Hierarchical and distributed power grid control
AssigneeApparent Labs, LLC
InventorsStefan Matan, Fred C Horton, Frank P Marrone
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A control node enables distributed grid control. The control node monitors power generation and power demand at a point of common coupling (PCC) between a utility power grid and all devices downstream from the PCC. The control node can have one or more consumer nodes, which can be or include customer premises, and one or more energy sources connected downstream. The control node monitors and controls the interface via the PCC from the same side of the PCC as the power generation and power demand. The control can include adjusting the interface between the control node and the central grid management via the PCC to maintain compliance with grid regulations at the PCC.
Claims20
A method for controlling a power grid, comprising:
- monitoring power generation and power demand at a point of common coupling (PCC) to a utility power grid with a control node, on a same side of the PCC as the power generation and power demand, and on an opposite side of the PCC as central grid management;
- and
- adjusting an interface between the control node and the central grid management via the PCC to maintain compliance with grid regulations at the PCC.
An apparatus for controlling a power grid, comprising:
- a grid connector to couple to the power grid at a point of common coupling (PCC) for a consumer node;
- a controller to monitor power generation and power demand at the PCC on a side of the PCC of the consumer node;
- and
- a power converter to adjust an interface between the apparatus and central grid management via the PCC to maintain compliance with grid regulations at the PCC from the side of the PCC of the consumer node.
A power metering device, comprising:
- a grid connector to couple to the power grid at a point of common coupling (PCC) for a consumer node;
- a controller to monitor power generation and power demand at the PCC on a side of the PCC of the consumer node;
- and
- I/O (input/output) to connect to a power converter, the controller to send one or more signals via the I/O to the power converter to cause the power converter to adjust an interface between the apparatus and central grid management via the PCC to maintain compliance with grid regulations at the PCC from the side of the PCC of the consumer node in response to monitoring by the power metering device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.