Method and Apparatus for Optimization of Distributed Generation
First Claim
1. A method for optimizing the use of utility-supplied energy sources and renewable energy sources, the method comprising:
- optimizing a stored volume of stored energy, wherein the stored volume of stored energy is created from utility-provided energy sources or renewable energy sources, and wherein the stored volume of stored energy is optimized using a first formula that includes parameters accounting for energy requirements of a building, energy requirements of at least one vehicle powered in part or in whole by the type of energy stored, and user-configurable optimization criteria; and
optimizing respective amounts of power obtained from the utility-provided energy sources, produced by the renewable energy sources, and produced by converting energy in the stored volume of stored energy to power, wherein the respective amounts of power are optimized according to a second formula that is dependent on the first formula.
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Abstract
An energy optimization method and control apparatus may be used in a single building or a group of buildings to optimize utility-supplied and renewable sources in order to minimize the total energy cost. Simultaneously, it may also produce and store energy, such as electricity or hydrogen, that can be used to fuel vehicles, provide a means for independent production of household energy needs, or both. Various factors, such as the production of thermal energy and electricity from the renewable sources, the current store of stored energy, the current and expected thermal and electricity requirements of the building (based on a profile), the current and expected electricity loads of the equipment used to process stored energy, the expected thermal and electricity generating capacity of the renewable sources and other factors can be used to determine the mix of renewable-based and utility-based energy that minimizes the total energy cost.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for optimizing the use of utility-supplied energy sources and renewable energy sources, the method comprising:
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optimizing a stored volume of stored energy, wherein the stored volume of stored energy is created from utility-provided energy sources or renewable energy sources, and wherein the stored volume of stored energy is optimized using a first formula that includes parameters accounting for energy requirements of a building, energy requirements of at least one vehicle powered in part or in whole by the type of energy stored, and user-configurable optimization criteria; and optimizing respective amounts of power obtained from the utility-provided energy sources, produced by the renewable energy sources, and produced by converting energy in the stored volume of stored energy to power, wherein the respective amounts of power are optimized according to a second formula that is dependent on the first formula. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for an energy management system to optimize energy costs associated with providing energy from different sources for use within a building, the method comprising:
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determining an energy requirement for a building and a stored energy fuel requirement for at least one vehicle powered in whole or in part by the type of energy stored; determining at least one user-defined scenario governing production of stored energy from utility-supplied energy sources and renewable energy sources; optimizing an amount of stored energy according to the energy requirement for the building, the stored energy fuel requirement for the vehicle powered in whole or in part by the type of energy stored, and the user-defined scenario; and optimizing respective amounts of energy consumed from the utility-supplied energy sources and the renewable energy sources according to the energy requirement for the building, the fuel requirement for the vehicle powered in whole or in part by the type of energy stored, and the user-defined scenario; and wherein optimizing an amount of stored energy comprises optimizing the amount of stored energy according to an independent formula that includes as parameters;
a direct renewables to stored energy capability that renewable energy sources provide to producing stored energy and a capability that a utility-supplied electric grid provides to producing stored energy. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for optimizing energy costs for a networked group of buildings, the method comprising:
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for the networked group of buildings, optimizing the utilization of energy obtained from utility-supplied energy sources, renewable energy sources, and stored energy according to a optimization function, and wherein the networked group of buildings includes N buildings, and wherein the optimization function is of the form Z=b1Y1+b2Y2+b3Y3+Z1+Z2+ . . . +Zn, wherein Y1, Y2 and Y3 are variables defining energy requirements and resources for the group of networked buildings, wherein b1, b2 and b3 are constants, and wherein Z1 . . . Zn are respective energy optimization functions for each building in the networked group of buildings. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification