Method for managing and processing energy generation and carbon credits

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for managing and processing energy generation and carbon credits obtained by generating renewable energy from alternative electrical energy sources, such as photovoltaic or wind power for example. The renewable energy injected into the distribution grid is verified through consumption documentation provided and made available to the consumer by the operator, this being the generation plant approved by the operator responsible for the local network, and the amount of kWh generated is validated by an application or software that converts kWh into CO2eq, which is then credited to the user's carbon credit account, incentivizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the sale of carbon credits, rewarding users who voluntarily generate and inject energy from renewable sources into the energy distribution grid.

Description

[0001]METHOD FOR MANAGING AND PROCESSING ENERGY GENERATION AND CARBON CREDITS FIELD OF APPLICATION 001 The present invention relates to a method for managing and processing energy generation and carbon credits, particularly related to credits obtained through the generation of renewable energy from alternative sources to electricity, such as photovoltaic, wind, and others that can be injected into the distribution line and demonstrated by consumption documentation provided to the consumer by the utility company. STATE OF THE ART 002 It is known in the state of the art that there is a growing concern with sustainable development, in addition to the effects of global warming, especially the greenhouse effect, environmental degradation, as well as the world's dependence on energy, and the consequent search for renewable energy sources that are not harmful to the environment.With the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Paris Agreement emerged in 2016, replacing the Kyoto Protocol. Signatories included the most developed and industrialized countries and blocs, such as China, the United States of America, and the European Union, among others, and it was considered a landmark among international climate agreements. Among the mechanisms introduced to achieve emission reduction targets, the concept of carbon credits stands out, initially suggested by the Kyoto Protocol. Carbon credits serve as a flexibility mechanism, allowing countries and companies to negotiate emission reductions. This system encourages sustainable practices and facilitates the transition to a low-carbon economy, while offering a viable way to meet the targets established in climate agreements.004 Thus, carbon credits are a way to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as companies and countries that manage to reduce their carbon emissions below a certain limit receive carbon credits, which can be traded in carbon markets and used to offset excess emissions from other entities. 005 In this way, carbon credits have come to be considered a kind of currency, which represents the non-emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Thus, the generation of these credits is carried out as countries strive for projects and actions aimed at sustainable development, such as: the use of alternative energy sources, projects to reduce deforestation, campaigns for conscious consumption, among others.006 Considering alternative energy sources, photovoltaic and wind energy can be cited within the scope of this invention, in contrast to energy distributed to the consumer unit by the electricity utility. 007 The relationship between kWh (kilowatt-hour) and carbon credits lies in the fact that electricity generation can produce carbon emissions, depending on the energy source used. For example, clean energy sources, such as photovoltaic and wind energy, generally have low carbon emissions associated with their kWh production, and therefore, the use of these sources can result in fewer carbon emissions. Fossil fuel sources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, generally have higher carbon emissions associated with their kWh production. Thus, the relationship between kWh and carbon credits lies in how energy production affects carbon emissions.Companies and governments can seek to reduce their carbon emissions by adopting cleaner and more efficient energy sources. The carbon market exists worldwide and is regulated in each country by specific legislation, as is the case in Brazil, which regulates it through Decree No. 5,882 of 2006. Basically, the carbon market is characterized by the trading of carbon credits between a country that holds them, having reduced its carbon dioxide emissions, and a country that needs to reduce its emissions but has not yet met its targets. The calculation of kWh per carbon credit can vary depending on the context and specific policies of a carbon market or carbon offset program. However, there are some general principles that can be considered: Energy source used: Renewable energy sources tend to have very low or zero emissions, while fossil fuel sources tend to have significant emissions.011 Emission Factors: For fossil fuel energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, governments and environmental organizations generally establish standard emission factors, which represent the average amount of carbon released per unit of energy produced. These emission factors are used to calculate the carbon emissions associated with energy consumption. 012 Reference Standards: In some cases, reference standards may be established for efficiency and carbon emissions in energy generation. Companies that exceed these standards may receive carbon credits, while those that do not meet the standards may need to acquire carbon credits, generating a balance between emitter and receiver. 013 Monitoring and Reporting: To participate in carbon credit programs or carbon markets, companies generally need to monitor and report their carbon emissions.This may involve installing metering equipment, collecting data on energy consumption, and preparing detailed reports on the carbon emissions associated with their operations. 014 Trading carbon credits: Once carbon emissions have been quantified, companies can participate in carbon markets to buy or sell carbon credits. The price of carbon credits can vary based on supply and demand, as well as political and economic factors. 