REMOTE ACCESS, CONTROL, AND MANAGEMENT OF A POWER MICRO GRID
First Claim
1. A system for controlling an off-grid power supply network, the off-grid power supply network including a plurality of power sources, the plurality of power sources including a plurality of solar panels and a plurality of loads, wherein certain ones of the plurality of loads are connected through an inverter circuit, the system comprising:
- a microcontroller, the microcontroller enabling bi-directional communications that include;
automated source discovery, monitoring and notification with respect to each of the plurality of sources using power line communications;
automated load discovery, monitoring, notification and power allocation with respect to each of the plurality of loads using power line communications; and
provisioning for retail power distribution based upon pre-paid funds using a communications network; and
an interface coupled to the microcontroller that that allows for communications using the communications network.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for remote access, and management of a power grid and their associated loads. At least certain embodiments are configured for provisioning and control of decentralized non-grid connected power sources and corresponding power loads, including DC from photovoltaics (“PVs”) and AC from inverters, to a variety of power loads such as various electrical motors, lights as well as residential or business appliances. Aspects of the techniques described herein further include automated monitoring of various sensors including sensors that measure power, voltage, current, temperature, and humidity of the power sources as well as notification triggers and alarms to a feature phone. Other aspects are further adapted to track and receive payment for electric power from consumers connected with the decentralized non-grid power sources. The control of the power sources and loads can be bi-directional and can be performed using a smartphone that interfaces with a microcontroller.
9 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A system for controlling an off-grid power supply network, the off-grid power supply network including a plurality of power sources, the plurality of power sources including a plurality of solar panels and a plurality of loads, wherein certain ones of the plurality of loads are connected through an inverter circuit, the system comprising:
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a microcontroller, the microcontroller enabling bi-directional communications that include; automated source discovery, monitoring and notification with respect to each of the plurality of sources using power line communications; automated load discovery, monitoring, notification and power allocation with respect to each of the plurality of loads using power line communications; and provisioning for retail power distribution based upon pre-paid funds using a communications network; and an interface coupled to the microcontroller that that allows for communications using the communications network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for controlling an off-grid power supply network, the off-grid power supply network including a plurality of power sources, the plurality of power sources including a plurality of solar panels and a plurality of loads, wherein certain ones of the plurality of loads are connected through an inverter circuit, the method comprising:
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enabling bi-directional communications on the off-grid power supply network, the bi-directional communications enabled by a microcontroller, and including; automated source discovery, monitoring and notification with respect to each of the plurality of sources using power line communications; automated load discovery, monitoring, notification and power allocation with respect to each of the plurality of loads using power line communications; and provisioning for retail power distribution based upon pre-paid funds using a communications network; and enabling communications using a communications network using an interface, wherein the interface is coupled to the microcontroller. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification