CA2469768C - A methodology for time-shifting electrical grid energy consumption to optimize cost rate and grid load level - Google Patents
A methodology for time-shifting electrical grid energy consumption to optimize cost rate and grid load level Download PDFInfo
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- CA2469768C CA2469768C CA002469768A CA2469768A CA2469768C CA 2469768 C CA2469768 C CA 2469768C CA 002469768 A CA002469768 A CA 002469768A CA 2469768 A CA2469768 A CA 2469768A CA 2469768 C CA2469768 C CA 2469768C
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- plant
- grid
- control system
- events
- charger
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J3/00—Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
- H02J3/28—Arrangements for balancing of the load in a network by storage of energy
- H02J3/32—Arrangements for balancing of the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J9/00—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
- H02J9/04—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source
- H02J9/06—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems
- H02J9/062—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems for AC powered loads
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Supply And Distribution Of Alternating Current (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A control process for a power management system comprised of elements which include, but are not limited to, a utility grid, a switch unit, a main distribution panel, a D.C. to A.C. inverter, an energy storage facility (eg, a battery plant), a charging facility to store electrical energy in said energy storage facility, a control unit, a user interface unit, and a machine interface unit is defined. Control process states include, but are not limited to, a Normal state, a Charging state, a Scheduled Off Grid state, an Emergency Off Grid state, and an Emergency Shut Down state. Events which cause transitions in control process states arc described as scheduled events, manually induced events, system events, or external events. Scheduled events include but are not limited to pre-programmed times of day that cause transitions from Normal state to and from Charging state, and from Normal state to and from Scheduled Off Grid state.
Description
DESCRIPTION
Title oCthe Invention A Methodology for timo-chiitrfng electrical grid cnergy rtonqumption to optimize cost rate aud grid lo=rd lcvcl Background to the invention Electrical power genaration, tramsmi.vsioit, and distribution systems muyt all bc cnginccrcd to withstand peak detnand. Recent growth in consumption, couplcd with cap.'n:ity constraints in cartain gcttcration and distribution facilitics havc strained the ability of utility grids to nta:t peak demands.
Lk-rcguiation initiatives create furthcr pricing fluctuations that arc passed on to consumcrs. Sornc juri.tidictions are moving towards timc of day based etterg,y rates to rcReet generation and/or dcli.-cry costs during peak intcrvals and to encourage conservation during peak demand intc-rvRls.
Thcrc is an abundanLv of prior art that providws a means for scnsing utility grid failure and switching ovcr tc-altcrnatc cncrg_y sourccs, inctudinl; stored cncrgy. Mtuiy ofthe.se prior art cxamplw-5 also provide for a "swndhy", "auxiliary", or "pony^ distribution p,Mc) which is scparatc from a main distribution panel and which allows for sc:lcetcd loads to bc puwered by an altcrnatc cnergy source rather than powering the entire main distribution panel and its Icacis.
At Icast one particular itcm of prior art de.ticribes the use of capacitors as a storage medium fisr utility cncra during low deniand pcriod4, and using that stored energy during peak demand periods by discharging it at or near the point ofconsumption. "fhe basis on which this swrage facility is chargcd and discharged is lcfl up to a "controllcr" which may or may not use a number of potcntial means tu make such dccisions. 'l'his storage facility is describcd as being locatW cither at a point of cx>nsumption or at a gcncration or distribution point. At least onc othcr example of prior su't describes a massive concrete f'lywhccl which is used to storc utility grid oncrgy during non-peak load, and which is used to gencrdte electrical power during peak load.
Still olh4Y prior art sceks to reduce utility wnwmpi ion costs by managing load levels. puwcr distribution, load shedding and so forth. Somc such invcntions propose claboratc consumpticin prediction mcthw.l.r uy govern whether or whcn to switch to stored energy wfiilc others rely on a mcana af communication with the utility to detcrmine instantancous rates for consumption of utilic.y rcuwrces and usc thtet, information to rcgulatc charge and discharge cycles.
The present invention relatcs to a means for providing eneW to houc:x and the likc at a cast lower than ptrak demand r4tes from a utility by going olT-grid" during pcak energy times and supplying the dcmand from storcd energy or an altcrnate enerby sc>uree. An onc=rl;y storage device is replenished frotn thc utility during off-peak dcmand times whcn rates are morc favourable. A control method is described which provides for a timc of day and calendar b.-.;ed schodulc of events as wcll as system evcnts. manual events and cxternal events which rcgulatc charbc and di5chargc cycles for an clcctriusl cnergy storagc tacility locatcd at the point of consumption_ Paqe 1 of 12 t ~
Summary ot'thc invention It is an object of this invention to providc :u:c;css to lower cost otl=grid energy altcrnativcs to a house or the like during times when the cost of consumptinn of utiGty resourc.cx is relatively high, or when the utility grid is operating at high deniand.
It is another object of this invcntion tc- provide the ability to storc cncrl,ry frum the utility grid during times when the cost of consumption of utility resources is relativcly low.
In one embodiment of this invention (Fig i ) utility powcr [ I] is connected to a main distribiit.ion panel 131 through a switch unit [2]. Also conncctcd to thc switch unit is a D.C. to A.C.
invcrt.Lr [4] which is in turn conncctcd te> a battery plant [5]. The battery plant may c:onsiyt of one or more re-charbcablc clcetrieal batteries.
Thc bat.tery plant may :slso be connected to a batt.cry charger [6]. A control unit [7] communicates with switch unit, D.C. to A.C. inverter, battcry plant, battury charg4r, user intcrface unit 113,1, and machine interface unit [14[.
In dnother embodimcnt Ut'the invention (Fig 2), the system is as dcsc:ribed above except that am auxiliary dititrihution pancl [9] is connected to switch unit [2], and anothcr }witch unit [8J is used to connect or disconnmt main distribution panel (9] from utility grid In another embodimcnl. (Fig 3) ot'the invcntion the system may be as described abovc only with a tuel cell pl;tnt [ 101 in place ot'the battery plant [51 and fuel cell fucl [111 in place of the battc:ry charger [61.
In another emb<xlirnent (Fig 4) of thc invcntion the system may be as doscribcd above only with a capacitor plant in place of thc battery plant and :s capacitor charl;c controller in plac.c of the battery chargcr.
In all embodiments of the invcitticm, the control unit monitors system events, extcrnal events, manuat evcnts, and schcdulul events, and cnmmunicatcs with the various othcr unit, in the syst.cm ac.urrdingly. 'l'hc switx;h unit connects a utility grid to an auxiliary and/or tnain disttibution pancls during times o{'non-pe:ak utility dcmand. A
schedulcd cvcnt (eg. the beginning of a daily peak dentand intcrvai), or an extcrnal event (eg. a utility grid failure) may causc the control unit to signal the switch units to disconnect the distribution panels front the utility grid and to connect the C)_C_ to A.C. invcrter throuGh to thc main or auxiliary distribution pancl. Power is supplied to the distribution panel from a stor.il;c tacility through the D.C.
to A.C. inverter and the switch unit.
At such timc as an appropriate systcm cvcnt occurs (cp;. the storage facility becomes dcplctcul), or when an appropriate schcduled evont c>ccurs (eg. whcn the aveiagc peak utility demand intcrval is ovcr, or whcn the cost Paqt'2of12 ol'consuming utility resources is relatively low), the control unit msy hil;nal thc switch unit to disconnect the D.C. tu A.C. inverter from the distribution panel and tg) connect the utility grid to the clistributinn pancls. At somc time during non peak utility demand, or when the cost of consuming utility rcsourccs is relatively low, a schcdulcd cvcnt m.ry causc thc control unit to enable the replenishment of the storage facility_ When thc storagc:
facility becomes replenished, or when the storage facility is G;tu.ved to discharge through thc D.C. to A.C.
inverl.cr, a syst.cm evcnt may cause the control unit to cause storage facility replenishment to eease.
Th4 control unit ecwrdinatOS the operation of the switch units, thc O.C. to A.C. invcrtcr, and the storage facility replenishmcnt_ Thc control unit may also monitor storage facilitystatus and respond to other ink:rnal or cxlcmal cv4nt.w_ 7'he control unit is also drivc:n hy scht:clulc.~,f cwcnts that arc prog:unmcd into it and which causc actions to he executed on the basis of time of day and a calendar. The controller may also be driven by manual cvcnt.% that may be initiated throuO a user interfaee or a machine interfaee, or by other input.v and cvcnt% threwgh the machine intcrfacc.
Brief description of the dr-awings In the drawings, like rcfarcncc numcrals r.,-prcx.-nt likc c:ompon4rrt.,I.
Figure 1 is a block diagram of an cmbodirncnt of ttiG invention wheYCin ;r baucry plz;nt s-nd [).(,, to A.C.
invcricr are sufficicnt to satixfy the neccLt ot'the entirc main distribution panel and its loads.
l+ig;urc 2 is a block diagram of another embodimcnt of thc invention whcrein an auxiliary distribtition pzincf [9] supplies basic cnergy ncods during times whcn thc systcm is switc;hcd away frotn the utility grid.
T'igure 3 is a block diagram of anothcr cmbodimcnt of the invention which is identical to that shown in Figure
Title oCthe Invention A Methodology for timo-chiitrfng electrical grid cnergy rtonqumption to optimize cost rate aud grid lo=rd lcvcl Background to the invention Electrical power genaration, tramsmi.vsioit, and distribution systems muyt all bc cnginccrcd to withstand peak detnand. Recent growth in consumption, couplcd with cap.'n:ity constraints in cartain gcttcration and distribution facilitics havc strained the ability of utility grids to nta:t peak demands.
Lk-rcguiation initiatives create furthcr pricing fluctuations that arc passed on to consumcrs. Sornc juri.tidictions are moving towards timc of day based etterg,y rates to rcReet generation and/or dcli.-cry costs during peak intcrvals and to encourage conservation during peak demand intc-rvRls.
Thcrc is an abundanLv of prior art that providws a means for scnsing utility grid failure and switching ovcr tc-altcrnatc cncrg_y sourccs, inctudinl; stored cncrgy. Mtuiy ofthe.se prior art cxamplw-5 also provide for a "swndhy", "auxiliary", or "pony^ distribution p,Mc) which is scparatc from a main distribution panel and which allows for sc:lcetcd loads to bc puwered by an altcrnatc cnergy source rather than powering the entire main distribution panel and its Icacis.
At Icast one particular itcm of prior art de.ticribes the use of capacitors as a storage medium fisr utility cncra during low deniand pcriod4, and using that stored energy during peak demand periods by discharging it at or near the point ofconsumption. "fhe basis on which this swrage facility is chargcd and discharged is lcfl up to a "controllcr" which may or may not use a number of potcntial means tu make such dccisions. 'l'his storage facility is describcd as being locatW cither at a point of cx>nsumption or at a gcncration or distribution point. At least onc othcr example of prior su't describes a massive concrete f'lywhccl which is used to storc utility grid oncrgy during non-peak load, and which is used to gencrdte electrical power during peak load.
Still olh4Y prior art sceks to reduce utility wnwmpi ion costs by managing load levels. puwcr distribution, load shedding and so forth. Somc such invcntions propose claboratc consumpticin prediction mcthw.l.r uy govern whether or whcn to switch to stored energy wfiilc others rely on a mcana af communication with the utility to detcrmine instantancous rates for consumption of utilic.y rcuwrces and usc thtet, information to rcgulatc charge and discharge cycles.
The present invention relatcs to a means for providing eneW to houc:x and the likc at a cast lower than ptrak demand r4tes from a utility by going olT-grid" during pcak energy times and supplying the dcmand from storcd energy or an altcrnate enerby sc>uree. An onc=rl;y storage device is replenished frotn thc utility during off-peak dcmand times whcn rates are morc favourable. A control method is described which provides for a timc of day and calendar b.-.;ed schodulc of events as wcll as system evcnts. manual events and cxternal events which rcgulatc charbc and di5chargc cycles for an clcctriusl cnergy storagc tacility locatcd at the point of consumption_ Paqe 1 of 12 t ~
Summary ot'thc invention It is an object of this invention to providc :u:c;css to lower cost otl=grid energy altcrnativcs to a house or the like during times when the cost of consumptinn of utiGty resourc.cx is relatively high, or when the utility grid is operating at high deniand.
It is another object of this invcntion tc- provide the ability to storc cncrl,ry frum the utility grid during times when the cost of consumption of utility resources is relativcly low.
In one embodiment of this invention (Fig i ) utility powcr [ I] is connected to a main distribiit.ion panel 131 through a switch unit [2]. Also conncctcd to thc switch unit is a D.C. to A.C.
invcrt.Lr [4] which is in turn conncctcd te> a battery plant [5]. The battery plant may c:onsiyt of one or more re-charbcablc clcetrieal batteries.
Thc bat.tery plant may :slso be connected to a batt.cry charger [6]. A control unit [7] communicates with switch unit, D.C. to A.C. inverter, battcry plant, battury charg4r, user intcrface unit 113,1, and machine interface unit [14[.
In dnother embodimcnt Ut'the invention (Fig 2), the system is as dcsc:ribed above except that am auxiliary dititrihution pancl [9] is connected to switch unit [2], and anothcr }witch unit [8J is used to connect or disconnmt main distribution panel (9] from utility grid In another embodimcnl. (Fig 3) ot'the invcntion the system may be as described abovc only with a tuel cell pl;tnt [ 101 in place ot'the battery plant [51 and fuel cell fucl [111 in place of the battc:ry charger [61.
In another emb<xlirnent (Fig 4) of thc invcntion the system may be as doscribcd above only with a capacitor plant in place of thc battery plant and :s capacitor charl;c controller in plac.c of the battery chargcr.
In all embodiments of the invcitticm, the control unit monitors system events, extcrnal events, manuat evcnts, and schcdulul events, and cnmmunicatcs with the various othcr unit, in the syst.cm ac.urrdingly. 'l'hc switx;h unit connects a utility grid to an auxiliary and/or tnain disttibution pancls during times o{'non-pe:ak utility dcmand. A
schedulcd cvcnt (eg. the beginning of a daily peak dentand intcrvai), or an extcrnal event (eg. a utility grid failure) may causc the control unit to signal the switch units to disconnect the distribution panels front the utility grid and to connect the C)_C_ to A.C. invcrter throuGh to thc main or auxiliary distribution pancl. Power is supplied to the distribution panel from a stor.il;c tacility through the D.C.
to A.C. inverter and the switch unit.
At such timc as an appropriate systcm cvcnt occurs (cp;. the storage facility becomes dcplctcul), or when an appropriate schcduled evont c>ccurs (eg. whcn the aveiagc peak utility demand intcrval is ovcr, or whcn the cost Paqt'2of12 ol'consuming utility resources is relatively low), the control unit msy hil;nal thc switch unit to disconnect the D.C. tu A.C. inverter from the distribution panel and tg) connect the utility grid to the clistributinn pancls. At somc time during non peak utility demand, or when the cost of consuming utility rcsourccs is relatively low, a schcdulcd cvcnt m.ry causc thc control unit to enable the replenishment of the storage facility_ When thc storagc:
facility becomes replenished, or when the storage facility is G;tu.ved to discharge through thc D.C. to A.C.
inverl.cr, a syst.cm evcnt may cause the control unit to cause storage facility replenishment to eease.
Th4 control unit ecwrdinatOS the operation of the switch units, thc O.C. to A.C. invcrtcr, and the storage facility replenishmcnt_ Thc control unit may also monitor storage facilitystatus and respond to other ink:rnal or cxlcmal cv4nt.w_ 7'he control unit is also drivc:n hy scht:clulc.~,f cwcnts that arc prog:unmcd into it and which causc actions to he executed on the basis of time of day and a calendar. The controller may also be driven by manual cvcnt.% that may be initiated throuO a user interfaee or a machine interfaee, or by other input.v and cvcnt% threwgh the machine intcrfacc.
Brief description of the dr-awings In the drawings, like rcfarcncc numcrals r.,-prcx.-nt likc c:ompon4rrt.,I.
Figure 1 is a block diagram of an cmbodirncnt of ttiG invention wheYCin ;r baucry plz;nt s-nd [).(,, to A.C.
invcricr are sufficicnt to satixfy the neccLt ot'the entirc main distribution panel and its loads.
l+ig;urc 2 is a block diagram of another embodimcnt of thc invention whcrein an auxiliary distribtition pzincf [9] supplies basic cnergy ncods during times whcn thc systcm is switc;hcd away frotn the utility grid.
T'igure 3 is a block diagram of anothcr cmbodimcnt of the invention which is identical to that shown in Figure
2 with the exception th;:l a fuel cell plant [ 10; is used instead of a battery plant f5] and fucl ccl] fucl [ t 1] rcplac:Cs battery charger [b].
Figun; 4 in a block diagram of anothcr cmbodimcnl of thc invention whcrc a capacitor plant [15.1 scrvcs as the storage facility and a capacitor plxnt ch:irKer [161 effcc:ts replenishment of that storagc facility.
Figure 5 is a state diagram for a control process for managing the operation of the syst.cm.
Paqc; 3 of 12 Ucscniption of the preferred emlfodiment:e f.)c.s4rigtiun ut S~titc m i:l4mcntc lJtility Grid [ l J:
This systcin component consists of a utility company power linc which supplies utility power to a wnsumcr.
For most residontial applic;,ations this would hc a 200 Amp 240 Volt servicc.
Switch Unit (2]:
In a residential application this elcmcnt contains a switch capable of switching a 200 Amp 240 Volt utility company power line, and a mcanx uf detec:ting whcther power is present on said utility power linc irrespcctivc ol' what position thc switeh may he in_ Functions performed by this unit includc connecting to and ditic4)nnccting from a utility grid (1), connecting te and disconnccting, from a D.C. to A.C.
invcrtcr (4), and monitoring utility grid (I J 4latuy (cg. presence oi' power).
Main L)istribution Panel 131:
This is the main electrical distribution pancl in a house or the like. 71ie function of this clement is to distribute electrical power to varinus loads through circuit breakers.
D.C. to A.C. invcrtcr [41;
't'his clemcnt is comprised of a means of converting din:ct currcnt (D.C.) battery power to altcrnating current (A.C.) power suitablc for driving a distribution panel and its loads that would normally receive power trom the utilit.y grid. This component takcs storcd clcctricul cnc:rgy from a battery plant 151 and produce5 altcrnating current electrical power to supply a distribution panel (9].
fiattery Plant [5 J:
This is an arr:ry ot'c,ne or more electrical battcric+ that arc capable of storing clectrical cnerJ,*y from a battery ch;trg4r 161 and capable ofdispc:nsing electrical energy to a D.C. to A.C.
invcrter [41.
fiattcry Charger [6J:
7'his element is comprised ot'a means to convcrt cl4etrical power from a utility or from an ex(crnsl gcncrator tc- a D.C. level suitablc for charginb battery plant [5]. "t'hi, clcmant is further compriscd of a mcans to sc:u:pt utility powcr fnom a distribution panct, and a mcans to accept powcr from an cxtereal generator. The battery chsrger [b] distribulcs this energy to battery plant f 5] in a manner that allows the battcry plant to sturc: that energy for ful.urn u.sc.
Page 4 of 12 Control Unit (7):
'I'his element iy comprised of a computer processor, a non-volatilc cornputer memory, a readable and writable random access mcmory (RAM), interiace circuitry which servcs as a mcans of communicating with switch units 121 and (8] and D.C. tc) A.C. invcrtcr [4] and :aoragc facilitics [5], f 101, or [ I S] and storage replenishment 161, [ 1 11, or [161 and uscr intsrfacc unit [ 13] and tnachinc intertacc unit [
141, and som4 locaf power and control circuitry and a control program that resides in non volatile mc:me>ry and runs on the computer processor. 'I'hc hardware used for this unit may bc ati.tic:mble.~d from corninercial off tho-shclf clcrncnt.v that are tainiliar to anyone skilled in the field.
'I'hiti elcmcnt performs thc following f'uncticxts:
The control unit monitors and opcrates switch units [2] and 131.
'l'he control unit further monitors and opi:rates battery charger [6] or capacitor plant charger [ 161 or fuel cell fucl [I I 1.
'I'hc control unit further monitors and operates D.C. to A.C. invcrtcr [4].
1'hc control unit further mc>nitprti battery plant [5 J status or fuel cell plant [ 10] status or capacitor plant ] 15]
status.
'I'he control unit further monitom and resp.)nds to user intcrfac;u unit 113]
and machinc intcrfacc unit [ 141_ 7'he control unit further monitors and respondti to dctined evcnts, a dcsc:ription of which toltows.
l7Cl inttinns:
Storagc Unit Replenishmcret In:terv;:l: a scheduled timc uf d:sy during which Utility Grid r,rtes nuny he relatively low, and during which thc system will try to rceharge the storage clcmcntti (efi. batteries, capacitors, and thc like)_ 11he beginning and encl of this intcrval arc programmed in advance (cg, factory default scttinl; or at installation time) either through a machinc interface unit or a u5c:r interface.
Schedulcd Uff Grid Interval: a schcdulod time of'day during which [Itility Grid rates may bc relatively high, and during which the systcm will switch ti-om the laltility Grid to locally storcd clcetrical power. 'Mc beginning and cnd of this intorval are programmed in advanc:c (ct;- factory default sc(ting tir at installation time) either through a machinc intcrface unit or a user interl"acc.
Schedulcd Fvvnts, which arc Cvents th;tt can bc prot;rarnmed into the control unit based on timc of day, day of weck, or calcndar iiatc_ Examp'cs of such cvcnts include but are not limitcxi to:
o 7'()D-RrP: Time oi' D:iy changcs from bciiig NOT within Storage tlnit Rcplenishmcnt intcrval tu being within Storage tJnit Rcptcni,hmcnt intcrval. This evcnt is triggcrcd in the Control Unit by comparing currant day and time with the pre-programmcd Storage [Jtiit Replenishment interval.
Page 5 of 12 , o TUU-NKE:I': ''Fime of Day ehang4.e from being within Storage (Jnit Rcplenishmcnt intcrval to being NU'(' within Storage Unit Replenishment interval. This cvcnt is tri}gcred in the Control [Jnit by comparing current day and timc v-ith thc prc-prrtgrammed Storage Unit Replenishment intcrval, o 7'OU-C)FF(.iCtC): Time of Day chaslges t?om bcing NU'I' within Schcdulcd C)tY'Grid ina:rval tc) being within Schedulcd Off Grid intcrval, This event is triggered in the C'ontrol Unit by cump=arin[; aurnc.~nt day and tin-c with the pre-nrogran:med Schedulcd Off Grid interval.
n TQD-NOFFC)RU: 'I'imc of Uay chsxngcv from being within :ichcdulcd UffCirid interval to beinf;
NO7' within Schcdulutl Of'1'CCrid 'utterval_ 't'his evant is trig;cnxi in the Control Unit by comparing Currc:nt day and timc with thc prc-prn%rarnmed Scheduled Off Grid intcrval, Manually induced events, which arc cvenL. that are caused by manual intcrvcntian through the user intLrfac:e unit or machinc intcrTac:e uniL h:atamples of such cvcnts include but are not limitcd to:
o MAN-ItI:P: A signal has bccn rccoivcd frcxn the iJser Intorfacc or Machine Interface requesting tha Controller to begin charging ttic battery or storage elcmcnt from the [Jtility (3rid.
o MAN-NRi:P: A signal has been rcx:cived from the User Interface or Machine Interiace requesting the Controller to stop charging the battery or storage elcmcnt frpm the [Jtility (;rid.
o MAN-UFFGRi): A signal has bcx=n rc:cciv4d from the User Interface or Machine Interface requesting the Controller to switch thc sytitent power source from thc tJtility Grid to the battery or storagc element.
o MAN-NOFFGRD: A signal has becn received from thc User lntertace or Machine lntcrfac:c requesting the Controller to switcli thc,,;y+wm power sourcc from the hattery or stor.tgc clcmcnt lo the [Jtiliry Grid.
o MAN-Sl-1UTi)C)WN: A signal ha-; ba:n received from the Uxr Interface or Machinc [ntcrl';sec rcqucsting the Controller tn switclt the systcm to a Shut Down state.
o MAN-CLEAR; A signal has been reccival f"mm the User Intcrfau: or Machine Interfacc requesting that all Critical Faiiure indications be cleared.
System evcnt%, whieh are events that :Lre caused by a change in status of a system clcnecnt or component.
'I'hcsc cvcnts may bc dctcctcd by any of a numlx:r of well known measurement techniques outsidc thc scope of this invention but which are wcll known by anyone skilled in the f'weld_ i:xamples ot'such an event include, but arc not limited to:
o BA'1'-0f?P: Remaining energy in battcry or stcx-age element has crossed a pre-set threshold:md is depleted.
c, l3l1'1'-1.(aW: Remaining cnera in battcryrr xtorage elemcnt h.ts crossed a prc-sct threshold and is approaching depletion.
Page 6 of 12 o SA'T-h'UC,: licmaininl; cn4rSy in battery or storage element has crosscd a pru-yrrrt threshold and is fuliy ch;irgvd.
o CRiTICAL-rAII.: Thc Contrc)ller has detected a critical system condition which rcquires manual intcrvcntiun. F-xamples of this includc but arc not limi" to battery or storage olement tempcraturc alarm, DC to AC invcri.cr ovcrltuaci, and the like.
Extc:ma.l eventr., which arc cvcnts that arx: external to the system. These cvcnty may he detm-ted by any of a rrumber of well known mca.yurement tcchniques outside the scope of this invention but which arc wcll known by anyone skilled in the ficlJ. F,xantpley of such an c-vent includc, but an: not limitod to:
o CiRll}FAIL: '1'hc Utility Cirid which has been ablc to supply cleetrical energy is no Ionbcr ablc to supply electrical cnera to the syst.crn.
rs CCR1D-RFC: 'I'hc Utility Grid which has not. bccn ablc tcr tiupply electrical cnorbry is now ablc ta supply clccstrical cnerg,y to the syswin.
The control pmt;ram in the control unit Cxeeutes code which implcmvntti the control process which i.
described in Figttrc S. The control pro$ram tiuther maintains a timc of day clock and calcndar and a list of wchcdulcd events. 'l'hc control program cxectatcs thc sic:quence of states in Figure 5 as per defined events and the tinte of day clock and calendar.
Switch Unit [8]_ In a residential application this clemcnt contains a switch c:apabic of switching a 200 Amp 240 Volt utility oumpany powcr lin4, and a mcans of dc.'tccting whothcr- power is present on said utility Fxrwcr linc irrespa:tivc of what position thc switch may bc in. Functions pcrfornrcd by this unit include connecting to and disconnecting from a utility grid [ 11, and monitoring utility grid [ I I s;atus (cg.
prescnce of powcr).
Auxiiiary Uistributiixk Panci [9]:
'I'his is srn clectrical distribution pattel which may he installed in a house or the like to pruvidc scrzuate clcctrical powcr for.i sulx,et ofalcctrical ioa4s on the premiu;ti. In the embodimcnt: described hcrcin, thiv distribution punel would manage the ktads that would he maintained during the O['1'Grid states as described in Figurc 4.
Fuel C':ell Plant [10[:
This clcment consists of a mcans of producing clcctrical powcr directly from a contiumablc: fucl and may bc corrrprised of onc or rttore such ecils etfntigvred in an :uray.
Page 7 of 12 Fuel Cell Fuel (1 1 1:
17iis component provides a means of storin6 fuel atsd a means ot'supplying iucl to the fuci ecll. in a fiu:l ccll plant [ 101.
1?mcrgency t;c.-nerator cunnect point 112]:
'rhiy element provides a means of connecting an external electrical generator to the battc:ry charger unit. [t is anticipated that this point may bc uscd during prolonf;cd utility grid 1;1 J
outages.
User Intcrfacc lJnit -131:
'I'his clcmcnt pruvidus a mcans for tnanua; communication with the control unit, and it may be remotely lcx:atcd f}om the control unit. Alarms and syr+tcm clcmcnt status may be communicsttcd to;, usCr through this unit. Further, a usar may prttgram ychcduled events into the control unit or may induce manual events t[irough this clcmcnt.
Machine Intertace Unit (141;
This clcinent providcs a means for connecting the control unit to another computer. '1'his may be used to provide an improved user interface, pcrform ::yxtcm di.)l;notitic and text, pmvidc enhanced support firr u.~r maintenance, or to nctwork the systcm to otb.:r systen-, and control. This facility inay also bc uscd to cffcct control program updates and install thcni into the control unii.
Capacitor Plant I 151:
11iti elentent consists of a mcanti of sutrin- electrical enerfry in a capacitor and niay bc compriscd of onc or more such capacitors c,tmfrgured in an array.
Capacitor E'larit Charger 116]:
flriti clcmwnt is comprised oC,i mc ans lu convert electrical power from a utility or frotn an cxternal ;;enerator to a D.C. lovci suitablc for Charging capacitoi plant (1 ti], This clcntont is f'urthcr compriscd ot'a means to ac:ccpt utility power 1cont a distribution panel, and a mcsns to accept power from an external gcncrator. Thc eapacitor plant charger [16,1 dist.ributc+ this energy to cupacitor plant [15] in Y
manner that allows the capacitor plant to storc that cnurgy for future usc.
1'rcferred Rmbodinicnts Rcfcnring to Figure 1, one cmbodimcnt of th4 invention includes a utility grid i 1], a switch unit 121, a ntain distribution panel 13 1, a[).C:. tn A.C. inverter 14J, a battcry plant 15], a hattery charger 161, and a control unil 171.
Under normal operating conditions the switcli unit [2] connects the utility grid [ 1] to thc main distribution panel Page 8 of 12 , 1 13]_ During this time, and in this mtxie, the alntrol unit 171 niay activatc the battery charger 16J and cause the battery plant [5 J to be replenished_ At such timc as the control unit 171 rccogniics a sc:hedulcd event, a manually inslut:CCl evenl, or an exl.crnal cvent (cl;. 111.ility grid failurc), thc conirol unit [7] may cause the switch unit 121 to disconnect the utility grid [I ] 1rom the distribution panel 131, and tc) deaetivatc: thc bau,cry chargcr (61 if it is activated, and to connect the I).C:_ tr) A.C_ imerfer (4] tc) t.he distribution pancl 131. In this mode the battery plant (5] discharges through the D.C. to A.C. inverter [4] and supplies the energ,y nceds of the distribution pancl ]3]
for an interval of timc. At such time as thc ctmtrullcr rc-c:ognizcs anothcr scEtedulod cvent, a rnanually inducod cvcnt, :- sytitcrn event (eg. deplcted battery) or an external event (eg.
utility grid recovered 1'rnn, f=rilun:), thc control unit [7] may cause thc switch unit [21 to disconnect the O.C. to A.C.
invcrtcr 141 from thc distribution pancl 131 and (c) Conncct, the utility grid [1] tl) the distribution partel
Figun; 4 in a block diagram of anothcr cmbodimcnl of thc invention whcrc a capacitor plant [15.1 scrvcs as the storage facility and a capacitor plxnt ch:irKer [161 effcc:ts replenishment of that storagc facility.
Figure 5 is a state diagram for a control process for managing the operation of the syst.cm.
Paqc; 3 of 12 Ucscniption of the preferred emlfodiment:e f.)c.s4rigtiun ut S~titc m i:l4mcntc lJtility Grid [ l J:
This systcin component consists of a utility company power linc which supplies utility power to a wnsumcr.
For most residontial applic;,ations this would hc a 200 Amp 240 Volt servicc.
Switch Unit (2]:
In a residential application this elcmcnt contains a switch capable of switching a 200 Amp 240 Volt utility company power line, and a mcanx uf detec:ting whcther power is present on said utility power linc irrespcctivc ol' what position thc switeh may he in_ Functions performed by this unit includc connecting to and ditic4)nnccting from a utility grid (1), connecting te and disconnccting, from a D.C. to A.C.
invcrtcr (4), and monitoring utility grid (I J 4latuy (cg. presence oi' power).
Main L)istribution Panel 131:
This is the main electrical distribution pancl in a house or the like. 71ie function of this clement is to distribute electrical power to varinus loads through circuit breakers.
D.C. to A.C. invcrtcr [41;
't'his clemcnt is comprised of a means of converting din:ct currcnt (D.C.) battery power to altcrnating current (A.C.) power suitablc for driving a distribution panel and its loads that would normally receive power trom the utilit.y grid. This component takcs storcd clcctricul cnc:rgy from a battery plant 151 and produce5 altcrnating current electrical power to supply a distribution panel (9].
fiattery Plant [5 J:
This is an arr:ry ot'c,ne or more electrical battcric+ that arc capable of storing clectrical cnerJ,*y from a battery ch;trg4r 161 and capable ofdispc:nsing electrical energy to a D.C. to A.C.
invcrter [41.
fiattcry Charger [6J:
7'his element is comprised ot'a means to convcrt cl4etrical power from a utility or from an ex(crnsl gcncrator tc- a D.C. level suitablc for charginb battery plant [5]. "t'hi, clcmant is further compriscd of a mcans to sc:u:pt utility powcr fnom a distribution panct, and a mcans to accept powcr from an cxtereal generator. The battery chsrger [b] distribulcs this energy to battery plant f 5] in a manner that allows the battcry plant to sturc: that energy for ful.urn u.sc.
Page 4 of 12 Control Unit (7):
'I'his element iy comprised of a computer processor, a non-volatilc cornputer memory, a readable and writable random access mcmory (RAM), interiace circuitry which servcs as a mcans of communicating with switch units 121 and (8] and D.C. tc) A.C. invcrtcr [4] and :aoragc facilitics [5], f 101, or [ I S] and storage replenishment 161, [ 1 11, or [161 and uscr intsrfacc unit [ 13] and tnachinc intertacc unit [
141, and som4 locaf power and control circuitry and a control program that resides in non volatile mc:me>ry and runs on the computer processor. 'I'hc hardware used for this unit may bc ati.tic:mble.~d from corninercial off tho-shclf clcrncnt.v that are tainiliar to anyone skilled in the field.
'I'hiti elcmcnt performs thc following f'uncticxts:
The control unit monitors and opcrates switch units [2] and 131.
'l'he control unit further monitors and opi:rates battery charger [6] or capacitor plant charger [ 161 or fuel cell fucl [I I 1.
'I'hc control unit further monitors and operates D.C. to A.C. invcrtcr [4].
1'hc control unit further mc>nitprti battery plant [5 J status or fuel cell plant [ 10] status or capacitor plant ] 15]
status.
'I'he control unit further monitom and resp.)nds to user intcrfac;u unit 113]
and machinc intcrfacc unit [ 141_ 7'he control unit further monitors and respondti to dctined evcnts, a dcsc:ription of which toltows.
l7Cl inttinns:
Storagc Unit Replenishmcret In:terv;:l: a scheduled timc uf d:sy during which Utility Grid r,rtes nuny he relatively low, and during which thc system will try to rceharge the storage clcmcntti (efi. batteries, capacitors, and thc like)_ 11he beginning and encl of this intcrval arc programmed in advance (cg, factory default scttinl; or at installation time) either through a machinc interface unit or a u5c:r interface.
Schedulcd Uff Grid Interval: a schcdulod time of'day during which [Itility Grid rates may bc relatively high, and during which the systcm will switch ti-om the laltility Grid to locally storcd clcetrical power. 'Mc beginning and cnd of this intorval are programmed in advanc:c (ct;- factory default sc(ting tir at installation time) either through a machinc intcrface unit or a user interl"acc.
Schedulcd Fvvnts, which arc Cvents th;tt can bc prot;rarnmed into the control unit based on timc of day, day of weck, or calcndar iiatc_ Examp'cs of such cvcnts include but are not limitcxi to:
o 7'()D-RrP: Time oi' D:iy changcs from bciiig NOT within Storage tlnit Rcplenishmcnt intcrval tu being within Storage tJnit Rcptcni,hmcnt intcrval. This evcnt is triggcrcd in the Control Unit by comparing currant day and time with the pre-programmcd Storage [Jtiit Replenishment interval.
Page 5 of 12 , o TUU-NKE:I': ''Fime of Day ehang4.e from being within Storage (Jnit Rcplenishmcnt intcrval to being NU'(' within Storage Unit Replenishment interval. This cvcnt is tri}gcred in the Control [Jnit by comparing current day and timc v-ith thc prc-prrtgrammed Storage Unit Replenishment intcrval, o 7'OU-C)FF(.iCtC): Time of Day chaslges t?om bcing NU'I' within Schcdulcd C)tY'Grid ina:rval tc) being within Schedulcd Off Grid intcrval, This event is triggered in the C'ontrol Unit by cump=arin[; aurnc.~nt day and tin-c with the pre-nrogran:med Schedulcd Off Grid interval.
n TQD-NOFFC)RU: 'I'imc of Uay chsxngcv from being within :ichcdulcd UffCirid interval to beinf;
NO7' within Schcdulutl Of'1'CCrid 'utterval_ 't'his evant is trig;cnxi in the Control Unit by comparing Currc:nt day and timc with thc prc-prn%rarnmed Scheduled Off Grid intcrval, Manually induced events, which arc cvenL. that are caused by manual intcrvcntian through the user intLrfac:e unit or machinc intcrTac:e uniL h:atamples of such cvcnts include but are not limitcd to:
o MAN-ItI:P: A signal has bccn rccoivcd frcxn the iJser Intorfacc or Machine Interface requesting tha Controller to begin charging ttic battery or storage elcmcnt from the [Jtility (3rid.
o MAN-NRi:P: A signal has been rcx:cived from the User Interface or Machine Interiace requesting the Controller to stop charging the battery or storage elcmcnt frpm the [Jtility (;rid.
o MAN-UFFGRi): A signal has bcx=n rc:cciv4d from the User Interface or Machine Interface requesting the Controller to switch thc sytitent power source from thc tJtility Grid to the battery or storagc element.
o MAN-NOFFGRD: A signal has becn received from thc User lntertace or Machine lntcrfac:c requesting the Controller to switcli thc,,;y+wm power sourcc from the hattery or stor.tgc clcmcnt lo the [Jtiliry Grid.
o MAN-Sl-1UTi)C)WN: A signal ha-; ba:n received from the Uxr Interface or Machinc [ntcrl';sec rcqucsting the Controller tn switclt the systcm to a Shut Down state.
o MAN-CLEAR; A signal has been reccival f"mm the User Intcrfau: or Machine Interfacc requesting that all Critical Faiiure indications be cleared.
System evcnt%, whieh are events that :Lre caused by a change in status of a system clcnecnt or component.
'I'hcsc cvcnts may bc dctcctcd by any of a numlx:r of well known measurement techniques outsidc thc scope of this invention but which are wcll known by anyone skilled in the f'weld_ i:xamples ot'such an event include, but arc not limited to:
o BA'1'-0f?P: Remaining energy in battcry or stcx-age element has crossed a pre-set threshold:md is depleted.
c, l3l1'1'-1.(aW: Remaining cnera in battcryrr xtorage elemcnt h.ts crossed a prc-sct threshold and is approaching depletion.
Page 6 of 12 o SA'T-h'UC,: licmaininl; cn4rSy in battery or storage element has crosscd a pru-yrrrt threshold and is fuliy ch;irgvd.
o CRiTICAL-rAII.: Thc Contrc)ller has detected a critical system condition which rcquires manual intcrvcntiun. F-xamples of this includc but arc not limi" to battery or storage olement tempcraturc alarm, DC to AC invcri.cr ovcrltuaci, and the like.
Extc:ma.l eventr., which arc cvcnts that arx: external to the system. These cvcnty may he detm-ted by any of a rrumber of well known mca.yurement tcchniques outside the scope of this invention but which arc wcll known by anyone skilled in the ficlJ. F,xantpley of such an c-vent includc, but an: not limitod to:
o CiRll}FAIL: '1'hc Utility Cirid which has been ablc to supply cleetrical energy is no Ionbcr ablc to supply electrical cnera to the syst.crn.
rs CCR1D-RFC: 'I'hc Utility Grid which has not. bccn ablc tcr tiupply electrical cnorbry is now ablc ta supply clccstrical cnerg,y to the syswin.
The control pmt;ram in the control unit Cxeeutes code which implcmvntti the control process which i.
described in Figttrc S. The control pro$ram tiuther maintains a timc of day clock and calcndar and a list of wchcdulcd events. 'l'hc control program cxectatcs thc sic:quence of states in Figure 5 as per defined events and the tinte of day clock and calendar.
Switch Unit [8]_ In a residential application this clemcnt contains a switch c:apabic of switching a 200 Amp 240 Volt utility oumpany powcr lin4, and a mcans of dc.'tccting whothcr- power is present on said utility Fxrwcr linc irrespa:tivc of what position thc switch may bc in. Functions pcrfornrcd by this unit include connecting to and disconnecting from a utility grid [ 11, and monitoring utility grid [ I I s;atus (cg.
prescnce of powcr).
Auxiiiary Uistributiixk Panci [9]:
'I'his is srn clectrical distribution pattel which may he installed in a house or the like to pruvidc scrzuate clcctrical powcr for.i sulx,et ofalcctrical ioa4s on the premiu;ti. In the embodimcnt: described hcrcin, thiv distribution punel would manage the ktads that would he maintained during the O['1'Grid states as described in Figurc 4.
Fuel C':ell Plant [10[:
This clcment consists of a mcans of producing clcctrical powcr directly from a contiumablc: fucl and may bc corrrprised of onc or rttore such ecils etfntigvred in an :uray.
Page 7 of 12 Fuel Cell Fuel (1 1 1:
17iis component provides a means of storin6 fuel atsd a means ot'supplying iucl to the fuci ecll. in a fiu:l ccll plant [ 101.
1?mcrgency t;c.-nerator cunnect point 112]:
'rhiy element provides a means of connecting an external electrical generator to the battc:ry charger unit. [t is anticipated that this point may bc uscd during prolonf;cd utility grid 1;1 J
outages.
User Intcrfacc lJnit -131:
'I'his clcmcnt pruvidus a mcans for tnanua; communication with the control unit, and it may be remotely lcx:atcd f}om the control unit. Alarms and syr+tcm clcmcnt status may be communicsttcd to;, usCr through this unit. Further, a usar may prttgram ychcduled events into the control unit or may induce manual events t[irough this clcmcnt.
Machine Intertace Unit (141;
This clcinent providcs a means for connecting the control unit to another computer. '1'his may be used to provide an improved user interface, pcrform ::yxtcm di.)l;notitic and text, pmvidc enhanced support firr u.~r maintenance, or to nctwork the systcm to otb.:r systen-, and control. This facility inay also bc uscd to cffcct control program updates and install thcni into the control unii.
Capacitor Plant I 151:
11iti elentent consists of a mcanti of sutrin- electrical enerfry in a capacitor and niay bc compriscd of onc or more such capacitors c,tmfrgured in an array.
Capacitor E'larit Charger 116]:
flriti clcmwnt is comprised oC,i mc ans lu convert electrical power from a utility or frotn an cxternal ;;enerator to a D.C. lovci suitablc for Charging capacitoi plant (1 ti], This clcntont is f'urthcr compriscd ot'a means to ac:ccpt utility power 1cont a distribution panel, and a mcsns to accept power from an external gcncrator. Thc eapacitor plant charger [16,1 dist.ributc+ this energy to cupacitor plant [15] in Y
manner that allows the capacitor plant to storc that cnurgy for future usc.
1'rcferred Rmbodinicnts Rcfcnring to Figure 1, one cmbodimcnt of th4 invention includes a utility grid i 1], a switch unit 121, a ntain distribution panel 13 1, a[).C:. tn A.C. inverter 14J, a battcry plant 15], a hattery charger 161, and a control unil 171.
Under normal operating conditions the switcli unit [2] connects the utility grid [ 1] to thc main distribution panel Page 8 of 12 , 1 13]_ During this time, and in this mtxie, the alntrol unit 171 niay activatc the battery charger 16J and cause the battery plant [5 J to be replenished_ At such timc as the control unit 171 rccogniics a sc:hedulcd event, a manually inslut:CCl evenl, or an exl.crnal cvent (cl;. 111.ility grid failurc), thc conirol unit [7] may cause the switch unit 121 to disconnect the utility grid [I ] 1rom the distribution panel 131, and tc) deaetivatc: thc bau,cry chargcr (61 if it is activated, and to connect the I).C:_ tr) A.C_ imerfer (4] tc) t.he distribution pancl 131. In this mode the battery plant (5] discharges through the D.C. to A.C. inverter [4] and supplies the energ,y nceds of the distribution pancl ]3]
for an interval of timc. At such time as thc ctmtrullcr rc-c:ognizcs anothcr scEtedulod cvent, a rnanually inducod cvcnt, :- sytitcrn event (eg. deplcted battery) or an external event (eg.
utility grid recovered 1'rnn, f=rilun:), thc control unit [7] may cause thc switch unit [21 to disconnect the O.C. to A.C.
invcrtcr 141 from thc distribution pancl 131 and (c) Conncct, the utility grid [1] tl) the distribution partel
[3].
Rcfcrring to higurc: 2, another cmbodimant of the iaver)tion includes a utility grid ],1 ], a switch unit ]2], a main distribution panel [3], a D.C. to A.C. invcrtcr [4]. a battcry plant 151, a battc.-ry charger 161, a control unit 17J, a switch unit (8], and an auxiliary distribution panel ]9]. lJnder normal operating conditions the switch unit [$] cunnect.c the utility grid [ 1] to the main diAribution panel (3], and tho switah unit (2] t:cmr,ect,y thc utiGty grid E] J to the auxiliary distribution panci J91. During this tin)e, and in this mode, the control unit 171 may activate the battcry charger 161 and cause the battery plant [5] to be replcnished. At such time tts the cont.rol unit 17]
recognizes a schcdulcd cvcnt, a manually inducc:d eveirt, or an external cvent (eg. lJtility grid iailurc), thc contrul unit (7] may causc: the switch unit [8] to disconnect the utility grid ] 1 I
from thc main distribution panel [3], and may cause switch unit 121 to d'sticonncx.t the ai.ility grid [ I] frorn the auxiliary distribution pancl ]91, and may causc the battcry charger [6] to deactivatc if it is activated, and may cause switch unit ] 2] to connect thc D.C. to A.C_ inverter 141 to the auxiliary distribution panel (9]. In this mode the battcry plant (5] discharl;cx through the D.C. to A.C. invcrt.er [4] and supplies the energ,y needs ofthc auxiliary distribution panel [9] tbr an interval of t.imc. At sueh time as the controllcr rtx.nl;ni=r,~.-s another scheduled event, a inanually induccd cvcnt, a xystem cvcnt (eg. depleted battery) or an cxk,rnal evcnt (eg. ulility grid recovcrcd from fiarlure), the control unit [7] may cause switch unit 121 to disconncet the D.C. tt) A.C, inverter [4] from the auxiliary distribution pancl [3] and to connect the utility girid [I ] to the auxiliary distribution panel (31, irnd may caus-c: swltch nnrt [8] tl) connect utility grid [1] to main distribution pancl [3].
Also referring to Fil;urc 2, thcre is an cmergency gcncr=aWr cunneet point ]
12] which allows ior an external emergenoy generator to be conncctcd to Irattery charger 16] so that the baltcry plant [5] may be replettished durinR extended periods of unavailability of tatiiity griti 111. lt should be nutW that the inclusion ofcmergcncy gcncrator cl)nncct point [ 121 is not limitcd t)nly to this particular embodimcnt of 1.hc invcntion.
Referring to Figure 3, another cmlxxiimeat of the invention includcx a utility grid ] 11, a switch unit 121, a main distribution partcl 13], a D.C. to A.C. inverter [4], a fuel cell p[ant [
10], a fticl cell fucl storage iacility [ I I], PagE: 9 of 12 a control unit 171, a switch unit [R], and axt auxiliary distribution pancl 191. lJndcr normal operating conditions thc switch unit 181 connccts the utility grid ] l] to tlu; main distribution panel 131, and thc switch unit 121 connects the utility grid ] I] to the auxiliary distribution pancl f 9J. At such time ati thc wnt.rol unit 17] recognire, a sehcdulcd cvcnt, a manually induced cvcnt, or an cxtcrnal cvent (eg. utility grid 1'ailurc), thc control unit [7] may cause the switch unit ]R] to di :connc.c.t thc utility grid I I] from the main distribution pancl 13], and ntay u3uu switch unit 12J to disconnect the utility grid ] l] from the auxiliary distribution panel ]9], :ind may cause switch unit (2] to conncct the D.C. to A.C. inver(cr [4J to the ctuxili:uy distribution partcl 19). In this mode the fucl c,c:.ll plant ] lOj discharges thrtxil;ti thc D.C. to A.C. invartcr [4J and supplies the cnerl;y rnx;ds of the auxiliary distribution pancl 191 for an interval o1'time. At such lime as the controller rccognizcs anothcr scheduled event, a manually induced cvcnt; a tiystcin cvcnt (cg, dcplcttxi fuel cell) or an external event (eg_ utiiity grid roc(ivered from failurc), thc control unit 17) may cause switch unit [2] to disconnect thc I).("., to A.C. invcrtcr 141 from the auxiliary cl istributii>n p:utcl [:i] and to amncct the utility grid (1) to the auxiliary distribution pancl 13], and niay cause switch unit ]8] to connect utility grid ] I] to main distribution panel (3], Conirvl unit f 71 n,ay also cause ftiol cell fucl [11] U) replenish fuci ccll plant I 101 as required and whcn conditions pcnmit.
Referring to Figure 4, another embodiment of the invention is as described in Figure 2, only with a csyr.icit.c,)r plant ] I 5] serving as a storage facility in place of a battery plant (S] and a capacitor plant ehar};cr 1161 in placc of battery plant charger 16.1.
Figurc 5 depicts onc cnibodimcnt for a coiitroi proccss that manages the systein through control unit [7].
Description of St,atcs in Fil=urc 5 (in refcrcncc to the enibodimcnt in Ni ~u~
rc 2) Events referenced in this section are as described undcr Control lJnit [7]
abovc.
Normal:
In this +tatc: thc yyyt4m is configured to draw resourccs frnm the utiiity grid [1]. Control unit ],7] caux:s emcrgency generator connect point 1121 ta bc isolalcxi i'rom battcry charger 161. A IiA'I'-I)l~;I' or a MAN-Rl P
or a'IYII.)-lif;1' cvcnt will c;tuyc: Cttntrol unit [7] to transition f'rom Nortnal State to Charging St-atc. A 1'Qr)-OFFCRD or a MAN-OFF(iRD event will cause control unit f 7] to transition from Normal Statc to Scheduled 01f'Cirid Statc. A Cilill~l~AII. cvcnt will c:aut+t: contrul unit 17] to trantiitipn from Normal State to FrnCrgcncy Off Grid State.
Charging:
In thiy rtato thc system rcmains configured to draw resourccs from thc utility grid I 11, Control unit [7]
causes battcry chargcr 161 to be activated thereby replenislting battery plant (5]. A BAT-FUL or a MAN-NI1;PP or a TOI)-NRI:P event will cause control unit ]7) to transition from Charging State to Normal State.
Paqe 10 of 12 A'1'OL)-0FF(iRU or a MAN-OFF(',Rn evcnt will causc control unit [7] to transiti(,n frum (:harbing State to Sc;he.dulcd Utf Grid Statc. A systeni warning mestial;c is sent to the user interface unit [ 13 (:uid machine interface unit [ 141 in this situation to india:ate that battcry plant (5] was not fully charged whcn control unit [7] transilioncd to Schedulcd Off Grid State. A GRID-FA(I, cvont will cause control unit [_71 to trartsitinn f'rom ('harging State tt) I:nterl;ency t31C6rid Suttc.
Scheduled O1T4irid:
[n this state control unit [7] causcs swic.ch unit [.ti] tu disconncct utility grid [1 ] tront main distribution panel [3] and cauwes switc,h unit [2] to diu:onncct auxiliary distribution panel [9] from utility T;ric! ] 1] and causes switch unit M to connect D.C. to A.C. inveitir [4] to auxiliary tiistributi.on panel [9]. A T3AT-DI:P or a MAN-NC)FF(.RT) or a TQF's-NQFFCiRT y cvcnt will causc control unit (7) to transition fmm Scheduled Off Grid State to Nornial State. A BAT-LOW event will cause control urrit [7] tu st:nd a systcm wafntinb message to the user intcrfie" unit [ 13] antl t.c? thc rn;rclrine int.c:rf;tcc unil. [
14~.
Emergency (NF Gr.id:
ln this state the control unit [7] has recognized that the utility grid has failed_ l1'hattery charging is ;ictiv,ilS:d, control unit [7] cauuss battery a.,HrgGr [6] to t14ac1;vat,c.
Control unit 171 thcn causcs switch unit (8J
to disconttect utility grid I I] trom niain distribution panel [3] attd causes switch unit 121 tt- elisccynncc;t auxiliary distribution pancl [9] trnm utilit.y grid [ 1] and cau-,c.%vwitch unit (2] to conncct D.C. to A.C.
inverter [4] to auxiliary distribution panel [9]. A L3A'L'-UL=',P event will cause control unit [7] tt- trantiition from hmcrgs,-ncy O1f (irid State to litnerl;c~ncy Shut T)uwrl State. A GRCL)-RI:C evenl. will cause controt unit [7( to transition from Emergency Of C Grid State to Normal State. (An aiternative implenientation could causc control unit (7) to transition from I:mergeticy Off C;rid State to Charging State when a C;RiI)-Rf:Cevent oceurs)_ A I3AT-LUW event will cause cimtrol unil [7] to send a system warning niessagc to uscr interface unit 113J and machinc intcrracc unit 1141, Fmcrgcncy Shut 1>own;
In this state the battery plant [5] has been depleted and the utility grid has not yet ra:ovcred or a critical system failurc has occurrc:d. C:ontrol unit [7] issues an appropriate alert to user intertace unit [l3] and n=tachirte intertace unit [14J and causes switch unit 18J to wnnect ntain distribution panci (3] lo utility grid (1 ], and causes switch unit [2] to 4onnect auxiiiary distribution panel [9] to utility grid [ I J. lf'battery charging is activated, control unit [7] causes battery cltarbcr [6] to d+;activatc. A
TiA'f-RE(: cvcnt will c:ruse controi unit 171 to transition 1'rom I:mergency Shut Down State ::o k?mergency Off (irid State. (Such an event might occur if an external generator were to be uscd to rcplcnish battery unit [S']). A
GRID-REC tir a MAN-CLEAR
cvcnt will cattxe control unit ]7] to transition from l;mcrgcncy Shut l)own tit.ttc tu Normal St;,tc.
Paqe 11 of 12 All stateti:
During any state control unit 17) may monitor for system status ix inconsistencies :tnd cause an alert tn occur should an appropriatc condition arise (eK_ hal I.c.-ry char,ying aetivntcd whcn systern rtt.cmpts a transition from Narmal statc to Scheduled Off (;rid state, or batt~.=ry low, or bat:tery deplctcd, ctc).
