Metering and communications for distributed energy resource devices

Abstract

To provide metering and communications for distributed energy resource devices.SOLUTION: A DER (distributed energy resource) device includes a metrology module and a communications module. The metrology module monitors the output of the DER device and the communications module provides bidirectional communications across a communications network to control the DER device. The control of the DER device may include commands to connect the DER device to a grid, to disconnect the DER device from the grid, to connect the DER device to the premises, or to adjust a power characteristic of the output of the DER device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications. This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 62 / 914,002, filed on October 11, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field. The present invention relates to measurement and communication for distributed energy resource devices and also to a system for supporting multiple distributed energy resource devices within a single premise.

Background Art

[0003] In a resource distribution system such as a power grid that delivers electricity, meters are used to measure and control consumption within a customer premise. The meter may include a measurement module for measuring consumption and monitoring electrical characteristics, a communication module for communicating with a central system such as a head - end system, and other modules and components.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a distributed energy resource (DER) device such as a solar panel array, a wind turbine, a hydro turbine, a battery, an electric vehicle (EV) charger, an EV, or a generator is installed on a customer's premises, the power generated by the DER device may be used on the premises or output to the power grid. In some systems, separate meters and meter sockets are required to connect the DER device to the grid. These separate devices may prevent a central system such as a head-end system from controlling the connection of the DER device to the grid. In other systems, an integrated device may connect both the DER device and the in-premises meter to the grid. However, these integrated devices may not provide optimal control of the DER device and may be limited to connecting only one DER device per premises. Therefore, there is a need for an improved system for controlling and communicating with multiple DER devices on the premises.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] Each DER device includes a measurement module and a communication module. The measurement module monitors the output of the DER device, and the communication module provides two-way communication across a communication network. The communication network enables communication between the head-end system, DER devices located in different premises, and meters. The communication includes commands for controlling the DER device to connect or disconnect from the power distribution network and commands for adjusting the power characteristics of the output of the DER device.

[0006] Communication between the DER device and the head - end system may be routed through a meter located on the same premises as the DER device, through other devices in a network such as a gateway device, or through a cellular base station. Communication from the DER device may include information regarding the output of the state of the DER device, e.g., the amount of power supplied to the grid over a given interval, the time of the interval, and the power characteristics of the supplied power, e.g., harmonics, power factor, or power quality.

[0007] Information from the DER device is analyzed by the head - end system, the meter, or an edge computing device. The analysis may include comparing the information to one or more thresholds or using it to determine other values, e.g., the monetary value of the supplied power. If the analysis indicates a need for adjustment, a command or control instruction is generated and sent to the DER device. The command may instruct the DER device to adjust its output or disconnect from the power distribution network. Other commands are also possible, including commands that instruct the DER device to connect to the power distribution network or supply power to the premises.

[0008] These exemplary aspects and features are not intended to limit or define the subject matter described herein, but are referred to in order to provide examples that assist in the understanding of the concepts described in this application. Other aspects, advantages, and features of the subject matter described herein will become apparent by reading through the entire application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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[0010] The present invention provides a system that supports communication with and control of DER (Distributed Energy Resource) devices. Each DER device includes a measurement module and a communication module. The measurement module monitors the output of the DER device, and the communication module provides two-way communication across a communication network for controlling the DER device. The control of the DER device may include a command to connect the DER device to the grid, a command to disconnect the DER device from the grid, a command to connect or disconnect the DER device to / from the premises, or a command to adjust the parameters of the DER device. The DER device may communicate with a head-end system, a meter, or an edge computing device.

[0011] Figure 1 shows an exemplary power connection among a power distribution network or grid 102, a premise (or house) 104, a meter 106, a panel 108, and a plurality of DER devices 110a, 110b, … 110n. In this example, at least three DER devices are located in the same premise.

[0012] The meter 106 measures and controls the power between the grid and the premise. The meter may include a measurement module 122, a communication module 132, a disconnect switch 142, and other components. The measurement module may measure the consumption of electrical energy and provide billable grade measurement and load profiling. The communication module communicates with a central or head - end system via a communication network (not shown). The measurement module and the communication module may be separate modules or may be combined as a single module. The disconnect switch controls the flow of power from the grid, through the meter, to the premise.

