System and methods for actively managing electric power over an electric power grid

• US 10,651,655 B2
• Filed: 12/18/2014
• Issued: 05/12/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Causam Enterprises, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Causam Energy, Inc.
• Inventors: Forbes, Jr., Joseph W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gami, Tejal
• Application Number:
  US14/575,265
• Publication Number:
  US 20150105931A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,972 Days
• CPC Class Codes: G05F 1/66 Regulating electric power
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/266 Arrangements to supply power to external peripherals either directly from the computer or under computer control, e.g. supply of power through the communication port, computer controlled power-strips
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/12 The local stationary network supplying a household or a building
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/14 by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/32 using batteries with converting means
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/38 Arrangements for parallely feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/388 Islanding, i.e. disconnection of local power supply from the network
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/466 Scheduling the operation of the generators, e.g. connecting or disconnecting generators to meet a given demand
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/48 Controlling the sharing of the in-phase component
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/50 Network service management, e.g. ensuring proper service fulfilment according to agreements
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/3225 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/84 Greenhouse gas [GHG] management systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/845 Inventory and reporting systems for greenhouse gases [GHG]
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/222 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving

Abstract

Systems and methods for managing power on an electric power grid including a server for communicating IP-based messages over a network with distributed power consuming devices and/or power supplying devices, the IP-based messages including information including a change in state of the power consuming device(s), a directive for a change in state of the power consuming device(s), a priority message, an alert, a status, an update, a location with respect to the electric power grid, a function, device attributes, and combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A system for managing power on an electric power grid, comprising:

a server having a processor coupled with a memory, and constructed and configured for communication over a network for communicating IP-based messages with a plurality of distributed power consuming devices;

a database for storing information including an amount of power consumed by each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices and an amount of power available to be reduced to each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices;

wherein the plurality of distributed power consuming devices cross-communicate via IP-based messaging;

wherein the database generates a supply equivalent value based on the historical consumption, real-time consumption and baseline consumption data for each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices;

wherein the supply equivalent value is confirmed by measurement and verification of reduction in consumed power;

wherein the supply equivalent value is a monetary supply equivalent value providing a curtailment value as a supply presented to and accepted by a governing entity for awarding the plurality of distributed power consuming devices;

wherein the supply equivalent value is transmitted via the IP-based messages;

wherein the IP-based messages include information including at least one of a change in state of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices, a directive for a change in state of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices, a priority message, an alert, a status, an update, a location with respect to the electric power grid, a function, and device attributes;

wherein a location with respect to the electric power grid allows for compensation for curtailment based on where the power is delivered or accepted by a generator of power or a purchaser of power;

wherein the server receives or initiates power control commands requiring a reduction in power consumed by the plurality of distributed power consuming devices;

wherein the plurality of distributed power consuming devices receive a signal in real-time or near-real time related to an economic event for curtailing or accepting power for a predetermined time interval;

wherein the power control commands cause a reduction in power consumption for the plurality of distributed power consuming devices;

wherein the system generates at least one Power Trade Block (PTB) unit by aggregating the supply equivalent value for each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices;

wherein the system provides operating reserves based upon the supply equivalent value for each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices and/or the at least one PTB

wherein the at least one PTB is accepted for bidding, trading, and settlement by an entity authorized by a government entity.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a smart meter interface communicating with a smart meter and the server via the IP-based messages.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one revenue grade sub-meter constructed and configured for communication with the server via the IP-based messages.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system provides revenue grade metrology in real-time, near real-time, or a timing required by a grid operator entity for generating the operating reserves for grid stability.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of consumer profiles corresponding to the plurality of distributed power consuming devices, wherein the plurality of the consumer profiles are aggregated by an energy management system (EMS) and/or the server, wherein the EMS and/or the server calculate an operating reserve based on the supply equivalent value for each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices associated with the plurality of consumer profiles and send IP-based communications to the plurality of distributed power consuming devices associated with the plurality of consumer profiles, wherein the plurality of distributed power consuming devices curtails power consumption after receipt of the IP-based communications to create the operating reserve.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of distributed power consuming devices include an environmentally-dependent device, the environmentally-dependent device including at least one of a thermostat, a washer, a dryer, a hot water heater, a HVAC unit, a fan, a pool pump, and a smart thermostat.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein a capacity size or energy data in the at least one PTB unit is dependent upon a grid operator, a regional transmission operator, or an independent system operator.

7. A system for managing power on an electric power grid, comprising:

a server having a processor coupled with a memory, and constructed and configured for communication over a network for communicating IP-based messages with a plurality of distributed power consuming devices;

the server receiving or initiating at least one IP-based power reduction message specifying an amount of electric power to be reduced for the at least one distributed power consuming device;

at least one active load client controlling at least one distributed power consuming device and receiving the at least one IP-based power reduction message from the server specifying an the amount of electric power to be reduced for the at least one distributed power consuming device;

wherein the plurality of distributed power consuming devices cross-communicate via IP-based messaging;

wherein the plurality of distributed power consuming devices receive a signal in real-time or near-real time related to an economic event for curtailing or accepting power for a predetermined time interval;

wherein the at least one active load client automatically reduces the amount of power supplied to the at least one distributed power consuming device in response to the at least one IP-based power reduction message;

wherein the at least one distributed power consuming device has a corresponding supply equivalent value based on the historical consumption, real-time consumption and baseline consumption data for each of the at least one distributed power consuming device, wherein the supply equivalent value is a monetary supply equivalent value providing a curtailment value as a supply based on measurement and verification presented to and accepted by a governing entity for awarding the at least one distributed power consuming device;

wherein the at least one IP-based power reduction message includes information including at least one of a change in state of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices, a directive for a change in state of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices, a priority message, an alert, a status, an update, a location with respect to the electric power grid, a function, and device attributes;

wherein a location with respect to the electric power grid allows for compensation for curtailment based on where the power is delivered or accepted by a generator of power or a purchaser of power;

wherein the system generates at least one Power Trade Block (PTB) unit by aggregating the supply equivalent value for each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices; and

wherein the system provides operating reserves based upon the supply equivalent value for each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices and/or the at least one PTB;

wherein the at least one PTB is accepted for bidding, trading, and settlement by an entity authorized by a government entity.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one active load client sends an IP-based load status message to a utility control center, wherein the IP-based load status message includes at least one of a power consumption indicator and a power management status associated with the at least one distributed power consuming device.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the IP-based power reduction message includes instructions for managing power control events.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the IP-based messages include a power inquiry command requesting the server to determine an amount of electric power available for temporary reduction from supply by a requesting electric utility, a market participant, or an electric power grid operator.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein communication standards for the IP-based messages include at least one of inter-control center communications protocol (ICCP) and master supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA).

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the IP-based messages are transmitted via at least one of Ethernet, first generation wireless communications methods, second generation communications methods comprising Code Division Multiple Access (1×

RTT) and Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), third generation protocols comprising Evolution for Data Only (EVDO) and High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), fourth generation protocols comprising Long Term Evolution (LTE), IEEE 802.11 (X), and WiFi, any derivative standard approved by the IEEE, the International Telecommunications Union, or any domestic or international standard body, and any proprietary protocols that contain an Internet Protocol packet.

13. The system of claim 7, further comprising a device control manager communicating with the server, wherein the IP-based messages include at least one of temperature set points for thermally controlled power consuming devices, time intervals during which load control is permitted or prohibited, dates during which load control is permitted or prohibited, and priorities of power consuming device control.

14. The system of claim 7, further comprising at least one remote terminal unit for controlling assets for an energy management system (EMS).

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one remote terminal unit controls assets using proprietary client software or web-based client software.

16. The system of claim 7, wherein the supply equivalent value is provided responsive to an energy management system (EMS) for providing grid stability and reliability.

17. The system of claim 7, wherein the automatic reduction in the amount of power supplied to the at least one distributed power consuming device creates an operating reserve, wherein a multiplicity of operating reserves are aggregated to act as one resource through an energy management system (EMS).

18. The system of claim 7, wherein the electric power grid includes a microgrid, wherein each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices includes a customer profile associated with each of the plurality of power consuming devices.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the customer profile includes a status and changes states based upon instructions provided by a market participant via an interface of any web-enabled device.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the states include compliance information necessary for the market participant to maintain grid stability and reliability and/or information relating to measurement, verification, telemetry, settlement, or supply equivalent value.

21. The system of claim 7, further comprising a database for storing information relating to an amount of power consumed by each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices and an amount of power available to be reduced to each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices.

24. The system of claim 7, wherein a capacity size or energy data in the at least one PTB unit is dependent upon a grid operator, a regional transmission operator, or an independent system operator.

22. An apparatus for managing power on an electric power grid, comprising:

a server having a processor coupled with a memory, and constructed and configured for communication over a network for communicating IP-based messages with at least one power consuming device, wherein at least one of the IP-based messages is at least one IP-based power reduction message, wherein the at least one IP-based power reduction message specifies an amount of electric power to be reduced to the at least one power consuming device;

wherein the plurality of distributed power consuming devices cross-communicate via IP-based messaging;

wherein an amount of power supplied to the at least one power consuming device is automatically reduced based on a supply equivalent value corresponding to the at least one power consuming device in response to the at least one IP-based power reduction message;

wherein the supply equivalent value is generated based on the historical consumption, real-time consumption and baseline consumption data for each of the at least power consuming devices;

wherein the supply equivalent value is a monetary supply equivalent value providing a curtailment value as a supply based on measurement and verification presented to and accepted by a governing entity for awarding the at least one power consuming device;

wherein the IP-based messages include information including at least one of a change in state of the power consuming devices, a directive for a change in state of the power consuming devices(s) a priority message, an alert, a status, an update, a location with respect to the electric power grid, a function, and device attributes;

wherein a location with respect to the electric power grid allows for compensation for curtailment based on where the power is delivered or accepted by a generator of power or a purchaser of power;

wherein the server receives or initiates power control commands requiring a change in an amount of electric power consumed by the power consuming device;

wherein the plurality of distributed power consuming devices receive a signal in real-time or near-real time related to an economic event for curtailing or accepting power for a predetermined time interval;

wherein at least one of the plurality of power consuming devices is configured to reduce power consumption in response to the power control commands;

wherein at least one Power Trade Block (PTB) unit is generated by aggregating the supply equivalent value for each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices; and

wherein operating reserves are provided based upon the supply equivalent value for each of the plurality of distributed power consuming devices and/or the at least one PTB; and

wherein the at least one PTB unit is accepted for bidding, trading, and settlement by an entity authorized by a government entity.

25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein a capacity size or energy data in the at least one PTB unit is dependent upon a grid operator, a regional transmission operator, or an independent system operator.