WO2019211826A1

WO2019211826A1 - System and method for managing a hierarchic power distribution grid

Info

Publication number: WO2019211826A1
Application number: PCT/IL2018/050477
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eitan Peled
Original assignee: Eitan Peled
Priority date: 2018-05-01
Filing date: 2018-05-01
Publication date: 2019-11-07

Abstract

A system for managing a hierarchic power distribution grid, conveying electricity to a plurality of consumers, comprising a primary power distribution domain (PDD), which comprised a primary controller and at least one internal power source, and at least one secondary power distribution domain, which comprises at least one secondary controller, associated with at least one consumer. Primary PDD is connected to an external power source and is configured to: (a) convey electric power from the external power source to at least one secondary PDD over a distribution line; and (b) convey electric power from an internal power source to a secondary PDD over a distribution line. Primary controller is configured to control the connection of an internal power source to a distribution line and (b) command a secondary controller to control the connection of a consumer to a distribution line, according to predefined logic.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A HIERARCHIC POWER

DISTRIBUTION GRID

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates generally to power distribution grids. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for managing hierarchic power distribution grids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] A major drawback of electric power is that it is very difficult to be stored effectively, particularly in respect to large amounts of energy on a national scale. This implies that the electric power grid should be configured to supply the amount of electricity demanded by the consumers at any moment.

[003] A second significant drawback is related to the power consumption regime. Electricity producers need to meet peak power demand, and to be able to produce the required power, and convey it to consumers during peak consumption periods, even though peak demand is only required for very short periods of time. In practice, this forces electricity producers to install expensive production units that are seldom activated (e.g. only a few times within a period of several months).

[004] Integration of renewable energy sources such as photo-voltaic (PV) cells, and wind turbines presents yet another problem, since there is no correlation between their availability and consumers' power demand.

[005] Studies have shown, that approximately 30-40% of the overall power is consumed by domestic consumers, and that a similar percentage is consumed by public and commercial consumers. For example: in Israel, statistics show that 41% of power supplied over the national transmission grid is consumed by domestic and small commercial consumers, and 36% is consumed by public and commercial consumers. It is therefore apparent that lowering the demand of such consumers at periods of peak demand may significantly contribute to flattening the curve of the overall power demand. However, currently available systems do not provide appropriate solutions for limiting power consumption of individual users in real-time, while taking predefined priorities of individual consumers into account. SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[006] Embodiments of the invention disclose a system for managing a hierarchic power distribution grid, conveying electricity to a plurality of consumers. According to some embodiments, the system may include: (a) a primary power distribution domain (PDD); and (b) at least one secondary PDD. The primary PDD may include a primary controller and at least one internal power source. The secondary PDD may include at least one secondary controller, associated with at least one consumer.

[007] According to some embodiments, the primary PDD may be connected to an external power source and configured to: (a) convey electric power from the external power source to at least one secondary PDD over at least one first distribution line; and (b) convey electric power from the at least one internal power source, to at least one secondary PDD over at least one second distribution line.

[008] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may be configured to command at least one secondary controller to connect at least one consumer to one distribution line and disconnect said consumer therefrom.

[009] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may be configured according to predefined logic to: (a) control the state of at least one internal power source, wherein the state may be one of activated and deactivated; (b) control the connection of the at least one internal power source to a second distribution line; and (c) control the connection of the at least one internal power source to the first distribution line.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may further be configured, according to predefined logic, to control at least one parameter of the internal power source. The parameters may include one of: output voltage, output frequency, output voltage phase, and maximal output power.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the primary PDD may further include at least one meter, configured to measure power consumed from the external power source by the plurality of consumers. The primary controller may further be configured to: (a) receive a limit number, presenting the maximal amount of power that may be allowed to be consumed from the external power source by the plurality of consumers; and (b) if the measured consumed power reaches a predefined percentage of the limit number, then activate at least one internal power source, and connect the activated power source to one of the plurality of distribution lines, to avoid consuming power from the external power source by the plurality of consumers, beyond the received limit.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the external power source may be a three-phase alternating current (AC) power source, and each distribution line may be a three-phase distribution line, including three phase lines.

[0013] According to some embodiments, at least one secondary controller may be configured to control the connection of each associated consumer to one phase line according to the command of the primary controller.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the external power source may be a three-phase AC power source, and each distribution line may be a three-phase distribution line, including three phase lines.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may be configured to select one phase line of the plurality of phase lines and control the connection of at least one internal power source to the selected phase line. The at least one internal power source may include at least one of: an electric power generator; a power storage device; a photo-voltaic solar panel; and a rechargeable battery of an electric vehicle.

[0016] Electric power may be conveyed to each of the plurality of consumers via at least one feed line and connecting each consumer to one distribution line may be performed by connecting at least one distribution line to at least one feed line by the secondary controller, according to the command of the primary controller.

[0017] According to some embodiments, at least one secondary PDD may further include at least one electric panel. The panel may be configured to receive electric power from a respective secondary controller via at least one feed line and convey the electric power to at least one consumer over respective end-lines.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may be configured to: (a) assign a priority to each feed line; (b) command at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line according to the assigned priority; and (c) command at least one secondary controller to disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line according to the assigned priority.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may be configured to: (a) assign an operation type to each feed line; (b) control at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line according to the operation type; and (c) disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line according to the operation type. According to some embodiments, the operation type may be one of: constant operation, timer operation, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) operation and incentive- based operation.

[0020] According to some embodiments, at least one secondary PDD may further include at least one meter, configured to measure at least one of consumed power, voltage and current over at least one feed line of the secondary PDD. The measured data may be propagated to the primary controller, and the primary controller may be further configured to: (a) command at least one secondary controller to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line according to the measured data; and (b) disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line according to the measured data.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may be further configured to: (a) accumulate data of measured power consumption from at least one feed line; (b) attribute an identity of a specific power source to the measured data, according to the connection of the feed line to a distribution line by the respective secondary controller; (c) attribute a timestamp to the measured data; (d) receive at least one consumption tariff table, associating a price of a consumed power unit with the time of consumption and the source of power supply; and (e) produce at least one electricity bill associating at least one consumer with at least one of: the consumed power, the time of consumption, the identity of the power source, and the relevant tariff.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may be further configured to: (a) monitor at least one of the electrical current and consumed electric power over each phase line of each distribution line; and (b) command at least one secondary controller, to control the connection of at least one feed line to one of the plurality of phase lines, according to the monitored data.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may command at least one secondary controller to control the connection of at least one feed line to one of the plurality of phase lines, in order to perform at least one of: (a) limit the current conveyed over at least one feed line; (b) limit the current conveyed over at least one phase line; (c) limit the current conveyed over at least one distribution line; (d) balance the load among the phase lines of at least one distribution line, associated with a plurality of secondary PDDs.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may receive at least one predefined current-threshold and may be configured to identify a condition in which a current conveyed over at least one phase line exceeds the predefined current-threshold. The primary controller may further be configured to emit an alert (e.g. via a user interface or via connection to an external server), regarding the identified condition. Alternatively, the primary controller may command at least one secondary controller to disconnect at least one feed line from at least one phase line, to limit the current conveyed over the at least one phase line.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may be communicatively connected to an external server, and may be further configured to: (a) receive data from the server, including at least one of: an external power consumption forecast, power- consumption restrictions for individual consumers and power-consumption restrictions for the plurality of consumers; (b)command at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line, according to the received data; and (c) command at least one secondary controller, to disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line, according to the received data.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the primary controller may be communicatively connected to an external server and may be configured to send data including measured power consumption of feed lines to the server. The server may be configured to: (a) analyze the data over time, in relation to at least some of: groups of feed lines, groups of secondary PDDs, and groups of primary PDDs; (b) produce a prediction of future power consumption per at least one of: a feed line, a secondary PDD and a primary PDD, based on the analysis; and (c) propagate the prediction to the primary controller. According to some embodiments, the primary controller may be further configured to control at least one internal power source based on the prediction.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the server may be further configured to: produce power consumption tariffs per each type and priority of feed line based on the analysis; and propagate the updated tariff to at least one primary controller. According to some embodiments, the at least one primary controller may be further configured to command at least one secondary controller, based on the predicted power consumption and the updated tariff, to control the connection of at least one feed line to at least one distribution line.

[0028] Embodiments of the invention disclose a method of managing a hierarchic power distribution grid, conveying electricity to a plurality of consumers. According to some embodiments, the method includes: (a) connecting an external power source to a primary power distribution domain (PDD) via at least one first distribution line. The primary PDD may include a primary controller and at least one internal power source; (b) conveying electric power from the external power source to at least one secondary PDD over the first distribution line. , The secondary PDD may be associated with at least one consumer; (c) controlling, by the primary controller, an operation condition of at least one internal power source according to predefined logic. The condition may include at least one of: activated and deactivated; (d) controlling , by the primary controller, a connection of the at least one internal power source to at least one second distribution line according to predefined logic; (e) conveying electric power from the at least one internal power source, to at least one secondary PDD over the at least one second distribution line; and (f) commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller to connect at least one consumer to one distribution line and disconnect said consumer therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram depicting a hierarchic power distribution system, according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 2 is a block diagram depicting a primary power distribution domain (PDD), which is part of the hierarchic power distribution system, according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram, depicting components of a secondary controller, which is part of the hierarchic power distribution system, according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 4 is a block diagram depicting components of the secondary PDD, which is part of the hierarchic power distribution system, according to some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 5 is a block diagram, depicting components of the secondary PDD, which is part of the hierarchic power distribution system, according to some embodiments;

[0035] Figure 6A is a block diagram, presenting a scenario of power outage, in the absence of the hierarchic power distribution system;

[0036] Figure 6B is a block diagram, presenting an example of the function of the hierarchic power distribution system, in a scenario of power outage, according to some embodiments;

[0037] Figure 7 is a block diagram, presenting an example of the function of the hierarchic power distribution system, in a scenario of phase load balancing among a plurality of secondary PDDs, according to some embodiments; [0038] Figure 8 A is a block diagram, presenting a scenario in which a specific consumer has been cut off the distribution grid, in the absence of the hierarchic power distribution system;

[0039] Figure 8B is a block diagram, presenting the function of the hierarchic power distribution system, in a scenario in which a specific consumer has been cut off the distribution grid, according to some embodiments; and

[0040] Figure 9 is a flow diagram, presenting a method of managing a hierarchic power distribution grid for conveying electricity to a plurality of consumers, according to some embodiments.

[0041] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT

INVENTION

[0042] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention. Some features or elements described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with features or elements described with respect to other embodiments. For the sake of clarity, discussion of same or similar features or elements may not be repeated.

[0043] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, discussions utilizing terms such as, for example, “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,”

“determining,”“establishing”,“analyzing”,“checking”, or the like, may refer to operations) and/or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer’s registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer’s registers and/or memories or other information non-transitory storage medium that may store instructions to perform operations and/or processes. Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the term “plurality” and“a plurality” as used herein may include, for example,“multiple” or“two or more”. The ter s“plurality” or“a plurality” may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. The term set when used herein may include one or more items. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention, disclose a hierarchic power distribution system, configured to enable real-time hierarchic management of electric power demand by a plurality of consumers, reduce peak demand of power by the consumers, and smooth the power demand curve.

[0045] The term 'consumer' is henceforth used interchangeably throughout this document to refer to both individual electric-power consuming elements (e.g. machines that are powered by electric energy), and groups of individual electric-power consuming elements (e.g. an apartment including a plurality of electrical appliances).

[0046] Management of power consumption may be hierarchically performed in at least two levels: a primary domain level and a secondary domain level. At a primary domain level, management may relate to a plurality of individual consumers, and to infrastructure that may be common to these consumers. At a secondary domain level, managing may relate to each of the plurality of consumers, and to priorities and preferred operation modes that may be predefined per each consumer.

For example, the hierarchic power distribution system may be implemented at an apartment building, where (a) each apartment may be referred to as an individual consumer, (b) the power consumption of each apartment or group of apartments (e.g. a floor in the building) may be managed within a secondary power distribution domain (PDD), and (c) the global consumption of the entire building, management of the building's infrastructure (e.g. connection to a power transmission grid via a transformer) and management of internal power sources installed within the building (e.g. Generator, photo-voltaic (PV) panels, power storage units and batteries) may be managed within a primary PDD.

[0047] Further examples for deploying the hierarchic power distribution system may include: a single high-rise building, several buildings, shopping centers, office buildings, schools, universities etc. [0048] Embodiments may categorize different power consumers according to at least one predefined criterion, including for example: a power consumption priority (e.g.: high priority, middle priority, low priority) and a consumption policy (e.g.: enable power consumption at predefined timing, enable power consumption according to incentive tariffs, etc.).

[0049] Embodiments may receive at least one external parameter, from an external source (e.g. an external server, or a user interface) and may manage power distribution to consumers according to the at least one external parameter, as explained further below. The external parameter may include, for example: a weather forecast, a tariff of an external power supplier, an expected level of power consumption, a maximal power consumption threshold, etc.

[0050] Embodiments may receive measured parameters regarding power consumption, (e.g.: voltage, current, power consumption, etc.), and may manage power distribution to consumers according to the measured parameters.

[0051] The term "controlling a connection" is used herein in relation to at least one element of the hierarchic power distribution system, to refer to determining a state of connectivity, between a connected state and a disconnected state, of the element to a power distribution line. For example: embodiments may connect or disconnect an internal power source to a power distribution line, embodiments may connect or disconnect an external power source to a power distribution line, and embodiments may connect or disconnect a power consumer to a power distribution line.

[0052] Embodiments may include any type of hardware or software or combination thereof to implement the connection and disconnection of elements of the hierarchic power distribution system to at least one distribution line, including for example controllable switches and relays, as known to persons skilled in the art of electrical engineering.

[0053] The term "predefined logic" is used herein to refer to at least one rule, associating at least one of: a criterion (e.g. a consumption policy, a power consumption priority) an external parameter (e.g. a weather forecast) and a measured parameter (e.g.: power consumed over a specific power distribution line) with at least one action of an embodiment of the hierarchic power distribution system.

[0054] For example, embodiments of the system may be configured to control the connection of a consumers feed electric lines to a power distribution line according to power consumption policy associated with the user. In another example, embodiments may control the connection of internal and / or external power sources to distribution lines (e.g. disconnect a power distribution line from the external power grid and connect it to an internal power storage device). In another example, embodiments may control the operation of an internal power source according to predefined logic (e.g. connect a photo- voltaic (PV) panel and a power storage device to a power distribution fine, enable the power storage device to be charged by the PV panel during day time).

[0055] In some embodiments, the predefined logic may be stored as a set of instruction codes and may be executed by at least one of a first controller, located in a primary PDD and / or a second controller, located in a secondary PDD.

[0056] For example, the system may be configured to limit power consumed from an external power source by shedding low-priority consumers and disconnecting them from the distribution system. In another example, the system may be configured to limit power consumed from an external power source by utilizing internal power sources (e.g. power storage units), as explained further below. In yet another example, the system may be configured to enforce operation of prominent power consumers according to hourly incentive tariffs (e.g.: enable operation of laundry drier machines only at night), as also elaborated below.

[0057] Reference is now made to figure 1, which is a block diagram depicting an overall view of the hierarchic power distribution system 10, according to some embodiments. System 10 may be connected to at least one external power source 30 via at least one first distribution line 155. In some embodiments, external power source 30 may be electric energy produced by an electricity power producer, conveyed over a national electric transmission grid, and transformed to a standard supply voltage (e.g. l lOv - 230v) by a transformer 310. According to some embodiments, external power source 30 may be a single-phase power source, and first distribution line 155 may respectively be a single cable. According to some embodiments, external power source 30 may be a three-phase power source, and at least one first distribution line 155 may respectively be a three-phase cable, configured to convey three-phase current from external power source 30 to system 10.

[0058] System 10 may include at least one primary power distribution domain (PDD) 100 and at least one secondary PDD 200. Each of at least one primary PDD 100 may further include a primary controller 110.

[0059] Primary controller 110 may include at least one non-transient memory device 110- 1 , on which modules of instruction code are stored, and at least one processor 110-2, associated with memory device 110-1, and configured to execute the modules of instruction code. Processor 110-2 may be configured, upon execution of the instruction code, to implement at least one predefined logic, to control the connection and / or at least one parameter of operation of at least one element of hierarchic power distribution system 10.

[0060] According to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may be communicatively connected to at least one secondary controller 210, installed within at least one respective secondary PDD 200. Primary control may be configured to send at least one command to the at least one secondary controller 210, and thus control the consumption of power of individual consumers within the respective secondary PDD as explained further below.

[0061] Secondary controller (e.g. 2l0a, 2l0b, 2l0c) may be implemented as a hardware module, as a software module or as any combination thereof. In some embodiments, secondary controller (e.g. 2l0a) may include at least one non-transient memory device 214, on which modules of instruction code are stored, and at least one processor 211 , associated with memory device 214, and configured to execute the modules of instruction code. Processor 211 may be configured, upon execution of the instruction code, to receive at least one command from primary controller 110 and control a condition of connection (e.g. connected or disconnected) of at least one power consumer (e.g. 250a- 1) of the secondary PDD, according to the received command.

[0062] According to some embodiments, secondary controller (e.g. 2l0a) may be communicatively connected to primary controller 110, and may receive at least one command from primary controller 110 via wired or wireless connection, including for example: wireless communication protocol (e.g. Wifi), wired communication protocol (e.g. LAN, WAN communication), etc.

[0063] According to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may be connected by a two-way communication channel to an external server 40 and may be configured by an administrator through server 40. For example, server 40 may be associated with a national electric power company, and the company may be forced to limit household power consumption due to malfunction or adverse weather conditions. An administrator may configure primary controller 110 to limit power consumption within power distribution system 10, and primary controller 110 may consequently prevent low-priority power consumption within power distribution system 10, by disconnecting low priority consumers from system 10, as explained in further detail below. [0064] According to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may be further configured to display information regarding system 10 via server 40 to client computers (not shown) associated with server 40, including for example: data pertaining to system configuration, current power consumption of individual consumers, historical power consumption of individual consumers, statistic power consumption data, predicted power consumption data, predicted billing of power consumption per specific consumers, etc.

[0065] Primary PDD 100 may further include at least one internal power source 150, such as: a generator, a photo-voltaic (PV) power source, an electrical energy storage system, accumulators of electric cars that are charged by power distribution system 10, and alternative energy sources, such as: wind turbines and batteries.

[0066] According to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may be configured to control the operation of at least one internal power source according to the predefined logic. For example, primary controller 110 may control: (a) activation of at least one internal power source; (b) deactivation of at least one internal power source; (c) connection of at least one internal power source to at least one first distribution line 155, or disconnection of the at least one internal power source 150 therefrom; (d) connection of at least one internal power source 150 to at least one second distribution line 156, or disconnection of the at least one internal power source 150 therefrom; and (e) configuration of at least one parameter of the operation of an internal power source, such as: output voltage, output frequency, output voltage phase (e.g. in relation to an AC voltage of distribution line 155), and maximal output power.

[0067] For example, primary controller 110 may be required to limit the power consumed from external power source 30 by elements within system 10, to a preconfigured threshold. Primary controller 110 may consequently control internal power source 150, such as a generator, via a control fine 115, to: (a) activate the generator, (b) synchronize the generator's output voltage's frequency and phase to that of first distribution line 155, adjust the output voltage of the generator (e.g. slightly increase the generator's voltage above that of external power source 30), and connect the generator's output to first distribution fine 155. The generator may thus provide to system 10 power that is demanded by consumers within system 10, in excess of the threshold limit, without disconnecting low-priority consumers, as in the previous example.

[0068] According to some embodiments, hierarchic power distribution system 10 may include at least one secondary power distribution domain (PDD) 200. Secondary PDD 200 may include at least one secondary controller 210, and at least one consumer 250 associated with the at least one secondary controller 210.

[0069] According to some embodiments, primary PDD may be configured to convey electric power from external power source 30 to each secondary PDD 200 over at least one first distribution line 155, and secondary controller 210 may be connected to external power source 30 via the at least one first distribution line 155. According to some embodiments, primary PDD may be configured to convey electric power from at least one internal power source 150, to at least one secondary PDDs over at least one second distribution line 156, and secondary controller 210 may be connected to at least one internal power source 150 via at least one second distribution line 156.

[0070] According to some embodiments, and as depicted in figure 1 , at least one first distribution line 155 and at least one second distribution line 156 may be connected to form at least one third distribution line 157, and secondary controller 210 may be connected to third distribution line 157.

[0071] According to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may be configured to command at least one secondary controller 210 via wired or wireless control communication 111.

[0072] According to some embodiments, at least one secondary controller 210 may be configured to connect at least one associated power consumer 250 to one of the at least one first distribution line 155 or at least one second distribution line 156, or disconnect each associated power consumer therefrom, according to the command of primary controller 110.

[0073] According to some embodiments, electric power may be conveyed to each of the plurality of consumers (e.g.: 250a, 250b, 250c) via at least one feed line 231 , and the connection of consumers to a distribution line (e.g.: 155, 156, 157) may be performed by connecting at least one distribution line (e.g.: 155, 156, 157) to at least one feed line 231 by secondary controller (e.g.: 2l0a, 2l0b and 2l0c), according to the command of primary controller 110.

[0074] According to some embodiments, at least one secondary PDD further includes at least one electric panel 240a, 240b, 240c, configured to receive electric power from a respective secondary controller via at least one feed line 231 , and convey the electric power to at least one consumer (e.g. : 250a, 250b, 250c) over respective end-lines 241. Electric panels (e.g. 240a, 240b, 240c) may include at least one main switch, one or more residual current devices (RCD) or residual current breakers with overcurrent protection (RCBO), as known to persons skilled in the art of electric engineering.

[0075] Reference is now made to figure 2, which is a block diagram depicting primary Power Distribution Domain (PDD) 100, which is part of hierarchic power distribution system 10, according to some embodiments.

[0076] Primary controller 110 may be configured to directly control the state of operation of internal power source l50a, including for example activation and deactivation of internal power source l50a, and parameters of internal power source l50a as elaborated above (e.g. output voltage, etc.). Alternatively, primary controller 110 may be communicatively connected to internal power source controller l50a-2 and control the operation of internal power source l50a through controller l50a-2.

[0077] Connector l50a-l may be configured to connect and / or disconnect at least one phase line of at least one internal power source (e.g. l50a) to at least one phase line of a distribution line (e.g. 155). For example, connector l50a-l may include at least one controllable relay, configured to facilitate the connection and or disconnection of the at least one internal power source upon command, as known to persons skilled in the art of electric engineering.