[0013] In FIG. 1, each of the DER devices 110a, 110b, 110n is connected to the grid and the premises via the panel 108. Each DER device includes measurement modules 120a, 120b, 120n, communication modules 130a, 130b, 130n, and a control device 140a, 140b, 140n such as an inverter or a disconnect switch. The parameters or states of the control device may be controlled by a controller. The measurement module measures the power generated by the DER device. It provides billable grade measurements, and as a result, it can measure the amount of energy provided to the premises or the grid by the DER device and when the energy is provided. The measurement module may provide load profiling, which may use appropriate interval lengths (e.g., 1-minute intervals, 5-minute intervals, 15-minute intervals) as required by the relevant regulatory authorities. Also, it may monitor the generated power and provide power data such as power quality and power factor data. In some systems, the measurement module is provided by a single module such as a meter-on-chip (MOC) module. The communication module communicates with a central system via a communication network (not shown). The measurement module and the communication module may be separate modules or may be combined as a single module. The control device controls connecting the output of the DER device to the panel.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows the DER devices 110a, 110b, 110n connected to the panel 108, but alternative configurations are also possible and may be supported by the measurement modules 120a, 120b, 120n and the communication modules 130a, 130b, 130n in the DER devices. Alternatives include connecting one or more DER devices to a multiport meter or directly connecting the DER device to the grid.

[0015] The communication module of the DER device enables low-latency two-way communication with the DER device. These communications can provide more or more timely information about the operation of the DER device and enable better control of the DER device than the control currently available.

[0016] To enable the DER device to operate in the system of FIG. 1, a measurement module and a communication module may be added to any type of DER device. These modules (or, when combined, one module) may be integrated into the hardware design of the DER device. To enable the addition of modules, there may be pads or connectors designed on the printed circuit board (PCB) of the DER device. In some embodiments, the DER device is manufactured by a third party, and the modules are provided by the same provider as the meter provider. The modules may be soldered onto the PCB or may be connected using connectors or wire harnesses. The measurement module and the communication module of the DER device may communicate with other components of the DER device via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination thereof.

[0017] Meter 106 connects the premises equipment to the grid via panel 108. The panel includes a main circuit breaker that controls the connection of the premises equipment to the meter and may also include additional circuit breakers for DER devices and loads located within the premises. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary panel 208 with a main circuit breaker 202, circuit breakers for each DER device 204a, 204b, 204n, and circuit breakers for premises loads 206a, 206b, 206n.

[0018] Communication Using a Meter. In addition to the power connections shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the meter and DER devices are connected via one or more communication networks. FIG. 3 shows a portion of one exemplary communication network. The communication network includes communication channels between the meter 106 and the DER devices 110a, 110b, 110n. Each of the communication modules of the DER devices communicates with the communication module of the meter. The communication channels may be wired or wireless and may use any type of communication protocol, including proprietary or non-proprietary protocols. One example is the Zigbee® communication protocol. The communication modules of the DER devices may communicate information regarding the energy generated or supplied to the grid, and may also communicate information regarding the status of the devices.

[0019] The communication module of the meter may receive commands or control instructions sent by the head-end system 302 and route the commands to the appropriate DER devices. It may also receive communications from the DER devices and send the communications to the head-end system.

[0020] In addition to or instead of routing communications between the head-end system and the DER devices, the meter may generate commands and send them to one or more of the communication modules of the DER devices. The meter may receive information from the DER devices. The information may be provided to the head-end system and / or used by the meter.

[0021] In FIG. 3, all communications between the DER devices and other devices are routed through the meter within the same premises. The meter may communicate with the DER devices and other devices in the communication network using the same network protocol, or may communicate with the DER devices using one network protocol and communicate with other devices in the communication network using a different network protocol.

[0022] In some embodiments, the meter receives information from the DER device, aggregates the information, and then transmits the aggregated information to the head-end system. In other embodiments, the meter simply routes the information received from the DER device to the head-end system without aggregating it.

[0023] As an alternative to the communication between the DER device and the head-end system passing through the meter shown in FIG. 3, one or more of the DER devices may be configured such that the communication between the head-end system and the DER device passes through nodes other than the meter. For example, the communication between the head-end system 302 and the DER device 110a may be routed through a network device other than the meter 106 within the same premises.

[0024] In any of these embodiments, the communication related to other devices in the network may be routed through the meter 106. As shown in FIG. 4, the meter may be connected to a network of the meter and other devices, and the communication between the head-end system 402 and the meter 106 may be communicated over multiple devices via one or more networks.

[0025] In some networks, the communication module of the meter and / or the DER device may communicate with a device that provides edge computing services. Since the edge computing service or the edge computing device 410 is topologically closer to the DER device in the communication network, it can provide lower latency communication and control.

[0026] Communication using a gateway device. FIG. 5 shows another exemplary communication network. In FIG. 5, the communication modules of DER devices 110a, 110b, 110n communicate with a gateway device 504. Communication with the gateway device may use any type of communication protocol, including proprietary or non-proprietary protocols. Some examples are Zigbee, Wi-Sun, or WiFi (registered trademark) communication protocols. The communication module of the DER device may communicate information regarding the energy generated or provided to the grid, and may also communicate information regarding the status of the device.

[0027] Communication between the meter and the head-end system may not be routed through the gateway device. Instead, the meter may communicate with the head-end system as shown in FIG. 3, or may communicate with the head-end system via a PLC network. Alternatively, the meter may communicate via the gateway device.

[0028] The gateway device may be provided on or near the premises. The gateway device communicates with the head-end system 502 via one or more networks. In addition to the communication function, the gateway device may be an edge computing device that provides edge computing services, such as services that support the measurement and control of DER devices. The head-end system may communicate with the DER device via communication routed through the gateway device.

[0029] Communication Using a Premises Gateway Device FIG. 6 shows another example of a communication channel for the meter 106 and the DER devices 110a, 110b, 110n of FIG. 1. In FIG. 6, the communication module of the DER device communicates with a gateway device 604 located within the premises, such as a premise gateway device or a home gateway device. The communication with the premise gateway device 604 may use any type of communication protocol, including proprietary or non-proprietary protocols. Some examples are Zigbee, Wi-Sun, or WiFi (registered trademark) communication protocols. The communication module of the DER device may communicate information regarding the generated energy or the energy provided to the grid, and may also communicate information regarding the status of the device.

[0030] The communication between the meter and the head-end system 602 may not be routed through the premise gateway device. Instead, the meter may communicate with the head-end system as shown in FIG. 3, or may communicate with the head-end system via a PLC network. Alternatively, the meter may be connected to the premise gateway device.

[0031] The premise gateway device may be provided within the premises. For example, the home gateway device may be provided inside or outside a building located within the premises. The home gateway device communicates with the head-end system via one or more networks. In addition to the communication function, the premise gateway device may provide edge computing services including measurement and control of the DER device.

[0032] Communication using a cellular base station. FIG. 7 shows another exemplary communication network. In FIG. 7, the communication modules of the meter 106 and the DER devices 110a, 110b, 110n include cellular wireless devices. The communication module of the meter and the communication modules of the DER devices communicate with a cellular base station 704 via a cellular network. The cellular network may be a public or private cellular network. The communication module of the DER device may communicate information regarding the generated energy or the energy provided to the grid, and may also communicate information regarding the status of the device.

[0033] The head - end system 702 communicates with the meter and the DER devices via the cellular base station 704. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the communication between the cellular base station and the head - end system may use additional networks and network devices.

[0034] As an alternative example of the communication module of the meter that communicates via a cellular base station as shown in FIG. 7, the meter may communicate with the head - end system using a network different from the network used by the DER device.

[0035] Exemplary communication with DER devices. As described above, including a measurement module and a communication module in the DER device and connecting the DER device to a communication network support improved control and connection of the DER device.

[0036] The measurement module of the DER device monitors the power generated by the DER device and determines information regarding the power. The information includes any information or data that is measurable, or alternatively, any information or data that is available to the measurement module or the DER device, and includes, but is not limited to, the amount of power provided to the grid, the time at which the power is provided to the grid, and the characteristics of the power provided to the grid (e.g., power factor, power quality, harmonics). The communication module of the DER device may transmit the information to a meter, a head - end system, and / or an edge computing device within the same premises. The meter, the head - end system, and / or the edge computing device may use the information to control the DER device, or alternatively, aggregate information from other devices in the grid and make a decision to control one or more of the devices including the DER device using that information.

[0037] Users, including those associated with a utility or a customer, may monitor and control the generation or use of energy via a user interface. For example, the user may receive information from the DER device or the grid regarding the flow of energy to or from the grid, the generation or consumption of energy by one or more DER devices, information about the consumption of energy by a load, power quality, power factor, or other measurement parameters, or may receive a bill and rate information via the user interface. The user may issue control commands to control the functions of the DER device or the meter. The user interface may be presented on a display device provided within the premises, or alternatively, may be presented to the user via another type of device including a portable device such as an Internet / web portal or a smartphone.

[0038] The user interface may enable the user to configure the system, including setting a predetermined threshold, such that the system may control DER devices and their connections based on factors such as the detected state of the grid, the output of the DER devices, and the current rate (i.e., cost per unit energy) in a system using a variable rate structure. Some representative commands are discussed below.

[0039] A meter, head - end system, or edge computing device may generate commands to connect or disconnect DER devices to or from the grid or panel. If the meter determines that a DER device may be connected to the grid to supply power to the grid, the meter may send a command to the DER device instructing it to connect its output to the panel. The meter may control other devices or switches to enable the DER device to supply power to the grid. The timing of connection activation may be controlled to synchronize the output of the DER device time to the grid. The connection or disconnection of DER devices and the grid may occur at a specific time most advantageous to the user and / or utility based on a changing rate structure. The utility may disconnect or not permit the connection of a DER device to the grid based on the DER device's ability to meet power quality standards.

[0040] If the head - end system determines that a DER device should be connected to the grid, the head - end system may send a command to the meter instructing it to connect the DER device to the grid. The meter may then generate and send a command to the DER device instructing it to connect its output to the panel, and may also control other devices or switches to connect the DER device to the grid. Alternatively, the head - end system may send a command to the DER device instructing it to connect its output to the panel, and may also send a separate command to the meter instructing it to enable the DER device to supply power to the grid.

[0041] If the meter determines that the DER device should be disconnected from the grid, the meter may generate and send a command to the DER device to disable its output to the panel, and may also control any other device required to disable the DER device from supplying power. If the head - end system determines that the DER device should be disconnected from the grid, the head - end system may send a command to the meter instructing it to disconnect the DER device from the grid. Then, the meter may generate and send a command to the DER device instructing it to disable its output to the panel, and may also control other devices or switches to disconnect the DER device from the grid. Alternatively, the head - end system may send a command to the DER device instructing it to disconnect its output from the panel, and may also send a command to the meter to prevent the DER device from supplying power to the grid. The edge computing device may disconnect the DER device from the grid in a manner similar to the method used by the head - end system.

[0042] In one embodiment, the DER device includes a solar panel connected to the grid and supplying power to the grid. The measurement module of the DER device monitors the output of the solar panel and detects harmonics. The communication module of the DER device may transmit the harmonic information to the head - end system. The head - end system may analyze the harmonic information to determine whether it exceeds a configurable threshold. If the harmonics generated by the solar panel exceed the threshold, the head - end system may send a command to the DER device and / or the meter to disconnect the solar panel from the grid. In response, the DER device may disconnect the output of the solar panel from the panel.

[0043] In another embodiment, after the DER device is connected to the grid and supplies power to the grid, the measurement module of the DER device monitors the output to detect one or more power characteristics. Information regarding the power characteristics may be transmitted to the head - end system. The head - end system may issue a command or perform other operations based on the characteristics of the generated power. For example, the head - end system monitors the power quality and power factor data received from the DER device to determine the value of the power supplied to the grid by the DER device (e.g., a lower price or value may be associated with lower power quality or power factor), or to determine whether to disconnect the DER device from the grid (e.g., if the generated power has an adverse effect on the grid).

[0044] When information regarding the power characteristics is transmitted to the meter, the meter may determine that an adjustment is necessary and may send a command to the DER device. In one embodiment, the command instructs the DER device to adjust the power factor of the inverter associated with the output of the DER device.

[0045] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary method of controlling a DER device. At 802, the DER device is supplying power to the grid. At 804, the measurement module of the DER device monitors the output of the DER device to collect information regarding the output. At 806, the communication module of the DER device transmits the information to the meter and / or the head - end system. The information may include the amount of power supplied to the grid over power characteristics such as intervals, the time of the intervals, the power supplied, etc. At 808, the device or system that receives the information evaluates it. The evaluation of the information may include comparing it to one or more thresholds or using it to determine other values, such as the monetary value of the supplied power. If it is evaluated that no adjustment is necessary, it returns from the No branch at 810 to 804.

[0046] If it is evaluated that an adjustment is necessary, proceed from the Yes branch of 810 to 812. If the adjustment requires that the DER device be disconnected from the grid, proceed from the Yes branch of 812 to 814, and one or more commands to disconnect the DER device are transmitted to the DER device and / or the meter. If the adjustment does not require that the DER device be disconnected from the grid, proceed from the No branch of 812 to 816, and one or more commands to adjust the output of the DER device are sent to the DER device and / or the meter. Then, the method returns to 804. Although FIG. 8 illustrates the DER device communicating with the head-end system or the meter, the DER device may communicate with an edge computing device that can perform functions similar to those performed by the meter or the head-end system.

[0047] If the DER device is a device that can consume power from the grid and supply power to the grid, such as an EV, an EV charger, or a battery system, the meter, the head-end system, or the edge computing device may control when the DER device consumes power from the grid and when the DER device supplies power to the grid. The commands may take into account information such as current or past demand, an effective rate over a predetermined time period, and the charge level of the DER device. In addition to controlling when the DER device may consume power from the grid, the commands may control the energy transfer rate from the grid to the DER device, or from the DER device to the grid.

[0048] For example, when the head - end system controls the DER device, it may consider the total demand of the grid. During periods of high demand, the head - end system may decide not to permit the DER device to consume power, or it may cause power to be supplied to it. The edge - computing device may determine when to permit power consumption for each DER device within the vicinity, considering the load in the local transformer or other local distribution devices, in order to ensure that the local distribution device is not overloaded and that a charging time is allocated to each nearby DER device. The meter may control the DER device considering the effective rate. When the rate is low or less than a predetermined charging - rate threshold, the meter may decide to permit charging of the DER device. When the rate is high or greater than a predetermined supply - rate threshold, the meter may permit the DER device to supply power to the grid.

[0049] The command may include a command to disconnect the on - site facilities from the grid and permit the DER device to supply power to the on - site facilities. For example, when the meter detects a power outage in the grid, the meter may generate a command to connect the DER device to the panel. The meter may also control other devices to enable the DER device to supply power to the on - site facilities while preventing power from entering the grid.

[0050] These and other commands ensure a good balance of the loads and DER devices located on - site, which helps to maintain the stability of the grid.

[0051] The operations of the head-end system, gateway device, measurement module, and communication module described in this application may be performed by any suitable computer system. The computing system may include one or more processing elements that execute computer-executable program code stored in a memory device. The memory device may include any suitable computer-readable medium for storing program code and data. The computing system may configure the processing elements by executing the program code to perform one or more of the operations described in this application. The computing system may also include other components, such as one or more network interface devices for establishing a connection to a network and communicating over the network, and input / output devices such as a display device.

[0052] Although the subject matter of this application has been described in detail with respect to its specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that, by understanding the foregoing, it is possible to readily create modifications, variations, and equivalents of such embodiments. Accordingly, it should be understood that this disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and does not exclude the inclusion of such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the subject matter of this application as would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. 1. A method for controlling the connection of a distributed energy resource (DER) device located in a given premises to a power grid, comprising: controlling, by a system remote from the premises, a connection of the DER device to the power grid to cause the DER device to supply power to the power grid; receiving, by a system remote from the premises, a communication from the DER device, the communication including power data describing power characteristics of power generated by the DER device and delivered to the power grid; analyzing, by a system remote from the premises, the power data to determine whether the power characteristic exceeds a threshold; generating, by a system remote from the premises, at least one command to disconnect an output of the DER device from the power grid if the power quality exceeds the threshold; transmitting, by a system remote from the premises, the at least one command to disconnect an output of the DER device from the power grid for routing through a communications network including the DER device. method.

