Renewable Energy Origin Certificates With Hash-Based Local Source Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for buying and selling renewable energy do not allow consumers to purchase energy directly from local renewable sources, lacking transparency and ecological added value, and do not effectively promote regional renewable energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A method using energy meters to generate unique identification codes and hash-based certificates for renewable energy, enabling consumers to purchase energy directly from local sources, ensuring transparency and ecological added value through a software platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If energy certificates are traded through a centralized grid operator, then consumers can purchase renewable energy, but transparency about the actual origin and location of the energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies (energy certificates) that represent physical energy units. Each certificate contains encoded information about the energy's origin, location, and generation time. These digital copies can be traded and tracked without moving the actual energy, providing transparency while simplifying the trading mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary certificate system that bridges the gap between energy producers and consumers. The certificate acts as a mediator carrying information about the energy's origin, allowing consumers to verify the source without direct access to the generation site, thus maintaining transparency without requiring complex direct tracking infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed pricing is used for renewable energy, then grid operation is simplified, but consumers cannot choose specific local energy sources or support regional generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the renewable energy market into individual tradable certificates, each representing a specific unit of energy from a specific source. This segmentation allows consumers to choose specific local energy sources while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized certificate trading mechanisms. Each certificate can be independently purchased to support regional generation.
3Productivity
If energy is fed into the central grid, then distribution is simplified, but regional renewable energy generation is not effectively promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where consumers can purchase certificates from specific regional sources, and this purchase information feeds back to indicate demand for local renewable energy. This creates a market signal that promotes regional generation without requiring complex direct distribution infrastructure, as the central grid continues to handle physical energy transport.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A process for buying and selling Guarantees of Origin for energy from renewable energy sources includes registering energy meters (2) for measuring electrical energy from renewable energy sources (1), storing the meter's energy data (2) in a cloud, and generating energy certificates (6) containing a first hash value (6a) derived from a unique code for the meters (2) and the meter's energy data (2). The energy certificates (6) are offered for sale to consumers on a platform. Upon purchase, a derivative certificate (8a, 8b) is created containing a second hash value (9a, 9b) derived from the first hash value (6a) and the meter and consumer data. The derivative certificate (8a, 8b) provides tamper-proof proof of the origin, location, time, and type of the purchased renewable energy.The process enables increased transparency in the renewable energy market and provides added ecological value to the consumer.