AU2017265184A1

AU2017265184A1 - Systems for supplying power to a grid

Info

Publication number: AU2017265184A1
Application number: AU2017265184A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Christopher George WILLIAMS
Original assignee: Natural Solar Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Natural Solar Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-04-19
Filing date: 2017-11-27
Publication date: 2018-11-08
Also published as: AU2017101651A4

Abstract

Abstract A system 10 for supplying power to a grid 22 is disclosed. The system 10 includes a main controller 12 configured to receive event data 14, and at least one node controller 16. Each node controller 16 is in communication with the main controller 12 and is configured to control power distribution between a load 18, a battery 20 and the grid 22. Responsive to a parameter of the event data 14 exceeding a defined threshold, the main controller 12 sends a supply command to the at least one node controller 16 causing the at least one node controller 16 to decrease load on the battery 20, and supply power from the battery 20 to the grid 22. I; 2 A Is ------------------ Figure 1

Description

"Systems for supplying power to a grid"

Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems for supplying power to an electrical grid. In particular, the disclosure relates to systems for supplying the power from at least one battery to the grid.

Background [0002] Electrical grids typically span across a large area, such as an entire country, to supply electricity from suppliers to consumers. It is common for such grids to be supplied with electricity from many suppliers, including large-scale centralized power stations, such as coal-fired or nuclear power plants, and small-scale distributed energy resources, such as domestically installed photovoltaic cells.

[0003] Occasionally, load on the grid can surge significantly, for example, due to a heat wave causing a substantial increase in operation of air conditioning units, causing a peak load (or peak demand) period. When demand during this period exceeds a maximum supply level, this can cause a power outage (sometimes referred to as a ‘black out’)· A common approach to address this is to supply additional power to the grid during the peak load period from a storage-type power plant to balance the load on the grid. For example, this may involve supplying power from large-scale batteries in a battery storage power station to the grid, or releasing water stored in a reservoir of a pumped-storage hydroelectricity power station, causing the power station to generate power which is supplied to the grid. However, both of these approaches require complex infrastructure and are expensive.

[0004] In recent years, it has become increasingly common for domestic households to install a battery storage system and photovoltaic cells to generate and store electricity for use by the home. This arrangement is beneficial as power generated by the cells and not consumed by the home charges the battery. When the cells are not generating power, for example, at night, and power is required by loads in the home, the battery supplies power to these loads. The battery can also be operated to supply power to the grid, which can assist with load balancing during peak demand periods.

[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Summary [0006] According to some embodiments disclosed in this specification, there is provided a system for supplying power to a grid, the system including a main controller configured to receive event data, and at least one node controller, each node controller being in communication with the main controller and configured to control power distribution between a load, a battery and the grid. Responsive to a parameter of the event data exceeding a defined threshold, the main controller sends a supply command to the at least one node controller causing the at least one node controller to decrease load on the battery, and to supply power from the battery to the grid.

[0007] The load may include one or more electrical devices, and decreasing the load include controlling the power distribution to decrease power consumption by the one or more devices. The node controller may be configured to operate the one or more devices, and decreasing the power consumption include operating at least one of the one or more devices to decrease power consumed by the at least one device. This may involve operating the at least one device in a low power mode. The node controller may be wirelessly connected to the one or more devices.

[0008] The supply command may cause the node controller to prevent supply of power from the battery to the load. This may be effected where the node controller is configured to operate the battery to prevent supply of power to the load.

[0009] The load may be connected to a node circuit, and the node controller communicatively connected to the node circuit and configured to control the node circuit.

[0010] The node controller may include a power inverter.

[0011] The system may include a plurality of the node controllers, and some of the plurality of node controllers are grouped into a cluster. In this embodiment, the supply command causes each node controller in the cluster to decrease load on the associated battery and supply power from the battery to the grid.

[0012] The main controller may group the node controllers in the cluster responsive to determining a charge status of each battery associated with each node controller exceeding a defined charge threshold. Determining the charge status may include determining a current charge status and a predicted future charge status, and comparing the current charge status and the predicted future charge status. Each node controller may be authorised to decrease the load on the associated battery by a defined amount, and determining the predicted future charge status may include comparing a current load on the battery and the authorised load decrease amount.

[0013] The main controller may group some of the plurality of node controllers in a first cluster responsive to determining the charge status of the associated batteries exceeding a first charge threshold, and group some of the plurality of node controllers in a second cluster responsive to determining the charge status of the associated batteries exceeding a second charge threshold which is less than the first charge threshold. In this embodiment, the supply command may cause the node controllers grouped in the first cluster to decrease the load on the associated batteries and supply power from the associated batteries to the grid for a first period, and cause the node controllers grouped in the second cluster to decrease the load on the associated batteries and supply power from the associated batteries to the grid for a second period which is less than the first period.

[0014] The parameter exceeding the defined threshold may cause the main controller to determine an amount of power required by the grid, and, responsive to determining the amount of power, group the node controller into one or more clusters.

[0015] The node controllers grouped in each cluster may be interchangeable and determined responsive to the parameter exceeding the defined threshold.

[0016] The supply command may cause each node controller to decrease load on the associated battery and supply power from the associated battery to the grid until the parameter falls below the defined threshold.

[0017] The system may also include a data store storing historical event data, the data store being in communication with the main controller, and the main controller may be configured to compare the event data to the historical event data to predict when the parameter will exceed the defined threshold. Responsive to a positive prediction, the main controller may send a pre-supply command to the at least one node controller causing the at least one node controller to decrease load on the associated battery.

[0018] According to some other embodiments, there is provided a device for supplying power to a grid, the device including a controller configured to control power distribution between a load, a battery and the grid, the controller being in communication with a network. Responsive to receiving a supply command from the network, the controller decreases load on the battery, and supplies power from the battery to the grid.

[0019] According to further disclosed embodiments, there is provided a system for supplying power to a grid, the system including a main controller configured to receive event data, and a plurality of node controllers, each node controller configured to control power distribution between a battery and the grid. Responsive to a parameter of the event data exceeding a defined threshold, the main controller determines one or more clusters, each cluster comprising only some of the node controllers, and sends a supply command to each cluster, causing each node controller in the cluster to simultaneously supply power from the associated battery to the grid.

[0020] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Brief Description of Drawings [0021] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompany drawings in which: [0022] Figure 1 is a schematic overview of an embodiment of a system for supplying power to a grid; [0023] Figure 2 is a schematic overview of part of the system shown in Figure 1, being a node; [0024] Figure 3 is a schematic overview of part of the system shown in Figure 1, being two clusters, each cluster comprising a plurality of nodes; [0025] Figure 4 is a schematic overview of part of the system shown in Figure 1, being a supplier terminal; [0026] Figure 5 is a schematic overview of part of the system shown in Figure 1, being an operator terminal; [0027] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating stages of operation of the system shown in Figure 1; [0028] Figures 7 to 10 are diagrams illustrating information displayed on the operator terminal.

Description of Embodiments [0029] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally designates an embodiment of a system for supplying power to a grid. The system 10 includes a main controller 12 configured to receive event data 14, and at least one node controller 16, each node controller 16 being in communication with the main controller 12 and configured to control power distribution between a load 18, a battery 20 and the grid 22, wherein responsive to a parameter of the event data 14 exceeding a defined threshold, the main controller 12 sends a supply command to the at least one node controller 16 causing the at least one node controller 16 to decrease load on the battery 20, and supply power from the battery 20 to the grid 22. While Figure 1 shows only a single node controller 16, in use, the system 10 comprises a plurality of the node controllers 16.

[0030] The event data 14 is a data stream comprising data relating to, or derived from, one or more real-world events. For example, the event data 14 may include ambient temperature information for a geographical region, such as a region local to each node controller 16. The event data 14 may alternatively be derived from current or anticipated power demand (load) on the grid 22. For example, the event data 14 may define a current power unit price, typically being a price for 1 MWh ($/MWh), derived from current or anticipated demand.

[0031] The event data 14 includes one or more parameters. For example, the event data 14 may include current local ambient temperature (first parameter), current local ambient humidity (second parameter), anticipated local ambient temperature in one hour (third parameter), and anticipated local ambient humidity in one hour (fourth parameter). The event data 14 is conveyed to the main controller 12 substantially continuously or at defined intervals. For example, where the event data 14 defines a power unit price, this may be defined and then supplied to the main controller 12 at five minute intervals.

[0032] The main controller 12 is communicatively connected to the stream of event data 14, typically via the Internet, and configured to assess the data 14 to determine when to send the supply command to the at least one node controller 16 of the system 10. The main controller 12 is associated with a memory, in this embodiment being a data store 24, configured to store information relating to the event data 14, including one or more defined thresholds relating to one or more of the event data parameters.

The data store 24 may also store historical event data. The main controller 12 includes a processor configured to compare the event data 14 to one or more of the defined thresholds stored in the data store 24 to determine when to send the supply command. This may also involve determining one or more parameters of the supply command, such as a period of supply, or total power to be supplied to the grid 22 by operating the node controllers 16.

[0033] Each node controller 16 is communicatively connected to the main controller 12, typically via the Internet, and associated with the load 18 and the battery 20, and configured to distribute power between the battery 20, the load 18 and the grid 22 responsive to, or in advance of, receiving the supply command from the main controller. Each node controller 16 includes, or is coupled with, a power inverter (not illustrated) to assist with varying the power distribution. Each node controller 16 is also communicatively connected to the battery 20 and the load 18, typically by a wireless connection such as using a WiFi™ and/or ZigBee™ communications protocol, to allow operation of at least one of the battery 20 and the load 18 to be controlled by its associated node controller 16. This may involve the node controller 16 controlling operation of the battery 20, or controlling relays associated with the battery 20, to prevent the battery supplying power to the load 18 and, therefore, to restrict supply of power from the battery to the grid 22 only. Communication between the battery 20 and its associated node controller 16 also allows each node controller 16 to convey battery 20 charge status and load status information to the main controller 12. For example, this may include each node controller 16 communicating to the main controller 12 that the battery 16 is currently charged to 55% capacity and the load 18 is currently consuming 2kWh.

[0034] The battery 20 is a battery storage system which may include a plurality of connected batteries, such as the Tesla Powerwall™ product. The battery 20 is connected to the grid 22 to allow the battery 20 to supply power to the grid 22 and potentially also recharge with energy supplied by the grid 22. The battery 20 may also be connected to one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells 26 to allow recharging with energy supplied from the cells 26.

[0035] The load 18 includes any device or system arranged to consume power supplied by the battery 20. This may include a wide range of devices or systems, such as electrical wiring circuits, lighting systems, appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, and the like, air conditioning systems, and pool pumping and/or filtration systems. Where the load 18 includes devices such as the appliances mentioned above, the node controller 16 may be configured to directly affect operation of the devices prior or responsive to receiving the supply command. For example, where the load 18 includes an air conditioning unit, the node controller 16 may be configured to prevent the air conditioning unit from consuming power supplied by the battery 20 or the grid 22, or reduce power consumed by the air conditioning unit, such as by operating the unit in a low power mode whereby fan and/or refrigeration unit power consumption is reduced. Where the load 18 includes devices, these may be connected to a ZigBee™ device to control power consumption of each device. For example, a ZigBee™ device may act as a relay at a power point, or may be connected to a node circuit (not illustrated), being an electrical circuit in a premises, which the devices are also connected to. In either arrangement, operation of the ZigBee™ device prevents the load 18 from consuming power.

[0036] The node controller 16, battery 20 and load 18 are arranged together to form a node 28. The node 28 may also include the PV cells 26 and is typically associated with a single premises occupied by a supplier. Whilst only one node 28 is illustrated in Figure 1, it will be appreciated that the system 10 includes a significant number of nodes 28, in the order of thousands, and potentially millions, and the main controller 12 communicates with each associated node controller 16.

[0037] The main controller 12 is communicatively connected, typically via the Internet, to an operator terminal 30. The operator terminal 30 provides an interface for an operator of the system 10 to affect operation of the main controller 12 and/or the node controllers 16. Operation of the operator terminal 30 may involve the operator manually defining the threshold to which the main controller 12 compares the event data 14 in order to determine when to send the supply command to one or more of the node controllers 16. Alternatively or additionally, the operator terminal 30 may be configured to execute an algorithm to determine event data trends to predict future event data and adjust the threshold responsive to predicted values. Similarly, the operator terminal 30 may be configured to execute an algorithm to monitor current charge of node batteries 20 and predict future charge at a defined point, allowing total stored power available to the system 10 at the defined point to be calculated. The operator terminal 30 is typically provided by an application executed by a server computer arranged remotely from the main controller 12.

[0038] The main controller 12 is also communicatively connected, typically via the Internet, to a supplier terminal 32. The supplier terminal 32 provides an interface for the supplier to affect operation of that supplier’s node controller 16, and for the main controller 12 to communicate information to the supplier, such as notification of the supplier’s node controller 16 receiving the supply command and commencing redistribution of power between the load 18, battery 20 and the grid 22. Operation of the supplier terminal 32 to control its node controller 16 may involve the supplier selecting which load 18 devices and systems associated with the node controller 16 the node controller 16 is authorised to operate, and any limiting conditions restricting this authorisation. For example, the supplier may use the terminal 32 to define that the node controller 16 is authorised to power down an air conditioning unit responsive to receiving the supply command unless a local ambient temperature is above 35°C. The supplier terminal 32 is typically provided by an application executed by a personal computing device, such as a smartphone, phablet or tablet computer.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of another node 40 in isolation. The node 40 includes a node controller 42 and a battery 44.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of two clusters 50, 52, each comprising a plurality of nodes 54, 56, 58, 60 grouped to form the cluster 50, 52. Grouping the nodes 54, 56, 58, 60 in one or more clusters 50, 52 allows the system 10 to coordinate power being supplied simultaneously from each node in a cluster, and control power supply distribution density across the grid 22. Operation of the nodes in clusters therefore modulates the power being supplied to the grid 22 from the associated batteries 20 to ensure one or more of power being supplied to the grid 22 at a consistent rate, a total amount of power being supplied to the grid 22, and the power being supplied from nodes in dispersed geographical locations, which prevents local portions of the grid 22, for example, covering one street, being destabilised.

[0041] The group of nodes 54, 56, 58, 60 in each cluster 50, 52 is non-permanent and dynamically determined by the main controller 12 responsive to the event data 14 and at least one of the defined thresholds, in order to optimise power being supplied by the nodes 54, 56, 58, 60 to the grid 22. For example, responsive to first event data 14 triggering a first supply command, the main controller 12 can determine the first cluster 50 to comprise nodes 54, 56, 58. This may be due to the main controller 12 deriving, from the first event data 14 that the grid 22 requires lOOMWs to be supplied within a defined period and determining that nodes 54, 56, 58 can supply the required power within the period. Similarly, responsive to second event data 14 triggering a second supply command, the main controller 12 can reconfigure the cluster 50 to form a second cluster 52 comprising nodes 54, 56, 60 as, for example the main controller 12 has revised, from the second event data 14, the grid 22 requires 70MWs within another defined period and that nodes 54, 56, 60 can supply the required power within the period. It will be appreciated that whilst three nodes are shown in each cluster 50, 52, each cluster 50, 52 may be configured to comprise virtually any number of nodes.

[0042] The configuration of a cluster is generally determined by the main controller 12 determining power available to be supplied to the grid 22 from each node 16 in communication with the main controller 12, for example, by assessing at least the charge stored in each battery 20 associated with each node 16, and assessing load on each of the batteries 20. The nodes are then grouped to ensure power supplied to the grid 22 is optimised, for example, grid strain is minimised, and that the power supplied satisfies a demand defined by, or derived from, the event data 14.

[0043] For example, prior to sending the supply command, the main controller 12 may assess all connected node controllers 16 and filter node controllers 16 which are associated with a battery 20 having a charge status greater than or equal to 90% capacity, and group these nodes in a first cluster, and then assess all remaining connected node controllers 16 and filter node controllers 16 which are associated with a battery 20 having a charge status greater than or equal to 80% capacity, and group these nodes in a second cluster, and so on. Cluster configuration is therefore not limited by physical location of the nodes and, instead, is optimised to enhance power being supplied to the grid 22 and/or to enhance grid 22 functionality.

[0044] The main controller 12 may also determine the charge status of each battery 20 by determining a current charge status and comparing this to a predicted future charge status. The compared charge status value is then used to configure the node controllers 16 in one or more clusters. For example, this may involve the main controller 12, or each node controller 16, determining current load on the battery 20, calculating load decrease on the battery 20 which the node controller 16 is authorised to execute, and determining a net power available to be supplied to the grid 22 from each node. As noted above, the supplier may configure the node controller 16 to decrease load on the battery 20 in limited circumstances, and therefore, in these circumstances, the node controller 16 is authorised to supply a limited amount of power from the battery 20 to the grid 22.

[0045] Alternatively, the main controller 12 may configure the clusters responsive to the parameter of the event data 14 exceeding various defined thresholds. For example, where the parameter is power unit price ($/MWh) and the defined thresholds comprise three different price thresholds, the main controller 12 may configure five node controllers in one cluster responsive to the parameter exceeding a 5$/MWh threshold, ten node controllers in one cluster responsive to the parameter exceeding a 10$/MWh threshold, and one thousand node controllers in ten clusters responsive to the parameter exceeding a l,000$/MWh threshold. This therefore allows the system 10 to coordinate supply of escalating amounts of power to the grid 22 in response to the power unit price escalating, consequently satisfying demand on the grid 22 and balancing load on the grid 22.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the user interface 32 in isolation. As indicated above, the user interface 32 is provided to the supplier and communicates with the node controller 16 of the node 28. The user is able to monitor the electricity usage within their premises and is able to set parameters relating to the devices connected within the premises. For example, the user is able to determine which devices constituting the load 18 are to be disconnected from the battery 20 and in what order the devices are to be disconnected.

[0047] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the operator interface 30 in isolation. The operator interface 30 ensures that the system 10 has overall control of the nodes 28 and the clusters 50, 52 made up of the nodes. Thus, the operator interface 30 is used to determine when power is to be supplied to the grid 22 and the quantity of power to be supplied to the grid 22.

[0048] Figure 6 illustrates stages of operation of the system 10. At 100, event data 14 is supplied from a cloud-based data store to the main controller 12. In the embodiment shown, the data store is provided by a national electricity market operator. At 102, the main controller 12 assesses the event data 14. In the embodiment shown, the event data 14 includes at least one parameter being spot price data, which is a current price/MWh derived from at least one of current and scheduled load demand on the grid 22. At 104, the main controller 12 determines the parameter of the event data 14 exceeding a defined threshold. In the embodiment illustrated, the defined threshold is a target price for 1 MWh. At 106, the main controller 12 sends the supply command to node controllers 161, 162, 163 connected to the main controller 12. At 108, one of the node controllers 161 adjusts load on the associated battery 201, by reducing power consumption of two of three devices connected to the node controller 161 and powered by the battery 201. At 110, the node controller 161 supplies power from the battery 201 to the grid 22.

