Idle power management system and method

Abstract

Provided are an idle power management system and method, in which available idle power from a power source can be transferred to an electrical energy user in need thereof through a transfer entity having one or more mobile energy storage devices.

Description

Idle Power Management System and Method

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for managing idle power of power source(s).

[0002] This application is a priority application for U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 891,802 filed on September 20, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Energy produced at power generation facilities can be transported to consumers who require it through power distribution networks, such as power lines. While many power generation facilities still use fossil fuels, these facilities are increasingly utilizing eco-friendly and renewable energy production processes for sustainable development.

[0004] However, problems may arise in these power generation facilities where the generated electricity may not be fully utilized, and if there is an imbalance between the amount of energy produced and consumer energy demand, at least a portion of the produced energy may be lost or the operation of the power generation facility may be suspended.

[0005] There exist specific energy management systems that control power supply and distribution based on price. For example, the Korea Power Exchange forecasts hourly power demand the day before a trading day and determines hourly market prices by reflecting the bidding capacity and supply costs of each power generation facility. However, the forecasted power demand and actual power demand can differ significantly, and power generation capacity can also fluctuate depending on the trading day.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a system and method to manage electricity produced by power generation facilities to meet consumer demand for electricity and prevent the waste of excess power.

[0007] The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a system and method for distributing and utilizing idle power so that idle power generated by a power source is not wasted.

[0008] Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will become more clearly apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0009] The aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system comprising one or more processors and one or more non-transient computer-readable media. When the one or more non-transient computer-readable media are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors perform the following operations:

[0010] Receive idle power availability information from a power source related to the current or predicted idle power availability of the power source;

[0011] Receiving from an electric energy user: (i) energy consumption information related to the current or expected electric energy consumption of said electric energy user, and (ii) location information related to the location of said electric energy user;

[0012] Receiving idle power transport capability information related to the ability of the one or more mobile energy storage devices to store idle power from an entity having one or more mobile energy storage devices;

[0013] Based on the above idle power availability information, determine whether the power source satisfies the first criterion of currently possessing or expected to possess idle power availability;

[0014] Based on the above energy consumption information, determine whether the electric energy user meets a second criterion regarding current or future needs for electric energy;

[0015] Based on the above idle power transport capacity information, determine whether the entity satisfies a third criterion of having at least one mobile energy storage device capable of storing and physically transporting idle power; and

[0016] When it is determined that the above first to third criteria are satisfied, computer instructions are stored that induce one or more of the entity, the electric energy user, and the power source to provide a command to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the power source to the electric energy user.

[0017] The transfer of idle power from the above power source to the electric energy user comprises transferring idle power from the above power source to the at least one mobile energy storage device of the object;

[0018] Physically transporting the at least one mobile energy storage device in which the above idle power is stored to the location of the electric energy user; and

[0019] Idle power stored in one or more mobile energy storage devices is transferred to the electric energy user at the above location through transfer.

[0020] The above power source may include one or more of a power generation facility, an electric charging station, and an electric energy storage facility.

[0021] The above electric energy users may include one or more selected from a group consisting of private electric energy users, industrial energy users, vehicles, houses, buildings, regional or municipal power grids, electric charging stations, and electric energy storage facilities.

[0022] The entity having one or more of the above-mentioned mobile energy storage devices may include one or more selected from a group consisting of individuals, automobiles, companies, freight carriers, and energy storage facilities.

[0023] The above one or more mobile energy storage devices may include one or more batteries that can be physically transported by loading them onto a carrier comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of automobiles, trucks, airplanes, ships, and trains.

[0024] When the above computer instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the following operations are performed: receiving idle power availability information from a plurality of power sources regarding current or predicted idle power availability at each of the plurality of power sources; receiving energy consumption information from a plurality of electric energy users regarding current or predicted electric energy consumption of each of the plurality of electric energy users; determining, based on the idle power availability information, whether one or more of the plurality of power sources satisfy the first criterion of currently possessing or being predicted to possess idle power availability; determining, based on the energy consumption information, whether one or more of the plurality of electric energy users satisfy the second criterion of possessing a current or future need for electric energy; matching one or more of the plurality of power sources that satisfy the first criterion with one or more of the plurality of electric energy users that satisfy the second criterion. and may induce the one or more processors to execute a command to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the one or more power sources matched to each other to at least one of the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion.

[0025] When the above computer instructions are executed by the above one or more processors, the following operations are performed: receiving idle power transportability information regarding the ability of each of the above one or more portable energy storage devices to store idle power from a plurality of entities possessing one or more portable energy storage devices; determining, based on the idle power transportability information, whether one or more of the above entities satisfy a third criterion of possessing one or more portable energy storage devices capable of storing and physically transporting idle power; matching one or more entities among the above entities that satisfy the third criterion with one or more power sources among the above power sources that satisfy the first criterion and one or more electric energy users among the above electric energy users that satisfy the second criterion; and may induce the one or more processors to execute a command to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the one or more power sources that meet the first criterion, the one or more electric energy users that meet the second criterion, and the one or more entities that meet the third criterion, through the at least one mobile energy storage device of the one or more entities that meet the same criteria.

[0026] Matching one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources with one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users, and matching one or more entities satisfying the third criterion among the plurality of entities with one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources and one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users, comprises: proximity between the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; the amount of electric energy required by the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; the amount of electric energy available from the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion; compatibility between the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; availability of a carrier for the one or more mobile energy storage devices; and proximity of the one or more entities satisfying the third criterion to the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion. Matching based on any one or more of: proximity of one or more entities satisfying the third criterion to one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; the amount of idle energy that can be stored by the at least one mobile energy storage device of one or more entities satisfying the third criterion; compatibility between one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and one or more entities satisfying the third criterion; compatibility between one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion and one or more entities satisfying the third criterion; and safety and / or lifespan diagnosis of the one or more mobile energy storage devices.

[0027] The above computer instructions may induce the one or more processors to execute the following operations when executed by the one or more processors: receiving the location of the power source satisfying the first criterion; receiving the amount of idle power required by the electric energy user satisfying the second criterion; instructing the entity satisfying the third criterion to transport the at least one mobile energy storage device to the location of the power source satisfying the first criterion; instructing the power source satisfying the first criterion to move the amount of idle power required by the electric energy user to the at least one mobile energy storage device; instructing the entity satisfying the third criterion to transport the at least one mobile energy storage device containing the idle power to the location of the electric energy user satisfying the second criterion; and instructing the electric energy user satisfying the second criterion to move the idle power from the mobile energy storage device.

[0028] The at least one mobile energy storage device may include a safety device for reducing the risk of fire caused by the at least one mobile energy storage device.

[0029] Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method implemented through the execution of computing instructions configured to be executed on one or more processors. The method is,

[0030] A step of receiving idle power availability information from a power source related to the current or predicted idle power availability of the power source;

[0031] A step of receiving from an electric energy user: (i) energy consumption information related to the current or expected electric energy consumption of the electric energy user, and (ii) location information related to the location of the electric energy user;

[0032] A step of receiving idle power transport capability information related to the ability of the one or more mobile energy storage devices to store idle power from an entity having one or more mobile energy storage devices;

[0033] A step of determining whether the power source satisfies a first criterion, which currently possesses or is expected to possess idle power availability, based on the above idle power availability information;

[0034] A step of determining whether the electric energy user satisfies a second criterion regarding current or future needs for electric energy based on the above energy consumption information;

[0035] Based on the above idle power transport capacity information, a step of determining whether the entity satisfies a third criterion of having at least one mobile energy storage device capable of storing and physically transporting idle power;

[0036] If it is determined that the first to third criteria above are satisfied, the method includes the step of providing a command to one or more of the entity, the electric energy user, and the power source to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the power source to the electric energy user.

