. The system described in 1, wherein the wireless mobile device is a smartphone and the power control device is operated wirelessly by a user's smartphone. 5. The system described in 1, wherein the facility's power generation source is a battery. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrical loads are prioritized according to one or more classes or load specifications. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrical loads are prioritized according to geographic location. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the dynamic management of the power is in accordance with a plurality of predefined power management schemes. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the component comprises a transistor. 10. A wireless network module connected to the power control device and communicating with a server via a wide area network. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: 11. A power control device coupled to a circuit breaker panel configured to receive power from a facility power generation source; one or more components configured to interface with the circuit breaker panel, each component having a wireless transceiver and configured to control the power to one or more branch circuits having electrical loads at the facility, the components being operable by the power controller, the power controller wirelessly communicating with and activating each component; Including, the power control device is configured, in response to the power generation source being insufficient to provide the power to all of the electrical loads, to dynamically manage the power via a smartphone using the one or more components to control and deliver the power according to one or more schedules to the one or more branch circuits representing one or more critical loads of the electrical loads; A system in which operation of the dynamic management is from the smartphone via the power controller and each critical load does not need to be hardwired to a dedicated circuit breaker panel. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the power generation source is a renewable power source. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the electrical loads are prioritized according to one or more classes or load specifications. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the electrical loads are prioritized according to geographic location. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the dynamic management of the power is in accordance with a plurality of predefined power management schemes. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the component includes a relay. 17. A wireless network module connected to the power control device and communicating with a server via a wide area network. 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the power management plan is selected by the operation on the smartphone. 19. The system described in 11, wherein the status information of the important load is obtained and displayed by the operation on the smartphone. 20. A power control device coupled to a circuit breaker panel configured to receive power from a utility power grid or a facility power generation source; one or more components configured to mate with the circuit breaker panel, each component having a wireless transceiver and a switch configured to control the power to a branch circuit having one or more electrical loads of the facility when powered from the power grid, the switch being operable by the power controller, the power controller wirelessly communicating with each component to activate the components; Including, the power control device is configured to dynamically manage the power via a wireless handheld device using the one or more components in response to an interruption of the power grid to the circuit breaker panel, and control the power according to one or more schedules for delivery to the one or more branch circuits representing one or more critical loads of the electrical loads; A system in which operation of the dynamic management is from the wireless handheld device via the power control device, and each critical load is powered from a power generation source at the facility and does not need to be wired to a dedicated circuit breaker panel.

Claims

1. a power control device coupled to a facility circuit breaker panel configured to receive power from a utility power grid or an electric vehicle (EV) battery; a component configured to mate with the circuit breaker panel, the component having a wireless transceiver and configured to control the power to a branch circuit having a critical load of the facility when powered from the power grid, the power controller wirelessly communicating with and operating the component; Including, the power control device is configured to dynamically manage the power via a portable device using the components in response to an interruption of the power grid to the circuit breaker panel to control the power to the branch circuit having the critical load powered by a battery of the EV; A system in which the branch circuits do not need to be wired to a dedicated circuit breaker panel.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the critical load is a charging control device for an EV.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the power controller is further configured to provide power management notifications to a user's mobile phone.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mobile device is a user's smartphone.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the battery of the EV is coupled to an inverter configured to provide the power to the component.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the critical loads are prioritized according to one or more classes or load specifications.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the critical loads are prioritized according to geographic location.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the dynamic management of the power is in accordance with a plurality of predefined power management schemes.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the component comprises a transistor.

10. a wireless network module connected to the power control device and communicating with a server via a wide network; The system of claim 1 further comprising:

11. a power control device coupled to the circuit breaker panel configured to receive power from an electric vehicle (EV) battery charged via a facility power generation source; a component configured to mate with the circuit breaker panel, the component having a wireless transceiver and configured to control the power to branch circuits having electrical loads of the facility, the power controller wirelessly communicating with and operating the component; Including, the power control device is configured to supply power to the electrical load from the battery of the EV managed via a smartphone using the components and control the power to the branch circuit having the electrical load in response to a cost of energy stored in the battery of the EV being lower than a cost of a utility power grid; A system in which the electrical loads do not need to be wired to a dedicated circuit breaker panel.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the power generation source is a solar panel.

13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the electrical loads are prioritized according to one or more classes or load specifications.

14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the electrical load is an appliance.

15. The system of claim 11 , wherein the management of the power is in accordance with a number of predefined power management schemes.

16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the component comprises a relay.

17. a wireless network module connected to the power control device and communicating with a server via a wide network; The system of claim 11 further comprising:

18. The system of claim 11 , wherein a power management plan is selected by an operation on the smartphone.

19. The system according to claim 11 , wherein status information of the electrical load is obtained by an operation on the smartphone.

20. a power control device coupled to a circuit breaker panel configured to receive power from a utility power grid or a facility renewable power source; a component configured to mate with the circuit breaker panel, the component comprising a wireless transceiver and a switch configured to control the power to a branch circuit having an electrical load at the facility, the power controller wirelessly communicating with and activating the switch; Including, the power control device is configured to manage the power via a portable device using the components in response to an interruption of the power grid to the circuit breaker panel to control the power from the renewable power source to the branch circuit; A system in which the electrical loads do not need to be wired to a dedicated circuit breaker panel.

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