015 In summary, calculating kWh per carbon credit involves quantifying the carbon emissions associated with energy generation and determining the amount of carbon credits needed to offset those emissions, based on factors such as energy source, efficiency, and regulatory standards.016 Trading methods can be: unilateral, bilateral, or multilateral. Unilateral trading involves a project developed by one country, which sets the value of the carbon credit. Bilateral trading involves projects carried out by a developed country in a developing country, where market values ​​are decided by the industrialized country that implemented the project in the developing country. Multilateral trading involves projects implemented and financed by international funds, where the values ​​for carbon credit trading are set by the investment funds.017 An example of a prior art project is patent document PI0920433-4 entitled “Method and System for Applying Environmental Incentives” and published on 12 / 22 / 2015, which discloses a method for retrieving information on electricity consumption and generation and calculating an environmental incentive from the information retrieved from a document for multiple intervals of specific billing periods. However, this method does not teach the management and processing of carbon credits as in the present invention because, among other problems, the prior art does not validate the information retrieved from a document with the utility company.018 The document US 20090210295 – A1, entitled “System and method for enabling carbon credit rewards for select activities,” describes systems that calculate and account for carbon credit balances related to a specific activity, considering, for example, the activity's location and monitoring. However, the American document calculates carbon credits based on the country's GDP and the average per industrial sector, which adds complexity to the calculation. 019 The document US 20160371705 – A1, entitled “Data processing system,” describes systems and methods that capture data to calculate carbon emissions and offset emissions, and that allow for the conversion / transfer of these credits. However, this document aims to perform the calculation for offsetting for a specific individual or company.020 Thus, the present invention aims to promote technological advancement over the state of the art, contributing to the protection and preservation of the environment, through action in projects that enable the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a method for managing and processing carbon credits, through innovations in the stages of obtaining, processing, and managing carbon credit information from renewable energy injected into the distribution line. 021 Furthermore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a method for reading invoices and / or receipts capable of identifying the information on the energy bill (consumption documentation) of the generation plant approved by the local utility and transferring it to the application / system that validates the amount of kWh generated, converts kWh to CO2eq, and manages the carbon credits.022 Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method that includes steps for registering users, approved power plants, and local utility companies, as well as performing calculations of carbon credits generated or necessary to neutralize gas emissions into the atmosphere. 023 Thus, the present invention, through implementation by a computer program or application, will capture the energy generation of small-scale renewable energy generation plants (residential or small industries or commercial establishments), certify the credit generated through the conversion of kWh / CO2eq, and trade the carbon credit.024 Schematic figures of a particular embodiment will be presented below, whose dimensions and proportions are not necessarily the actual ones, as the figures only serve the purpose of didactically presenting its various aspects, whose scope of protection is determined only by the scope of the claims interpreted by the detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 025 The object of this document will be better understood in light of the detailed description that follows in its preferred, but not limiting, embodiment, which is illustrated by the attached schematic drawings. 026 Figure 1 illustrates an infographic with a block diagram of the method for managing and processing energy generation and carbon credits through clean energy generation – photovoltaic or wind. 027 Figure 2 illustrates a framework with the steps of the method for managing and processing energy generation and carbon credits.028 Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of the relationship between the user, account, banking system, and carbon credit acquisition management system. 029 Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of the management of the clean energy generation plant and validation of this communication between the utility company, the plant, and monthly energy generation. 030 Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of the management of carbon credits, their commercialization, and remuneration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 031 The methodology of the present invention comprises the recovery of carbon credits associated with sustainable actions of the individual or legal entity. These credits will be linked to the CPF / CNPJ of an individual or legal entity and traded on the global carbon market, subject to authorization linked to a current or future date. This recovery of carbon credits will occur through the use of renewable energy sources instead of the energy distributed to the consumer unit by the electricity utility company.Through the generation of renewable energy injected into the distribution line and demonstrated by consumption documentation provided to the consumer by the utility company, this being the generation plant approved by the utility company responsible for the local network, the amount of kWh generated is validated by the computer program or application that will convert kWh to CO2eq, these being computed in the user's carbon credit account. This methodological procedure ensures that the registered CPF / CNPJ (Brazilian individual / company tax ID), consciously decided on a sustainable choice for the planet, and through the generation and use of renewable energy, provided the generation of X grams of carbon credit, according to the correlation table consolidated at the time of the transaction, where “X” is the value in grams of carbon credit.033 This captured carbon credit will be part of a carbon credit project approved by the bodies responsible for its certification in the trading market, as can be seen in Figure 1. 