[0037] The transfer of idle power from the above power source to the electric energy user comprises transferring idle power from the above power source to the at least one mobile energy storage device of the object;

[0038] Physically transporting the at least one mobile energy storage device in which the above idle power is stored to the location of the electric energy user; and

[0039] Idle power stored in one or more mobile energy storage devices is transferred to the electric energy user at the above location through transfer.

[0040] The above power source may include one or more of a power generation facility, an electric charging station, and an electric energy storage facility.

[0041] The above electric energy users may include one or more selected from a group consisting of private electric energy users, industrial energy users, vehicles, houses, buildings, regional or municipal power grids, electric charging stations, and electric energy storage facilities.

[0042] The entity having one or more of the above-mentioned mobile energy storage devices may include one or more selected from a group consisting of individuals, automobiles, companies, freight carriers, and energy storage facilities.

[0043] The above one or more mobile energy storage devices may include one or more batteries that can be physically transported by loading them onto a carrier comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of automobiles, trucks, airplanes, ships, and trains.

[0044] The above method may further include: receiving idle power availability information from a plurality of power sources regarding current or predicted idle power availability at each of the plurality of power sources; receiving energy consumption information from a plurality of electric energy users regarding current or predicted electric energy consumption of each of the plurality of electric energy users; determining, based on the idle power availability information, whether one or more of the plurality of power sources satisfy a first criterion of currently possessing or predicted to possess idle power availability; determining, based on the energy consumption information, whether one or more of the plurality of electric energy users satisfy a second criterion of possessing a current or future need for electric energy; matching one or more of the power sources among the plurality of power sources that satisfy the first criterion with one or more of the electric energy users among the plurality of electric energy users that satisfy the second criterion; and providing a command to at least one of the entity, the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion, and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion, to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the one or more power sources matched to the one or more electric energy users.

[0045] The above method may further include: receiving idle power transport capability information regarding the ability of each of the one or more

[0046] The step of matching one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources with one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users, and the step of matching one or more entities satisfying the third criterion among the plurality of entities with one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources and one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users, comprises: proximity between the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; the amount of electric energy required by the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; the amount of electric energy available from the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion; compatibility between the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; availability of the carrier for the one or more mobile energy storage devices; and proximity of the one or more entities satisfying the third criterion to the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion. Matching based on any one or more of: proximity of one or more entities satisfying the third criterion to one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; the amount of idle energy that can be stored by the at least one mobile energy storage device of one or more entities satisfying the third criterion; compatibility between one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and one or more entities satisfying the third criterion; compatibility between one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion and one or more entities satisfying the third criterion; and safety and / or lifespan diagnosis of the one or more mobile energy storage devices.

[0047] The above method may further include: receiving the location of the power source satisfying the first criterion; receiving the amount of idle power required by the electric energy user satisfying the second criterion; ordering the entity satisfying the third criterion to transport the at least one mobile energy storage device to the location of the power source satisfying the first criterion; ordering the power source satisfying the first criterion to move the amount of idle power required by the electric energy user to the at least one mobile energy storage device; ordering the entity satisfying the third criterion to transport the at least one mobile energy storage device containing the idle power to the location of the electric energy user satisfying the second criterion; and ordering the electric energy user satisfying the second criterion to move the idle power from the mobile energy storage device.

[0048] The at least one mobile energy storage device may include a safety device for reducing the risk of fire caused by the at least one mobile energy storage device.

[0049] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, efficient and accurate management of idle power can be provided so that surplus power generated or stored by a power source is not wasted, and so that an electric energy user does not experience a shortage of power required.

[0050] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, significant improvements can be further provided compared to a conventional method that does not provide an identification step and a matching step of a transport object to provide real-time transport and distribution of idle power based on needs.

[0051] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by identifying idle power available in real time and potential consumers capable of accepting said idle power, the ability to sell and resell power based on demand can be provided.

[0052] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the transmission of power to areas where power cannot be reliably received through a power grid, is not connected to a power grid, or where power grid failure or other problems have occurred.

[0053] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, real-time monitoring of an energy storage device used for idle power transmission is enabled, thereby improving the safety of idle power transmission and also enabling preemptive isolation or replacement of an energy storage device in which a defect has been identified.

[0054] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, power can be circulated to necessary areas instead of being unused or wasted.

[0055] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0056] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing description, contribute to providing a better understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the drawings.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a network including an idle power management system for the transfer of idle power, a power source, and an electric energy user.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a network including an idle power management system for the transfer of idle power, a power source, and an electric energy user.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a block diagram relating to one embodiment of a computer system (100) for idle power management.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system (300) for idle power management.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an idle power management method.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for matching power sources, electric energy users, and transport entities for idle power management.

[0063] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to the description, it should be understood that the terms used in this specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on meanings and concepts consistent with the technical aspects of the present disclosure. This is in accordance with the principle that the inventor may appropriately define terms so that the invention can be best described.

[0064] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical concepts of the present disclosure; furthermore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that may replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0065] Terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., as used in this specification and claims are intended to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily to indicate a specific order or chronological order. It should be understood that these terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and thus the embodiments described in this specification may operate in an order different from, for example, the order specified or illustrated. Furthermore, the terms "include" and "have" and their variations imply non-exclusive inclusion, and a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus comprising the listed components is not necessarily limited to those components alone and may additionally include other components not explicitly described or inherent in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0066] According to specific embodiments of the present disclosure, a system and method are provided for managing idle power generated by a power source to distribute and utilize the energy so that it is not wasted. According to specific aspects, by managing idle power, the overall energy efficiency of the power source can be improved by increasing the proportion of total energy generated by the power that is actually used. Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure can improve the availability of power to energy users in real time and increase accessibility to generated power that may not be used. According to specific aspects, the system identifies the source and / or location of the idle power, determines the energy user to receive the idle power, and enables the physical transport of the idle power from the power source to the energy user requiring the energy through cooperation with an entity possessing a mobile energy storage device.

