U.S. patent application number 12/402996 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-14 for distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate development.
This patent application is currently assigned to Michael Wayne Shore. Invention is credited to Stuart Douglas Dwork, Michael Wayne Shore.
Application Number | 20100010686 12/402996 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41505895 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100010686 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shore; Michael Wayne ; et
al. |
January 14, 2010 |
Distributing Alternatively Generated Power to a Real Estate
Development
Abstract
A system for distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development having at least two individual properties
includes at least one alternative energy power generator. A
distribution station is coupled to the at least one alternative
energy power generator. A plurality of real estate properties are
coupled to the distribution station. A written instrument
associates ownership rights in a portion of the power received from
the alternative energy power generator with ownership of at least
one of the plurality of real estate properties. A method includes
providing a plurality of real estate properties and an alternative
energy power generator that forms a cooperative power farm coupled
to a distribution station. A credit of power provided from the
cooperative power farm to the distribution station is metered.
Rights to a portion of the metered credit are included with
ownership of at least one of the plurality of real estate
properties.
Inventors: |
Shore; Michael Wayne;
(Dallas, TX) ; Dwork; Stuart Douglas; (Dallas,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PANITCH SCHWARZE BELISARIO & NADEL LLP
ONE COMMERCE SQUARE, 2005 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2200
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
Shore; Michael Wayne
Dallas
TX
|
Family ID: |
41505895 |
Appl. No.: |
12/402996 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61079978 |
Jul 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/297 ;
705/412 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05F 1/66 20130101; G06Q
10/06 20130101; Y04S 50/12 20130101; G06Q 30/04 20130101; G06Q
50/06 20130101; G06Q 50/163 20130101; G06Q 40/12 20131203 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/297 ;
705/412 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/28 20060101
G06F001/28; G06Q 30/00 20060101 G06Q030/00; G06Q 50/00 20060101
G06Q050/00; G06F 1/26 20060101 G06F001/26 |
Claims
1. A system for distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development, the real estate development having at
least two individual properties, the system comprising: at least
one alternative energy power generator; a distribution station
coupled to the at least one alternative energy power generator; the
at least two real estate properties each coupled to the
distribution station; and a written instrument associating
ownership rights in a portion of the power received from the
alternative energy power generator with ownership of at least one
of the real estate properties.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: electrical power
distribution lines coupling the distribution station to the at
least two individual properties.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the written instrument grants
ownership rights in the electrical power distribution lines.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the ownership rights in the
portion of the power are one of inseparably tied to ownership of
the real estate properties and severable from ownership of the real
estate properties.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the written instrument grants
ownership rights in one of the alternative energy power generator
and the distribution station.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the power provides
a quantity of power at least partially determined by a percentage
of power generated by the at least one alternative energy power
generator.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the power provides
a quantity of power at least partially determined by a number of
power units of power generated by the at least one alternative
energy power generator.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the power provides
a quantity of power at least partially determined by equal
distribution of power generated by the at least one alternative
energy power generator to each of the at least two individual
properties.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the power provides
a quantity of power at least partially determined by an area of
each of the at least two individual properties.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the power
provides a quantity of power at least partially determined by an
initial payment associated with at least one of the at least two
individual properties.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the written
instrument associating ownership rights is optional.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the written instrument contains
restrictions preventing encumbrance of the power received from the
alternative energy power generator without encumbrance of at least
one of the plurality of real estate properties.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the written instrument contains
restrictions permitting encumbrance of the power received from the
alternative energy power generator without encumbrance of the real
estate properties.
14. A method for distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development comprising: providing a plurality of real
estate properties; providing an alternative energy power generator
that forms a cooperative power farm coupled to a distribution
station; metering a credit of power provided from the cooperative
power farm to the distribution station; and including rights to a
portion of the metered credit with ownership of at least one of the
plurality of real estate properties.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: sensing a power
delivery to at least one of the plurality of real estate
properties.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: determining a
difference between the metered power delivery to the distribution
station from the cooperative power farm and the sensed power
delivery to the at least one of the plurality of real estate
properties.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: crediting at least
one of the plurality of real estate properties for metered power
delivered to the distribution station from the cooperative power
farm in excess of the sensed power delivered to the at least one of
the plurality of real estate properties.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the power received from the
cooperative power farm is in the form of a hydrocarbon gas.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the gas is one of methane and
natural gas.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the power received from the
cooperative power farm is in the form of one of a hydrogen bearing
gas and electricity.
21. The method of claim 14, further comprising: positioning the
cooperative power farm at a remote site that is not adjacent to the
plurality of real estate properties.
22. The method of claim 14, further comprising: positioning the
cooperative power farm at a proximate site that is adjacent to the
plurality of real estate properties.
23. The method of claim 14, further comprising: providing an option
to the at least one of the plurality of real estate properties for
a percentage purchase of the power provided by the cooperative
power farm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/079,978, filed on Jul. 11, 2008, entitled
"Distributing Alternatively Generated Power to a Real Estate
Development," the entire contents of which are incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed
to the area of alternative energy distribution, ownership, billing,
or the like, and more specifically, to distributing alternatively
generated power to one or more real estate development projects or
areas.
[0003] Currently, energy costs have been escalating. A residence
that is at least partially self-sufficient is a benefit both
economically and environmentally. Often, alternative energy
installations include unsightly equipment, but to tie the source to
the residence, the equipment must be incorporated into the
residence or co-located on the residence lot or real estate
parcel.
[0004] Additionally, when an alternative energy generator
installation is located on a home, its efficiency may be reduced
because of surrounding buildings, topography, or the direction in
which the home faces. To make such an installation efficient, it
might also be necessary to deforest the lot. If a single story home
having solar panels installed is surrounded by two story homes or
trees, shadowing may occur which would reduce efficiency, or the
roof sides may not face the best direction to accumulate the solar
energy. The structure may also have to be modified to handle the
additional load of the panels.
[0005] Additionally, neighbors often complain or seek to block the
installation of alternative energy generators for aesthetic
reasons, noise generated by certain types of systems, or the fear
that such systems pose a health or safety hazard in the event of
malfunction.
[0006] Maintenance may prove to be problematic due to the fact that
solar panels are typically installed on a roof, which is high off
of the ground and may prove hazardous. Installations of alternative
energy generators are also typically financially separate from the
structure in terms of mortgage, so that any expense would normally
handled on less favorable terms than a mortgage loan. The cost of
energy for the average consumer is largely driven by carbon based
fuels. These same fuels are in decline and if they follow the law
of supply and demand, will increase in price as they decline in
abundance, increasing the cost of residing in a home.
[0007] Currently, the cost for energy is at an inflation adjusted
high and is expected to remain high for the foreseeable future.
This increase in cost has been escalating, and a hedge against its
continued increase has been sought after.
[0008] In concert with the sharp rise in the cost of electricity,
the values of homes have fallen over the last few years. As such,
homeowners are very sensitive to the cost of energy associated with
a home. If a residential homeowner could effectively purchase
energy once, as part of the purchase of the home, his ongoing costs
would be reduced or eliminated, and the value of the property,
which would become energy and income producing, or income neutral
with respect to energy costs, would increase. This decrease in
follow-on energy costs would make a property more valuable for new
developments, existing neighborhoods, and offsite cooperative
energy farms.
[0009] There are multiple ways to distribute alternatively
generated power to a real estate development. During construction
of a subdivision, a developer could set aside a percentage of the
land to build an alternative energy installation and include, in
the cost of the home, rights to a percentage of the generated power
that are permanently tied to the real estate purchased. This would
allow the homebuilder to tout the subdivision as being "green" and
include an ongoing supply of free energy. Additionally, many state
and federal laws do or will require power utilities to purchase
excess energy produced by alternative energy installations. These
requirements add to the economic value of a given property or
properties that include as a permanent, transferable feature a
percentage of energy production from an alternative energy
installation. Any excess energy produced and sold could be either
paid as dividends, applied to real estate taxes, common area
maintenance or improvements, homeowners' association dues, or used
for alternative energy system maintenance.
[0010] A grid tied system is proposed as one embodiment in which
the cooperative energy farm feeds directly into an energy grid and
energy credits are allotted to each real estate owner whose
property is entitled to the credit. In this way energy used on
other parts of the grid are offset by the energy farm and only the
net usage is charged. This system also reduces the load on the
existing electrical grid, which increases the buffer that the
utilities need. The real estate property owner would be credited
for new kilowatt hours input to the power grid.
[0011] The hurdles of separate and complex installation and
maintenance, separate expense from a mortgage payment, aesthetic
limitations, and inefficiencies in layout mitigate against
individual installation of alternative energy generators.
[0012] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method of combining
the cooperative needs of homeowners to maximize the efficiency and
concomitant economic benefit for distributing alternatively
generated power to a real estate development, or stated another
way, the association or linking of a cooperative energy farm to a
specific residential property, such that a continuous renewable
supply of electricity is sold with the property. More particularly,
it is desirable to have a property that is at least partially self
sufficient from an energy standpoint by virtue of the cooperative
energy farm. This self-sufficiency would reduce the ongoing cost of
owning the property and increase its net worth. This linkage of the
real property and energy forms a hedge to mitigate the rising cost
of energy and its effect on consumers, especially homeowners, and
protects the homeowners from the depreciation of their real estate
investment. The homeowner not only benefits from the normal
appreciation tied to the ownership of the real estate, but also
benefits from the rise in energy costs by making the value of the
real estate increase because of the energy component.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a
system for distributing alternatively generated power to a real
estate development. The real estate development has at least two
individual properties. The system includes at least one alternative
energy power generator. A distribution station is coupled to the at
least one alternative energy power generator. A plurality of real
estate properties are coupled to the distribution station. A
written instrument associates ownership rights in a portion of the
power received from the alternative energy power generator with
ownership of at least one of the plurality of real estate
properties.
[0014] A further embodiment of the present invention comprises a
method for distributing alternatively generated power to a real
estate development. The method includes providing a plurality of
real estate properties. An alternative energy power generator is
provided that forms a cooperative power farm coupled to a
distribution station. A credit of power provided from the
cooperative power farm to the distribution station is metered.
Rights to a portion of the metered credit are included with
ownership of at least one of the plurality of real estate
properties.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a first
preferred embodiment of a system for distributing alternatively
generated power to a real estate development;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a
second preferred embodiment of a system for distributing
alternatively generated power to a real estate development;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a third
preferred embodiment of a system for distributing alternatively
generated power to a real estate development;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a
fourth preferred embodiment of a system for distributing
alternatively generated power to a real estate development;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that illustrates a first method of
an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that illustrates a second method of
an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram that illustrates a third method of
an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that illustrates a fourth method of
an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram that illustrates a fifth method of
an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram that illustrates a sixth method of
an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram that illustrates a flow diagram of
an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram that illustrates an eighth method
of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram that illustrates a ninth method of
an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram that illustrates a tenth method of
an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram that illustrates an eleventh
method of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated
power to a real estate development;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram that illustrates a twelfth method
of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram that illustrates a thirteenth
method of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated
power to a real estate development;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram that illustrates a fourteenth
method of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated
power to a real estate development;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram that illustrates a fifteenth
method of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated
power to a real estate development;
[0034] FIG. 20 is a flow diagram that illustrates a sixteenth
method of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated
power to a real estate development;
[0035] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram that illustrates a seventeenth
method of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated
power to a real estate development;
[0036] FIG. 22 is a flow diagram that illustrates an eighteenth
method of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated
power to a real estate development;
[0037] FIG. 23 is a flow diagram that illustrates a nineteenth
method of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated
power to a real estate development;
[0038] FIG. 24 is a flow diagram that illustrates a first software
of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0039] FIG. 25 is a flow diagram that illustrates a second software
of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development;
[0040] FIG. 26 is a flow diagram that illustrates a third software
of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development; and
[0041] FIG. 27 is a flow diagram that illustrates a fourth software
of an embodiment of distributing alternatively generated power to a
real estate development.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] With respect to the description contained herein, it is to
be realized that all equivalent relationships to those illustrated
in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to
be encompassed by the present application. Therefore, the
description contained herein is considered as illustrative only of
the principles of certain preferred embodiments. Further, since
numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those
skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit any embodiment to
the exact construction and operation shown and described, and
accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be
resorted to, falling within the scope of one of the embodiments.
Additionally, the words "a" and "an", as used in the claims and in
the corresponding portions of the specification, mean "at least
one."
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a system 100
for distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development is shown having at least one alternative energy
electrical power generator 110, 112, 114, forming a cooperative
power farm 116. A power grid 118 receives electrical power from the
cooperative power farm 116. A metering credit system 120 determines
a metered credit of power received by the power grid 118 from the
cooperative power farm 116. A plurality of real estate properties
122, 124, 126 are electrically coupled to the power grid 118. Each
of the real estate properties 122, 124, 126 receives at least a
portion of the metered credit of power, and rights to the portion
of the metered credit are linked to or included with ownership of
at least one of the plurality of real estate properties 122, 124,
126. The power supplied by the cooperative power farm 116 may be
supplied to a public utility grid, private power grid, or the like.
The metering system 120 may be analog or digital in operation. The
real estate properties 122, 124, 126 may encompass private
residences, townhomes, apartments, duplexes, or the like, and may
be either separate residences or agglomerated residences, such as
in high-rises or the like. The ownership may be fee simple,
condominium, co-operative in structure, or the like. The real
estate may additionally encompass non-residential properties, such
as businesses, manufacturing enterprises, or the like.
[0044] The electrical power generator 110, 112, 114 may comprise
one or more power generator types, be it electrical, or other types
of energy, such as natural gas or the like, and may, for example,
include at least one solar powered generator 110 and/or at least
one wind powered generator 112 and/or at least one geothermal
powered generator 114 or the like. Other electrical power
generators such as ocean wave electrical generators, hydroelectric
generators, or the like are also included within the scope of this
embodiment. The system 100 may include a power management system
128 monitoring the electrical power provided to at least one of the
plurality of real estate properties 122, 124, 126. A portion of the
electrical power is provided to at least one of the plurality of
real estate properties 122, 124, 126 from a source 130 other than
the cooperative power farm 116. The monitoring may be performed via
wired or wireless communication, or may include Internet
connectivity. The power farm 116 may also include an inverter 132.
The at least one real estate property 122, 124, 126 may include a
connection 134 to a public utility company 130, a connection 136 to
the credit metering system 120, and a connection 138 to the grid
118. Additionally, the system 100 may include a power usage alert
for updating a resident of the plurality of real estate properties
122, 124, 126 if a power usage spike is detected. The system 100
may also include a severe weather input coupled to the at least one
electrical power generator for placing the generator in a stand-by
state to reduce possible damage due to severe weather, and a solar
panel having a resilient backing, wherein the resilient backing is
turned toward the severe weather.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of a system 200
for distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development is shown having at least one alternative energy power
generator 210, 212 forming a cooperative power farm 213. A
distribution station 214 receives power from the cooperative power
farm, and a metering credit system 216 determines a metered credit
of power received by the distribution station 214 from the
cooperative power farm. A plurality of real estate properties 218,
220, 222 are coupled via power distribution lines 224, 226, 228 to
the distribution station 214. The plurality of real estate
properties 218, 220, 222 receives at least a portion of the metered
credit of power. Rights to the portion of the metered credit are
linked to or included with ownership of at least one of the
plurality of real estate properties 218, 220, 222.
[0046] The power received from the cooperative power farm 213 may
be in the form of a hydrogen bearing gas or a hydrocarbon gas, such
as methane 212, natural gas 210, or the like, or power may be
received in the form of electricity. The portion of the metered
credit provides a quantity of power at least partially determined
by one or more of a percentage of the power generated by the
cooperative power farm 213, a number of units of metered credit or
the like, an area of the real estate property or the like, and an
initial payment. The rights to the portion of the metered credit
may be optional.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 3, a third embodiment of a system 300
for distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development is shown, wherein the real estate development has at
least two individual properties 310, 312, 314. The system 300
includes at least one alternative energy power generator 316, 318,
a distribution station 320 having a connection 322 to the at least
one alternative energy power generator 316, 318, and a plurality of
real estate properties 310, 312, 314 coupled via power distribution
lines 324, 326, 328 to the distribution station 320. An instrument
330 associates ownership rights in a portion of the power received
from the alternative energy power generator 316, 318 with ownership
of at least one of the plurality of real estate properties 310,
312, 314. Ownership rights in the portion of the power may be
inseparably tied to ownership of the real estate properties 310,
312, 314, severable from ownership of the real estate properties
310, 312, 314, or the like.
[0048] The portion of power described in the instrument 330
provides a quantity of power at least partially calculated or
determined by a percentage of power generated by the at least one
alternative energy power generator 316, 318, a number of power
units of power generated by the at least one alternative energy
power generator 316, 318, equal distribution of power generated by
the at least one alternative energy power generator 316, 318 to
each of the at least two individual properties 310, 312, 314, an
area of each of the at least two individual properties 310, 312,
314, and an initial payment associated with at least one of the at
least two individual properties 310, 312, 314. Additionally, the
portion of the instrument 330 associating ownership rights of the
portion of power with the ownership rights of the at least two
individual properties 310, 312, 314 may be optional.
