Systems and methods for aggregation and integration of distributed grid elements inputs for providing an interactive electric power grid geographic visualization

• US 10,444,806 B2
• Filed: 09/19/2016
• Issued: 10/15/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Causam Enterprises, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Causam Energy, Inc.
• Inventors: Brockman, Nathaniel Taylor, Forbes, Jr., Joseph W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yen, Jason T
• Application Number:
  US15/269,120
• Publication Number:
  US 20170092055A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,121 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3673 Labelling using text of road map data items, e.g. road names, POI names
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3852 Data derived from aerial or satellite images
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3878 Hierarchical structures, e.g. layering
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/189 Power distribution
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/5866 using information manually generated, e.g. tags, keywords, comments, manually generated location and time information
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06315 Needs-based resource requirements planning or analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/101 Collaborative creation, e.g. joint development of products or services
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/01 Social networking
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/176 Urban or other man-made structures
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 3/12 in graphical form
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3209 Input means, e.g. buttons, touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3225 Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3255 Incentive, loyalty and/or promotion schemes, e.g. comps, gaming associated with a purchase, gaming funded by advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2203/20 Simulating, e g planning, reliability check, modelling or computer assisted design [CAD]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/003 Load forecast, e.g. methods or systems for forecasting future load demand
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/00 Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 10/40 Display of information, e.g. of data or controls
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/221 General power management systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/20 Information technology specific aspects, e.g. CAD, simulation, modelling, system security
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 50/10 : Energy trading, including energy flowing from end-user application to grid

Abstract

Systems and methods for aggregating and integrating distributed grid element inputs are disclosed. A data platform is provided for a distribution power grid. The data platform provides a crowd-sourced gaming system for identifying grid elements and determining dynamic electric power topology. The data platform also provides an interactive interface for displaying a view of a certain area with identified grid elements. The data platform communicatively connects to the identified grid elements, collects data from the identified grid elements, and manages the distribution power grid.

Claims

1. A system for aggregating and integrating distributed grid element inputs, comprising:

a server platform constructed and configured for network communication with a power distribution grid in a certain area;

at least one user device constructed and configured for network communication with the server platform; and

at least one grid element operable to electrically connect to the power distribution grid and operable to participate in the power distribution grid;

wherein the server platform provides a map layer and a power system model of the power distribution grid in the certain area via a dynamic graphical user interface;

wherein the dynamic graphical user interface is operable to display a multiplicity of electrical components of the power distribution grid and real-time data related to the multiplicity of electrical components on the map layer of the power distribution grid based on the power system model;

wherein the at least one user device is further operable to tag and display the at least one grid element on the map layer of the power distribution grid with information of the at least one grid element via the dynamic graphical user interface;

wherein the server platform is operable to automatically integrate the at least one grid element into the power system model for the power distribution grid in the certain area in real time or near real time, thereby creating an updated power system model;

wherein the server platform is operable to provide at least one digital contract between the at least one grid element and the power distribution grid regarding a participation of the at least one grid element in the power distribution grid, wherein the participation comprises supplying power to the power distribution grid, consuming power from the power distribution grid, and/or providing power curtailment to the power distribution grid;

wherein the server platform is operable to control the participation of the at least one grid element in the power distribution grid in real time or near real time based on the at least one digital contract and the updated power system model.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the map layer of the power distribution grid comprises a satellite image of the certain area.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the map layer of the power distribution grid comprises a map in street mode.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one grid element comprises distributed energy resources, loads, standby generation, power plants, transmission lines, distribution lines, and substations.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the server platform is operable to provide the power system model with real-time meter data from the power distribution grid.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the server platform is operable to provide an opportunity zone for identifying existing grid elements and/or opportunities for new installations over the map layer of the power distribution grid.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one user device is operable to identify and tag the existing grid elements and opportunities for new installations via the dynamic graphical user interface.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein tagging the existing grid elements and opportunities for new installations comprises tagging an asset type and/or an opportunity type with sizing and/or a point score for indicating value or weight.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the server platform is operable to provide a peer review process to eliminate addition of inaccurate data to the server platform via the dynamic graphical user interface.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the server platform is operable to provide prizes and incentives for adding grid elements with the highest volume and accuracy within a limited time period.

11. A method for aggregating and integrating distributed grid element inputs, comprising:

providing a server platform constructed and configured for network communication with a power distribution grid in a certain area, at least one user device constructed and configured for network communication with the server platform, and at least one grid element operable to electrically connect to the power distribution grid and operable to participate in the power distribution grid, wherein the server platform provides a map layer and a power system model of the power distribution grid in the certain area via a dynamic graphical user interface;

the dynamic graphical user interface displaying a multiplicity of electrical components of the power distribution grid and real-time data related to the multiplicity of electrical components on the map layer of the power distribution grid based on the power system model;

the at least one user device tagging and displaying the at least one grid element on the map layer of the power distribution grid with information of the at least one grid element via the dynamic graphical user interface;

the server platform integrating the at least one grid element into the power system model for the certain area in real time or near real time, thereby creating an updated power system model;

the server platform providing at least one digital contract between the at least one grid element and the power distribution grid regarding a participation of the at least one grid element in the power distribution grid, wherein the participation comprises supplying power to the power distribution grid, consuming power from the power distribution grid, and/or providing power curtailment to the power distribution grid; and

the server platform controlling the participation of the at least one grid element in the power distribution grid in real time or near real time based on the at least one digital contract and the updated power system model.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the map layer of the power distribution grid comprises a satellite image.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the map layer of the power distribution grid comprises a map in street mode.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one grid element comprises distributed energy resources, loads, standby generation, power plants, transmission lines, distribution lines, and substations.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising the server platform providing the power system model with real-time meter data from the power distribution grid.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising the server platform providing an opportunity zone for identifying existing grid elements and opportunities for new installations via the dynamic graphical user interface.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the at least one user device visually discovering and tagging existing grid elements and/or opportunities for new installations via the dynamic graphical user interface.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the at least one user device tagging the existing grid elements and/or opportunities for new installations with an asset type and/or an opportunity type, sizing and/or a point score for indicating value or weight.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising the server platform providing a peer review process to eliminate the addition of inaccurate data to the server platform.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising the server platform providing prizes and incentives for adding grid elements with the highest volume and accuracy within a limited time period.