[0067] According to a specific embodiment, a mobile energy storage device includes a battery capable of receiving idle power from a power source, thereby enabling the physical transport of the idle power to an energy user. According to a specific embodiment, the mobile energy storage device may be tracked and monitored to determine the physical location and quantity of the mobile energy storage device capable of ensuring safety and real-time energy transport. According to a specific embodiment, by monitoring the status of the mobile energy storage device, if a safety issue is suspected or a defect is found, the mobile energy storage device may be preemptively isolated and / or replaced.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system (20) for idle power management that forms part of an idle power management and distribution network (18) is provided. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the network (18) may include one or more power sources (10) capable of providing power, such as power generators. The network (18) further includes one or more electric energy users and / or consumers (14). One or more idle power transport entities (16) are also provided as part of the network (18), and the idle power transport entities (16) have the ability to physically transport idle power stored in one or more portable idle power storage devices (12). The idle power management system (20) is capable of communicating with one or more of the power source(s) (10), electric energy user(s) (14), idle power transport entities (16), and even portable idle power storage devices (12), and is capable of receiving information from and / or providing information from them.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the power source (10) may include one or more of a power generation facility, an electric charging station, an electric energy storage facility, and other entities capable of supplying power. The power source (10) may be a large municipal or corporate facility, such as a power generator or other large-scale generator that operates on fossil fuels or uses a more sustainable power generation method, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. Additionally, the power source (10) may be a small or private power source, such as a personal generator or a personal solar power generator. According to a specific embodiment, the electric energy user (14) may include one or more selected from a group consisting of a private electric energy user, an industrial energy user, a vehicle, a house, a building, a regional or municipal power grid, an electric charging station, an electric energy storage facility, and other entities consuming energy. For example, in one embodiment, the electric energy user (14) may be an electric vehicle driver who requires battery recharging from a charging station or another electric vehicle, but does not have enough remaining battery capacity to reach the charging station.

[0070] According to a specific embodiment, an entity (16) comprising one or more mobile energy storage devices (12) may include one or more selected from the group consisting of individuals, automobiles, companies, freight carriers, and energy storage facilities. That is, the entity (16) may be anything capable of physically transporting the energy storage device (12) from one physical location to another physical location, so that the energy storage device (12) may receive idle power at one location and deliver it to a customer requiring power at another location. For example, the entity (16) may be capable of transporting one or more mobile energy storage devices (12) by loading them onto one or more carriers selected from the group consisting of automobiles, trucks, airplanes, ships, and trains.

[0071] According to a specific embodiment, the mobile energy storage device (12) may include a battery or other device capable of storing power. According to a specific embodiment, the mobile energy storage device (12) includes a secondary battery capable of being repeatedly charged and discharged so as to store power from a power source (10) and supply it to an electric energy user (14). For example, according to one embodiment, one or more mobile energy storage devices (12) may include one or more batteries, and one or more batteries may be physically transported by being loaded onto a carrier comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of automobiles, trucks, airplanes, ships, and trains.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a network (20) for idle power management and transport is illustrated, which includes a power plant as a power source (10), one or more batteries as mobile idle power storage devices (12), an idle power transport entity (16) capable of transporting one or more storage devices via a vehicle or other means of transport or shipping as illustrated in the drawing, an electric energy user (14) located at a specific location, and an idle power management system (18) that receives information from and provides information to other members of the network (20). As illustrated in FIG. 2, in a specific embodiment, the idle power management system may provide and receive information regarding its status, such as information regarding idle power storage capacity, requirements, movement and control, as well as information regarding fleet management related to the movement and physical transport of storage devices among various indicators, information regarding power demand and usage and forecast information regarding such demand and usage, and information regarding the storage device and the lifespan of the storage device, safety and condition of the storage device, certification of the storage device for energy transport, etc.

[0073] According to a specific embodiment, the idle power management system (18) may receive information from other members of the network (20) and provide information to them in order to manage idle power generated, for example, from a power source (10) and provide the generated active power to an electric energy user (14) who needs it.

[0074] Referring further to the drawings, FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an idle power management method (500) according to one embodiment of the present specification. The method (500) is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented in the present specification. The method (500) may be applied to various other embodiments or examples not explicitly shown or described in the present specification. In some embodiments, the procedures, processes, and / or activities of the method (500) may be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures, processes, and / or activities of the method (500) may be performed in any appropriate order. In yet another embodiment, one or more procedures, processes, and / or activities of the method (500) may be combined or omitted.

[0075] In a number of embodiments, the system (18) is suitable for performing the method (500) and / or one or more activities of the method (500). In these or other embodiments, one or more activities of the method (500) may be implemented as one or more computing instructions configured to be executed on one or more processors and configured to be stored on one or more non-transient computer-readable media. Such non-transient computer-readable media may be part of the system (18). The processor(s) may be similar or identical to the processor(s) described below with reference to the computer system (100).

[0076] In some embodiments, the method (500) and other activities of the method (500) may include the use of a distributed network comprising a distributed memory architecture for performing related activities. Such a distributed architecture can reduce the impact on network and system resources to reduce congestion at bottleneck points while keeping data accessible from a central location.

[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in a plurality of embodiments, the activity (505) may include the step of receiving idle power availability information from the power source (10) regarding the current or predicted idle power availability of the power source (10). For example, the power source (10) may provide information regarding the current power availability at the power source (10) or information regarding the predicted power availability at a future point in time, and the predicted power availability may be predicted based, for example, the expected power output during a future time interval and the expected power demand during that time interval. In a plurality of embodiments, the activity (510) may include the step of receiving from the electric energy user (14) (i) energy consumption information regarding the current or predicted electric energy consumption of the electric energy user and (ii) location information regarding the location of the electric energy user. That is, electric energy users may provide information regarding their current electric energy consumption and energy demand and / or information regarding predicted electric energy consumption and / or energy demand in future time intervals, said prediction information may relate to the amount of electric energy predicted to be required to perform specific actions and tasks and the amount of electric energy predicted to be available to the electric energy users during said future time intervals. For example, if the electric energy user is a municipal power grid, they may predict the average electric energy / power usage during future time intervals based on past usage and may also estimate the amount of power available to the electric energy users during said time intervals, in order to determine how much additional electric energy is needed from other sources in excess of the amount of electric energy already available. Other estimates for current or predicted electric energy consumption may also be generated by or for the electric energy users and may be provided to the system (18).Location information of the electric energy user can be provided to the system (18) as information to facilitate the process of physically transporting and delivering idle power to the physical location of the electric energy user.

[0078] In a number of embodiments, the activity (515) may include the step of receiving idle power transport capacity information regarding the ability of one or more mobile energy storage devices to store idle power from an entity (16) comprising one or more mobile energy storage devices (12). For example, information regarding the available capacity of the entity for idle power transport, the quantity of transportable storage devices (12), the physical location of one or more storage devices, and / or the location of one or more carriers (e.g., truck, car, ship, aircraft) for transporting the storage devices may be provided. As an example, logistics information regarding the location and route of one or more carriers may be provided. As another example, information regarding the quantity, energy capacity, location, and status of one or more energy storage devices may be provided, such as, for example, the idle power storage capacity of the storage devices, the percentage of available storage capacity, and the physical location of the storage devices. As another example, information regarding the status and / or life of the energy storage device may be provided, such as, for instance, the safety of the battery, whether the battery is approaching the end of its service life, or whether other defects exist. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, information regarding the status of the energy storage device, such as capacity and safety information, may be provided to the system (18) by the idle power transport entity (16), along with other information regarding the idle power transport capability of the entity (16) (e.g., location and logistics information). According to another embodiment, as illustrated by the dashed line in FIG. 1, the mobile energy storage device (12) itself may directly provide information such as capacity, safety, life, and location information to the system (18).

[0079] In a number of embodiments, activity (520) may include a step of determining whether a power source (10) meets a first criterion of currently possessing or being predicted to possess idle power availability based on idle power availability information. That is, the system (18) may determine whether the power source (10) is a power source that currently possesses idle power or is expected to possess idle power within a future time interval. In a number of embodiments, activity (525) may include a step of determining whether an electric energy user (14) meets a second criterion of currently or future need for electric energy based on energy consumption information. That is, the system (18) may determine whether the electric energy user (14) is a user that currently needs electric energy or is predicted to need electric energy within a future time interval. According to a specific embodiment, activities (520 and 525) may further include a step of determining whether the first and second criteria are satisfied, depending on whether there is a match in terms of the time interval when the electric energy user is expected to need the excess idle power from the power source. For example, this includes cases where the time when the excess power from the power source becomes available is equal to or slightly earlier than the time when the electric energy user is expected to need the electric energy. If the network (20) includes a plurality of power sources (10) and / or a plurality of electric energy users (14), the system (18) may determine whether there are a plurality of matches among the plurality of power sources (10) and the plurality of electric energy users (14) that satisfy the first and second criteria.For example, the system (18) can determine whether there is any power source (10) capable of satisfying the demand for electric energy consumption of one or more electric energy users and / or whether there is any electric energy user capable of benefiting from idle power generated by one or more power sources.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, in a number of embodiments, the activity (530) may include a step of determining whether an entity (16) satisfies a third criterion of having one or more mobile energy storage devices capable of storing and physically transporting idle power based on idle power transport capacity information. For example, the system (18) may determine, among various parameters, whether the entity has sufficient storage device / idle power storage capacity and / or whether the carrier used by the entity is located in a geographical location suitable for transport from the power source (10) to the electric energy user (14). As another example, the system (18) may determine whether the third criterion is satisfied by determining whether the entity (16) possesses resources suitable for transporting idle power between the power source (10) and the electric energy user (14) based on the first and second criteria. For example, this may include a capacity sufficient to store idle power to be transported from a power source (10) to an electric energy user (14), and a location of a carrier sufficiently close or convenient for transporting idle power between the location of the power source and the location of the electric energy user.

[0081] In a number of embodiments, the activity (535) may include providing a command to one or more of the entity (16), the electric energy user (14), and the power source (10) to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the power source (10) to the electric energy user (14) when it is determined that the first, second, and third criteria are satisfied. According to a specific embodiment, the transfer of idle power from the power source (10) to the electric energy user (14) is accomplished by transferring idle power from the power source (10) to at least one mobile energy storage device (12) of the entity (16). For example, to charge the storage device (12) with idle power from the power source (10), one or more energy storage devices (12) may be physically transported to the location of the power source (10) using one or more carriers of the entity. According to a specific embodiment, the transfer of idle power may further include physically transporting one or more mobile energy storage devices containing idle power to the location of the electric energy user. For example, one or more energy storage devices (12) in which idle power is stored may be physically transported to the location of an electric energy user by using one or more carriers of the object, etc., to supply idle power to the electric energy user. According to a specific embodiment, the transfer of idle power may further include transferring idle power from at least one mobile energy storage device in which idle power is stored to an electric energy user at the said location. For example, one or more mobile energy storage devices in which idle power is stored may be discharged to the user's energy storage device, or otherwise the transfer of idle power to the electric energy user may be provided. For example, in the case of an electric vehicle owner requiring the aforementioned electric charging, the method may match the electric vehicle owner with a power source such as a charging station and a transport object to transport the required power from a charging station or other power source to the electric vehicle requiring power.

[0082] According to a specific embodiment, the delivery of idle power stored in an energy storage device to a user comprises the entirety of the stored idle power; in other embodiments, only a portion of the idle power suitable for meeting the user's consumption needs is delivered, and the remaining idle power may be reserved for delivery to other users. According to additional specific embodiments, the delivery of idle power may involve the use of multiple different energy storage devices and / or multiple different carriers. The idle power delivered may be provided from only a single power source, or from multiple power sources, such as when idle power from multiple power sources is required to meet the consumption needs of one or more users. The idle power delivered may be delivered to only one power user at a single location, or to multiple power users at the same location or different locations.

[0083] According to one embodiment of a method (500) in which a plurality of electric energy sources and a plurality of electric energy users are part of a network (20), an activity (505) may include the step of receiving idle power availability information related to current or predicted idle power availability at each of the plurality of power sources from the plurality of power sources. An activity (510) may include the step of receiving energy consumption information related to current or predicted electric energy consumption at each of the plurality of electric energy users from the plurality of electric energy users. An activity (520) may include the step of determining, based on the idle power availability information, whether one or more of the plurality of power sources meet a first criterion of currently possessing or predicted to possess idle power availability. An activity (525) may include the step of determining, based on the energy consumption information, whether any of the plurality of electric energy users meet a second criterion of possessing a current or future need for electric energy. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the method may further include an activity (605), the activity (605) may include the step of matching one or more power sources among a plurality of power sources that meet a first criterion with one or more electric energy users among a plurality of electric energy users that meet a second criterion. If there is no match between a given power source and a given electric energy user, the system (18) may search for another match. If there is a match, the method may further include an activity (535), the activity (535) may include the step of providing a command to one or more entities, one or more power sources meeting the first criterion, and one or more electric energy users meeting the second criterion to facilitate the transfer of idle power from one or more mutually matched power sources to one or more electric energy users (e.g., via a transport entity).

[0084] According to one embodiment of a method (500) in which multiple entities possessing multiple energy storage devices are part of a network (20), an activity (515) may include the step of receiving idle power transport capability information related to the ability of each of the multiple entities to store idle power from one or more mobile energy storage devices from the multiple entities possessing one or more mobile energy storage devices. The activity (530) may include the step of determining, based on the idle power transport capability information, whether one or more of the multiple entities satisfy a third criterion of possessing at least one mobile energy storage device capable of storing idle power and physically transporting it. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the method may include an activity (610), and the activity (610) may further include the step of matching one or more entities among the multiple entities that satisfy the third criterion with one or more power sources among the multiple power sources that satisfy a first criterion and one or more electric energy users among the multiple electric energy users that satisfy a second criterion. If there is no match between a given transport entity, power source(s) and electric energy user(s), the system (18) may search for another match. If there is a match, the method may further include an activity (535), the activity (535) may include the step of providing a command to one or more power sources satisfying a first criterion, one or more electric energy users satisfying a second criterion, and one or more entities satisfying a third criterion to facilitate the transfer of idle power from one or more power sources to one or more electric energy users through at least one mobile energy storage device of one or more mutually matched entities.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the matching between one or more power sources satisfying a first criterion among a plurality of power sources and one or more electric energy users satisfying a second criterion among a plurality of electric energy users, and the matching between one or more entities satisfying a third criterion among a plurality of entities and one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among a plurality of power sources and one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among a plurality of electric energy users, may include matching based on one or more of several parameters. According to one embodiment, the parameters used to determine whether there is a matching between power source(s), electric energy user(s), and transport entities / entities may include the proximity between one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion. For example, even if other parameters such as the amount of idle power availability and the amount of required power are well matched, if the power source(s) and the electric energy user(s) are geographically too far apart, they may not be considered a matching. Conversely, if the power source(s) and the electric energy user(s) are in relatively close proximity to each other, they may be a good matching.

