Power Sub-grid Including Power Generated From Alternative Sources

• US 20130175863A1
• Filed: 01/08/2012
• Published: 07/11/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Yang Pan
• Original Assignee: Yang Pan
• Inventors: Pan, Yang
• Application Number:
  US13/345,712
• Publication Number:
  US 20130175863A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/06 Energy or water supply
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/14 Balancing the load in a network
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2300/20 The dispersed energy generation being of renewable origin
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/381 Dispersed generators
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/46 Controlling of the sharing of output between the generators, converters, or transformers

Abstract

A power sub-grid for distributing both AC and DC powers is disclosed. A controller selects one of the operation modes for the sub-grid. The operation modes include 1) distributing AC power only; 2) distributing DC power only; and 3) distributing both AC and DC powers. The controller selects the operation mode based upon available DC power generated from alternative sources coupled to the sub-grid and required power for AC and DC electrical appliances in all consumption units. An inter sub-grid power bridge may be used to deliver surplus DC power to another sub-grid.

Claims

1. A power sub-grid for distributing electrical power to a plurality of consumption units coupled to the sub-grid, the sub-grid comprising:

(a) an AC power distribution unit for distributing AC power received from an AC power grid to the consumption units;

(b) a DC power distribution unit for distributing DC power generated at least from one alternative power source to the consumption units;

(c) a controller for selecting one of the following operation modes for the sub-grid;

a. distributing AC power only;

b. distributing DC power only; and

c. distributing both AC and DC powers.

2. The sub-grid as recited in claim 1, wherein said sub-grid is coupled to the AC power grid through a switch, wherein said switch is controlled by said controller.

3. The sub-grid as recited in claim 1, wherein said controller further comprises a processor;

4. The sub-grid as recited in claim 1, wherein said controller further comprises a supply detector pertaining to determining available DC power generated by said alternative power source.

5. The sub-grid as recited in claim 1, wherein said controller further comprises a demand detector pertaining to determining power required from the consumption units.

6. The sub-grid as recited in claim 1, wherein said controller further comprises a converter for converting DC power into AC power;

7. The sub-grid as recited in claim 1, wherein said controller further comprises a grid storage unit.

8. The sub-grid as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said consumption units further comprises a unit controller, wherein said unit controller further provides a means of connecting the unit to the AC distribution unit or to the DC distribution unit or to both AC and DC distribution units in accordance with said operation mode of said sub-grid.

9. The sub-grid as recited in claim 1, wherein said sub-grid further comprises an inter sub-grid power bridge, wherein said power bridge is connectable to another sub-grid, wherein said power bridge provides a means of delivering surplus DC power from the sub-grid to said another sub-grid.

10. The sub-grid as recited in claim 9, wherein said power bridge is controlled by said controller.

11. The sub-grid as recited in claim 1, wherein said controller further comprises a communication unit for communicating with another communication unit in another sub-grid.

12. The sub-grid as recited in claim 1, wherein said alternative power source further comprising a power source from one or a combination of the following:

(a) a solar power system;

(b) a wind turbine; and

(c) a fuel cell system.

13. A method of distributing electrical power to a plurality of consumption units through a power sub-grid, the method comprising selecting one of the following operation modes for the sub-grid by a controller:

(a) distributing only AC power through an AC power distribution unit;

(b) distributing only DC power through a DC power distribution unit; and

(c) distributing both AC and DC powers through the AC and the DC power distribution units, respectively.

14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein said method further comprises determining available DC power by a supply detector of said controller.

15. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein said method further comprises determining required power from the consumption units by a demand detector in said controller.

16. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein said method further comprises supplying surplus DC power generated by one or a plurality of alternative power sources to another sub-grid through an inter sub-grid power bridge.

17. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein said method further comprises converting surplus DC power generated by one or a plurality of alternative power sources into AC power and injecting the AC power into an AC power grid.

18. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein said method further comprises storing surplus DC power generated by one or a plurality of alternative power sources into a grid power storage unit.

19. A control device for a power consumption unit coupled to a power sub-grid, wherein said consumption unit includes appliances that receive AC power and appliances that receive DC power, the device comprises:

(a) a processor;

(b) a demand detector pertaining to determining required electrical power for powering the electrical appliances in the unit;

(c) a supply detector pertaining to determining available DC power from a DC distribution unit of the sub-grid;

(d) a means of consuming said available DC power as a priority over consuming the AC power.

20. The control device as recited in claim 19, wherein said control device is coupled to a first switch and a second switch, wherein said first connects the unit to a AC power distribution unit of the sub-grid and said second switch connects the unit to the DC power distribution unit.