[0049] The system 300 may also include a written instrument
granting ownership rights 332 in the at least one alternative
energy power generator 316, 318, an instrument granting ownership
rights 340 in the distribution station 320 and electrical power
distribution lines 324, 326, 328, and an instrument granting
ownership rights 334, 336, 338 in the electrical power distribution
lines 324, 326, 328. As used herein, a written instrument can be a
paper or electronic writing. Further, the instrument may optionally
contain restrictions that prevent encumbrance of the energy portion
without encumbrance of the real property portion, or may allow for
the encumbrance as a separate right.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 4, a fourth embodiment of a system 400
for distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development is shown, wherein the real estate development has at
least two individual properties 410, 412, 414. The system 400
includes at least one alternative energy power generator 416, 418,
a distribution station 420 having a connection 422 to the at least
one alternative energy power generator 416, 418, and a plurality of
real estate properties 410, 412, 414 coupled via power distribution
lines 424, 426, 428 to the distribution station 420. A written
instrument 430 associates ownership rights in a portion 432 of the
power received from the alternative energy power generator with
ownership rights 434, 436, 438 of at least one of the plurality of
real estate properties 410, 412, 414. The alternative energy power
generator 416, 418 may be hydrogen bearing gas or hydrocarbon gas
such as methane or natural gas.
[0051] FIGS. 5-23 are flow diagrams that illustrate the steps of
preferred method embodiments of distributing alternatively
generated power to a real estate development and include a number
of blocks or modules that may be implemented in software, hardware,
firmware, and/or the combination of software, hardware, and/or
firmware.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 5, a first preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 500 is depicted and includes generating 510 alternative
energy electrical power from a cooperative power farm and receiving
512 electrical power from the cooperative power farm by a power
grid. A credit of power received by the power grid from the
cooperative power farm is metered 514 and distributed 516 to at
least one of a plurality of real estate properties electrically
coupled to the power grid. The plurality of real estate properties
receives at least a portion of the credit of power. Rights to the
portion of the metered credit are linked or included with ownership
of the at least one of the plurality of real estate properties.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows a second preferred embodiment of distributing
alternatively generated power to a real estate development 600 that
includes providing 610 a remote site and a plurality of real estate
properties. The remote site is not adjacent to the plurality of
real estate properties. Alternative energy electrical power is
generated 612 from a cooperative power farm positioned at the
remote site. Electrical power from the cooperative power farm is
received 614 by a power grid. A credit of power received by the
power grid from the cooperative power farm is metered 616 and
distributed 618 to at least one of the plurality of real estate
properties electrically coupled to the power grid. The plurality of
real estate properties receives at least a portion of the credit of
power. Rights to the portion of the metered credit are linked or
included with ownership of the at least one of the plurality of
real estate properties.
[0054] FIG. 7 depicts a third preferred embodiment of distributing
alternatively generated power to a real estate development 700 that
includes providing 710 a proximate site and a plurality of real
estate properties. The proximate site is adjacent to the plurality
of real estate properties. Alternative energy electrical power is
generated 712 from a cooperative power farm. Electrical power from
the cooperative power farm is received 714 by a power grid. A
credit of power received by the power grid from the cooperative
power farm is metered 716 and distributed 718 to at least one of a
plurality of real estate properties electrically coupled to the
power grid. The plurality of real estate properties receives at
least a portion of the credit of power. Rights to the portion of
the metered credit are included with ownership of the at least one
of the plurality of real estate properties.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 8, a fourth preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 800 is depicted and includes generating 810 alternative
energy electrical power from a cooperative power farm. Electrical
power from the cooperative power farm is received 812 by a power
grid. A credit of power received by the power grid from the
cooperative power farm is metered 814 and distributed 816 to at
least one of a plurality of real estate properties electrically
coupled to the power grid. The plurality of real estate properties
receives at least a portion of the credit of power. Rights to the
portion of the metered credit are included with ownership of the at
least one of the plurality of real estate properties. An Internet
feedback system is updated 818, showing available credit for at
least one of the plurality of real estate properties. An Internet
status system is also updated 820 for power generation
efficiency.
[0056] FIG. 9 shows a fifth preferred embodiment of distributing
alternatively generated power to a real estate development 900 that
includes providing 910 a plurality of real estate properties,
providing 912 an alternative energy power generator that forms a
cooperative power farm coupled to a distribution station, and
metering 914 a credit of power provided from the cooperative power
farm to the distribution station. Rights to a portion of the
metered credit are included 916 with ownership of at least one of
the plurality of real estate properties.
[0057] FIG. 10 depicts a sixth preferred embodiment of distributing
alternatively generated power to a real estate development 1000
that includes providing 1010 a remote site, providing 1012 a
plurality of real estate properties, and providing 1014 an
alternative energy power generator which forms a cooperative power
farm that is coupled to a distribution station. The remote
cooperative power farm is positioned on the remote site, which is
not adjacent to the plurality of real estate properties. A credit
of power provided from the cooperative power farm to the
distribution station is metered 1016. Rights to a portion of the
metered credit are included 1018 with ownership of at least one of
the plurality of real estate properties.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 11, a seventh preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 1100 is depicted and includes providing 1110 a
proximate site, providing 1112 a plurality of real estate
properties, and providing 1114 an alternative energy power
generator which forms a cooperative power farm that is coupled to a
distribution station. The cooperative power farm is positioned on
the proximate site, which is adjacent to the plurality of real
estate properties. A credit of power provided from the cooperative
power farm to the distribution station is metered 1116. Rights to a
portion of the metered credit are included 1118 with ownership of
at least one of the plurality of real estate properties.
[0059] FIG. 12 shows an eighth preferred embodiment of distributing
alternatively generated power to a real estate development 1200
that includes providing 1210 a plurality of real estate properties,
providing 1212 an alternative energy power generator which forms a
cooperative power farm that is coupled to a distribution station,
and metering 1214 a credit of power provided from the cooperative
power farm to the distribution station. Rights to a portion of the
metered credit are included 1216 with ownership of at least one of
the plurality of real estate properties. A power delivery to at
least one of the plurality of real estate properties is sensed 1218
and a difference between the metered power delivery to the
distribution station from the cooperative power farm and the sensed
power delivery to the at least one of the plurality of real estate
properties is determined 1220. At least one of the plurality of
real estate properties is credited 1222 for metered power delivered
to the distribution station from the cooperative power farm in
excess of the sensed power delivered to the at least one of the
plurality of real estate properties.
[0060] FIG. 13 depicts a ninth preferred embodiment of distributing
alternatively generated power to a real estate development 1300
that includes providing 1310 a plurality of real estate properties,
providing 1312 an alternative energy power generator which forms a
cooperative power farm that is coupled to a distribution station,
and metering 1314 a credit of power provided from the cooperative
power farm to the distribution station. Rights to a portion of the
metered credit are included 1316 with ownership of at least one of
the plurality of real estate properties. An option is provided 1318
to the at least one of the plurality of real estate properties for
a percentage purchase of the power provided by the cooperative
power farm.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 14, a tenth preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 1400 is depicted and includes subdividing 1410 the real
estate development into a plurality of plots. A portion of the
subdivided real estate development is dedicated 1412 to alternative
energy power generation. An alternative energy power generator is
provided 1414, which forms a cooperative power farm that is
electrically coupled to a power grid. Power is at least in part
generated on the dedicated portion. Rights to a portion of an
output of the cooperative power farm are included 1416 with
ownership of at least one of the plurality of plots.
[0062] FIG. 15 shows an eleventh preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 1500 that includes subdividing 1510 the real estate
development into a plurality of plots. A portion of the subdivided
real estate development is dedicated 1512 to alternative energy
power generation. An alternative energy power generator is provided
1514, which forms a cooperative power farm that is electrically
coupled to a power grid. Power is at least in part generated on the
dedicated portion. Rights to a portion of an output of the
cooperative power farm are included 1516 with ownership of at least
one of the plurality of plots. A credit of power provided from the
cooperative power farm to the power grid is metered 1518.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 16, a twelfth preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 1600 is depicted and includes providing 1610 a remote
site and subdividing 1612 the real estate development into a
plurality of plots. The remote site is not adjacent to the
plurality of plots. A portion of the subdivided real estate
development is dedicated 1614 to alternative energy power
generation. An alternative energy power generator is provided 1616
at the remote site, which forms a cooperative power farm that is
electrically coupled to a power grid. Power is at least in part
generated on the dedicated portion. Rights to a portion of an
output of the cooperative power farm are included 1618 with
ownership of at least one of the plurality of plots.
[0064] FIG. 17 shows a thirteenth preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 1700 that includes providing 1710 a proximate site and
subdividing 1712 the real estate development into a plurality of
plots. The proximate site is adjacent to the plurality of plots. A
portion of the subdivided real estate development is dedicated 1714
to alternative energy power generation. An alternative energy power
generator is provided 1716 at the proximate site, which forms a
cooperative power farm that is electrically coupled to a power
grid. Power generation is at least in part generated on the
dedicated portion. Rights to a portion of an output of the
cooperative power farm are included 1718 with ownership of at least
one of the plurality of plots.
[0065] FIG. 18 depicts a fourteenth preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 1800 that includes subdividing 1810 the real estate
development into a plurality of plots, dedicating 1812 a portion of
the subdivided real estate development to alternative energy power
generation, and providing 1814 an alternative energy power
generator that forms a cooperative power farm electrically coupled
to a power grid. Power is at least in part generated on the
dedicated portion. Rights to a portion of an output of the
cooperative power farm are included 1816 with ownership of at least
one of the plurality of plots. An option is provided 1818 to the at
least one of the plurality of plots for a percentage purchase of
the power provided by the cooperative power farm.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 19, a fifteenth preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 1900 is depicted and includes acquiring 1910 a
dedicated portion within the real estate development and providing
1912 an alternative energy power generator that forms a cooperative
power farm electrically coupled to a power grid. Power is at least
in part generated on the dedicated portion. A credit of power
provided from the cooperative power farm to the power grid is
metered 1914. Rights to a portion of the metered credit are
included 1916 with ownership of at least one of a plurality of real
estate properties within the real estate development.
[0067] FIG. 20 shows a sixteenth preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 2000 having a plurality of real estate properties. The
method includes providing 2010 a remote site that is not adjacent
to the plurality of real estate properties, and acquiring 2012 a
dedicated portion within the real estate development. An
alternative energy power generator is provided 2014 at the remote
site, which forms a cooperative power farm that is electrically
coupled to a power grid. Power is at least in part generated on the
dedicated portion. A credit of power provided from the cooperative
power farm to the power grid is metered 2016. Rights to a portion
of the metered credit are included 2018 with ownership of at least
one of a plurality of real estate properties within the real estate
development.
[0068] FIG. 21 depicts a seventeenth preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 2100 having a plurality of real estate properties. The
method includes providing 2110 a proximate site adjacent to the
plurality of real estate properties and acquiring 2112 a dedicated
portion within the real estate development. An alternative energy
power generator is provided 2114 at the proximate site, which forms
a cooperative power farm that is electrically coupled to a power
grid. Power is at least in part generated on the dedicated portion.
A credit of power provided from the cooperative power farm to the
power grid is metered 2116. Rights to a portion of the metered
credit are included 2118 with ownership of at least one of a
plurality of real estate properties within the real estate
development.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 22, an eighteenth preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 2200 is depicted and includes acquiring 2210 a
dedicated portion within the real estate development, and providing
2212 an alternative energy power generator, which forms a
cooperative power farm that is electrically coupled to a power
grid. Power is at least in part generated on the dedicated portion.
A credit of power provided from the cooperative power farm to the
power grid is metered 2214. Rights to a portion of the metered
credit are included 2216 with ownership of at least one of a
plurality of real estate properties within the real estate
development. A power delivery to the at least one of the plurality
of real estate properties is sensed 2218 and a difference between
the metered power delivery to the power grid from the cooperative
power farm and the sensed power delivery to the at least one of the
plurality of real estate properties is determined 2220. At least
one of the plurality of real estate properties is credited 2222 for
metered power delivered to the power grid from the cooperative
power farm in excess of the sensed power delivered to the at least
one of the plurality of real estate properties.
[0070] FIG. 23 shows a nineteenth preferred embodiment of
distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate
development 2300 that includes acquiring 2310 a dedicated portion
within the real estate development and providing 2312 an
alternative energy power generator that forms a cooperative power
farm electrically coupled to a power grid. Power is at least in
part generated on the dedicated portion. A credit of power provided
from the cooperative power farm to the power grid is metered 2314.
Rights to a portion of the metered credit are included 2316 with
ownership of at least one of a plurality of real estate properties
within the real estate development. An option is provided 2318 to
the at least one of the plurality of real estate properties for a
percentage purchase of the power provided by the cooperative power
farm.
[0071] FIG. 24 depicts a first software flow block diagram 2400 for
a computer readable media of distributing alternatively generated
power to a real estate development that includes instructions for
metering 2410 a credit of power delivered from a cooperative power
farm to a power grid and sensing 2412 a power delivery to at least
two real estate properties. Rights to a portion of the metered
credit are included with ownership of at least one of the plurality
of real estate properties. Further instructions are provided for
determining 2414 the difference between the metered credit of power
and the sensed power delivery to at least one of the plurality of
real estate properties.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 25, a second software flow block diagram
2500 for a computer readable media of distributing alternatively
generated power to a real estate development is depicted and
includes instructions for metering 2510 a credit of power delivered
from a cooperative power farm to a power grid and sensing 2512 a
power delivery to at least two real estate properties. Rights to a
portion of the metered credit are included with ownership of at
least one of the plurality of real estate properties. Further
instructions are provided for determining 2514 the difference
between the metered credit of power and the sensed power delivery
to at least one of the plurality of real estate properties. The
computer readable media also includes instructions for recording
2516 the metered credit of power from a cooperative power farm to
the power grid on a time period, averaging 2518 the recorded
metered credit of power from the cooperative power farm to the
power grid for another time period, comparing 2520 the recorded
metered credit of power to the averaged metered credit of power,
and alerting 2522 if the comparison is greater than a predetermined
threshold.
[0073] FIG. 26 shows a third software flow block diagram 2600 for a
computer readable media of distributing alternatively generated
power to a real estate development that includes instructions for
metering 2610 a credit of power delivered from a cooperative power
farm to a power grid and sensing 2612 a power delivery to at least
two real estate properties. Rights to a portion of the metered
credit are included with ownership of at least one of the plurality
of real estate properties. Further instructions are provided for
determining 2614 the difference between the metered credit of power
and the sensed power delivery to at least one of the plurality of
real estate properties. The computer readable media also includes
instructions for providing 2616, to an Internet website, a status
of the metered credit of power from the cooperative power farm and
providing 2618, to an Internet website, a status of the metered
credit of power to at least one of the plurality of real estate
properties.
[0074] FIG. 27 depicts a fourth software flow block diagram 2700
for a computer readable media of distributing alternatively
generated power to a real estate development that includes
instructions for metering 2710 a credit of power delivered from a
cooperative power farm to a power grid and sensing 2712 a power
delivery to at least two real estate properties. Rights to a
portion of the metered credit are included with ownership of at
least one of the plurality of real estate properties. Further
instructions are provided for determining 2714 the difference
between the metered credit of power and the sensed power delivery
to at least one of the plurality of real estate properties. The
computer readable media also includes instructions for determining
2716 a cost of the determined difference if the use of the sensed
power delivery to at least one of the plurality of real estate
properties is greater than the metered credit of power from the
cooperative power farm and determining 2718 a profit of the
determined difference if the metered credit of power from the
cooperative power farm is greater than the sensed power delivery to
the at least one of the plurality of real estate properties.
[0075] The steps described in the embodiments above are preferably
embodied in a computer readable medium or software but may also be
embodied in firmware and are utilized via hardware. The transfer of
information occurs via at least one of a wireless protocol, a wired
protocol, and the combination of the wireless and wired protocols.
The steps performed in FIGS. 24-27 are performed by software,
hardware, firmware, and/or the combination of software, hardware,
and/or firmware.
[0076] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the
foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that the
invention is not limited to any embodiment disclosed, but is
capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and
substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as
set forth and defined by the following claims. For example, these
capabilities may be performed in the current manner or in a
distributed manner and on, or via, any device able to provide
and/or receive information. Further, although various embodiments
have been described in relation to electrical energy sources the
systems can be used with other types of energy, such as natural
gas, without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Further, although depicted in a particular manner, various modules
or blocks may be repositioned without departing from the scope of
the current invention. Still further, although depicted in a
particular manner, a greater or lesser number of modules and
connections can be utilized in order to accomplish the described
system, to provide additional known features to the present
embodiments, and/or to make the described system more efficient.
Also, the information sent between various modules can be sent
between the modules via at least one of a data network, the
Internet, an Internet Protocol network, a wireless source, and a
wired source, and via plurality of protocols.
[0077] From the foregoing, it can be seen that embodiments of the
present invention comprise a system and method for distributing
alternatively generated power to a real estate development. It will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be
made to the embodiments described above without departing from the
broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that
this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments
disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the
spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *