System and method to control distributed power generation network
First Claim
1. A system for operating power machines, comprising:
- a. a plurality of power machines, the power machines each comprising control circuitry coupled thereto; and
b. a remote means for actuating the power machines comprising;
i. a means for monitoring a market price of electricity;
ii. a means for monitoring a market price of hydrocarbon fuels; and
iii. a means for calculating the difference between the market price of electricity and the market price of hydrocarbon fuels;
wherein after the remote means for actuating the power machines transmits an actuation signal to the power machines, the control circuitry evaluates local data stored therein prior to actuating the power machines.
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Abstract
This invention is a system to control a network of distributed power machines. In one preferred embodiment, the system monitors the prices of electricity and hydrocarbon fuels on the open market. When the system determines that electrical power can be generated from a power machine like a fuel cell more cheaply than from a traditional source like coal-fired steam, the system sends an actuation command to the power machine network. The system also considers other factors, including load shedding arrangements, peak shaving arrangements, local rate structures, and the like. In another embodiment, the system includes a means for aggregating electrical power generated by power machines and selling it on an open market. The system also includes means for bill preparation and presentation. The system is capable of operating in several environments, including a traditional environment, a competitive environment, and a competitive environment.
50 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A system for operating power machines, comprising:
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a. a plurality of power machines, the power machines each comprising control circuitry coupled thereto; and b. a remote means for actuating the power machines comprising; i. a means for monitoring a market price of electricity; ii. a means for monitoring a market price of hydrocarbon fuels; and iii. a means for calculating the difference between the market price of electricity and the market price of hydrocarbon fuels; wherein after the remote means for actuating the power machines transmits an actuation signal to the power machines, the control circuitry evaluates local data stored therein prior to actuating the power machines. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for generating power machine actuation data, comprising:
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a. a plurality of power machines, the power machines each comprising control circuitry coupled thereto, wherein the control circuitry comprises; i. a means for monitoring local data; and ii. a means of considering electricity generation factors; b. a remote means for actuating the power machines comprising; i. a means of comparing the market price of electricity and hydrocarbon fuel; ii. a means of transmitting an actuation signal; and iii. a means of transmitting an override signal,
wherein the control circuitry evaluates the local data after receipt of the actuation signal;
further wherein the control circuitry omits evaluation of the local data upon receipt of the override signal. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification