Measurement and communication for distributed energy resource devices

Abstract

A distributed energy resource (DER) device includes a metering module and a communications module. The metering module monitors the output of the DER device, and the communications module provides two-way communication over a communications network to control the DER device. Control of the DER device may include commands to connect the DER device to a grid, disconnect the DER device from a grid, connect the DER device to a premises, or adjust the power characteristics of the DER device's output.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS. This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 62 / 914002, filed October 11, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical field. The present invention relates to measurements and communications for distributed energy resource devices and to a system supporting multiple distributed energy resource devices within a single premises. [Background technology]

[0003] In resource distribution systems, such as power grids that deliver electrical power, meters are used to measure and control consumption at customer premises. Meters may include a metering module for measuring consumption and monitoring power 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 [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When distributed energy resource (DER) devices, such as solar panel arrays, wind turbines, hydroelectric turbines, batteries, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, EVs, or generators, are provided at customer premises, power generated by the DER devices may be used at the premises or output to the power grid. In some systems, separate meters and meter sockets are required to connect the DER devices to the grid. These separate devices may not allow a central system, such as a head-end system, to control the connection of the DER devices to the grid. In other systems, integrated devices may connect both the DER devices and the premises meter to the grid. However, these integrated devices may not provide optimal control of the DER devices and may be limited to connecting only one DER device per premises. Thus, there is a need for an improved system for controlling and communicating with multiple DER devices at a premises. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Each DER device includes a metering module and a communications module. The metering module monitors the output of the DER device, and the communications module provides two-way communications over a communications network. The communications network enables communications between the head-end system, the DER devices located in different premises, and meters. The communications include commands to control the DER device to connect or disconnect from the power distribution network, and to adjust the power characteristics of the DER device's output.

[0006] Communications between the DER equipment and the head-end system may be routed through a meter located on the same premises as the DER equipment, through other devices in the network such as a gateway device, or through a cellular base station. Communications from the DER equipment may include information about the output of the DER equipment's status, such as the amount of power delivered to the grid over a given interval, the duration of the interval, and the power characteristics of the delivered power, such as harmonics, power factor, or power quality.

[0007] The information from the DER device is analyzed by a head-end system, meter, or edge computing device. The analysis may include comparing the information against one or more thresholds or using it to determine other values, such as a monetary value of the delivered 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 to disconnect from the power distribution network. Other commands are also possible, including commands instructing the DER device to connect to the power distribution network or provide power to a premises.

[0008] These exemplary aspects and features are mentioned not to limit or define the subject matter described herein, but to provide examples to aid in understanding the concepts described herein. Other aspects, advantages, and features of the subject matter described herein will become apparent upon reading the entirety of the application. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating example power connections between an electric power distribution network, a meter, a premises-located panel, and multiple DER devices. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example panel connected to a meter, multiple DER devices, and multiple loads. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of an example communication network for communication between a head-end system, a meter, and multiple DER devices. [Figure 4] 4 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of an example communication network topology for the communication network of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of an example communication network for communication between a head-end system, a gateway device, a meter, and a number of DER devices. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of an example communications network for communication between a head-end system, a premises gateway device, a meter, and multiple DER devices. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of an example communication network for communication between a head-end system, a cellular base station, a meter, and a number of DER devices. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method for controlling connection of a DER device to an electricity distribution network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present invention provides a system that supports communication with and control of distributed energy resource (DER) devices. Each DER device includes a metering module and a communication module. The metering module monitors the output of the DER device, and the communication module provides two-way communication over a communication network to control the DER device. 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 or disconnect the DER device to a premises, or to adjust parameters of the DER device. The DER device may communicate with a head-end system, a meter, or an edge computing device.

[0011] 1 illustrates exemplary power connections between an electric power distribution network or grid 102, a premise utility (or house) 104, a meter 106, a panel 108, and multiple DER devices 110a, 110b, ... 110n. In this embodiment, at least three DER devices are located on the same premise.

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

[0013] In FIG. 1, each of the DER devices 110a, 110b, 110n is connected to the grid and the premises through a panel 108. Each DER device includes a metering module 120a, 120b, 120n, a communication module 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 the controller. The metering module measures the power generated by the DER device. It provides billable grade metering so that it can measure the amount of energy provided by the DER device to the premises or grid and when the energy is provided. The metering 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 agency. It may also monitor the generated power and provide power data such as power quality and power factor data. In some systems, the metering 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 metering module and the communication module may be separate modules or may be combined into a single module. The controller controls the connection of the outputs of the DER devices to the panel.