034 The present invention comprises the implementation of a method for managing and processing energy generation and carbon credits implemented through an application integrated into the World Wide Web and comprises an executable application that performs the steps of user registration, approved generating plant, establishments and entities for certification and trading of carbon credits. 035 The method for managing and processing energy generation and carbon credits implemented through an application comprises the steps and sub-steps of: a. Insertion of user information with an identifier for a natural person or legal entity, selected from CPF or CNPJ, the insertion being carried out through an application; b.Insertion of information from the approved power plant through an application for carbon credit generation, selected from the power plant code and postal code; c. Obtaining data on the energy generated at the approved power plant by a physical carbon credit meter that captures the amount of renewable energy in kWh generated at the plant and transmits the data to the application in real time; d.Calculate carbon credit by multiplying the kWh by consulting the application's database and by the CC factor according to equation (1): CC Factor x kWh (renewable energy) = X kg CO2eq / kWh renewable energy (1) where CC Factor: Carbon Credit factor for renewable energy is selected from photovoltaic, wind energy; X: is the amount of Carbon Credit in kg CO2eq / kWh renewable energy; the CC Factor varies according to the technology used for renewable energy generation, climatic factors and the useful life of the equipment involved in renewable energy generation. Thus, as photovoltaic and wind energy generation is intermittent, there may be a variation in Carbon Credit for each MW (Mega Watts) produced from 1.2 to 1.9 tons of CO2eq / kWh.In this way, the application will use a calculated carbon dioxide (CO²) emissions factor from the generating plant's life cycle (CC Factor), since when the system's equipment is manufactured, a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO²) is emitted. The calculation is based on the technology used (photovoltaic panels being the main emitters of carbon dioxide - CO² in their manufacture) considering a life cycle of approximately 25 years. e. The system (S) returns the carbon credit balance to the user's account within the system's application (S); f. The user selects between redeeming the carbon credit balance in the application or redeeming it as a monetary credit to the user's bank account; g. If in step (f) the user decides to keep the carbon credit balance in the application, the operation of step (f) ends; h.If in step (f) the user selects to redeem the balance as credit to the bank account, the application informs the administration fee for generating the carbon credit and certifies the conversion value between the carbon credit and the monetary credit at the time of transfer; i. The application transfers the monetary credit, after conversion, subtracting the administration fee, to the user's bank account at a previously registered financial institution, and the operation is completed; j. Simultaneously with step (m) the application transfers the carbon credit balance to a database, which manages the volume, in tons, to be subsequently traded on the free carbon credit market.036 In the embodiment of the method in which step (c) is performed using a physical carbon credit (energy) meter installed on the user's network, this meter captures the energy generated in the renewable generation network (wind or photovoltaic) and transmits the information online in real time via the internet to the application's database. 037 The aforementioned carbon credit meter works by measuring two main electrical parameters: 1. Current (A - Amperage) - It measures the flow of electric current passing through the cable; 2. Voltage (V - Voltage) - It measures the potential difference between the conductors (phase and neutral or between phases), usually connecting directly to the voltage terminals of the circuit.038 There is also a way to embody the invention that, optionally in step (c), the data can be obtained directly in the application by scanning, photographing, or reading a QR code from a monthly electricity consumption document issued by the body responsible for distribution.039 In this mode, there is a data validation step for the data entered by the application through the following sub-steps: - Identification of the concessionaire responsible for the generating plant by the registered ZIP code; - Communication and consultation with the API (Application Programming Interface) database of the body responsible for distribution by the generating plant code; - Confirmation of the veracity of the generating plant by the generating plant code; - Communication and consultation with the API (Application Programming Interface) database of the body responsible for distribution by the measurement period and the amount of kWh injected into the grid during the indicated period; - Confirmation of the veracity of the amount of kWh injected into the grid during the indicated period. 