[0086] According to a specific embodiment, other parameters that may be used to determine the matching are whether the amount of electrical energy required by one or more electrical energy users satisfies a second criterion and / or whether the amount of electrical energy available from one or more power sources satisfies a first criterion. If the amount of required power and the amount of available power correspond to each other, the power source and the electrical energy user may be matched. On the other hand, if the amount of available power is insufficient, an additional power source may be sought as a supplementary or alternative means, and if the amount of idle power exceeds the power required by a given electrical energy user, an additional electrical energy user may be sought.

[0087] According to a specific embodiment, compatibility between one or more power sources satisfying a first criterion and one or more electric energy users satisfying a second criterion may be a parameter used to determine whether there is a match. For example, if an electric energy user cannot use the energy provided in the form delivered by the power source, there may be no match between the power source and the electric energy user.

[0088] According to a specific embodiment, the parameter used to determine a match with a transport entity may include the availability of a carrier for one or more mobile energy storage devices, the proximity of one or more entities satisfying a third criterion to one or more power sources satisfying a first criterion, and / or the proximity of one or more entities satisfying a third criterion to one or more electric energy users satisfying a second criterion. That is, if the transport entity possesses an available carrier located in close proximity to the power source and the electric energy user, a match may be made according to a specific embodiment. If the transport entity does not possess a carrier located in close proximity, a match with another transport entity may be sought. According to a specific embodiment, the parameter used to determine a match may be the amount of idle energy that can be stored in at least one mobile energy storage device of one or more entities satisfying the third criterion. For example, if one or more mobile energy storage devices of the transport entity cannot accommodate the amount of idle power to be transmitted, a match with another transport entity may be sought. In this regard, other parameters that may be used to determine matching may be compatibility between one or more power sources satisfying a first criterion and one or more entities satisfying a third criterion, and compatibility between one or more electric energy users satisfying a second criterion and one or more entities satisfying a third criterion. For example, if a transport entity provides an energy storage device that cannot receive idle power of a format provided by a power source, or transmits power in a format unsuitable for an electric energy user, a match with another transport entity may be sought.

[0089] According to a specific embodiment, the parameters used to determine the match with the transport object may depend on safety and / or status information from the energy storage device of the transport object. For example, diagnostic information of the mobile energy storage device may be provided directly from the energy storage device to the system (18), or indirectly from the transport object to the system if the transport object monitors the energy storage device alone. The safety and / or status information may be information transmitted by a battery monitoring system or a similar system capable of diagnosing defects in the device and obtaining information such as the lifespan and capacity of the energy storage device. For example, the safety and / or status information may include information regarding whether the energy storage device is operating normally, whether a dangerous condition exists in the battery, or whether it is reaching the end of its service life due to capacity reduction or other factors. The status information may also include information such as the current state of charge of the battery, the total capacity of the battery capable of receiving and storing idle power, and considerations regarding charge / discharge protocols and compatibility. According to another embodiment, the system (18) may directly monitor the energy storage device(s) or indirectly monitor them through information received from a transport object in order to continuously evaluate the status and safety of the energy storage device over one or more of the pickup of idle power from a power source, the transport of idle power, and the delivery of idle power to an electric energy user. For example, if a fault in the energy storage device is detected during part of the idle power transport process, the system (18) may request a halt to one or more of the pickup, transport, and delivery of idle power. According to another example, if a fault is detected during the idle power transport process, the system (18) may search for a match with another transport object.According to another embodiment, the system (18) can search for a match with a transport object having at least one mobile energy storage device including a safety device for reducing the fire risk that may be caused by the mobile energy storage device.

[0090] Referring again to Drawings 5a and 5b, according to one embodiment of the method (500), an activity (535) for providing a command to facilitate the transport of idle power from a power source to an electric energy user may include: receiving the location of a power source that meets a first criterion; receiving the amount of idle power required by an electric energy user that meets a second criterion; commanding an entity that meets a third criterion to transport at least one mobile energy storage device to the location of the power source that meets the first criterion; commanding the power source that meets the first criterion to transport the amount of idle power required by the electric energy user to at least one mobile energy storage device; commanding an entity that meets the third criterion to transport at least one mobile energy storage device in which idle power is stored to the location of an electric energy user that meets the second criterion; and commanding an electric energy user that meets the second criterion to receive idle power from said transportable energy storage device.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of a computer system (100) is illustrated, and all or part of the computer system (100) may be suitable for (i) implementing all or part of one or more of the techniques, methods, and systems described herein, and / or (ii) implementing and / or operating all or part of one or more embodiments of non-transient computer-readable media disclosed herein. For example, different or distinct components of the computer system (100) (and their internal components, or one or more components of the computer system 100) may be suitable for implementing all or part of the techniques described herein. The computer system (100) may include a chassis comprising one or more circuit boards (not illustrated), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port (112), a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) and / or Digital Video Disc (DVD) drive (116), and a hard drive (114). The central processing unit (CPU, 210) is connected to the system bus (214) in FIG. 3. In various embodiments, the architecture of the CPU (210) may be based on one or more of the various architecture families available commercially.

[0092] Referring again to FIG. 3, the system bus (214) is also connected to a memory storage unit (208) including read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). A non-volatile portion of the memory storage unit (208) or ROM may be encoded with a boot code sequence suitable for restoring the computer system (100) to a functional state after a system reset. Additionally, the memory storage unit (208) may include microcode such as a basic input / output system (BIOS). In some embodiments, one or more memory storage units disclosed herein may include a memory storage unit (208), a USB-equipped electronic device (e.g., an external memory storage unit (not shown)) connected to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port (112), a hard drive (114), and / or other suitable media such as media configured to be used in a CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-Ray, or CD-ROM and / or DVD drive (116). A non-volatile or non-transient memory storage unit refers to a portion of a memory storage unit that is non-volatile memory and is not a transient signal. In the same or different embodiments, one or more memory storage units of the various embodiments disclosed herein may include an operating system, said operating system may be a software program that manages hardware and software resources of a computer and / or computer network. That operating system may perform basic operations such as, for example, control and allocation of memory, prioritization of instruction processing, control of input / output devices, support for networking, and management of files. An exemplary operating system may include one or more of the following: (i) Microsoft® Windows® operating system (OS) of Microsoft Corp., located in Redmond, Washington, USA; (ii) Apple Inc., located in Cupertino, California, USA.Mac® OS X, (iii) UNIX® operating systems, and (iv) Linux® operating systems. Other exemplary operating systems may include one or more of the following: (i) the iOS® operating system of Apple Inc., located in Cupertino, California, USA; (ii) the WebOS operating system of LG Electronics, located in Seoul, Republic of Korea; (iii) the Android operating system developed by Google, located in Mountain View, California, USA; or (iv) the Windows Mobile operating system of Microsoft Corp., located in Redmond, Washington, USA.

[0093] As used herein, “processor” and / or “processing module” means any type of computational circuit including, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a controller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction language (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processor or processing circuit capable of performing a desired function. In some embodiments, one or more processors disclosed herein may include a central processing unit (CPU) (210).

[0094] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, various input / output devices such as a disk controller (204), a graphics adapter (224), a video controller (202), a keyboard adapter (226), a mouse adapter (206), a network adapter (220), and other input / output devices (222) may be coupled to the system bus (214). The keyboard adapter (226) and the mouse adapter (206) are each individually coupled to the keyboard and mouse of the computer system (100). In FIG. 3, the graphics adapter (224) and the video controller (202) are shown as separate units, but in other embodiments, the video controller (202) may be integrated into the graphics adapter (224), or vice versa. The video controller (202) is suitable for refreshing the monitor (106) to display an image on the screen (108) of the computer system (100). The disk controller (204) can control the hard drive (114), the USB port (112), and the CD-ROM and / or DVD drive (116). In other embodiments, separate units may be used to control each of these devices individually.

[0095] In some embodiments, the network adapter (220) may include or be implemented as a Wireless Network Interface Controller (WNIC) card (not shown) mounted or coupled to an expansion port (not shown) within the computer system (100). In other embodiments, the WNIC card may be a wireless network card embedded in the computer system (100). The wireless network adapter may be embedded by integrating wireless communication functions into a motherboard chipset (not shown) of the computer system (100), or may be implemented through one or more dedicated wireless communication chips (not shown) connected via a PCI (peripheral interconnect) or PCI Express bus, or a USB port (112) of the computer system (100). In other embodiments, the network adapter (220) may include or be implemented as a wired network interface controller card (not shown).

[0096] Although many other components of the computer system (100) are not illustrated, such components and their interconnections are well known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, no further details regarding the construction and composition of the computer system (100) and the circuit boards within the chassis are mentioned herein.

[0097] When the computer system (100) illustrated in FIG. 3 is in operation, program instructions stored in the USB drive of the USB port (112), the CD-ROM or DVD of the CD-ROM and / or DVD drive (116), the hard drive (114), or the memory storage unit (208) are executed by the CPU (210). Some of the program instructions stored in the devices may be suitable for performing all or at least some of the techniques described herein. In various embodiments, the computer system (100) may be reprogrammed using one or more modules, systems, applications and / or databases described herein to convert a general-purpose computer into a special-purpose computer. For the sake of explanation, programs and other executable program components are shown in the specification as separate systems, but it is understood that such programs and components may exist at various times within different storage components of the computer system (100) and may be executed by the CPU (210). Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the systems and procedures described herein may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more systems and procedures described herein. For example, one or more programs and / or executable program components described herein may be implemented in one or more ASICs.

[0098] The computer system (100) may be a desktop or laptop computer in certain embodiments, but there may be examples where the computer system (100) has a different form factor while still possessing functional components similar to the functional elements described for the computer system (100). In some embodiments, the computer system (100) may include a single computer, a single server, a cluster or collection of multiple computers or servers, or a cloud of computers or servers. Generally, a cluster or collection of multiple servers may be used when the demand on the computer system (100) exceeds the reasonable processing capacity of a single server or computer. In certain embodiments, the computer system (100) may include a portable computer such as a laptop computer. In another specific embodiment, the computer system (100) may include a mobile device such as a smartphone. Additionally, in further specific embodiments, the computer system (100) may include an embedded system.

[0099] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a system (300) that may be used for idle power management according to one embodiment. The system (300) is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The system may be applied to various embodiments or examples not specifically illustrated or described herein. In some embodiments, a specific element, module, or system of the system (300) may perform various procedures, processes, and / or activities. In other embodiments, the procedures, processes, and / or activities may be performed by other suitable elements, modules, or systems of the system (300). In some embodiments, the system (300) may include an idle power management system (310) (e.g., corresponding to the idle power management system (18) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) and / or a web server (320).

[0100] Accordingly, generally, the system (300) may be implemented in hardware and / or software as described in this specification. In some embodiments, some or all of the hardware and / or software may be conventional, and in these or other embodiments, some or all of the hardware and / or software may be customized (e.g., optimized) to implement some or all of the functions of the system (300).

[0101] Each of the idle power management system (310) and / or web server (320) may be a computer system such as the computer system (100) described above, and each may be a single computer, a single server, a cluster or collection of multiple computers or servers, or a cloud of computers or servers. In another embodiment, a single computer system may host the idle power management system (310) and / or web server (320). Further details regarding the idle power management system (310) and / or web server (320) are described herein.

[0102] In some embodiments, the web server (320) may communicate data with one or more user devices, such as a user device (340), through a network (330). The user device (340) may be part of the system (300) or may exist outside the system (300). The network (330) may be the Internet or another suitable network. In some embodiments, the user device (340) may be used by a user, such as a user (350). In many embodiments, the web server (320) may host one or more websites and / or mobile application servers. For example, the web server (320) may provide a server that hosts a website or interfaces with an application (e.g., a mobile application) installed on a user device (340), thereby enabling the user (e.g., 350) to manage idle power, such as searching for available power sources holding idle power and / or electric energy consumers requiring power, as well as transport objects capable of physically transporting idle power, in addition to performing other suitable activities or interfaces with and / or configurations for the idle power management system (310).

[0103] In some embodiments, an internal network not open to the public may be used for communication between the idle power management system (310) and the web server (320) within the system (300). Thus, in some embodiments, the idle power management system (310) (and / or software used in the system) may refer to the backend of the system (300) operated by the operator and / or manager of the system (300), and the web server (320) (and / or software used in the system) may refer to the frontend of the system (300) accessible and / or usable by one or more users, such as a user (350) using a user device (340). In these or other embodiments, the operator and / or manager of the system (300) may manage the system (300), the processor(s) of the system (300), and / or the memory storage(s) of the system (300) using the input device(s) and / or display device(s) of the system (300). In a specific embodiment, the user device (e.g., user device (340)) may be a desktop computer, laptop computer, mobile device and / or other endpoint device used by one or more users (e.g., user (350)).

[0104] In a number of embodiments, each of the idle power management system (310) and / or web server (320) may include one or more input devices (e.g., one or more keyboards, one or more keypads, one or more pointing devices such as a computer mouse, one or more touchscreen displays, microphones, etc.) and / or one or more display devices (e.g., one or more monitors, one or more touchscreen displays, projectors, etc.).

[0105] Meanwhile, in a number of embodiments, the idle power management system (310) and / or web server (320) may also be configured to communicate with one or more databases. One or more databases may include databases containing information regarding power sources, electric energy users, and transport objects. One or more databases may be stored in one or more memory storage units (e.g., non-transient computer-readable media) that may be similar or identical to one or more memory storage devices (e.g., non-transient computer-readable media) described above with respect to the computer system (100). Additionally, in some embodiments, for any specific database among the one or more databases, that specific database may be stored in a single memory storage unit, or the contents of said specific database may be distributed and stored in multiple memory storage units storing said one or more databases, depending on the size of said specific database and / or the storage capacity of the memory storage device.

[0106] Meanwhile, the idle power management system (310), web server (320), and / or one or more databases may be implemented in any suitable manner of wired and / or wireless communication. Accordingly, the system (300) may include any software and / or hardware components configured to implement wired and / or wireless communication.