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

[0015] The communications module of the DER device allows for low latency, two-way communications with the DER device. These communications may provide greater or more timely information about the operation of the DER device and allow for better control of the DER device than is currently available.

[0016] Metering and communication modules may be added to any type of DER device to enable the DER device to operate in the system of FIG. 1. These modules (or one module when combined) may be integrated into the hardware design of the DER device. There may be pads or connectors designed onto the PCB (printed circuit board) of the DER device to enable the addition of the modules. 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 connected using connectors or wire harnesses. The metering and communication modules of the DER device may communicate with other components of the DER device via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination thereof.

[0017] The meter 106 connects the premises equipment to the grid through a 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 the DER devices and loads located on the premises. Figure 2 shows an example panel 208 with a main circuit breaker 202, a circuit breaker for each DER device 204a, 204b, 204n, and a circuit breaker for the premises loads 206a, 206b, 206n.

[0018] Metered communications. In addition to the power connections shown in Figures 1 and 2, the meters and DER devices are connected via one or more communication networks. Figure 3 shows a portion of one example 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 communicate information about the energy generated or delivered to the grid, and may also communicate information about the status of the devices.

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

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

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

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

[0023] As an alternative to communications between the DER devices and the head-end system going through the meter as shown in Figure 3, one or more of the DER devices may be configured so that communications between the head-end system and the DER device go through a node other than the meter. For example, communications 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, communications involving other devices in the network may be routed through the meter 106. As shown in Figure 4, the meter may be connected to a network of meters and other devices, and communications between the head-end system 402 and the meter 106 may be communicated across multiple devices via one or more networks.

[0025] In some networks, the communications modules of the meters and / or DER devices may communicate with devices that provide edge computing services. The edge computing services or edge computing devices 410 may be located topologically closer to the DER devices in the communications network and therefore provide lower latency communications and control.

[0026] Communications using gateway devices. FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary communication network. In FIG. 5, the communication modules of the DER devices 110a, 110b, 110n communicate with a gateway device 504. The 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 communication protocols. The communication modules of the DER devices communicate information regarding the energy generated or provided to the grid, and may also communicate information regarding the status of the devices.

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

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

[0029] Communications using on-premise gateway devices. FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a communication channel for the meter 106 and 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 on the premises, such as a premises gateway device or a home gateway device. The communication with the premises gateway device 604 may use any type of communication protocol, including proprietary or non-proprietary protocols. Some examples are Zigbee, Wi-Sun, or WiFi communication protocols. The communication module of the DER device communicates information regarding the energy generated or provided to the grid, and may also communicate information regarding the status of the device.

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

[0031] The home gateway device may be located within the premises. For example, the home gateway device may be located 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 communication functions, the home gateway device may provide edge computing services including measurement and control of DER devices.

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

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

[0034] As an alternative to the meter's communications module communicating via a cellular base station as shown in FIG. 7, the meter may communicate with the head-end system using a network different than the network used by the DER equipment.

[0035] Example communication with DER equipment. As previously discussed, the inclusion of metering and communications modules in the DER device and the connection of the DER device to a communications network supports improved control and connectivity of the DER device.

[0036] A metering module of the DER device monitors the power generated by the DER device to determine information about the power. The information includes any information or data that is measurable or otherwise available by the metering module or the DER device, including, but not limited to, the amount of power provided to the grid, the time that the power is provided to the grid, and characteristics of the power provided to the grid (e.g., power factor, power quality, harmonics). A communication module of the DER device may transmit the information to a meter, a head-end system, and / or an edge computing device on the same premises. The meter, head-end system, and / or edge computing device may use the information to control the DER device or may aggregate the information with information from other devices in the grid and use the information to make decisions to control one or more of the devices, including the DER device.

[0037] A user, including a user associated with a utility or a customer, may monitor and control energy generation or usage through a user interface. For example, a user may receive information about the flow of energy to or from the grid, the generation or consumption of energy by one or more DER devices, the consumption of energy by a load, information about power quality, power factor, or other measured parameters from a DER device or the grid, or may receive bill and rate information through a user interface. A user may issue control commands to control the functions of a DER device or meter. The user interface may be presented on a display device located on the premises or may be presented to a user through an internet / web portal or other type of device, including a handheld device such as a smartphone.

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

[0039] The meter, head-end system, or edge computing device may generate commands to connect or disconnect the DER device to the grid or panel. If the meter determines that the DER device may be connected to the grid and 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 allow the DER device to supply power to the grid. The timing of the activation of the connection may be controlled to synchronize the output of the DER device time to the grid. The connection or disconnection of the DER device and the grid may occur at a specific time that is most advantageous to the user and / or the utility based on a changing rate structure. The utility may disconnect or not allow the DER device to be connected to the grid based on the ability of the DER device to meet power quality standards.