040 In another embodiment of the present invention, the method for managing and processing energy generation and carbon credits may, in step (d), include the multiplication of a flag factor of the electricity distribution network consumption.041 The application will use a factor calculated with reference to the type of flag of the energy distribution network (Factor B). Regarding the type of flag, this is directly related to the level of hydroelectric or thermal energy generation, the need for which is defined by the responsible body that determines the best energy generation strategy to meet energy demand. Thus, when there is a power generating plant, a flag factor must be applied; for example, when the flag is green, there is no consumption of thermal energy, only hydroelectric energy. However, with the yellow flag, there is both the supply and consumption of thermal energy, which implies a positive factor for the generating plant, since there is a contribution from the generating plant through the production of renewable or clean energy.042 This flag factor is related to the user's energy consumption range supplied by the electricity distribution network, and this factor varies, for example, according to Table 1 below and may be modified by the application:. Table 1 – Flag Type versus Flag Factor 043 User registration for creating a login to access the carbon credit management platform and the registration of the approved generating plant allow for the identification of the generating plant. The initial data is stored in a database on physical servers or in the cloud, so that the user can connect and transfer data through this communication channel via the system. 044 If the user decides to keep the carbon credit balance in the application, the operation ends and the user can redeem the balance whenever they deem it most appropriate. 045 However, if the user decides to redeem the balance in the form of money, the application informs the administration fee for generating the carbon credit and certifies the conversion value between the carbon credit and the monetary value at the time of transfer.Subsequently, the application transfers the monetary balance, after conversion and deducting the administration fee, to the user's bank account at a previously registered financial institution, and finally, the operation ends with the user. However, simultaneously with the monetary transfer to the user, the application transfers the carbon credit balance to a database within the application, which manages the volume, in tons, to be subsequently traded on the free carbon credit market. Thus, the operator and manager of carbon credits can study the best time to negotiate and trade the carbon credits in their portfolio. In this way, the invention allows any sustainable decision to be cataloged, validated, and traded, either in the form of carbon credits or monetary financial transfer, with this decision resting with the user.The possibility of accounting for and certifying these credits through audits makes the tool a lever for actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide, which is the main contributor to global warming on the planet. A person skilled in the art will readily perceive, from the description and the drawing shown, various ways of carrying out the invention without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. METHOD FOR MANAGING AND PROCESSING ENERGY GENERATION AND CARBON CREDITS characterized by being implemented by an application and comprising the following steps and sub-steps: a. Insertion of user information with an identifier for individuals or legal entities through an application; b. Insertion of data through an application from the approved generation plant for carbon credit generation; c. Obtaining data in kWh through a physical meter of energy generated at the approved generation plant, and real-time transfer of the obtained data to the application; d. The application calculates the carbon credit through the equation: Factor CC x kWh (renewable energy generated) = X Kg CO2eq / kWh renewable energy where Factor CC: Carbon Credit factor of renewable energy is selected from photovoltaic, wind energy; X: is the amount of Carbon Credit in Kg CO2eq / kWh renewable energy generated; e.The application returns the carbon credit balance to the user's account; f. The user selects between redeeming the carbon credit balance in the application or redeeming it as a monetary credit to the user's bank account; g. If in step (f) the user decides to keep the carbon credit balance in the application, the operation of step (f) ends; h. If in step (f) the user selects to redeem the balance as a credit to the bank account, the application informs the administration fee for generating the carbon credit and certifies the conversion value between the carbon credit and the monetary credit at the time of transfer. 2 / 3 i. The application transacts the monetary credit, after conversion, subtracting the administration fee, to the bank account, in a financial institution previously registered by the user, and the operation ends; j. Simultaneously with step (i) the application updates the value of the carbon credit balance to a database, which manages the volume, in tons.

2. METHOD FOR MANAGING AND PROCESSING ENERGY GENERATION AND CARBON CREDITS according to claim 1 characterized by obtaining the data in step “c” directly in the application, through digitization, photography, or reading a QR code of a monthly electricity consumption document issued by the body responsible for distribution. 3.METHOD FOR MANAGING AND PROCESSING ENERGY GENERATION AND CARBON CREDITS according to claim 2, characterized by the validation of data obtained by the application and comprising the following sub-steps: - Identification of the concessionaire responsible for supplying energy through the registered ZIP code; - Communication and query to the database via API (Application Programming Interface) of the body responsible for distribution by the power plant code; - Validation and confirmation of the veracity of the power plant by the generating plant code; - Validation of data, between the application and the database of the body responsible for distribution, of consumption and generation and injection of renewable energy into the grid, both in kWh. 4.METHOD FOR MANAGING AND PROCESSING ENERGY GENERATION AND CARBON CREDITS according to claim 1 characterized by step (d) comprising multiplying a flag factor of the electricity distribution network consumption, wherein the application calculates the carbon credit using the equation:. 3 / 3 (Carbon Credit Factor x kWh (renewable energy generated)) x Carbon Credit Factor = X kg CO2eq / kWh renewable energy where Carbon Credit Factor: renewable energy carbon credit factor is selected from photovoltaic and wind energy; Carbon Credit Factor: flag factor determined by the responsible body, according to the energy generation sources transmitted by the concessionaire; X: is the amount of Carbon Credit in kg CO2eq / kWh renewable energy generated.

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