2. the at least one command to disconnect an output of the DER device from the power grid includes a command to the DER device to control a controller to disconnect an output of the DER device. The method of claim 1.

3. the at least one command to disconnect an output of the DER device from the power grid includes a command to a meter located on the premises to disconnect an output of the DER device. The method of claim 1.

4. The system remote from the premises is a head-end system; The method includes receiving, at the head-end system, a second communication from the DER device comprising an amount of energy provided by the DER device to the power grid over a predetermined interval and a time associated with the interval. The method of claim 1.

5. determining a value of the amount of energy delivered by the DER device to the power grid over the interval based on the amount of energy, a time associated with the interval, and the power data. The method of claim 4.

6. a system edge computing device remote from the premises; The method of claim 1.

7. receiving, by a system remote from the premises, a second communication from a second DER device, the second communication including power data describing power characteristics of power consumed by the second DER device and received from the power grid; transmitting, by a system remote from the premises, at least a second command to be routed through the communications network including the second DER device, connecting an output of the second DER device to the power grid; Further comprising: The method of claim 1.

8. 1. A system for controlling the connection of DER devices located on a given premises to a power grid, comprising: a communication module for bidirectional communication between a DER device and a system remote from the premises, the communication module routing communication between the communication module and the system remote from the premises through a meter located on the premises; a controller that controls a control device that controls the connection of an output of the DER device to a panel located in the premises based on a command received by the communication module; a metering module that measures an amount of energy delivered to the power grid by an output of the DER device over a time interval and correlates the time interval with time to monitor power characteristics associated with the energy delivered to the power grid. system.

9. The above panel is a first interface configured to connect the DER device to the panel; a second interface configured to connect a second DER device to the panel; a third interface configured to connect the meter to the panel; a first circuit breaker associated with the DER device; a second circuit breaker associated with the second DER device; and and a third circuit breaker associated with the meter. The system of claim 8.

10. The communication between the communication module and the meter is wireless communication. The system of claim 8.

11. the communication module and the measurement module are integrated into the DER device; The system of claim 8.

12. the controller controls the control device based on commands generated by the meter and received by the communication module. The system of claim 8.

13. the DER device provides power to the premises when the meter's disconnect switch is open; the controller enabling the DER device to provide power to the panel; the panel connects the DER device to at least one load in the premises; The system of claim 8.

14. The DER device is a solar device, The control device is an inverter. The system of claim 8.

15. The controller controls the control device based on a variable rate architecture to deliver energy to the power grid when a current rate exceeds a delivery rate threshold. The system of claim 8.

16. the metering module is configured to measure an amount of energy received from the power grid by the DER device over a second interval and to relate the second interval to a time. The system of claim 8.

17. 1. A system for communicating with a plurality of DER devices located on a premises, comprising: a first communications module associated with a first DER device located on the premises and connected to a panel; a second communications module associated with a second DER device located on the premises and connected to the panel; a gateway communication module associated with a gateway device that communicates with the first communication module, the second communication module, and a central system; a third communication module associated with a meter located on the premises and connected to the panel, the third communication module communicating with the central system; the gateway communication module receives a first control command from the central system and transmits the first control command to the first communication module; The first DER device controls energy generated by the first DER device based on the first control command. system.

18. the first DER device controls a first control device of the first DER device to disconnect the first DER device from a power grid based on the first control command; the gateway communication module receives a second control command from the central system and transmits the second control command to the second communication module; the second DER device controls a second control device of the second DER device to connect the second DER device to the power grid based on the second control command; 20. The system of claim 17.

19. communications between the third communication module and the central system are routed through the gateway communication module.

20. The system of claim 17.

20. The gateway device is located within the premises.

20. The system of claim 17.

21. the gateway communication module is a cellular base station; the first communication module and the second communication module are cellular radio devices; 20. The system of claim 17.

22. The first DER device controls energy generated by the first DER device based on the first control command by adjusting a parameter of a first control device of the first DER device.

20. The system of claim 17.

23. the gateway communication module receives a second control command from the central system and transmits the second control command to the first communication module; The first DER device controls energy consumed by the first DER device based on the second control command.

20. The system of claim 17.

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