During arry cridc:il systcni failure that tnav bc dctected in any statc the system will transition to I?tttcrl;cncy Shul 1)own statc_ ~ 0 ConclugioA
A nictlxxi fix autumatically storing electrical v-ncrgy from a utility grid is proposed which allows customers of said utility to storc up clcctrical cnc=rff at r.chcduled times when cost to consutne utility rc,~ourccs ntay hc rclatively low_ C.ustomcrti may than discannc=ct fmin said ut.ility and cunsumc slored enerbo,}+ at xc:hcdulcd times when eost tn consumc utility resources may bc rclatively high. 7'hc systcm described hercin also providc.~s fe>r emerp,ency power itt thc cvcnt ofa utility failure_ P.xistinl; mcthods provide for muitiplc altcrnatc power sources rnd storage tnedia tcs Ix: used as back-up power in the event, of utility grid failure, or to ntinimiz;c dcpendoncy on utility grid power. Where ccxet avoidance cr utility grid peak dentand relicf is the objective, existing methods propeAe clalxtrntc mcthodologie:+
li-r dcterntining peak consumption profile or tor comrnuni,:ating with the utility U- determine current cost of utility resource consumption. The methodology dcscribed herein governs itsclf according tu pn:dc.-icrmined scheduled events driven by built in time ot'day attd calendar functions.
Paqe12df12
Rcfcrring to higurc: 2, another cmbodimant of the iaver)tion includes a utility grid ],1 ], a switch unit ]2], a main distribution panel [3], a D.C. to A.C. invcrtcr [4]. a battcry plant 151, a battc.-ry charger 161, a control unit 17J, a switch unit (8], and an auxiliary distribution panel ]9]. lJnder normal operating conditions the switch unit [$] cunnect.c the utility grid [ 1] to the main diAribution panel (3], and tho switah unit (2] t:cmr,ect,y thc utiGty grid E] J to the auxiliary distribution panci J91. During this tin)e, and in this mode, the control unit 171 may activate the battcry charger 161 and cause the battery plant [5] to be replcnished. At such time tts the cont.rol unit 17]
recognizes a schcdulcd cvcnt, a manually inducc:d eveirt, or an external cvent (eg. lJtility grid iailurc), thc contrul unit (7] may causc: the switch unit [8] to disconnect the utility grid ] 1 I
from thc main distribution panel [3], and may cause switch unit 121 to d'sticonncx.t the ai.ility grid [ I] frorn the auxiliary distribution pancl ]91, and may causc the battcry charger [6] to deactivatc if it is activated, and may cause switch unit ] 2] to connect thc D.C. to A.C_ inverter 141 to the auxiliary distribution panel (9]. In this mode the battcry plant (5] discharl;cx through the D.C. to A.C. invcrt.er [4] and supplies the energ,y needs ofthc auxiliary distribution panel [9] tbr an interval of t.imc. At sueh time as the controllcr rtx.nl;ni=r,~.-s another scheduled event, a inanually induccd cvcnt, a xystem cvcnt (eg. depleted battery) or an cxk,rnal evcnt (eg. ulility grid recovcrcd from fiarlure), the control unit [7] may cause switch unit 121 to disconncet the D.C. tt) A.C, inverter [4] from the auxiliary distribution pancl [3] and to connect the utility girid [I ] to the auxiliary distribution panel (31, irnd may caus-c: swltch nnrt [8] tl) connect utility grid [1] to main distribution pancl [3].
Also referring to Fil;urc 2, thcre is an cmergency gcncr=aWr cunneet point ]
12] which allows ior an external emergenoy generator to be conncctcd to Irattery charger 16] so that the baltcry plant [5] may be replettished durinR extended periods of unavailability of tatiiity griti 111. lt should be nutW that the inclusion ofcmergcncy gcncrator cl)nncct point [ 121 is not limitcd t)nly to this particular embodimcnt of 1.hc invcntion.
Referring to Figure 3, another cmlxxiimeat of the invention includcx a utility grid ] 11, a switch unit 121, a main distribution partcl 13], a D.C. to A.C. inverter [4], a fuel cell p[ant [
10], a fticl cell fucl storage iacility [ I I], PagE: 9 of 12 a control unit 171, a switch unit [R], and axt auxiliary distribution pancl 191. lJndcr normal operating conditions thc switch unit 181 connccts the utility grid ] l] to tlu; main distribution panel 131, and thc switch unit 121 connects the utility grid ] I] to the auxiliary distribution pancl f 9J. At such time ati thc wnt.rol unit 17] recognire, a sehcdulcd cvcnt, a manually induced cvcnt, or an cxtcrnal cvent (eg. utility grid 1'ailurc), thc control unit [7] may cause the switch unit ]R] to di :connc.c.t thc utility grid I I] from the main distribution pancl 13], and ntay u3uu switch unit 12J to disconnect the utility grid ] l] from the auxiliary distribution panel ]9], :ind may cause switch unit (2] to conncct the D.C. to A.C. inver(cr [4J to the ctuxili:uy distribution partcl 19). In this mode the fucl c,c:.ll plant ] lOj discharges thrtxil;ti thc D.C. to A.C. invartcr [4J and supplies the cnerl;y rnx;ds of the auxiliary distribution pancl 191 for an interval o1'time. At such lime as the controller rccognizcs anothcr scheduled event, a manually induced cvcnt; a tiystcin cvcnt (cg, dcplcttxi fuel cell) or an external event (eg_ utiiity grid roc(ivered from failurc), thc control unit 17) may cause switch unit [2] to disconnect thc I).("., to A.C. invcrtcr 141 from the auxiliary cl istributii>n p:utcl [:i] and to amncct the utility grid (1) to the auxiliary distribution pancl 13], and niay cause switch unit ]8] to connect utility grid ] I] to main distribution panel (3], Conirvl unit f 71 n,ay also cause ftiol cell fucl [11] U) replenish fuci ccll plant I 101 as required and whcn conditions pcnmit.
Referring to Figure 4, another embodiment of the invention is as described in Figure 2, only with a csyr.icit.c,)r plant ] I 5] serving as a storage facility in place of a battery plant (S] and a capacitor plant ehar};cr 1161 in placc of battery plant charger 16.1.
Figurc 5 depicts onc cnibodimcnt for a coiitroi proccss that manages the systein through control unit [7].
Description of St,atcs in Fil=urc 5 (in refcrcncc to the enibodimcnt in Ni ~u~
rc 2) Events referenced in this section are as described undcr Control lJnit [7]
abovc.
Normal:
In this +tatc: thc yyyt4m is configured to draw resourccs frnm the utiiity grid [1]. Control unit ],7] caux:s emcrgency generator connect point 1121 ta bc isolalcxi i'rom battcry charger 161. A IiA'I'-I)l~;I' or a MAN-Rl P
or a'IYII.)-lif;1' cvcnt will c;tuyc: Cttntrol unit [7] to transition f'rom Nortnal State to Charging St-atc. A 1'Qr)-OFFCRD or a MAN-OFF(iRD event will cause control unit f 7] to transition from Normal Statc to Scheduled 01f'Cirid Statc. A Cilill~l~AII. cvcnt will c:aut+t: contrul unit 17] to trantiitipn from Normal State to FrnCrgcncy Off Grid State.
Charging:
In thiy rtato thc system rcmains configured to draw resourccs from thc utility grid I 11, Control unit [7]
causes battcry chargcr 161 to be activated thereby replenislting battery plant (5]. A BAT-FUL or a MAN-NI1;PP or a TOI)-NRI:P event will cause control unit ]7) to transition from Charging State to Normal State.
Paqe 10 of 12 A'1'OL)-0FF(iRU or a MAN-OFF(',Rn evcnt will causc control unit [7] to transiti(,n frum (:harbing State to Sc;he.dulcd Utf Grid Statc. A systeni warning mestial;c is sent to the user interface unit [ 13 (:uid machine interface unit [ 141 in this situation to india:ate that battcry plant (5] was not fully charged whcn control unit [7] transilioncd to Schedulcd Off Grid State. A GRID-FA(I, cvont will cause control unit [_71 to trartsitinn f'rom ('harging State tt) I:nterl;ency t31C6rid Suttc.
Scheduled O1T4irid:
[n this state control unit [7] causcs swic.ch unit [.ti] tu disconncct utility grid [1 ] tront main distribution panel [3] and cauwes switc,h unit [2] to diu:onncct auxiliary distribution panel [9] from utility T;ric! ] 1] and causes switch unit M to connect D.C. to A.C. inveitir [4] to auxiliary tiistributi.on panel [9]. A T3AT-DI:P or a MAN-NC)FF(.RT) or a TQF's-NQFFCiRT y cvcnt will causc control unit (7) to transition fmm Scheduled Off Grid State to Nornial State. A BAT-LOW event will cause control urrit [7] tu st:nd a systcm wafntinb message to the user intcrfie" unit [ 13] antl t.c? thc rn;rclrine int.c:rf;tcc unil. [
14~.
Emergency (NF Gr.id:
ln this state the control unit [7] has recognized that the utility grid has failed_ l1'hattery charging is ;ictiv,ilS:d, control unit [7] cauuss battery a.,HrgGr [6] to t14ac1;vat,c.