[0078] According to some embodiments, internal power source connector l50a-l may be controlled by controller l50a-2 to physically connect or disconnect at least one phase line of at least one internal power source to at least one phase line of distribution line 155. Alternatively, internal power source connector 150a- 1 may be controlled directly by primary controller 110 to physically connect or disconnect at least one phase line of at least one internal power source to at least one phase line of distribution line 155.

[0079] For example, internal power source l50a may be connected to phase A of distribution line 156. Primary controller 110 may command controller l50a-2, to command connector l50a-l to connect phase line A of distribution line 156 to phase A of distribution line 155 or disconnect phase line A of distribution line 156.

[0080] Internal power source connector l50a-l may include a meter l50a-3, configured to measure at least one of voltage amplitude, voltage frequency, voltage phase, current amplitude, current frequency and current phase of at least one phase line of at least one internal power source l50a.

[0081] Primary controller 110 may be configured to select one distribution line (e.g. 155, 156), and directly control the connection of internal power source l50a to the selected line. Alternatively, primary controller 110 may be communicatively connected to internal power source controller l50a-2 and control the connection of internal power source l50a to the selected distribution line through controller l50a-2.

[0082] According to some embodiments, primary PDD 100 may include at least one meter 160, configured to measure at least one of voltage amplitude, voltage frequency, voltage phase, current amplitude, current frequency and current phase of at least one phase line of at least one external power source. For example, meter 160 may be configured to monitor power consumed from external power source 30 by the plurality of consumers (e.g. elements 250 of figure 1).

[0083] Primary controller 110 may be configured to receive (e.g. from server 40 of figure 1 , or through an administrative user interface 110-3) a limit number, presenting the maximal amount of power that may be allowed to be consumed from external power source (e.g. element 30 of figure 1) by the plurality of consumers 250. If the consumed power measured by meter 160 reaches a predefined percentage of the limit number, then primary controller 110 may set a work-mode of at least one internal power source 150 (e.g. storage device 150) and connect the at least one internal power source 150 to one of distribution lines (e.g. 155, 156, 157), to avoid consuming power from external power source 30 by the plurality of consumers 250, beyond the received limit.

[0084] The work-mode of internal power source 150 may include, for example: an active or inactive operation mode (e.g. : primary controller 110 may activate or deactivate a power generator), charging mode (e.g.: primary controller 110 may set a power storage device to be charged or to supply power), etc. Alternatively, primary controller 110 maybe configured to disconnect at least one consumer, and/or limit connection of additional consumers, to avoid surpassing the limited power consumed from external power source 30, according to at least one attributed priority of consumers, as explained further below.

[0085] External power source 30 may be a three-phase alternating current (AC) power source, and at least one distribution line (e.g. 155) may be a three-phase distribution line, including three phase lines l55a, l55b, l55c. Primary controller 110 may be configured to select one phase line of the plurality of phase lines, and control the connection of at least one internal power source 150 to the selected phase line. For example, primary controller 110 may detect through meter 160 that current consumed through one phase line of distribution line 155 is approaching a predefined limit. Primary controller 110 may consequently connect internal power source 150 (e.g. a power storage device, or an accumulator of at least one electric car) to that phase line, and thus reduce the drawing of current from external power source 30 on that phase line.

[0086] Reference is now made to figure 3, depicting components of a secondary controller, which may be part of hierarchic power distribution system 10, according to some embodiments. For the purpose of clarity, only distribution line 155 is presented in this figure, as a non-limiting example.

[0087] External power source 30 may be a three-phase alternating current (AC) power source, and at least one distribution line (e.g. 155) may be a three-phase distribution line, including three phase lines l55a, l55b and l55c. At least one secondary controller 210 may be configured to control the connection of at least one associated consumer to one phase line according to the command of primary controller (e.g. element 110 of figure 1).

[0088] According to some embodiments, secondary controller 210 may include a processor 211, communicatively connected to primary controller (e.g.: element 110 of figure 1) via control line 111. Processor 211 maybe configured to control at least one controllable switch (e.g. a controllable relay) 2l3a, 2l3b, 2l3c, 2l3d, so as to connect one phase line l55a, 155b, l55c to at least one feed line 23l-a, 23l-b, 23l-c, 23l-d, as known to persons skilled in the art of electric engineering.

[0089] According to some embodiments, secondary controller 210 may further include at least one circuit breaker 212 at the ingress of at least one distribution line (e.g. 155) into secondary PDD 200.

[0090] The capability to selectively route current from distribution lines (e.g.: 155, 156, 157) and phase lines to feed lines may facilitate a variety of options. For example, primary controller 110 may be configured to monitor the consumption of power on each of phase lines (e.g. l55a, l55b and l55c) by meter 160, and configure a secondary controller to connect consumers to specific phase lines, so as to balance the load on each phase of a distribution line, as explained in detail further below.

[0091] In another example, primary controller 110 may command a secondary controller 210 to shed consumers from a specific phase, for the purpose of performing maintenance work on one of phase lines (e.g. l55a, l55b and l55c).

[0092] In another example, meter 160 may be configured to detect that a malfunction has occurred on at least one phase line (e.g. l55a, l55b and l55c), and primary controller 110 may command a secondary controller 210 to consequently re-route specific feed lines from the at least one malfunctioned phase line to at least one other operational phase line. For example, meter 160 may measure the voltage on phase line l55a, and detect a voltage drop. After the condition of malfunction has elapsed, primary controller 110 may again command secondary controller 210 to re-route feed lines to the previously malfunctioned phase line, so as to balance the load among the phase lines.

[0093] Reference is now made to figure 4, which is a block diagram depicting components of secondary PDD 200, which is part of hierarchic power distribution system 10, according to some embodiments. Secondary PDD 200 may include at least one electric panel 240 (e.g. : 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d), associated with at least one respective consumer 250 (e.g.: 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d). Electric panel 240 may be connected to secondary controller 210 via at least one feed line 231, and receive electric power therefrom, and convey electric power via at least one end cable 241 to consumer 250.

[0094] Reference is now made to figure 5, which is a block diagram depicting components of secondary PDD 200, which is part of hierarchic power distribution system 10 according to some embodiments. For the purpose of clarity, figure 5 shows component relating to a single panel 240a and a single group of consumers 250a, as a non-limiting example. As shown in figure 5, panel 240a may route at least one feed line 23 la to a group of consumers including at least one consumer.

[0095] Primary controller (e.g. element 110 of figure 1) may be configured to assign a priority (e.g.: Pl, P2, P3, P4) to each feed line. Feed lines 23 la may be routed to individual consumers via end lines according to the individual consumers’ priority. For example, a refrigerator maybe assigned high priority (e.g. Pl), whereas garden lighting may be assigned low priority (e.g.: P4). Primary controller 110 may command at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line according to the assigned priority; and command at least one secondary controller to disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line according to the assigned priority. For example, if external power source 30 (e.g. a national power transmission grid) is down, primary controller 110 may be configured to connect at least one internal power source, such as a generator (e.g. element 150 of figure 1) to distribution line 155, and disconnect all feed lines except for those of the highest priority (e.g. maintain connection of Pl, and disconnect P2, P3, P4), to maintain the operation of important consumers (e.g. a refrigerator).

[0096] According to some embodiments, primary controller (e.g. element 110 of figure 1) may be configured to assign an operation type to at least one feed line (e.g.: Tl, T2, T3). Operation types may include, for example: constant operation, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) operation, timer operation and incentive-based operation. Feed lines 23 la may be routed to individual consumers via end lines 24la, according to individual consumers’ operation type. Primary controller 110 may be configured to command at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line according to the operation type; and disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line according to the operation type.

[0097]“Constant operation” type may be assigned to feed lines of consumers that are expected to work constantly. For example, refrigerators and important lighting spots should be expected to work, or at least be available for work throughout the day. Such consumers may therefore be routed to“constant operation” feed lines and be backed up by internal power sources at high priority.

[0098]“UPS” operation type may be assigned to feed lines of consumers that require continuous, spike- free power supply. For example, computers may be activated randomly throughout the day, but should receive continuous, spike- free power while they are active. Computers may therefore be routed to“UPS” feed lines and may, for example be fed directly via a power storage device (e.g. internal power source element 150 of figure 1)

[0099] According to some embodiments, at least one of distribution-line meter (e.g. elements 160, l50a-3 of figure 2) and secondary-controller meters (e.g. 230a-l thru 230a-6) may be configured to measure at least one of voltage amplitude, voltage frequency, voltage phase, current amplitude, current frequency and current phase.

[00100] Primary controller (e.g. element 110 of figure 1) may be configured to analyze the measured data, to identify at least one first condition that requires intervention, including at least one of: a change in a power coefficient associated with at least one internal power source 150, a change in a propagation constant of at least one internal power source 150, a change in voltage amplitude of at least one internal power source 150, a change in voltage frequency of at least one internal power soured 50, and a change in voltage phase of at least one internal power source 150.

[00101] Primary controller 110 may be configured to control at least one internal power source 150, to rectify the identified condition, via internal power source connector and internal power source controller (e.g. elements l50a-l and l50a-2 of figure 2). Alternatively, primary controller 110 may be configured to control at least one secondary controller 210, to control the connection of at least one USB-type feed line to at least one distribution line, in order to protect the respective consumers from possible harm by the first condition. [00102] Primary controller 110 may be configured to analyze the measured data, to identify at least one second condition that requires intervention, including at least one of: a change in a power coefficient associated with at least one external power source 30, a change in a propagation constant of at least one external power source 30, a change in voltage amplitude of at least one external power source 30, a change in voltage frequency of at least one external power source 30, and a change in voltage phase of at least one external power source 30.

[00103] Primary controller 110 may be configured to control at least one secondary controller 210, to control the connection of at least one USB-type feed line to at least one distribution line, in order to protect the respective consumers from possible harm by the second condition. For example: primary controller 110 may switch a USB feed line from external power source 30 to internal power source 150.

[00104] Primary controller 110 may be configured to analyze the measured data, to identify at least one third condition that requires intervention, including at least one of: a current surge, a current drain, occurrence of electric arcs and sparks, an event of lightning strike and electric circuit overheating. According to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may be configured to command at least one secondary controller to disconnect at least one feed fine from a respective distribution line, to protect the respective consumers from possible harm by the third condition.

[00105] “Incentive-based” operation type may be assigned to feed lines of non-critical, prominent power consumers. For example, laundry washers and drying machines are non- critical for immediate use, and they are prominent power consumers. Operation of such consumers may be preferable at times of low overall power demand (e.g. at night time). Moreover, electric power producers normally present time-based power consumption tariffs that provide incentive for users to operate such power consumers at specific times. Such consumers may therefore be connected to feed lines that are assigned an“Incentive-based” operation mode, and primary controller 110 may be configured to command at least one secondary to connect the“Incentive based” feed line to a distribution fine only at periods of low power-demand (e.g. at night).

[00106] Reference is now made to figures 6A and 6B, depicting two different scenarios of power outage, with and without implementation of system 10. Figure 6 A is a block diagram, presenting a scenario of power outage, in the absence of hierarchic power distribution system 10. Figure 6B is a block diagram, presenting an example of the function of hierarchic power distribution system 10, in a scenario of power outage, according to some embodiments.

[00107] As shown in figure 6A, upon power outage (e.g. XI) in the absence of system 10, an internal power source l50a may be activated, and connected via distribution line 156 to a high-priority consumer 250a. For example, during power outage in an apartment building, a generator may be activated, to operate high priority consumers (e.g. operate an elevator, to ensure that no-one has been trapped therein).

[00108] Since internal power source 150 is not normally intended for supporting the entire power consumption over the distribution grid, unnecessary consumer domains (e.g. 250b, 250c) are normally disconnected automatically following the introduction of the internal power source. Pertaining to the example of the apartment building, generator 150 may only support the operation of elevator 250a, while consumers 250b and 250c may be apartments which will be completely disconnected from power, regardless of the priority of individual consumers.

[00109] In contrast, and as shown in figure 6B, primary controller 110 is configured to control power consumption and introduction of internal power sources in a hierarchical manner. Primary controller 110 may command a plurality of secondary controllers (e.g.: 2l0a, 2l0b and 2l0c) to disconnect low-priority feed lines (e.g. : X3), maintain the connection of high-priority feed lines 231, and control the connection of at least one internal power source 150 (e.g. a generator) so as to enable operation of high priority consumers, and provide electricity on selected end-lines 241 in an event of power outage.

[00110] Referring back to figure 5, according to some embodiments, at least one secondary PDD 200 may further include at least one meter 230a (e.g. 230a-l , 230a-2, 230a- 3, 230a-4, 230a-5 and 230a-6), configured to measure a physical parameter of at least one feed line 231 of secondary PDD 200 including, for example, one or more of: consumed power, voltage of the feed line and current passing through the at least one feed line 231. The measured data may be propagated to the primary controller (e.g. element 110 of figure 1), and the primary controller 110 may be configured to command at least one secondary controller 210 to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line or disconnect the at least one feed line 231 therefrom, according to the measured data, and according to predefined logic.

[00111] For example, primary controller 110 may obtain measured data from at least one meter (e.g. : 230a-l thru 230a-6), to determine the overall power consumed by a specific consumer (e.g. 250a) and determine whether it has surpassed a predefined limit. If such a condition is detected, primary controller 110 may command secondary controller 210 to disconnect at least one low priority feed line from at least one distribution fine, and thus shed some of the overall power consumed by consumer 250a. Alternatively, primary controller 110 may disconnect feed lines that are not currently conveying power from distribution lines, to avoid activation of additional consumers over these feed lines.

[00112] In another example, primary controller 110 may obtain measured data from at least one meter (e.g.: 230a- 1 thru 230a-6) to determine the power consumed through each feed line. Primary controller 110 may then dynamically command a plurality of secondary controllers 210 to hierarchically alter the connection of feed lines to distribution lines, and thus control the balance among phases of distribution lines not only on a secondary PDD level, but also on a primary PDD level.

[00113] Reference is now made to figure 7which is a block diagram, presenting an example of the function of hierarchic power distribution system 10, in a scenario of phase load balancing among a plurality of secondary PDDs, according to some embodiments. In this example, distribution fines 155 and 156 are three-phase distribution lines, each including three separate phase lines. Distribution lines 155 and 156 are connected to form distribution fine 157, which may also be a three-phase distribution line. A first consumer has a prominent power-consuming machine 250a (e.g. an electric stove) connected to a feed fine that may be connected to one phase fine (e.g. phase A) of distribution line 157. A second consumer has two prominent power-consuming machines (e.g.: 250c-l and 250c-2) respectively connected to two feed lines, that are respectively connected to phase lines A and C of distribution line 157. This is a non-optimal condition, in which the load is not distributed evenly among phase fines. This condition may be rectified by reassigning feed lines to different phase fines on a secondary PDD level. For example - in a single apartment, it may be impossible to balance the load among phase lines when only a single prominent power consumer (e.g. an air-conditioning system) is activated.

[00114] By contrast, hierarchic structure of system 10, and the plurality of secondary PDDs 200, enables primary controller 110 to balance the phase fines on both a secondary PDD 200 level, and on a primary PDD 100 level. For example, in an apartment building that includes a plurality of apartments, primary controller 110 may be able to balance the load among phase lines (e.g. 155a, 155b, 155c of figure 3) of external power source 30 (e.g. power from a national electric transmission grid). As shown in the example depicted in figure 7, primary controller 110 may command secondary controller 210C to alter the connection of the feed line associated with consumer 250c- 1 from phase line A to phase line B, to obtain the required phase load balance.

[00115] Power companies are often faced with a requirement to cut off individual consumers, e.g. in the event of failing to pay electricity bills. In such an event, consumers are often completely cut off from power, regardless of their personal condition and requirements. System 10 may be configured to overcome such a condition and offer individuals an option to receive minimal power supply for essential needs (e.g. for emergency equipment, food refrigeration, etc.) according to predefined logic. Reference is now made to figures 8A and 8B, jointly elaborating the operation of system 10 in a scenario in which a consumer has been cut off the distribution grid. Figure 8A is a block diagram, presenting such a scenario in the absence of hierarchic power distribution system 10. Figure 8B is a block diagram, presenting the function of hierarchic power distribution system 10, in a scenario in which a specific consumer has been cut off the distribution grid, according to some embodiments.

[00116] As shown in figure 8A, consumer 250a may be cut off from distribution line 155 (e.g. XI), consequently cutting off power from all end lines 241.

[00117] In contrast, and as shown in figure 8A, primary controller 110 may receive data from an external server (e.g. server 40 of figure 1), including for example: power- consumption restrictions for individual consumers and power-consumption restrictions for a plurality of consumers. Primary controller 110 may consequently command at least one secondary controller 2l0a, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line, according to the received data or disconnect at least one feed line therefrom. For example, primary controller 110 may command secondary controller 2l0a to disconnect all but the highest priority feed lines 231 from distribution line 155. Thus, consumer 250a may be supplied with only minimal power for the purpose of maintaining the operation of critical electric appliances.

[00118] According to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may be configured to command at least one secondary controller 210, to disconnect consumer feed lines 231 according to power-consumption restrictions, and according to feed-line priorities. This configuration may enable system 10 to shed power consumption of consumer 250a according to a predefined priority list of appliances: from the least significant to the most significant. [00119] Referring back to figure 5, primary controller 110 may be configured to accumulate data of measured power consumption from meter 230a- 1 thru 230a-6 to produce a power consumption bill according to the measurements. According to some embodiments, different prices may be attributed to power consumed over different feed lines, to produce an incentive for users to use prominent power consumers only on appropriate feed lines.

[00120] According to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may be configured to: (a) receive a maximal-power threshold; (b) monitor the total amount of power consumed through primary PDD 100; and (c) emit an alert notification (e.g. on a dedicated user interface, on external server 40, and the like) when the monitored consumption approaches the received maximal-power threshold number. This configuration may, for example, assist consumers that prepay for predefined power consumption, by restricting consumers to remain within the boundaries of the prepaid power consumption agreement.

[00121] According to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may: (a) attribute an identity of a specific power source to the measured data, according to the connection of a feed 231 line to a distribution line (e.g. 157) by the respective secondary controller (e.g.: external power source 30, internal power source 150, an ID number representing the power source, etc.); (b) attribute a timestamp to the measured data; (c) receive at least one consumption tariff table, associating a price of a consumed power unit with the time of consumption and the source of power supply; and (d) produce at least one electricity bill associating at least one consumer with at least one of: the consumed power, the time of consumption, the power source, the feed line, and the relevant tariff.

[00122] According to some embodiments, server 40 and at least one primary controller 110 may jointly, and iteratively produce a power consumption regime that maybe beneficial for both the power producer (e.g. a national electric company) and consumers.

[00123] Primary controller 110 may be configured to send the accumulated measured power consumption data to server 40. Server 40 may be configured to analyze the data over time, in relation to groups of feed lines, groups of secondary PDDs, and groups of primary PDDs. According to some embodiments, server 40 may further analyze the data in relation to external conditions, e.g. : time of day, day of week, weather conditions, etc. According to some embodiments, server 40 may further analyze the data in relation to data relating to internal power sources 150, such as power consumption from each to internal power source.

[00124] According to some embodiments server 40 may be further configured to produce a prediction of future power consumption per each feed line, per each secondary PDD and per each primary PDD based on the analysis and propagate the prediction to primary controller 110. Primary controller 110 may determine an optimal configuration for internal power sources 150 according to the predicted consumption, and according to predefined logic.

[00125] For example: when the price of electricity from external power source 30 is low (e.g. during off-peak periods, such as late at night), primary controller 110 may direct power consumption to that source, and simultaneously activate the charging system of other internal power sources 150 (e.g. power storage devices and electric car batteries). In contrast, when price of electricity from external power source 30 is high, primary controller 110 may adapt the most efficient internal supply configuration fines to provide electricity at that time. For example, primary controller 110 may be configured to limit the power consumed by external source 30 and compensate for it by consuming power from a power storage device.

[00126] In another example, when excess electricity is generated from an internal power source (e.g. from a photovoltaic system during daytime, or by a generator) primary controller 110 may channel this surplus, according to the predicted power consumption, to other internal power sources (e.g. for charging a power storage device for charging electric car batteries), or to predetermined power consumers (e.g. water heating systems).

[00127] According to some embodiments, server 40 may produce updated power consumption tariffs per each type and priority of feed line based on the predicted power consumption. Server 40 may propagate the updated tariff to at least one primary controller 100, which in turn may command at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line, or disconnect the at least one feed line therefrom, according to the new predicted power consumption and according to the updated tariff.

[00128] Reference is now made to figure 9, which is a flowchart presenting a method of managing a hierarchic power distribution grid, conveying electricity to a plurality of consumers, according to some embodiments.

[00129] In Step S1005, an external power source (e.g. element 30 of figure 1), such as a national power distribution grid, may be connected to a primary PDD (e.g. element 100 of figure 1) via at least one first distribution fine (e.g. element 155 of figure 1). Primary PDD 100 may include a primary controller (e.g. element 110 of figure 1) and at least one internal power source (e.g. element 150 of figure 1), such as: a generator, a power storage device, etc. [00130] In step S1010, electric power from external power source 30 may be conveyed to at least one secondary PDD (e.g. element 200 of figure 1) over the first distribution line 155. According to some embodiments, secondary PDD may be associated with at least one consumer (e.g. elements 250a, 250b and 250c of figure 1).

[00131] In step S1015, according to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may control an operation condition of at least one internal power source 150 according to predefined logic. The condition may include, for example, at least one of: an activated state and a deactivated state.

[00132] In step S1020, according to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may control a connection of the at least one internal power source 150 to at least one second distribution line (e.g. element 156 of figure 1) according to predefined logic.

[00133] In step S1025, electric power from the at least one internal power source may be conveyed to at least one secondary PDD 200 over the at least one second distribution line.

[00134] In step S1030, according to some embodiments, primary controller 110 may command at least one secondary controller 210 to connect at least one consumer to one distribution line and disconnect said consumer therefrom.

[00135] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for managing a hierarchic power distribution grid, conveying electricity to a plurality of power consumers, the system comprising:

a primary power distribution domain (PDD), comprising a primary controller; and at least one secondary PDD, comprising at least one secondary controller associated with at least one consumer,

wherein the primary PDD is connected to an external power source and configured to convey electric power from the external power source, over at least one first distribution line, via the at least one secondary controller to the at least one associated consumer.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the primary PDD further comprises at least one internal power source and is configured to convey electric power from the at least one internal power source, over at least one second distribution line, via the at least one secondary controller to the at least one associated consumer.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the primary controller is configured to command at least one secondary controller to control the connection of at least one consumer to at least one distribution line.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the primary controller is configured according to predefined logic to:

change the state of at least one internal power source, between an activated state and a deactivated state; and

control the connection of the at least one internal power source to at least one distribution line.

5. The system of according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the primary controller is further configured to control at least one parameter of the internal power source according to predefined logic, wherein the parameter is at least one of a list consisting of: output voltage, output frequency, output voltage phase, and maximal output power.

6. The system according to any one of clai s 1 -5, wherein the primary PDD further comprises at least one meter, configured to measure power consumed from the external power source by the plurality of consumers, and wherein the primary controller is further configured to: receive a limit number, presenting the maximal amount of power that is allowed to be consumed from the external power source by the plurality of consumers; and

if the measured consumed power reaches a predefined percentage of the limit number, then activate at least one internal power source, and connect the activated power source to at least one distribution line, to avoid consuming power from the external power source by the plurality of consumers, beyond the received limit.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the external power source is a three-phase alternating current (AC) power source, and wherein each distribution line is a three-phase distribution line, comprising three phase lines, and wherein at least one secondary controller is configured to control the connection of each associated consumer to one phase line according to the command of the primary controller.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the external power source is a three-phase AC power source, and wherein each distribution line is a three-phase distribution line, comprising three phase lines, and wherein the primary controller is configured to select one phase line of the plurality of phase lines, and control the connection of at least one internal power source to the selected phase line.

9. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one internal power source comprises at least one of: an electric power generator; a power storage device; a photo-voltaic solar panel; and a rechargeable battery of an electric vehicle.

10. The system of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of power consumers is connected to at least one feed line, and wherein the secondary controller is configured to control the connection of each feed line to at least one distribution line, to convey electric power to each consumer according to the command of the primary controller.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 -10, wherein at least one secondary PDD further comprises at least one electric panel, configured to receive electric power from a respective secondary controller via at least one feed line, and convey the electric power to at least one consumer over respective end-lines.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1-11 , wherein the primary controller is configured to: assign a priority to each feed line; command at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line according to the assigned priority; and command at least one secondary controller to disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line according to the assigned priority.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the primary controller is configured to: assign an operation type to each feed line; control at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line according to the operation type; and disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line according to the operation type, wherein the operation type is one of: constant operation, timer operation, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) operation and incentive-based operation.

14. The system according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the at least one secondary PDD further comprises at least one meter, configured to measure at least one of: consumed power, voltage and current, over at least one feed line of the secondary PDD, and wherein the measured data is propagated to the primary controller that is configured to: command at least one secondary controller to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line according to the measured data; and disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line according to the measured data.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the primary controller is further configured to:

accumulate data of measured power consumption from at least one feed line; attribute an identity of a specific power source to the measured data, according to the connection of the feed line to a distribution line by the respective secondary controller; attribute a timestamp to the measured data;

receive at least one consumption tariff table, associating a price of a consumed power unit with the time of consumption and the source of power supply; and produce at least one electricity bill associating at least one consumer with at least one of: the consumed power, the time of consumption, the identity of the power source, and the relevant tariff.

16. The system according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the primary controller is further configured to: monitor at least one of the electrical current and consumed electric power over each phase line of each distribution line; and command at least one secondary controller, to control the connection of at least one feed line to one of the plurality of phase lines, according to the monitored data, to balance the load among the phase lines of at least one distribution line, associated with a plurality of secondary PDDs.

17. The system according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the primary controller is further configured to command at least one secondary controller to control the connection of at least one feed line to one of the plurality of phase lines, to perform at least one of: limit the current conveyed over at least one feed line; limit the current conveyed over at least one phase line; and limit the current conveyed over at least one distribution line.

18. The system according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the primary controller is communicatively connected to an external server, and wherein the primary controller is configured to:

receive data from the server, wherein said data comprises at least one of: an external power consumption forecast, power-consumption restrictions for individual consumers and power-consumption restrictions for the plurality of consumers;

command at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line, according to the received data; and

command at least one secondary controller, to disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line, according to the received data.

19. The system according to any one of claims 14-18, wherein the primary controller is communicatively connected to an external server, and is configured to send data comprising measured power consumption of feed lines to the server, and wherein the server is configured to: analyze the data over time, in relation to at least some of: groups of feed lines, groups of secondary PDDs, and groups of primary PDDs;

produce a prediction of future power consumption per at least one of: a feed line, a secondary PDD and a primary PDD, based on the analysis; and

propagate the prediction to the primary controller,

and wherein the primary controller is configured to control at least one internal power source based on the prediction.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the server is further configured to:

produce power consumption tariffs per each type and priority of feed line based on the analysis; and

propagate the updated tariff to at least one primary controller,

and wherein the at least one primary controller is further configured to command at least one secondary controller, based on the predicted power consumption and the updated tariff, to control the connection of at least one feed line to at least one distribution line.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein the primary controller is configured to monitor at

least one of voltage amplitude, voltage frequency, voltage phase, current amplitude, current frequency and current phase of at least one phase line of at least one external power source,

22. The system of claim 14, wherein the primary controller is configured to monitor at

least one of voltage amplitude, voltage frequency, voltage phase, current amplitude, current frequency and current phase of at least one phase line of at least one internal power source.

23. The system according to any of claims 21 and 22, wherein the primary controller is

configured to:

analyze the monitored data, to identify at least one first condition that requires intervention, wherein said first condition is at least one of a list consisting: a change in a power coefficient associated with at least one internal power source, a change in a propagation constant of at least one internal power source, a change in voltage amplitude of at least one internal power source, a change in voltage frequency of at least one internal power source, and a change in voltage phase of at least one internal power source;

control at least one internal power source, to rectify the identified condition;

control at least one secondary controller, to control the connection of at least one USB-type feed line to at least one distribution line, to protect the respective consumers from possible harm by the first condition.

24. The system according to any one of claims 21 and 22, wherein the primary controller

is configured to:

analyze the monitored data, to identify at least one second condition that requires intervention, wherein said second condition is at least one of a list consisting: a change in a power coefficient associated with at least one external power source, a change in a propagation constant of at least one external power source, a change in voltage amplitude of at least one external power source, a change in voltage frequency of at least one external power source, and a change in voltage phase of at least one external power source; and

control at least one secondary controller, to control the connection of at least one USB-type feed line to at least one distribution line, in order to protect the respective consumers from possible harm by the second condition.

25. The system according to any one of claims 21 and 22, wherein the primary controller

is configured to:

analyze the monitored data, to identify at least one third condition that requires intervention, wherein said third condition is at least one of a list consisting: a current surge, a current drain, occurrence of electric arcs and sparks, an event of lightning strike and electric circuit overheating; and

command at least one secondary controller to disconnect at least one feed line from a respective distribution line, to protect the respective consumers from possible harm by the at least one third condition.

26. A method of managing a hierarchic power distribution grid, conveying electricity to a plurality of consumers, comprising: connecting an external power source to a primary power distribution domain (PDD) via at least one first distribution line, wherein the primary PDD comprises a primary controller and at least one internal power source;

conveying electric power from the external power source to at least one secondary PDD over the first distribution line, wherein said secondary PDD is associated with at least one consumer;

controlling, by the primary controller, an operation condition of at least one internal power source according to predefined logic, wherein the condition includes at least one of: activated and deactivated;

controlling, by the primary controller, a connection of the at least one internal power source to at least one second distribution line according to predefined logic;

conveying electric power from the at least one internal power source, to at least one secondary PDD over the at least one second distribution line; and

commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller to connect at least one consumer to one distribution line and disconnect said consumer therefrom.

27. A method for managing a hierarchic power distribution grid, conveying electricity to a plurality of power consumers, the method comprising:

connecting an external power source to a primary power distribution domain (PDD), comprising at least one primary controller, via at least one first distribution line; connecting the primary PDD to at least one secondary PDD, comprising at least one secondary controller, associated with at least one power consumer; and

conveying electric power from the external power source, over the at least one first distribution line, via the at least one secondary controller to the at least one associated power consumer.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising conveying electric power from at least one internal power source of the primary PDD, over at least one second distribution line, via the at least one secondary controller to the at least one associated power consumer.

29. The method according to any one of claims 27 and 28, further comprising commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one consumer to one distribution line and disconnect said consumer therefrom.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27-29 further comprising:

changing, by the primary controller, the state of at least one internal power source, between an activated state and a deactivated state; and

controlling, by the primary controller, the connection of the at least one internal power source to at least one distribution line.

31. The method according to any one of claims 27 -30, further comprising controlling, by the primary controller, at least one parameter of the internal power source, wherein the parameter is at least one of a list consisting of: output voltage, output frequency, output voltage phase, and maximal output power.

32. The method according to any one of claims 27-31, further comprising:

measuring, by at least one meter within the primary PDD, power consumed from the external power source by the plurality of consumers;

receiving, by the primary controller, a limit number, presenting the maximal amount of power that is allowed to be consumed from the external power source by the plurality of consumers; and

if the measured consumed power reaches a predefined percentage of the limit number, then:

activating, by the primary controller, at least one internal power source; and connecting the activated power source by the primary controller, to at least one distribution line, to avoid consuming power from the external power source by the plurality of consumers, beyond the received limit.

33. The method according to any one of claims 27-32, further comprising controlling, by at least one secondary controller, the connection of each associated power consumer to one phase line of one distribution line according to the command of the primary controller.

34. The method according to any one of claims 27-33, further comprising selecting, by the primary controller, at least one phase line of at least one distribution line and controlling the connection of at least one internal power source to the at least one selected phase line.

35. The method according to any one of clai s 27-34, wherein the at least one internal power source comprises at least one of: an electric power generator; a power storage device; a photo- voltaic solar panel; and a rechargeable battery of an electric vehicle.

36. The method according to any one of claims 27-35, further comprising:

connecting each consumer of the plurality of consumers to at least one feed line; and

connecting the at least one feed line to at least one distribution line by the secondary controller, according to the command of the primary controller, to convey electric power to each of the plurality of consumers.

37. The method according to any one of claims 27-36, further comprising:

assigning, by the primary controller, a priority to each feed line;

commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line according to the assigned priority; and

commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller to disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line according to the assigned priority.

38. The method according to any one of claims 27-37, further comprising:

assigning, by the primary controller, an operation type to each feed line; commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line according to the operation type; and

commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller, to disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line according to the operation type.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the operation type is at least one of a list consisting of: constant operation, timer operation, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) operation and incentive-based operation.

40. The method according to any one of claims 27-39, further comprising:

measuring, by a meter within the at least one secondary PDD, at least one of: consumed power, voltage and current, over at least one feed line of the secondary PDD; propagating the measured data to the primary controller;

commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line according to the measured data; and commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller to disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line according to the measured data.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising:

accumulating, by the primary controller, data of measured power consumption from at least one feed line;

attributing, by the primary controller, an identity of a specific power source to the measured data, according to the connection of the feed line to a distribution line by the respective secondary controller;

attributing, by the primary controller, a timestamp to the measured data; receiving, by the primary controller, at least one consumption tariff table, associating a price of a consumed power unit with the time of consumption and the source of power supply; and

producing, by the primary controller, at least one electricity bill associating at least one consumer with at least one of: the consumed power, the time of consumption, the identity of the power source, and the relevant tariff.

42. The method according to any one of claims 27-41, further comprising:

monitoring, by the primary controller, at least one of the electrical current and consumed electric power over each phase line of each distribution line; and

commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller, to control the connection of at least one feed line to one of the plurality of phase lines, according to the monitored data, so as to balance the load among the phase lines of at least one distribution line, associated with a plurality of secondary PDDs.

43. The method according to any one of clai s 27-42, further comprising commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller to control the connection of at least one feed line to one of the plurality of phase lines, so as to perform at least one of: limit the current conveyed over at least one feed line; limit the current conveyed over at least one phase line; and limit the current conveyed over at least one distribution line.

44. The method according to any one of claims 27-43, further comprising:

communicatively connecting the primary controller to an external server; receiving, by the primary controller, data from the server, wherein said data comprises at least one of: an external power consumption forecast, power-consumption restrictions for individual consumers and power-consumption restrictions for the plurality of consumers;

commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller, to connect at least one feed line to at least one distribution line, according to the received data; and

commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller, to disconnect at least one feed line from at least one distribution line, according to the received data.

45. The method according to any one of claims 27-44, further comprising:

sending, by the primary controller, data comprising measured power consumption of feed lines to the server;

analyzing, by the server, the data over time, in relation to at least some of: groups of feed lines, groups of secondary PDDs, and groups of primary PDDs;

producing, by the server, a prediction of future power consumption per at least one of: a feed line, a secondary PDD and a primary PDD, based on the analysis;

propagating, by the server, the prediction to the primary controller; and controlling, by the primary controller, the operation of at least one internal power source based on the prediction.

46. The method according to claim 45, further comprising:

producing, by the server, power consumption tariffs per each type and priority of feed line based on the analysis; and propagating the updated tariff to at least one primary controller; and

commanding, by the at least one primary controller, at least one secondary controller, based on the predicted power consumption and the updated tariff, to control the connection of at least one feed line to at least one distribution line.

47. The method according to any one of claims 27-46, further comprising monitoring,

by the primary controller, at least one of voltage amplitude, voltage frequency, voltage phase, current amplitude, current frequency and current phase of at least one phase line of at least one external power source.

48. The method according to any one of claims 27-46, further comprising monitoring,

by the primary controller, at least one of voltage amplitude, voltage frequency, voltage phase, current amplitude, current frequency and current phase of at least one phase line of at least one internal power source.

49. The method according to any one of claims 47, 48 further comprising:

analyzing, by the primary controller, the monitored data, to identify at least one first condition that requires intervention, wherein said first condition is at least one of a list consisting: a change in a power coefficient associated with at least one internal power source, a change in a propagation constant of at least one internal power source, a change in voltage amplitude of at least one internal power source, a change in voltage frequency of at least one internal power source, and a change in voltage phase of at least one internal power source;

controlling, by the primary controller, the operation of at least one internal power source, to rectify the identified condition; and

commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller, to control the connection of at least one USB-type feed line to at least one distribution line, to protect the respective consumers from possible harm by the first condition.

50. The method according to any one of claims 47 and 48, further comprising:

analyzing, by the primary controller, the measured data, to identify at least one second condition that requires intervention, wherein said second condition is at least one of a list consisting: a change in a power coefficient associated with at least one external power source, a change in a propagation constant of at least one external power source, a change in voltage amplitude of at least one external power source, a change in voltage frequency of at least one external power source, and a change in voltage phase of at least one external power source; and

commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller, to control the connection of at least one USB-type feed line to at least one distribution line, to protect the respective consumers from possible harm by the second condition.

51. The method according to any one of claims 47 and 48, further comprising:

analyzing, by the primary controller, the measured data, to identify at least one third condition that requires intervention, wherein said third condition is at least one of a list consisting: a current surge, a current drain, occurrence of electric arcs and sparks, an event of lightning strike and electric circuit overheating; and

commanding, by the primary controller, at least one secondary controller, to disconnect at least one feed line from a respective distribution line, to protect the respective consumers from possible harm by the at least one third condition.