[0040] If the head-end system determines that the 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 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 instructing it to disable its output to the panel, and may also control any other devices 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. The meter may then 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 that used by the head-end system.

[0042] In one embodiment, the DER device includes a solar panel that is connected to a grid and supplies power to the grid. A metering module of the DER device may monitor the output of the solar panel to detect harmonics. A communication module of the DER device may transmit the harmonic information to a head-end system. The head-end system may analyze the harmonic information to determine whether a configurable threshold has been exceeded. If the harmonics generated by the solar panel exceed a threshold, the head-end system may send a command to the DER device and / or a meter to disconnect the solar panel from the grid. In response, the DER device may disconnect the solar panel's output from the panel.

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

[0044] If information about the power quality 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 an inverter associated with the output of the DER device.

[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method for controlling a DER device. At 802, the DER device is delivering power to the grid. At 804, a metering module of the DER device monitors the output of the DER device to collect information regarding the output. At 806, a communication module of the DER device transmits the information to a meter and / or a head-end system. The information may include the amount of power delivered to the grid over the section, the time of the section, power delivered, and other power characteristics. At 808, the device or system receiving the information evaluates it. Evaluating the information may include comparing it against one or more thresholds or using it to determine other values, such as a monetary value of the delivered power. If it is evaluated that no adjustment is needed, the No branch at 810 returns to 804.

[0046] If an adjustment is assessed as necessary, the Yes branch of 810 is followed to 812. If the adjustment requires the DER device to be disconnected from the grid, the Yes branch of 812 is followed to 814 where one or more commands to disconnect the DER device are transmitted to the DER device and / or meter. If the adjustment does not require the DER device to be disconnected from the grid, the No branch of 812 is followed to 816 where one or more commands to adjust the output of the DER device are sent to the DER device and / or meter. The method then returns to 804. Although FIG. 8 describes the DER device in communication with a head-end system or meter, the DER device may also be in communication with an edge computing device, which may perform functions similar to those performed by the meter or head-end system.

[0047] If the DER device is a device that can consume power from the grid and also supply power to the grid, such as an EV, an EV charger, or a battery system, the meter, head-end system, or 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, effective rates over a given period of time, 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 rate of energy transfer from the grid to the DER device or from the DER device to the grid.

[0048] For example, the head-end system may consider the total demand of the grid when controlling the DER device. During periods of high demand, the head-end system may decide not to allow the DER device to consume power and may allow it to supply power. The edge computing device may determine when each DER device in a neighborhood is allowed to consume power, taking into account the load at the local transformer or other local distribution equipment to ensure that the local distribution equipment is not overloaded and to ensure that each DER device in the neighborhood has an assigned charging time. The meter may control the DER device by considering the effective rate. If the rate is low or below a predetermined charging rate threshold, the meter may decide to allow the DER device to charge. If the rate is high or above a predetermined supply rate threshold, the meter may allow the DER device to supply power to the grid.

[0049] The commands may include commands to disconnect the premises equipment from the grid and allow the DER device to supply power to the premises equipment. For example, if the meter detects a power outage on the grid, the meter may generate a command to the DER device to connect the DER device to the panel. The meter may control other devices to allow the DER device to supply power to the premises equipment while preventing power from leaking onto the grid.

[0050] These and other commands ensure good balancing of on-premise loads and DER devices, which helps maintain grid stability.

[0051] The operations of the head-end system, gateway device, metering module, and communication module described herein 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 execute the program code to configure the processing elements to perform one or more of the operations described herein. The computing system may include other components, such as one or more network interface devices for establishing connections to and communicating over a network, and input / output devices, such as a display device.

[0052] While the subject matter of the present application has been described in detail with respect to certain embodiments thereof, it will be recognized that those skilled in the art, upon understanding the foregoing, may readily make modifications, variations, and equivalents of such embodiments. It is therefore to be understood that the present disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and is not intended to exclude inclusion of such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the subject matter of the present application as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill 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 delivered 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 to the power grid by the DER device 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. The system remote from the premises is an edge computing device. 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 communications module for bidirectional communications between the DER device and a system remote from the premises, the communications module routing communications between the communications 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; a system remote from the premises configured to analyze the power data to determine whether a power characteristic exceeds a threshold; 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 central system is configured to analyze the power data to determine whether a power characteristic exceeds a threshold; 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 or turns off 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.

Images