Control unit 171 thcn causcs switch unit (8J
to disconttect utility grid I I] trom niain distribution panel [3] attd causes switch unit 121 tt- elisccynncc;t auxiliary distribution pancl [9] trnm utilit.y grid [ 1] and cau-,c.%vwitch unit (2] to conncct D.C. to A.C.
inverter [4] to auxiliary distribution panel [9]. A L3A'L'-UL=',P event will cause control unit [7] tt- trantiition from hmcrgs,-ncy O1f (irid State to litnerl;c~ncy Shut T)uwrl State. A GRCL)-RI:C evenl. will cause controt unit [7( to transition from Emergency Of C Grid State to Normal State. (An aiternative implenientation could causc control unit (7) to transition from I:mergeticy Off C;rid State to Charging State when a C;RiI)-Rf:Cevent oceurs)_ A I3AT-LUW event will cause cimtrol unil [7] to send a system warning niessagc to uscr interface unit 113J and machinc intcrracc unit 1141, Fmcrgcncy Shut 1>own;
In this state the battery plant [5] has been depleted and the utility grid has not yet ra:ovcred or a critical system failurc has occurrc:d. C:ontrol unit [7] issues an appropriate alert to user intertace unit [l3] and n=tachirte intertace unit [14J and causes switch unit 18J to wnnect ntain distribution panci (3] lo utility grid (1 ], and causes switch unit [2] to 4onnect auxiiiary distribution panel [9] to utility grid [ I J. lf'battery charging is activated, control unit [7] causes battery cltarbcr [6] to d+;activatc. A
TiA'f-RE(: cvcnt will c:ruse controi unit 171 to transition 1'rom I:mergency Shut Down State ::o k?mergency Off (irid State. (Such an event might occur if an external generator were to be uscd to rcplcnish battery unit [S']). A
GRID-REC tir a MAN-CLEAR
cvcnt will cattxe control unit ]7] to transition from l;mcrgcncy Shut l)own tit.ttc tu Normal St;,tc.
Paqe 11 of 12 All stateti:
During any state control unit 17) may monitor for system status ix inconsistencies :tnd cause an alert tn occur should an appropriatc condition arise (eK_ hal I.c.-ry char,ying aetivntcd whcn systern rtt.cmpts a transition from Narmal statc to Scheduled Off (;rid state, or batt~.=ry low, or bat:tery deplctcd, ctc).
During arry cridc:il systcni failure that tnav bc dctected in any statc the system will transition to I?tttcrl;cncy Shul 1)own statc_ ~ 0 ConclugioA
A nictlxxi fix autumatically storing electrical v-ncrgy from a utility grid is proposed which allows customers of said utility to storc up clcctrical cnc=rff at r.chcduled times when cost to consutne utility rc,~ourccs ntay hc rclatively low_ C.ustomcrti may than discannc=ct fmin said ut.ility and cunsumc slored enerbo,}+ at xc:hcdulcd times when eost tn consumc utility resources may bc rclatively high. 7'hc systcm described hercin also providc.~s fe>r emerp,ency power itt thc cvcnt ofa utility failure_ P.xistinl; mcthods provide for muitiplc altcrnatc power sources rnd storage tnedia tcs Ix: used as back-up power in the event, of utility grid failure, or to ntinimiz;c dcpendoncy on utility grid power. Where ccxet avoidance cr utility grid peak dentand relicf is the objective, existing methods propeAe clalxtrntc mcthodologie:+
li-r dcterntining peak consumption profile or tor comrnuni,:ating with the utility U- determine current cost of utility resource consumption. The methodology dcscribed herein governs itsclf according tu pn:dc.-icrmined scheduled events driven by built in time ot'day attd calendar functions.
Paqe12df12
Claims (12)
1. A control system for controlling the operation of a power management system which is comprised of switching units which are capable of switching between a utility grid and a D.C. to A.C. inverter, a D.C. to A.C.
inverter, a local means of electrical energy storage or generation, a means for replenishing said electrical storage or generation means, a user interface unit, anti a machine interface unit;
said control system executes a control process, the states of which prescribe signals from said control system to said power management system elements which cause said elements to perform defined actions; said states include but are not limited to: a Normal state during which switch units arc set to draw power from a utility grid, and a battery plant charger or a capacitor plant charger arc not active; a Charing state during which switch units are set to draw power from a utility grid, and a battery plant charger or a capacitor plant charger are active; a Scheduled Off Grid state during which switch units are set to draw power from a battery plant or a capacitor plant through a D.C. to A.C.
inverter, and a battery plant charger or a capacitor plant charger arc not active; an Emergence Off Grid state during which switch units are set to draw power from a battery plant or a capacitor plant through a D.C. to A.C.
inverter, and a battery plant charger or a capacitor plant charger arc not active; and an Emergency Shut Down state during which switch units are set to draw power from a utility grid, and a battery plant charger or a capacitor plant charger are not active; transitions between said states of said control process are driven by events which include scheduled events based on time of day and day of week, system events, external events, and manual events; said scheduled events are pre-programmed into said control system and include but are not limited to: a time of day which causes said control system to transition from Normal state to Charging state; a time of day which causes said control system to transition from Charging state to Normal state; a time of day which causes said control system to transition from Normal state to Scheduled Off Grid state; a time of day which causes said control system to transition from Scheduled Off Grid state to Normal state.
inverter, a local means of electrical energy storage or generation, a means for replenishing said electrical storage or generation means, a user interface unit, anti a machine interface unit;
said control system executes a control process, the states of which prescribe signals from said control system to said power management system elements which cause said elements to perform defined actions; said states include but are not limited to: a Normal state during which switch units arc set to draw power from a utility grid, and a battery plant charger or a capacitor plant charger arc not active; a Charing state during which switch units are set to draw power from a utility grid, and a battery plant charger or a capacitor plant charger are active; a Scheduled Off Grid state during which switch units are set to draw power from a battery plant or a capacitor plant through a D.C. to A.C.
inverter, and a battery plant charger or a capacitor plant charger arc not active; an Emergence Off Grid state during which switch units are set to draw power from a battery plant or a capacitor plant through a D.C. to A.C.
inverter, and a battery plant charger or a capacitor plant charger arc not active; and an Emergency Shut Down state during which switch units are set to draw power from a utility grid, and a battery plant charger or a capacitor plant charger are not active; transitions between said states of said control process are driven by events which include scheduled events based on time of day and day of week, system events, external events, and manual events; said scheduled events are pre-programmed into said control system and include but are not limited to: a time of day which causes said control system to transition from Normal state to Charging state; a time of day which causes said control system to transition from Charging state to Normal state; a time of day which causes said control system to transition from Normal state to Scheduled Off Grid state; a time of day which causes said control system to transition from Scheduled Off Grid state to Normal state.
2. The control system in claim 1 where the local means of energy storage is a rechargeable electrical battery plant.
3. The control system in claim 1 where the local means of energy storage is a capacitor plant.
4. The control system in claim 1 where the local means of energy generation is a fuel cell plant.
5. The control system in claim 1 where an emergency generator is connected to simultaneously supply system needs during utility grid failure and replenish energy stored in the local means of energy storage.
6. The control system in claim 1 where the D.C. to A.C. inverter supplies a main distribution panel when the system is disconnected from a utility grid.
7. The control system in claim 1 where the D.C. to A.C. inverter supplies an auxiliary distribution panel only, when the system is disconnected from a utility grid, and a main distribution panel is not supplied when the system is disconnected from a utility grid.
8. The control system of claim 1 where said control process automatically governs when said power management system replenishes energy stored in the local means of energy storage according to a scheduled event and a built in time of day and calendar function.
9. The control system of claim 1 where said control process automatically governs when said power management system switches power consumption away front a utility grid and to draw from a local means of energy storage through a D.C. to A.C. inverter according to a scheduled event and a built in time of day and calendar function.
10. The control system of claim 1 where said control process automatically governs when said power management system switches power consumption away from a local means of energy storage through a D.C. to A.C. inverter and to draw from a utility grid according to a scheduled event and a built it time of day and calendar function.
11. The control system of claim 1 where a user interface unit is included that is remotely located from the control unit which provides a means of communicating alerts to a user and a means for a user to alter or enter scheduled events and a means for a user to cause manual events.
12. The control system of claim 1 where a machine interface is included which provides a means for supporting system diagnosis or test, or for providing an improved user interface, or for providing enhanced support for user maintenance, or for networking the system to other systems and control, or for updating or altering the control process in the control unit.
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002469768A CA2469768C (en) | 2004-06-22 | 2004-06-22 | A methodology for time-shifting electrical grid energy consumption to optimize cost rate and grid load level |
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002469768A CA2469768C (en) | 2004-06-22 | 2004-06-22 | A methodology for time-shifting electrical grid energy consumption to optimize cost rate and grid load level |
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| CN104868523A (en) * | 2014-02-26 | 2015-08-26 | 三垦电气株式会社 | Automatic operation system |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| GB2474305B (en) * | 2009-10-09 | 2012-08-01 | Siemens Plc | Device and method for smoothing domestic electricity consumption |
| RU2510557C1 (en) * | 2010-01-14 | 2014-03-27 | ЭлДжи ЭЛЕКТРОНИКС ИНК. | Auxiliary device for powering home appliances, using intelligent network |
| DE102010023112A1 (en) * | 2010-06-07 | 2011-12-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Energy transfer device |
| JP5828063B2 (en) | 2011-08-12 | 2015-12-02 | パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 | Energy management device, energy management system, program |
| JP5988079B2 (en) * | 2012-03-05 | 2016-09-07 | パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 | Control device, conversion device, control method, and power distribution system |
| EP2725545A1 (en) * | 2012-10-26 | 2014-04-30 | Schneider Electric Industries SAS | System and method for managing energy consumption |
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| CN104868523A (en) * | 2014-02-26 | 2015-08-26 | 三垦电气株式会社 | Automatic operation system |
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