[0107] In a number of embodiments, the idle power management system (310) may include a communication system (311), a command generation system (312), and a matching system (313). In a number of embodiments, the systems of the idle power management system (310) may be modules of computing instructions (e.g., software modules) stored on a non-transient computer-readable medium operating on one or more processors. In another embodiment, the systems of the idle power management system (310) may be implemented in hardware. Each of the idle power management system (310) and / or the web server (320) may be a computer system such as the computer system (100) described above, and may be a single computer, a single server, a cluster or collection of multiple computers or servers, or a cloud of computers or servers. According to another embodiment, a single computer system may include one or more of the idle power management system (310) and / or the web server (320).

[0108] In several embodiments, the system 300 (FIG. 4), the idle power management system (310), and / or the web server (320) may be suitable for performing the method (500) and / or one or more activities of the method (500) (including the matching activity illustrated in FIG. 6). In this embodiment or other embodiments, one or more activities of the method (500) may be implemented as one or more computing instructions configured to be executed on one or more processors and configured to be stored on one or more non-transient computer-readable storage media. Such non-transient computer-readable storage media may be part of the system (300). The processor(s) may be similar or identical to the processor(s) described above in relation to the computer system (100). For example, according to a particular embodiment, the activities (505, 510, and 515) may be performed by the communication system (311) receiving communications and information from a power source, an electric energy user, and a transport object. In another example, according to a specific embodiment, activities (520, 525, and 530) and activities (600 and 605) illustrated in FIG. 6 may be performed by a matching system (313), for example, by determining whether first, second, and third criteria are satisfied and whether a match exists between any of the power source, electric energy user, and transport object. In another example, according to a specific embodiment, activities (535) of FIG. 5 and activities (610) of FIG. 6 may be performed by a command generation system (312). Other embodiments and configurations of the system (300), including an idle power management system (310) and a web server (320), may also be provided.

[0109] In many embodiments, the techniques described herein may provide practical applications and various technical improvements. In some embodiments, the techniques described herein may provide efficient and accurate management of idle power so that surplus power generated or stored by a power source is not wasted, and so that electric energy users do not experience a shortage of power required. The methods and systems disclosed herein provide significant improvements over conventional methods that do not provide identification and matching steps for transport entities to provide real-time transport and distribution of idle power on a demand basis. Embodiments of the present invention also provide the ability to sell and resell power on a demand basis by identifying idle power available in real time and potential consumers capable of accepting said idle power. Embodiments of the present invention also facilitate the transport of power to areas where power cannot be reliably received through the power grid, is not connected to the power grid, or where power grid failures or other problems have occurred. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention enable real-time monitoring of energy storage devices used for idle power transport, thereby improving the safety of idle power transport and enabling preemptive isolation or replacement of energy storage devices identified as defective. Another feature of the embodiments disclosed herein is that power can be circulated to necessary regions instead of being unused or wasted.

[0110] Although the methods described above have been explained according to the flowcharts illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood that various other methods for performing actions related to the method of the present invention may also be used. For example, the order of some operations may be changed, and some of the described operations may be optional.

[0111] Additionally, the method and system described herein may be implemented at least partially in the form of computer-implemented processes and devices for executing the same. The method disclosed herein may also be implemented at least partially in the form of a tangible non-transient machine-readable storage medium encoded in computer program code. For example, the steps of the method may be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a processor (e.g., software), or a combination thereof. Such media may include, for example, RAM, ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, BD-ROM, hard disk drive, flash memory, or other non-transient machine-readable storage media. When computer program code is loaded and executed on a computer, said computer becomes the device for performing the method. The method may also be implemented at least partially in the form of a computer on which computer program code is loaded or executed, so that said computer becomes a special-purpose computer for performing the method. When implemented on a general-purpose processor, a segment of computer program code configures the processor in such a way that it generates a specific logic circuit. The above method may also be implemented at least partially in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit for performing the method.

[0112] The foregoing is provided for the purpose of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of the present disclosure. Variations and modifications to these embodiments may be obvious to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In the system, One or more processors; and One or more non-transient computer-readable media storing computer instructions; Includes, When the above computer instructions are executed by the above one or more processors, the following operations: Receive idle power availability information from a power source related to the current or predicted idle power availability of the power source; Receiving from an electric energy user: (i) energy consumption information related to the current or predicted electric energy consumption of said electric energy user, and (ii) location information related to the location of said electric energy user; Receiving idle power transport capability information related to the ability of the one or more mobile energy storage devices to store idle power from an entity having one or more mobile energy storage devices; Based on the above idle power availability information, determine whether the power source satisfies a first criterion of currently possessing or predicted to possess idle power availability; Based on the above energy consumption information, determine whether the electric energy user meets a second criterion regarding current or future needs for electric energy; Based on the above idle power transport capacity information, determine whether the entity satisfies the third criterion of having at least one mobile energy storage device capable of storing and physically transporting idle power; If it is determined that the above first to third criteria are satisfied, the following procedures: Transferring idle power from the above power source to the at least one mobile energy storage device of the above entity; Physically transporting the at least one mobile energy storage device in which the above idle power is stored to the location of the electric energy user; and Transfer idle power stored in one or more mobile energy storage devices to the electric energy user at the above location; Through this, providing a command to one or more of the entity, the electric energy user, and the power source to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the power source to the electric energy user; A system that induces one or more processors to execute the above.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above power source is a system comprising one or more of a power generation facility, an electric charging station, and an electric energy storage facility.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above electric energy user, A system comprising one or more selected from a group consisting of private electric energy users, industrial energy users, vehicles, homes, buildings, regional or municipal power grids, electric charging stations, and electric energy storage facilities.

4. In Paragraph 1, The entity having one or more of the above-mentioned mobile energy storage devices, A system comprising one or more selected from a group consisting of individuals, automobiles, companies, freight carriers, and energy storage facilities.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above one or more mobile energy storage devices are, A system comprising one or more batteries that can be physically transported by loading them onto a carrier comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of automobiles, trucks, airplanes, ships, and trains.

6. In Paragraph 1, When the above computer instructions are executed by the above one or more processors, the following operations: Receiving idle power availability information related to current or predicted idle power availability at each of the plurality of power sources from a plurality of power sources; Receiving energy consumption information related to the current or predicted electric energy consumption of each of the plurality of electric energy users from a plurality of electric energy users; Based on the above idle power availability information, determine whether one or more of the plurality of power sources currently possess or are predicted to possess idle power availability, thereby satisfying the first criterion; Based on the above energy consumption information, determine whether one or more of the plurality of electric energy users satisfy the above second criterion of having a current or future need for electric energy; Matching one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources with one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users; and Provides a command to at least one of the above entities, the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion, and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion, to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the one or more power sources matched with each other to the one or more electric energy users; A system that induces one or more processors to execute the above.

7. In Paragraph 6, When the above computer instructions are executed by the above one or more processors, the following operations: Receiving idle power transport capability information regarding the ability of each of the one or more mobile energy storage devices to store idle power from a plurality of entities having one or more mobile energy storage devices; Based on the above information on the ability to transport idle power, determine whether one or more of the plurality of entities satisfies a third criterion of possessing one or more mobile energy storage devices capable of storing and physically transporting idle power; Matching one or more entities satisfying the third criterion among the plurality of entities with one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources and one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users; and Providing a command to the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion, the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion, and the one or more entities satisfying the third criterion to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the one or more power sources matched with each other to the one or more electric energy users through the at least one mobile energy storage device of the one or more entities; A system that induces one or more processors to execute the above.

