U.S. patent application number 12/856787 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-20 for systems and methods for managing clean energy production and credits.
Invention is credited to Joseph R. MAZZARELLA.
Application Number | 20110016055 12/856787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26974152 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110016055 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MAZZARELLA; Joseph R. |
January 20, 2011 |
Systems and Methods for Managing Clean Energy Production and
Credits
Abstract
A system and method for energy efficient power production of
local power production units is provided. The system includes a
control server and a series of local power production interfaces
that are coupled to local power production units. The control
server is configured to control the power production of a plurality
of local power production units based on emissions data of each of
the local power production units. The control server tracks
environmental, gas and particulate emissions from local power
production units. The control server instructs local power
production units to produce power based on emission
characteristics. The control server further tracks the
establishment of emission credits, and offers such credits for sale
or exchange. In embodiments, local power production units include
one or more of fuel cells, microturbines, solar electrical
generating devices and wind based electrical generating
devices.
Inventors: |
MAZZARELLA; Joseph R.;
(Tolland, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STERNE, KESSLER, GOLDSTEIN & FOX P.L.L.C.
1100 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
26974152 |
Appl. No.: |
12/856787 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10194483 |
Jul 11, 2002 |
7778940 |
|
|
12856787 |
|
|
|
|
60304676 |
Jul 11, 2001 |
|
|
|
60351994 |
Jan 25, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/317 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y04S 10/50 20130101;
Y04S 10/545 20130101; Y02P 90/40 20151101; G06Q 50/06 20130101;
Y02E 40/70 20130101; H02J 3/004 20200101; G06Q 30/018 20130101;
Y04S 50/10 20130101; H02J 3/008 20130101; Y02P 90/845 20151101;
Y02E 40/76 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/317 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 99/00 20060101
G06Q099/00 |
Claims
1. A system for managing emission credits, comprising: a control
server configured to control the power production of a plurality of
local power production units based on emissions data of each of the
local power production units; and a plurality of local power
production interface units coupled to the control server configured
to provide emissions data to the control server.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control server is further
configured to track particulate emissions from local power
production units.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the control server is further
configured to determine emission credits associated with one or
more local power production units and offer for sale or exchange
the emission credits.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the control server is further
configured to establish a plurality of operational nodes comprising
one or more local power production units, wherein the control
server is configured to dynamically add or remove local power
production units from an operational node based on environmental
factors.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the control server if further
configured to establish an operational node of local power
production units based on power line loss considerations.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the control server is further
configured to determine the efficiency of fuel consumption for each
local power production unit based on emissions data received by the
control server from the local power production interface units.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
interfaces to local power usage meters for monitoring local power
consumption associated with a local power production unit.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the local power usage meters
include one or more of an electrical meter, gas pressure meter, and
fuel consumption meter.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the local power production units
comprise one or more of fuel cells, microturbines, solar electrical
generating devices and wind based electrical generating devices.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/194,483 ('483 Application), entitled
System and Method for Creating and Operating an Enhanced
Distributed Energy Network or Virtual Power Plant, filed Jul. 11,
2002, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
[0002] The '483 Application in turns claims the benefit of
provisional application Ser. No. 60/304,676 filed on Jul. 11, 2001,
and provisional application Ser. No. 60/351,994 filed on Jan. 25,
2002, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by
reference.
[0003] Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 1.52(e) and 37 C.F.R. 1.96, Applicant
submitted a set of computer programs as a portion of the '483
Application disclosure on a compact disc. The contents of the
compact disc are explicitly incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety. The computer programs are exemplary source code and
are not intended to limit the present invention in any way, and it
will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the
code and programs used to implement the methods described herein
can be written in numerous ways based on the teachings herein.
[0004] Furthermore, the compact disc contains material which is
subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no
objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent
disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent
files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights
whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates generally to a system and
method for operating enhanced distributed power systems, and more
particularly to a distributed power system which is comprised of at
least two separate power generating nodes. System data is collected
and the system is managed, monitored, and operated through a
communications (wireless and/or wireline) network, thereby forming
a "virtual power plant".
[0007] The demand for electrical power is increasing dramatically.
The recent energy crisis in California is an indication of similar
power shortages that will likely arise in the future across the
United States. One way to mitigate this energy shortage is to make
use of energy resources that already exist or will exist in the
future in the form of small power generating systems, whether they
be fuel cells, micro-turbines, solar and wind based electrical
generating devices or other types of power generating systems
designed to provide local power. Installation of alternative energy
and clean energy power generation systems that are intended to be
deployed on, in or near a user's premises or load requirements is
increasing. The desire for clean energy and mitigating
environmental impacts of conventional power generation facilities
seem at odds with the needs of increased power production, and the
associated adverse environmental impacts with conventional power
plant siting, construction and operation. By constructing virtual
power plants with many distributed nodes that generate clean energy
and reduce or eliminate any adverse impact to the physical
environment, the two seemingly incompatible public policy goals can
be satisfied. Moreover, by harnessing numerous small units for
collective operation and production, specific and coordinated
energy inputs can be made into the electric power markets.
[0008] Local power production units, such as for example fuel
cells, typically provide all or part of the electrical power needed
for one or more users in a local area, either for primary or
back-up purposes. The users can be a single residence or business,
or there may be a localized group of residences or businesses using
the power produced by one or more local power production units
("LPPUs"). In some cases, the LPPUs may also provide heat energy to
local users and thereby increase the overall efficiency of energy
use.
[0009] The LPPUs often are capable of producing more electrical
power than is being used locally. For example, when an LPPU such as
a fuel cell is installed at a residence, the fuel cell is typically
sized to meet most or all of the residence's peak power
requirement. During most of the day, the residence's power
requirements are significantly less than the peak demand.
Accordingly, there may be an excess of generating capacity during
portions of the day, and this excess generating capacity can be
used to produce power to be sold to utilities or other users.
[0010] One problem associated with net metering or private power
producer arrangements is that the user generally does not have the
resources to monitor its LPPUs and sell excess generating capacity
to others. In many cases, the LPPU operation is controlled by local
programmable site controller systems which require command
execution at the local site level and house static program
executable functions within the local environment. Moreover, the
amount of excess generating capacity available from any one LPPU
may not be sufficient to be used economically by a potential
purchaser.
[0011] 2. Background Art
[0012] There is a need for an improved system and method for
creating and operating an enhanced distributed energy network. This
would allow owners or users of LPPUs, or others on behalf of or
through users or owners, to aggregate the excess generating
capacity available from a plurality of LPPUs and sell the excess
capacity to the energy marketplace, energy buyers or other energy
users. Aggregation of LPPUs into power generating nodes can offer
other advantages, such as aggregation of fuel purchases to obtain
better pricing and scheduling of routine and emergency maintenance.
Other objects and advantages of the methods and systems described
herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based
upon the description of the invention provided below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to a system and method for
creating and operating an enhanced distributed energy network. A
plurality of local power producing units ("LPPUs") are
interconnected using wide-area networking and distributed control
technologies. By networking and interconnecting the LPPUs with a
centralized computing platform, the LPPUs can be collectively
monitored, managed and controlled to optimize their performance,
maintenance and economic value. The method of the present invention
includes the steps of receiving and storing real time (or stored
and forwarded) data relating to the operating characteristics of
one or more local power production units (LPPUs). The real time
operating data is used to determine the excess generating capacity
of each LPPU based upon several factors, which may include, for
example, the time of day, the season, and temperature. A
microprocessor unit, employing executable programs and functions,
processes the operating data to determine a statistically reliable
projection of the aggregate excess generation capacity of the
LPPUs.
[0014] In addition, the method further includes the step of
communicating with entities that purchase power to sell the excess
generating capacity of the LPPUs. Preferably, the step of
communicating with purchasing entities takes place by communicating
with the purchasing entities via a data communications pathway,
such as the Internet, or other dynamically routed or dedicated
communications path to make offers and accept bids for the purchase
and sale of power. The price obtained for the available excess
capacity must typically be greater than the marginal cost of
producing the power.
[0015] After a contract or commitment for sale of excess generating
capacity is entered, the method further includes the step of
communicating with each of the LPPUs to direct the LPPUs to
generate excess power for transmission and sale at either or both a
specified time and quantity. The quantity of power transmitted to
the purchasing entities is measured using an electronic meter, and
the data is received and stored.
[0016] The system for creating and operating the enhanced
distributed energy network includes means for receiving and storing
data relating to the operating characteristics of one or more
LPPUs, means for determining a statistically reliable projection of
the amount of excess generating capacity for each LPPU, means for
communicating the amount of available excess capacity to
purchasers, means for communicating with the LPPUs to direct the
LPPUs to generate power for transmission and sale, and means to
receive and store data regarding the quantity of power sold by the
LPPUs.
[0017] A preferred embodiment provides means and methods to (1)
create a distinct entity that is a virtual electrical power
generator utilizing fuels cells, micro-turbines, cogeneration
plants and other power plants located at end-user premises that are
interconnected with the power grid through a distributed data and
application network topology; (2) allow aggregators the ability to
pool excess or surplus power from two or more distributed power
systems that are each separately interconnected with the grid in an
orderly, knowledgeable, and controlled and controllable manner, and
to sell or make the power available to various power market
constituents and consumers; (3) operate with a private grid, and
private power generation and transmission and delivery
infrastructure that allows end-users with a community of interests
to interconnect with one another for primary or supplementary power
purposes; (4) create an interconnected private grid that permits
both power allocation and delivery within a community of users, and
permits surplus power to be sold or delivered back to the public
grid on their behalf; and/or (5) provide a method to alleviate or
reduce the need for new or additional high capacity power
transmission infrastructure.
[0018] These and other unique features of the system and method
disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the
following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
disclosed system and method appertains will more readily understand
how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the drawings
wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of part of an enhanced
distributed energy network.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the components of one
embodiment of the distributed energy network.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a server that may be
used at the Network Operating Center in one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the communication
paths for a sale of excess power from the distributed energy
network.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process for managing an
enhanced distribution network in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention provides a novel system and method for
creating and operating a virtual distributed energy plant that is
comprised of two or more fuels cells, micro-turbines, solar or wind
based electrical generating devices, water turbines, bio-mass
generators, photovoltaic collectors, co-generation plants, and/or
other electrical energy generating sources that are located at or
close to end-user premises (such as a home, business, commercial
enterprise, government building, or complex, multi-tenant complex
or similar environment). These local electrical generating sources
are referred to herein and in the claims as "local power production
units" ("LPPU"). LPPUs include fuel cells, micro-turbines, wind
turbines, water turbines, bio-mass generators, photovoltaic and
solar collectors, co-generation plants or any other electrical
energy producing devices. The LPPUs may be located on, in close
proximity to, or may be dedicated to serving, on a cooperative or
similar joint ownership or use basis, the premises of end-users of
the electrical output from the LPPU. The LPPUs typically are
intended to generate and provide electrical energy directly to the
end-user premises.
[0026] To form a distributed energy plant of the present invention,
two or more LPPUs are interconnected with one another through a
data communications network with a centralized computing site. Each
LPPU, or a plurality of LPPUs that are grouped together based upon
defined parameters, can be considered a node of the energy
distribution network. Each such node consists of one or more LPPU
and the associated transceiver network interface devices, one or
more micro-processing units and any other equipment, apparatus or
devices that are useful or related to the operation, control, data
generation and monitoring of the localized system, including the
LPPU, and its subparts. The terms "LPPU" and "node" are used
interchangeably herein, and where the following description refers
to "LPPU" the term "node" may be substituted, except that a "node"
may have one or more LPPUs.
[0027] Each of the nodes is remotely monitored, managed and
operated through centralized application server(s), which enables
the creation of a distinct, fully integrated, intelligent network
based power producing entity or device which is capable of managing
two or more LPPUs for the collective optimization of the
constituent LPPUs, and the collective negotiation, arrangement of
the supply of, sale of and/or delivery of power from any such LPPUs
to any and all such other persons or entities who are engaged in
the activity of buying, selling or exchanging power for the
purposes of directly or indirectly supplying, distributing,
selling, or reselling electrical energy to users and/or consumers
of electrical energy (such as, but not limited to, suppliers,
distributors, wholesalers, aggregators, resellers, market makers,
securities and/or derivative securities issuers, any and all of the
foregoing entities being referred to herein as "Market Entities").
Heretofore, devices for LPPUs have typically been limited to
apparatus that provide a means for electrical source sharing
wherein one or more local power generators are placed in source
sharing configuration states that are intended to optimize the
local economic impact of certain load configurations based upon
either a non-interconnected power grid state (independent state) or
an interconnected state wherein the configuration state of each
such unit is further determined by the plurality of outcomes and
factors dictated by "net metering" or similar laws governing local
unit interconnection rights. In contrast, the embodiments disclosed
herein are substantially different systems in that the embodiments
are designed, through a combination of networking, remote data and
application processing and together with the application of certain
possible legal business modalities, to create a distinct power
generating system that is comprised of fully integrated power
producing nodes. It is within this unique state that aggregated and
unified business processes are permitted to occur which are then
capable of permitting the sale of generated power on a market-wide
basis without restriction or regard to individual localized
units.
[0028] The virtual distributed energy network of the present
invention may include any number of network and communication
mechanisms and methods well known to those skilled in the art of
networking and data communications. For example, the virtual
distributed energy network may be a combination of local area
networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets or the
Internet, as is well known. In a preferred embodiment, the network
employs an internet protocol (IP) communications pathway, such as
the Internet, private IP network or virtual private network
system.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a schematic
representation of part of the enhanced distributed energy network.
The network 10 includes a plurality of distributed nodes 12 which
are each comprised of one or more LPPUs (not shown). For
operational purposes, LPPUs may be grouped together in nodes 12,
and nodes 12 may be in turn statically or dynamically grouped
together based upon one or more parameters satisfied by each node
in a group 16. For example, nodes may be grouped together based
upon parameters such as geography, mutual proximity, combined
generation outputs, peaking/non-peaking environments and market
load requirements, and incumbent transmission and delivery system
architectures, or any other appropriate parameter. A node 12 may
satisfy and be a member of more than one group 16 based upon a
plurality of set definitions and established parameters. The nodes
12 may be interconnected with the incumbent power transmission grid
as a group through one or more interconnection configurations.
Alternatively, each LPPU in a node may be individually
interconnected with the incumbent power transmission grid. It is
also possible for the nodes 12, or each LPPU in a node 12, to be
interconnected with a private electrical transmission system that
serves one or more local load points, such as, but not limited to,
one or more residences or businesses located within a condominium
or planned unit development, land subdivision, reciprocal or joint
easement or easement in gross arrangement, or any other arrangement
wherein power is generated, transmitted or shared by and between
two or more residences or businesses. Each of the nodes is
interconnected by a data communications pathway 14 to a network
operating center 18.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, which shows a schematic
representation of the components of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention wherein the node 12 has a single LPPU 20 for
simplicity. The LPPU 20 interfaces with a micro-processing unit
(MU) 22 via data path 24. The MU 22 is interconnected with data
input/output devices 26 by means of one or more data backplanes or
communications paths, such as a RS 232 bus, USB, token ring,
ethernet, or any other topology or other bus configuration using
any data transmission specification or data transmission protocol
or medium such as a physical wire or circuit or wireless
circuit.
[0031] The preferred embodiment of an MU 22 is a dynamically
programmable microprocessor with capabilities to receive, store,
process and send data, and perform executable instruction sets that
are either native to (i.e., residing within) the MU 22 or sent from
an external source. Appropriate equipment known to one skilled in
the art, such as for example a keyboard and monitor, may be
provided to allow local communication with the MU. An example of an
MU that may be used is an aJile Systems aJ-100 real-time low power
Java.TM. Processor.
[0032] The MU 22 may be located within, or otherwise affixed to or
interconnected (either directly or indirectly) with, the LPPU 20.
The MU 22 may also be interconnected with data devices 30 such as
electrical meters, thermometers, gas and fuel pressure meters, fuel
consumption meters or any other meter or device that may provide
information regarding operating parameters to the MU 22 via data
path 32 to the input/output devices 26. The data devices 30 may
interconnect and communicate data and information directly to the
MU 22 via data path 32 or the network interface device 34 via data
path 36. Each MU 22 serves as a Java Virtual Machine (or other
dynamic code machine) or programmable microprocessor that is
capable of reading, transmitting and processing either applets or
structured data to a microprocessor server that is remotely located
at a network operating center 18. The MU 22 provides means for
receiving and storing data related to the operating performance of
one LPPU 20, or of a plurality of LPPUs, as would be appreciated by
one of ordinary skill in the art. The MU 22 may also provide means
for receiving and storing data measured by a local meter 38
relating to the local power consumption of power generated by the
LPPU 20 by local loads 40.
[0033] The data generated by local meter 38 is provided to the MU
22 via data path 42. Other means for receiving and storing
operational and power consumption information may also be used. For
example, means may be provided to transmit the data using the data
transmission devices described herein or other transmission devices
known to those skilled in the art to a common server or other
appropriate device for receipt and storage of data.
[0034] The MU 22 is connected to a network interface device 34 via
data path 44, and where applicable, fixed wireless transceiver
devices, which provide means for data transmissions across a
defined communications pathway to and from the data input/output
devices to be interfaced with the MU 22 and to and from the network
operating center 18 via data path 46. The network interface device
34 may also perform, independently or in concert with one or more
MUs, data storage, data store and forward, data processing and
application execution functions that are complimentary, in
substitution of, or as a back-up for repetitive purpose, to the MUs
or the applications and functions residing at the network operating
center 18. The MU 22, associated data input/output devices, and the
network interface device 34 may be separate independent devices, or
devices housed in separate physical device enclosures, or may be
comprised of or reside on a single or multiple microprocessing
devices or systems, and integrated at an operating system, routine,
subroutine level and/or at an internal or external data bus or
communications path, application level or network level.
[0035] Communications means and communications pathways are
provided for transmitting data to and from one or more LPPUs to one
or more other LPPUs, links, or points within the network, including
one or more central data processing units that are not located on
the LPPU premises or that may be located anywhere within the
network, such as the network operating center, or anywhere external
to the system. The communications pathway may consist of any
dedicated or shared communications medium, of either an actual or
virtual circuit nature, and includes wireless transmission paths,
such as, but not limited to, radio frequency transmission paths
utilizing commercial mobile and fixed radio and private mobile and
fixed radio transmission media, microwave and satellite media,
spread spectrum frequencies, and wireline transmission media,
including plain old telephone (POTs) (both in-band and out of
band), digital subscriber line (DSL), optical and coaxial media,
and electrical power lines and transmission system means that send,
receive or transport data or information over such mediums, or any
other transmission means known to those skilled in the art.
[0036] Still referring to FIG. 2, the network includes one or more
centralized data and application processing network operating
centers 18 that are interconnected, directly or indirectly, with
their respective LPPU 20 through one or more of the communications
pathways 46. In a preferred embodiment, the network operating
center 18 is connected to the LPPU 20, via the network interface
device 34, through an Internet protocol (IP) communications
pathway, such as the Internet, private IP network or virtual
private network system. Located at each network operating center 18
is one or more database and application servers 50, comprised of
micro-processors, computers or data storage devices which enable
the storage, retrieval and processing of data from the LPPU 20 (via
the network interface device 34) and related local data
input/output devices and the running of applications which are
designed to remotely monitor, control and operate the LPPU 20 and
other related data devices 30.
[0037] The LPPU 20 is interconnected with an electrical power
distribution grid 52 to permit the transmission of electrical power
thereto. The power distribution grid may be the incumbent utility
transmission grid, or it may be a localized, private transmission
grid. An interconnection device, such as an interconnection switch
54, and one or more meter(s) 58 are provided in the interconnection
between the LPPU 20 and the electromechanical or mechanical
interconnection devices that interface the LPPU with the grid 52.
The switch 54 is controlled by signals received from the network
operating center 18, via the data path 56 pathway to the network
interface device 34, and thence to the data input/output devices 26
and MU 22 via data path 44. From the MU 22, or from locally derived
instructions from either a mechanical switching device and/or
microprocessing device based switch residing natively or the MU 22,
controlling signals are passed via data path 56 to the switch 54.
The network operating center 18 determines when the LPPU 20 should
transmit power to the grid 52 and orders the interconnection switch
54 to close. The interconnection switch 54 and the LPPU 20 include
appropriate devices known to those skilled in the art to allow
proper and safe interconnection between an LPPU 20 and the
distribution grid 52.
[0038] Preferably, a meter 58 is provided to measure the amount and
quality of power delivered to the grid 52 from the LPPU 20. The
meter 58 communicates data to the MU 22 via data path 60, or it may
provide data directly to the network operating center 18, which is
stored and used, among other purposes, to effectuate power bidding,
sale, delivery and payment functions with market entities 62 via
data path 64. Meters 58 for measuring power and communicating data
are well known to those skilled in the art.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is a diagrammatic
representation of one embodiment of a server 50 that may be used in
a network operating center 18. The server 50 includes memory 68 for
storing data, information and executable code and routines for both
internal and external use. Resources include any software, data,
files, documents, web pages and other data necessary to practice
the subject invention. At least one processor 70 is in
communication with memory 68. Router/Switch 72 is also in
communication with processor(s) 70 in order to facilitate
interaction with the LPPU 20 and control system shown in FIG. 2 via
the network interface device 34 and data path 46, and interactions
with market entities 62 via data path 64, as is well known to those
skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the architecture of
server 50 consists of a MIPS or PENTIUM.RTM. processor (available
from Intel Corporation, 2200 Mission College Boulevard, Santa
Clara, Calif. 95052), RAM, and hard disk non-volatile memory large
enough to support web files, an operating system, several
applications and several databases. The invention is not limited in
this regard, and any appropriate architecture known to those
skilled in the art may be used.
[0040] With continued reference to FIG. 3, operating system 74 and
utility programs 76 reside on or are accessible by the processor
70. The operating system 74 and utility programs 76 are used by the
system developers to develop and implement the subject invention.
In the preferred embodiment, WINDOWS NT.TM. software (available
from Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Wash.
98052-6399) or the Compaq Himalaya NONSTOP software is the server
operating system. In the preferred embodiment, server 50 houses a
MICROSOFT SQL SERVERS software (available from Microsoft
Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Wash. 98052-6399) or
Compaq Computer Corporation's NONSTOP SQL server software which
serves as an database server program 78. Server 50 also stores or
can access energy application programs 80 and the instruction
execution code 82 which is the instruction set necessary to
implement the subject invention. It is noted that while the
exemplary description herein refers to specific software, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that substitutions may
be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, memory 68 stores, or has access
to, a multiplicity of databases as denoted generally by reference
numeral 84. It is envisioned that the databases are created
utilizing MICROSOFT SQL or COMPAQ NONSTOP SQL SERVER@, as is well
known in the art. Database 84 contains data derived or sent from
the LPPU 20 via the network interface device 34, including
operating parameters, total power output, local consumption, and
any other parameters that may be measured, monitored and stored and
used in implementing the present invention. In other embodiments,
additional servers can be provided for storing databases or for
performing additional functions in order to provide enhanced
performance and stability. Computer monitors and keyboards (not
shown), and my other equipment known to those skilled in the art,
can be located at the network operating center to allow users to
access information and provide instructions for the operation of
the distributed energy network through the servers.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 4, the network operating center 18
communicates with market entities 62 through a market exchange
interface 86. An independent system operator or other transmission
system operator may provide the market exchange mechanism.
Communication means, such as the communication means described
above for communication between the network interface device and
the network operating center, allow communication between the
network center 18 and the market entities 62 to negotiate, close
and settle power purchase transactions. The market entities 62
include both suppliers, generators and buyers of energy.
[0043] Through the use of the network topology and the energy
applications 80, the preferred embodiment allows for the creation
of an aggregation of distributed power producing nodes 12 into a
fully integrated network of power production with many points of
interconnection with the incumbent power grid, or with a private
power transmission or bus system or grid 52, which may itself be
interconnected with the incumbent power grid (all of the network
operating centers, LPPUs, MUs, transceivers, network interface
devices, communication/data paths, servers and applications, grid
switch devices, other data devices, and associated processes being
referred to herein as the "Power Plant"). The energy applications
80 provide means for determining the available aggregate quantity
of excess power generation capacity for the plurality of LPPUs
based upon respective LPPU operating performance data and the power
consumption data. The network operating center server 50 provides a
means for communicating an offer to sell at least part of the
aggregate quantity of excess power generation capacity of the
plurality of local power production units to market entities 62,
and a means for receiving from at least one market entity an order
to purchase a quantity of excess power generated by the LPPUs. Each
respective network operating center server 50 works with the
individual network interface devices to provide the means for
communicating with the plurality of LPPUs to provide each
individual LPPU with instructions regarding the quantity of power
to be produced and a means for receiving and storing data relating
to the quantity of power transmitted to each power purchasing
entity.
[0044] Utilizing the energy applications 80, the distributed power
producing elements of the Power Plant can be placed into a virtual
cellular configuration or topology whereby one or more LPPUs or
nodes are grouped together by one or more of a plurality of
relevant environmental parameters or factors, such as geography,
mutual proximity, combined generation outputs, peaking, non-peaking
environments and market load requirements, and incumbent
transmission and delivery system architectures, to enable the
collective and coordinated generation of power from one or more
groups of LPPUs which can be specifically placed into service for,
at the request of, or as otherwise agreed with market entities 62
within a localized or specified market and, in so doing, maximize
economic returns by such means as, but not limited to, minimizing
line losses through matching localized demand with generation,
limiting transmission distances, and sequencing power generation to
enable other market entities, including generators, to exporting
power quantities out of the local region which are off-set by
cumulative power deliveries made to the market entities by
device(s) described herein. The cellular structure is dynamic and
defined virtually through a software based structural assignment
application which defines one or more LPPUs or nodes in sets, and
can be dynamically changed through reassignment using any one or
more of the environmental parameters discussed above.
[0045] The energy applications 80 that are run at one or more
network centers 18 monitor a variety of operational and usage
outputs, and provide the means for determining the quantity and
quality of excess power that may be generated by any particular
LPPU for sale to market entities 62. Some of the functions
performed by the energy applications 80 include: (1) monitoring
energy output levels from the LPPUs for collective administration
purposes; (2) monitoring local energy load consumption and
determining energy consumption and usage profiles from the end-user
premises that are multi-parameter based for purposes of collective
power management administration, and may include consideration of
such factors as:
[0046] (i) Time of day,
[0047] Time of Week, or any other period
[0048] Seasonality
[0049] Ambient temperatures
[0050] Degree Days
[0051] Patterns of energy consumption (locally at a node or
extensibly throughout any sub-portion or portion of the network);
determining the power generating capacities that can be obtained
from LPPUs on an individual and aggregate basis for any period or
periods of time; and determining theoretical power production
capacities, excess power production capacities of the combined
LPPUs as a function of various time periods, and establishing
algorithms to establish statistically reliable excess power
generation capabilities for the purpose of entering into compacts
and agreements as an energy generating entity with Market Entities
to provide power to the grid upon the request, demand or pursuant
to prior agreement or arrangement with any such Market
Entities;
[0052] (ii) Using the methods above, establishing virtual power
reserves and pools of standby power by dynamically controlling, on
a real time or polling basis, the production output of one or more
LPPUs, and generating or calling up reserved power by instructing
one or more LPPUs to increase output production to eliminate any
power shortfalls or anomalies under any power delivery commitment
to Market Entities;
[0053] (iii) Using the above methods, establishing a means or
mechanism to provide end-users with primacy or priority for LPPU
power production for local load consumption, while, through the use
of the virtual reserves as well as the real time monitoring of load
consumption variations among constituent LPPUs and their associated
available surplus power capabilities, to provide consistent and
level power exports to the grid over a defined period of time.
[0054] In those cases where no compact, tariff, arrangement or
agreement exists between, or pertaining to, the entity owning or
operating one or more Power Plants and market entities, net
metering laws, for the sale and purchase of excess power, may be
used by employing the energy applications 80, using applicable
algorithms for determining for each LPPU 12, or any node, when
excess power is permitted to be generated and furnished back into
the grid 52, and, further, to compute when no economic value is
returned to any individual LPPU 12, node 20, or group of nodes
16.
[0055] The energy applications 80 may also include automatic
trouble shooting, diagnostic and automatic repair call applications
whereby when any one or more LPPUs fail or fail to run within
normal or expected manufacturer or other established or specified
operating parameters, the performance related data sent from the
associated data devices is analyzed and compared against standard
or normal operating parameters, and if the performance data is
processed and yields substandard operating conditions or component
failure, a remote diagnostic test is run and, if the LPPU is not
capable of being remotely repaired, an electronic trouble ticket is
automatically generated and sent to an available system technician
for dispatching said technician to the specific node, link, or
point requiring remediation, repair or replacement. The energy
applications employ automatic procedures using the apparatus
described herein to control the electrical energy output of
individual LPPUs, to switch individual units remotely and
systematically to required levels of production, and to marshal the
LPPUs collectively into an identifiable merchandisable energy
unit.
[0056] The energy applications may also cause the network operating
center 18 to monitor, collect and store data on the amount of
various emissions that are generated from the LPPUs while operating
and producing power, and determining environmental efficiency
states and quality of fuel reformation, fuel impurities and
compliance with manufacturer recommended standards.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a flowchart
depicting a process for operating a single LPPU in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. At step 500, the LPPU is in
operation, and the operating parameters for the LPPU are being
monitored, with data transmitted as described above to the network
operating center 18. At step 502 the local energy consumption for
the LPPU 20 is monitored, while at step 504 operating parameters
such as the time of day, day of the week, season, and ambient
temperature are monitored.
[0058] In one aspect of the process, monitoring of the LPPU is
undertaken to determine that the LPPU is operating properly. At
step 506, the LPPU is monitored by transmitting data regarding
selected LPPU operating parameters to the MU and/or the network
operating center. At step 508, the operating data from the LPPU 20
is compared to predetermined values or ranges for each selected
operating parameter in the MU or at the network operating center
using the Energy Applications to determine if the LPPU is
malfunctioning. If the LPPU is operating outside of the
predetermined value or range for an operating parameter, the
process proceeds to step 510 and the affected LPPU is shut down. At
step 512, the system generates a maintenance request for the
affected equipment and a technician is dispatched to repair the
equipment as necessary.
[0059] Referring again to step 506, if the LPPU is operating within
the predetermined value or range for the selected LPPU operating
parameters, the process proceeds to step 514, continued operation
and monitoring of the LPPU.
[0060] In a second aspect of the process, the data monitoring
system and Energy Applications are used determine whether there is
excess energy generating capacity that can be economically sold to
Market Entities. At step 516, the Energy Applications compare LPPU
generating capacity to local demand to deteiuiine if there is
excess generating capacity. If there is excess generating capacity,
the process proceeds to step 518, and the Energy Applications
determine whether the cost of generating power from the LPPU is
economical relative to the market price offered by Market Entities.
Selected generating expenses, such as fuel costs, can be determined
and transmitted through the network operating center on a real time
basis, and the Energy Applications will determine the unit cost for
producing electricity from the LPPU. The Energy Applications
compare the generating cost to the market price offered by Market
Entities, and if the market price exceeds the generating cost, the
available energy generating capacity available in the distributed
energy network is added to the energy reserve at step 520. If the
market price is less than the generating cost, then the unit is not
added to the energy reserve.
[0061] At step 522 the available energy production capacity from
the LPPU is posted, together with the available energy production
capacity from the other LPPUs to market interface to allow Market
Entities to bid for the available power. At step 524, the Market
Entities communicate an offer to buy through the market interface.
The Energy Applications compare all bids received from Market
Entities, and at step 526, a purchase of energy by the highest
bidding Market Entity is confirmed through the market interface. At
step 528, the LPPUs receive a signal from the network operating
center to produce a specified quantity of energy, and the LPPU is
interconnected to the grid. The energy transmitted from the LPPU to
the grid is metered to monitor the quantity of energy supplied from
the LPPU.
[0062] At step 530, after the quantity of energy purchased by the
Market Entity has been delivered, consumption of energy supplied by
the LPPU to the purchasing Market Entity is terminated. At step
532, an invoice is generated and transmitted to the purchasing
Market Entity.
[0063] As shown at step 534, when the purchasing Market Entity has
received the quantity of energy purchased, the Energy Applications
will return to step 516 to determine whether there is excess
generating capacity from the LPPU that can be sold cost effectively
to a Market Entity. If there is no longer excess generating
capacity available from the LPPU, or if available excess generating
capacity from the LPPU cannot be cost effectively sold to a Market
Entity, the process proceeds to step 536, and the LPPU is dedicated
entirely to local loads.
[0064] It should be understood that the flow chart of FIG. 5
depicts the method in relation to a single LPPU. For an array
comprising a plurality of LPPUs, each individual LPPU would
typically provide required energy for its local load as its first
priority. Thus, at a specific point in time, an individual LPPU may
be serving only local loads, while the plurality of LPPUs
considered as a group provides the required energy generation.
Accordingly, if local demand increases for a first LPPU in the
network while power is being sold to a Market Entity, the network
operating center will call upon one or more other LPPUs in the
network to increase energy production to replace the energy from
the first LPPU that is diverted to serve its local load. The Energy
Applications apply statistical operational models to ensure that,
for the network of LPPUs, there is sufficient reserve capacity to
meet all commitments to Market Entities.
[0065] By interconnecting a plurality of LPPUs as described above,
a virtual power generation plant or entity may be established that
is principally defined through network interconnection and legal
relationships that permits each LPPU to be a power generating
component of the Power Plant. For example, the LPPUs may be owned
by a public service or utility company or other licensed generator
or distributor, cooperative, corporation, limited partnership,
partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity or
person (the "Organization") and placed at the end-user premises
with the end-user's consent. The LPPU may be leased by the end-user
for localized consumption, with all excess power owned by the
cooperative and all costs of excess power consumption borne by the
cooperative. The end-user may be either a member or beneficial
owner in or of the cooperative or business or not a member or
owner.
[0066] Alternatively, the LPPU may be owned by the end-user and the
Organization may lease the LPPU for purposes of generating excess
capacity from the LPPU, or for the purpose of supplying the
end-user's local load demands and also generating excess capacity.
Any combination of the above or similar combination wherein the
Organization does not purchase excess power from the end-user, thus
being an aggregator.
[0067] The network of LPPUs described herein may provide other
advantages for LPPU owners. For example, through the use of the
Organization lower fuel costs for the LPPUs may be obtained by
means of wholesale or volume purchasing of fuels, such as propane,
natural gas and other hydrocarbon based products, by virtue of the
fact that the LPPUs and/or their associated end-users are aggregate
by means of the Invention, or parts thereof.
[0068] In another embodiment of the invention, the Organization may
be an "aggregator" as that term is typically used in the industry
by establishing a system that is principally defined through
network interconnection and legal relationships that permits each
LPPU 20 to sell excess or surplus power to the aggregation entity
that employs the preferred embodiment and to allow the aggregator
to sell the collective power derived from the LPPUs, or subsets
thereof, to Market Entities.
[0069] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
network may be used to allow the Organization or LPPU owners to
obtain or maximize other economic benefits attendant to power
generation. For example, through the Energy Applications and the
Power Plant, means may be established to track environmental, gas
and particulate emissions from LPPUs, and either individually or
collectively, or in subsets thereof, collecting such emissions
data, and using such data in relation to power production, LPPU
plant sizes, locations or fuel consumption, and/or any other data,
information or parameters that are derived from LPPUs, MUs, Data
Devices or their premises or environments, to permit the sale,
exchange, trading, or use of pollution or air emission credits,
vouchers or any other form economically realizable benefit that is
or hereafter may become available or is conferred through or by any
foreign, or domestic, federal, state, provincial, municipal, county
or other form of political subdivision or governmental,
quasi-governmental or judicially or treaty recognized entity ("Air
Credits"). The Energy Application may be used, either on behalf of
the LPPU constituents, or the owner or operator of the Power Plant,
or in any combination thereof, to sell, exchange, trade, transfer
or assign, directly or indirectly, either on a transactional basis
(for example, but not limited to, contract, auction process, market
biding and offer process, or compact), or by means of combination
or aggregation (either at a systems integration, system definition,
joint applicant, joint venture or business entity, cooperative,
association or other similar level), Air Credits to Market Entities
or any other parties or persons.
[0070] The systems and methods described herein may also be used to
establish a private grid configuration. Through the use of the
Power Plant and Energy Applications, the creation of private local,
distributed power grids may be created whereby one or more LPPUs
are interconnected with or through a power transmission, bus or
delivery system which permits the transmission and/or delivery of
generated power from one or more power sources to two or more
end-users being connected to the private grid and having a
cognizable or defined community of interest (such as, but not
limited to, condominiums, planned unit developments, cooperatives,
or associations, premises owned in common or through affiliation).
The system allows power generated from the LPPUs, or certain
available portions thereof, to be delivered as primary or
supplemental power to one or more other end-users whose loads are
connected with and served, either as a primary power source or
supplemental or back-up power source, to the private grid. By way
of example, if there shall exist an 8 house subdivision, where all
8 houses are connected with a power bus system that enables power
to be transmitted by and between the houses, and such system is not
part of the incumbent utility grid but rather owned, operated,
licensed, leased or otherwise used by the subdivision, power may be
generated through one or more LPPUs and delivered to one or more
end-users over the private grid.
[0071] The Private Grid configuration discussed above may further
include one or more direct or indirect interconnections to the
public utility grid system. In this configuration, the Power Plant
and Energy Applications are used, after or in concert with
administering local power generation and distribution requirements
and needs, to allow any surplus capacity to be sold or traded as
described above, in this case either on behalf of private
association, its affiliate, and/or one or more of the constituents
within the private association.
[0072] Using the system and methods in any one or more of the
configuration states described above, wherein there is at least one
point of interconnection with the public power grid, or where one
or more LLPUs are located at end-user premises but either owned,
leased or operated by the incumbent transmission delivery provider
or incumbent generator serving the end-user, the Power Plant
topology and methods aforementioned can be used as a novel and
alternative means of supplementing, alleviating, limiting or
enhancing conventional centralized power generation and
transmission delivery systems, and multi jurisdiction or
cross-service area, power sharing, transport or delivery systems.
Chiefly, the claimed system and method can be used to eliminate,
reduce, temper the need or desire for, or supplement the magnitude
of the need or desire for, high capacity power transmission
delivery systems that are designed to transport power from any area
to another. This is accomplished by permitting power to be
generated at the periphery of the transmission and delivery system
through the LPPUs and being able to account for power generation in
amount, time and place, both by geographical coordinates and grid
system geography coordinates, and thusly reducing or eliminating
power import requirements that must be satisfied through the
transport of power from other areas using high capacity transport
lines. The application can both delay the implementation or need
for adding, direct or indirect, additional high capacity
transmission infrastructure, or substitute or replace existing
transport infrastructure.
[0073] The system of the preferred embodiment creates a distinct
generating entity through a network topology, whereby energy
producing nodes are intelligently interconnected for purposes which
include creating enterprise level energy management, monitoring and
operation systems of which the localized energy producing units are
sub-components of the overall distinct legal or physical entity.
This is distinctly different and novel from prior systems and
methods which are alleged to be novel and which rely upon the use
of circuits and undefined programmable controller units located at
local energy sites for the purpose of providing or collecting and
using individual energy site data for use by an "aggregator" for
purposes of maximizing economic benefit under "net metering laws."
For example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,805 to Papalia et.
al, prior systems may be used to allow a single generator to be
configured to deliver electrical energy to the power grid. The
embodiments described herein are directed to systems and methods of
creating a virtual power generating plant or entity comprising
several LPPUs that are capable of producing variable power in
quantities and places through the general electric supply market
infrastructure. The systems and methods described herein resolve
the commonly understood problems with restrictions under "net
metering" laws regarding the timing and point of delivery of
electricity from local generators. Whereas existing systems permit
a maximization under net metering law concepts (many of which only
permit zero metering), the systems and methods described herein
permit additional quantities of power to be generated and marketed
beyond the restrictions present under prior systems and methods for
use with single generators.
[0074] The system and methods described herein, rather than using
localized site controllers, utilizes a distributed application
architecture whereby data is exchanged from localized sites, and
applications are effected through Java applets, or any other
efficient system of code sent from a remote processor to a local
processor. The resulting system and method allows interconnection
of local power units, known as Nodes, are interconnected through
communication paths.
[0075] The system and methods described herein are preferably
implemented using software applications which manage two or more
power producing nodes from an overall distinct enterprise level,
and provide a means through which the power network entity, either
for itself or on behalf of LPPU owners or users, can effectively
enter into agreements and compacts with other Market Entities
within a given energy market. This is in contrast to other systems
that process information and data, and are designed to maximize
economic returns on individual power producing units under "net
metering" or similar laws. Net metering laws allow end-users to
interconnect local power units to the power grid and place excess
energy into the grid and in most cases limit the energy exchange
transaction to a net zero for a defined period.
[0076] The systems and methods of embodiments described herein
apply the concepts of networking to the newly arising field of
local alternative energy source units such as fuel cells, and
micro-turbines, solar or wind devices, and other localized methods
of producing energy. Additional novelty exists in that cellular
based (or set theory based) structures are imposed upon N+1 nodes,
utilizing one or more of a plurality of parameters, which enable
distinct market demand based power generation inputs, such as by
means of locality, line loss considerations, and other
considerations, to be created, operated, managed, and controlled
relative to then prevailing power market conditions and the
behaviors, demands and needs of other Market Entities. The systems
and methods of the present invention apply traditionally understood
business entity and legal concepts to a collective group of
end-users and their associated "plant" in such a way that, in
combination with the overall network topology, a unique and
distinctive power producing entity is created that may produce
energy, negotiate contracts and make transactions for it's behalf
and for the benefit of it's component nodes, or end-users.
[0077] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the accompanying drawings, which illustrate,
by way of example, the principles of the invention. The preferred
embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and
numerous modifications, dimensional variations, and rearrangements
can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result.
* * * * *