[0049] Power is supplied from the battery 201 to the grid 22 until the earlier of all power stored in the battery 201 being exhausted or the period in which the parameter of the event data 14 exceeds the threshold passes, for example, by the spot price falling below the threshold. This is determined by, after commencing power supply from the battery 201 to the grid 22 , the main controller 12 assessing new event data 14 to determine when the parameter falls below the threshold. When determined, this causes the main controller 12 to send a stop supply command to the node controllers 161, 162, 163, causing the node controller 161 to prevent the battery 201 from supplying power to the grid 22 and restoring operation of the devices powered by the battery 201 to default states.

[0050] Figures 7 to 10 are screenshots illustrating examples of information displayed on the operator interface 30.

[0051] Figure 7 shows a country-wide view of all nodes 28 within the system 10. To assist the operator using the interface 30, dense pluralities of the nodes 28 are illustrated as pin locations 120. A sidebar 122 displays statistical information including a supply command threshold 124, a stop supply command threshold 126, quantity of node controllers 128 capable of supplying power, from the associated battery 20, to the grid 22, and total power 130 (MWs) available to be supplied to the grid 22.

[0052] Figure 8 shows a regional view of some of the nodes 28 within the system 10, whereby dense pluralities of the nodes 28 are illustrated as pin locations 131.

[0053] Figure 9 shows information relating to one of the nodes 281. The information includes current battery 20 charge status 132, node identification information 134, historical power supply information 136 indicating supply events, being occasions where the associated battery 20 has supplied power to the grid 22, within the past thirty days, and other node component information, such as photovoltaic cell identification information 138 and inverter identification information 140.

[0054] Figure 10 shows further information relating to the node 281, the information illustrating the load 18 associated with the node 281, current charge status 142, and future (predicted) charge status 144. In this embodiment, the load 18 comprises an oven 146, air conditioner 148 and washing machine 150. Dials 152 illustrate power being supplied from the associated battery 20 to each of the load devices 146, 148, 150.

[0055] The system 10 advantageously allows power to be supplied to the grid 22 from one or more batteries 20 to meet demand and balance load on the grid 22. The system 10 optimises power being supplied to the grid 22 from each battery 20 associated with the system 10 by decreasing load on the battery 20 prior to, or at the same time as, supplying power from the battery 20 to the grid 22. This therefore allows power being supplied to the grid 22 to be maximised.

[0056] The system 10 may be configured to coordinate supply of power from a plurality of batteries 20 to the grid 22. This may involve simultaneous supply of power from multiple batteries 20 and/or optimising location distribution of the batteries 20. In either case, this provides a uniform power output which modulates power being supplied to the grid 22 and enhances stabilisation of the grid 22.

[0057] The system 10 controls when and how power is to be injected on to the grid 22. A user, while being able to set parameters relating to his or her node 28, cannot, via the node controller 16 of that node 28 make a decision as to when and how power is to be supplied to the grid 22.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), a device may be provided for supplying power to a grid. The device includes a controller configured to control power distribution between a load, a battery and the grid, the controller being in communication with a network, such as the Internet. Responsive to receiving a supply command from the network, the controller decreases load on the battery, and supplies power from the battery to the grid.

[0059] This embodiment is effectively the same as the node controller 16 described above and functions in the same way. The device may be configured as an electrical device or, for some applications, be configured as an application configured for execution by a personal computing device, including a personal computer, smartphone or tablet computer. The device is useful where the system 10 is in place and a supplier requires an additional or replacement device to provide the function of the node controller 16.

[0060] In another alternative embodiment (not shown), a system may be provided for supplying power to a grid, the system including a main controller configured to receive event data, and a plurality of node controllers, each node controller configured to control power distribution between a battery and the grid. Responsive to a parameter of the event data exceeding a defined threshold, the main controller determines one or more clusters, each cluster comprising only some of the node controllers, and sends a supply command to each cluster, causing each node controller in the cluster to simultaneously supply power from the associated battery to the grid.

[0061] This embodiment is a variation of the system 10 described above and functions in a similar way. This embodiment does not necessarily include a load supplied with power from the battery. This embodiment is configured to optimise power being supplied to the grid by grouping a plurality of the node controllers into one or more clusters and coordinating supply of power to the grid from the batteries associated with each cluster. The grouping of node controllers into clusters may be responsive to a range of factors, as described above.

[0062] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for supplying power to a grid, the system comprising: a main controller configured to receive event data; and at least one node controller, each node controller being in communication with the main controller and configured to control power distribution between a load, a battery and the grid, wherein responsive to a parameter of the event data exceeding a defined threshold, the main controller sends a supply command to the at least one node controller causing the at least one node controller to decrease load on the battery, and to supply power from the battery to the grid.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the load includes one or more electrical devices, and decreasing the load includes controlling the power distribution to decrease power consumption by the one or more devices.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the node controller is configured to operate the one or more devices, and decreasing the power consumption includes operating at least one of the one or more devices to decrease power consumed by the at least one device.
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the node controller is wirelessly connected to the one or more devices.
5. The system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one device is operated in a low power mode.
6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein responsive to the supply command, the node controller prevents supply of power from the battery to the load.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the node controller is configured to operate the battery to prevent supply of power to the load.
8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load is connected to a node circuit, and the node controller is communicatively connected to the node circuit and configured to control the node circuit.
9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the node controller includes a power inverter.
10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of the node controllers, and wherein some of the plurality of node controllers are grouped into a cluster, and wherein the supply command causes each node controller in the cluster to decrease load on the associated battery and supply power from the battery to the grid.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the main controller groups the node controllers in the cluster responsive to determining a charge status of each battery associated with each node controller exceeding a defined charge threshold.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein determining the charge status includes determining a current charge status and a predicted future charge status, and comparing the current charge status and the predicted future charge status.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein each node controller is authorised to decrease the load on the associated battery by a defined amount, and determining the predicted future charge status includes comparing a current load on the battery and the authorised load decrease amount.
14. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the main controller groups some of the plurality of node controllers in a first cluster responsive to determining the charge status of the associated batteries exceeding a first charge threshold, and groups some of the plurality of node controllers in a second cluster responsive to determining the charge status of the associated batteries exceeding a second charge threshold which is less than the first charge threshold.
15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the supply command causes the node controllers grouped in the first cluster to decrease the load on the associated batteries and supply power from the associated batteries to the grid for a first period, and causes the node controllers grouped in the second cluster to decrease the load on the associated batteries and supply power from the associated batteries to the grid for a second period which is less than the first period.
16. The system according to claim 10, wherein, the parameter exceeding the defined threshold causes the main controller to determine an amount of power required by the grid, and, responsive to determining the amount of power, groups the node controllers into the cluster.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the node controllers grouped in the cluster are interchangeable and determined responsive to the parameter exceeding the defined threshold.
18. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply command causes each node controller to decrease load on the associated battery and supply power from the associated battery to the grid until the parameter falls below the defined threshold.
19. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a data store storing historical event data, the data store being in communication with the main controller, and wherein the main controller is configured to compare the event data to the historical event data to determine a prediction of when the parameter will exceed the defined threshold, and wherein responsive to the prediction, the main controller sends a pre-supply command to the at least one node controller causing the at least one node controller to decrease load on the associated battery.
20. A device for supplying power to a grid, the device comprising: a controller configured to control power distribution between a load, a battery and the grid, the controller being in communication with a network, wherein responsive to receiving a supply command from the network, the controller decreases load on the battery, and supplies power from the battery to the grid.
21. A system for supplying power to a grid, the system comprising: a main controller configured to receive event data; and a plurality of node controllers, each node controller being in communication with the main controller and configured to control power distribution between a battery and the grid, wherein responsive to a parameter of the event data exceeding a defined threshold, the main controller determines one or more clusters, each cluster comprising only some of the node controllers, and sends a supply command to each cluster, causing each node controller in the cluster to simultaneously supply power from the associated battery to the grid.