8. In Paragraph 7, Matching one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources with one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users, and matching one or more entities satisfying the third criterion among the plurality of entities with one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources and one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users, Proximity between the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; The amount of electrical energy required by one or more electrical energy users satisfying the second criterion above; The amount of electrical energy available from one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion above; Compatibility between the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; Availability of one or more carriers for mobile energy storage devices; Proximity of one or more entities satisfying the third criterion to one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion; Proximity of one or more entities satisfying the third criterion to one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; The amount of idle energy that can be stored by the at least one mobile energy storage device of the one or more entities satisfying the third criterion above; Compatibility between the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and the one or more entities satisfying the third criterion; Compatibility between the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion and the one or more entities satisfying the third criterion; and Safety and / or lifespan diagnosis of one or more of the above-mentioned mobile energy storage devices; A system including matching based on one or more of the following.

9. In Paragraph 1, When the above computer instructions are executed by the above one or more processors, the following operations: Receiving the location of the power source satisfying the first criterion above; Receiving the amount of idle power required by the electric energy user who satisfies the second criterion above; Command the entity satisfying the third criterion to transport the at least one mobile energy storage device to the location of the power source satisfying the first criterion; Command the power source satisfying the first criterion to transfer the amount of idle power required by the electric energy user to at least one mobile energy storage device; Command to the entity satisfying the third criterion to transport the at least one mobile energy storage device in which the idle power is stored to the location of the electric energy user satisfying the second criterion; and Command the electric energy user who meets the second criterion to transfer the idle power from the above-mentioned mobile energy storage device; A system that induces one or more processors to execute the above.

10. In Paragraph 1, A system comprising at least one mobile energy storage device, a safety device for reducing the risk of fire caused by the at least one mobile energy storage device.

11. A method implemented through the execution of computing instructions configured to be executed on one or more processors, A step of receiving idle power availability information from a power source related to the current or predicted idle power availability of the power source; A step of receiving from an electric energy user, (i) energy consumption information related to the current or predicted electric energy consumption of the electric energy user, and (ii) location information related to the location of the electric energy user; A step of receiving idle power transport capability information related to the ability of the one or more mobile energy storage devices to store idle power from an entity having one or more mobile energy storage devices; A step of determining whether the power source satisfies a first criterion, which is currently possessing or predicted to possess idle power availability, based on the above idle power availability information; A step of determining whether the electric energy user satisfies a second criterion regarding current or future needs for electric energy based on the above energy consumption information; Based on the above idle power transport capacity information, a step of determining whether the entity satisfies a third criterion of having at least one mobile energy storage device capable of storing and physically transporting idle power; and If it is determined that the above first to third criteria are satisfied, the following procedures: Transferring idle power from the above power source to the at least one mobile energy storage device of the above entity; Physically transporting the at least one mobile energy storage device in which the above idle power is stored to the location of the electric energy user; and Transfer idle power stored in one or more mobile energy storage devices to the electric energy user at the above location; The step of providing a command to one or more of the entity, the electric energy user, and the power source to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the power source to the electric energy user; A method including 12. In Paragraph 11, The above power source comprises one or more of a power generation facility, an electric charging station, and an electric energy storage facility, in a method.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above electric energy user, A method comprising one or more selected from a group consisting of individual electric energy users, industrial energy users, vehicles, houses, buildings, regional or municipal power grids, electric charging stations, and electric energy storage facilities.

14. In Paragraph 11, The entity having one or more of the above-mentioned mobile energy storage devices, A method comprising one or more selected from a group consisting of individuals, automobiles, companies, freight carriers, and energy storage facilities.

15. In Paragraph 11, The above one or more mobile energy storage devices are, A method comprising one or more batteries that can be physically transported by loading them onto a carrier comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of automobiles, trucks, airplanes, ships, and trains.

16. In Paragraph 11, A step of receiving idle power availability information from a plurality of power sources, the idle power availability information related to the current or predicted idle power availability at each of the plurality of power sources; A step of receiving energy consumption information related to the current or predicted electric energy consumption of each of the plurality of electric energy users from a plurality of electric energy users; A step of determining, based on the above idle power availability information, whether one or more of the plurality of power sources currently possess or are predicted to possess idle power availability, thereby satisfying the first criterion; A step of determining, based on the above energy consumption information, whether one or more of the plurality of electric energy users satisfy the above second criterion of having a current or future need for electric energy; A step of matching one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources with one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users; and A step of providing a command to at least one of the above entities, the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion, and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion, to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the one or more power sources matched with each other to the one or more electric energy users; A method that further includes.

17. In Paragraph 16, A step of receiving idle power transport capability information regarding the ability of each of the one or more mobile energy storage devices to store idle power from a plurality of entities having one or more mobile energy storage devices; Based on the above idle power transport capability information, a step of determining whether one or more of the plurality of entities satisfies a third criterion of possessing one or more mobile energy storage devices capable of storing and physically transporting idle power; A step of matching one or more entities satisfying the third criterion among the plurality of entities with one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources and one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users; and A step of providing a command to the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion, the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion, and the one or more entities satisfying the third criterion, to facilitate the transfer of idle power from the one or more power sources matched with each other to the one or more electric energy users through the at least one mobile energy storage device of the one or more entities; A method that further includes.

18. In Paragraph 17, The step of matching one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources with one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users, and the step of matching one or more entities satisfying the third criterion among the plurality of entities with one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion among the plurality of power sources and one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion among the plurality of electric energy users, Proximity between the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; The amount of electrical energy required by one or more electrical energy users satisfying the second criterion above; The amount of electrical energy available from one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion above; Compatibility between the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; Availability of one or more carriers for mobile energy storage devices; Proximity of one or more entities satisfying the third criterion to one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion; Proximity of one or more entities satisfying the third criterion to one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion; The amount of idle energy that can be stored by the at least one mobile energy storage device of the one or more entities satisfying the third criterion above; Compatibility between the one or more power sources satisfying the first criterion and the one or more entities satisfying the third criterion; Compatibility between the one or more electric energy users satisfying the second criterion and the one or more entities satisfying the third criterion; and Safety and / or lifespan diagnosis of one or more of the above-mentioned mobile energy storage devices; A method comprising matching based on any one or more of the following.

19. In Paragraph 11, A step of receiving the location of the power source satisfying the first criterion; A step of receiving the amount of idle power required by the electric energy user who satisfies the second criterion above; A step of ordering the entity satisfying the third criterion to transport the at least one mobile energy storage device to the location of the power source satisfying the first criterion; A step of commanding the power source satisfying the first criterion to transfer the amount of idle power required by the electric energy user to the at least one mobile energy storage device; A step of ordering the entity satisfying the third criterion to transport the at least one mobile energy storage device in which the idle power is stored to the location of the electric energy user satisfying the second criterion; and A step of ordering the electric energy user who meets the second criterion to transfer the idle power from the above-mentioned mobile energy storage device; A method that further includes.

20. In Paragraph 11, A method comprising at least one mobile energy storage device including a safety device for reducing the risk of fire caused by the at least one mobile energy storage device.

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