Systems and Methods for Managing a Smart Grid Network
First Claim
1. A system for managing an energy distribution network of local power production units over a distributed communications network, comprising:
- a control server configured to control the power production of a plurality of local power production units, wherein the control server determines the amount of power to be provided by each of the local power production units to the energy distribution network; and
a plurality of local power production interface units coupled to the control server configured to provide instructions to local power production units, wherein the control server is further configured to establish a plurality of operational nodes comprising one or more local power production units, wherein the control server is configured to dynamically add or remove local power production units from an operational node.
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Abstract
A system and method for operating a distributed power generation system comprising one or more Local Production Units (LPPUs) is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving and storing data relating to the operating performance of a plurality of LPPUs, receiving and storing data relating to the local power consumption for the plurality of LPPUs, determining the available aggregate quantity of excess power generation capacity for the plurality of LPPUs based upon the operating performance data and the power consumption data, communicating to at least one power purchasing entity an offer to sell at least part of the available aggregate quantity of excess power generation capacity, receiving from at least one power purchasing entity an order to purchase, and communicating with the plurality of LPPUs to provide each LPPU with instructions regarding the quantity of power to be produced. The system includes means for performing each of these steps.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A system for managing an energy distribution network of local power production units over a distributed communications network, comprising:
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a control server configured to control the power production of a plurality of local power production units, wherein the control server determines the amount of power to be provided by each of the local power production units to the energy distribution network; and a plurality of local power production interface units coupled to the control server configured to provide instructions to local power production units, wherein the control server is further configured to establish a plurality of operational nodes comprising one or more local power production units, wherein the control server is configured to dynamically add or remove local power production units from an operational node. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for managing an energy distribution network of local power productions units over a distributed communications network, comprising:
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receiving a request for a target power amount from a power purchasing entity; establishing an operational node containing one or more local power production units that collectively produce the target power amount, wherein the selection of local power production units within the operational node is based on one or more of geography, mutual proximity, combined generation power outputs, or peaking/non-peaking performance considerations of the local power production units; and arranging for a collective output power amount from the operational node to be provided to the power purchasing entity. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification