Configuring, Optimizing, And Managing Micro-Grids
Patent No. US11342790 (titled "Configuring, Optimizing, And Managing Micro-Grids") was filed by Crosslayer Communications Llc on Jun 12, 2020.
What is this patent about?
’790 is related to the field of electrical power distribution , specifically methods and systems for controlling electrical distribution grids. Traditional grids are evolving into decentralized systems with distributed generation and storage, requiring new control mechanisms. The patent addresses the challenge of managing these modern grids, especially in scenarios like power outages or maintenance, by dynamically creating and managing micro-grids.
The underlying idea behind ’790 is to create self-sufficient micro-grids within a larger electrical distribution grid. This involves identifying premises with energy resources (e.g., solar panels, batteries) and then electrically isolating these premises, along with other consuming premises, from the main grid to form a micro-grid. The system then monitors and controls the micro-grid to ensure a balance between power generation and consumption within the isolated area.
The claims of ’790 focus on determining premises with energy resources , configuring a micro-grid that includes these premises, and then issuing messages to switching elements to modify the grid's topology, effectively isolating the micro-grid. The claims also cover monitoring the configuration of the micro-grid and modifying its topology.
In practice, the system receives real-time data from devices within the grid, including energy resources and consuming devices. This data, combined with historical and forecast information, is used to determine the optimal configuration for a micro-grid. The system then sends commands to switching elements (like remotely controlled circuit breakers) to physically isolate the selected premises, creating a self-contained power network. The system can use protocols like SIP or MQTT to communicate with devices and manage power flow within the micro-grid.
This approach differs from traditional grid management by enabling dynamic and localized control . Instead of relying solely on centralized power generation and distribution, ’790 allows for the creation of resilient micro-grids that can continue to operate even when the main grid is disrupted. This increases reliability, reduces environmental impact by maximizing the use of local energy resources, and enables faster service restoration during outages.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2010s when ’790 was filed, electrical grids were evolving at a time when distributed energy resources were becoming more prevalent, and when smart grid technologies were being developed to manage these resources; at a time when communication networks were being integrated with power distribution systems to enable real-time monitoring and control; and when computational resources were increasingly being used to optimize grid operations and manage the integration of distributed generation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims were rejected in a non-final office action. The rejections were based on 35 U.S.C. 112 (indefiniteness and lack of structural relationships), 35 U.S.C. 101 (abstract idea), 35 U.S.C. 102(e) (anticipation by Boretto et al.), and nonstatutory double patenting. The prosecution record does NOT describe the technical reasoning or specific claim changes that led to allowance.
Claims
This patent contains 19 claims, of which claims 1, 9, and 13 are independent. The independent claims are generally directed to methods and systems for configuring micro-grids within an electrical distribution grid using computer infrastructure. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the specifics of the method, system, and computer system, adding details regarding home area networks, communication protocols, and forecasting methods.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
Patent Family
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Date
Description
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US11342790
- Application Number
- US16900402
- Filing Date
- Jun 12, 2020
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Dec 18, 2032
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents