Universal Smart Energy Transformer Module

• US 20140297206A1
• Filed: 03/28/2013
• Published: 10/02/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Kaspar LLC
• Original Assignee: Kaspar LLC
• Inventors: Silverman, Lawrence
• Application Number:
  US13/853,050
• Publication Number:
  US 20140297206A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/58
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 22/063 related to remote communication
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 22/066 Arrangements for avoiding or indicating fraudulent use
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 27/402 Association of measuring or protective means
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00006 characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00017 using optical fiber
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00034 the elements or equipment being or involving an electric power substation
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2300/24 of photovoltaic origin
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/381 Dispersed generators
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/002 in which a reserve is maintained in an energy source by disconnecting non-critical loads, e.g. maintaining a reserve of charge in a vehicle battery for starting an engine
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/30 Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/3225 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/56 Power conversion systems, e.g. maximum power point trackers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 40/70 Smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the energy generation sector
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/00 Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 10/123 the energy generation units being or involving renewable energy sources
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/20 End-user application control systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/221 General power management systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/222 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/124 using wired telecommunication networks or data transmission busses

Abstract

A universal smart energy transformer module (USETM) that uses an array of sensors to monitor and measure characteristics of the electrical power delivered and utilized at a location, along with other conditions in the area surrounding the location. The invention then uses the data from these sensors to determine the condition and performance of the transformer (for example, its input and output, power quality etc.) and also to identify any anomalies detected within the local power system that could threaten reliable electric supply on the electric grid, or pose a danger to people. A notification of such condition may be distributed using the secure, uninterruptible communications system.

Claims

1. A system to continuously monitor and control transformers located in an electrical distribution system and related conditions that will operate even in the event of power failure on the electric grid, consisting of:

a. one or more sensors (that will measure selected parameters at the transformer, including temperature, voltage, current, frequency waveforms, power quality measurements, RF emissions, as well as environmental conditions in the vicinity of the transformer

b. Communications modules that will receive and transmit data from the sensors to a computer

c. Algorithms within the computer that will analyze the data from the sensors to determine and store data concerning;

i. the operating health and efficiency of the transformer measuring sags, transients, momentary or sustained outages, and other anomalies

ii. the amount of electricity being delivered by the transformer

iii. the amount of electricity being delivered by the transformer compared with the total amount of electricity consumption measured by electric meters connected to the transformer to detect losses or theft

iv. anomalous waveforms and other exceptional conditions that may be observed by the sensors that may indicate potential threats from tampering, malicious software inserted into the power system or other threats

v. records of past threats and anomalies for analysis and to enable the system to issue proactive instructions to address new threats detected,

2. A communications system that will automatically receive and transmit data describing conditions detected by the sensors in the sensor network, including emergency conditions assessed in real-time

a. The system in claim 2 where the Communications system is uninterruptible and will operate even in the event of power failure on the electric grid by the inclusion of a rechargeable continuous power source, consisting of an energy storage device such as a battery or super-capacitor, which can recharge by drawing power from the electric grid, or in the event of power failure on the electric grid, from a renewable power source such as solar PV, small wind turbine, fuel cell or similar device. An electronic control disconnects the system from connection to the grid for safety purposes, but is configured to enable the system of claim 2 to continue to operate, so that failure conditions and existing conditions at and around the device will continue to be transmitted to service personnel and first responders that will enable them to assess the reason for failure, tools required, and other equipment to enhance safety by enabling them to prepare for conditions they will encounter onsite.

3. A device that measures parameters associated with a transformer on the power grid, including but not limited to temperature, emitted gases, frequency, voltage, current, phase shift and other power quality parameters, and other internal and external conditions affecting the transformer in order to control the output of electricity from the electric grid, input of locally generated power to the electric grid, and other controllable conditions, and to preserve stability in the electric grid

a. The system of claim 3 where the measurement of some of the electrical parameters is made by sampling the power line at rapid intervals in order to detect and record anomalies that may be linked to malicious software that can attack operation of the power system, specific devices or users connected thereto;

b. The system of claim 3 including a device that will measure the temperature of the transformer to maintain an adequate “

cool-down cycle”

by providing a signal that can be used to instruct electric vehicle chargers and other major loads not to turn-on and draw power through the transformer until adequate cooling has been achieved. A computer may “

stagger”

or schedule the activation of these loads at separate intervals in order to not overload the transformer.

c. The system of claim 3 where a formula is applied to certain parameters in order to calculate a quantity of “

incentive points”

to be awarded to users connected to that distribution transformer