Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: An energy storage system for a substation on an electrical power network is provided. The energy storage system is coupled to receive and store electrical power. The stored electrical power may then be used to either charge vehicles or meeting the needs of other discretionary or interruptible loads with an electric propulsion, or to provide electrical power a feeder connected to essential service loads such as police stations, hospitals and traffic control. In one embodiment, the substation also utilizes the energy storage system in a peak shaving mode of operation.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting electrical network control centers and building management systems is provided. The interconnected system monitors the operational status of the electrical network from a control center. In response to detecting the signature of an imminent electrical network event, the control center transmits a signal to the building management system. In response to receiving the signal, the building management system initiates a series of actions to mitigate or reduce the impact of the electrical network event.

Abstract: A metering system for measuring the electrical power used to charge a vehicle is provided. The metering system includes an electrical meter operably coupled to a conductor connected to the vehicle and an electrical outlet. A controller receives signals from the meter to record the measured electrical consumption. The controller includes a plurality of communications devices for communicating with different communications carriers. In one embodiment, the controller selects one of the communications devices based on availability and a desired criterion. The selected communications device then transmits the measured electrical power consumption to a utility provider. In one embodiment, the metering system is mobile.

Abstract: A machine learning system creates failure-susceptibility rankings for feeder cables in a utility's electrical distribution system. The machine learning system employs martingale boosting algorithms and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms to generate a feeder failure prediction model, which is trained on static and dynamic feeder attribute data. Feeders are dynamically ranked by failure susceptibility and the rankings displayed to utility operators and engineers so that they can proactively service the distribution system to prevent local power outages. The feeder rankings may be used to redirect power flows and to prioritize repairs. A feedback loop is established to evaluate the responses of the electrical distribution system to field actions taken to optimize preventive maintenance programs.

Abstract: A metering system for measuring the electrical power used to charge a vehicle is provided. The metering system includes an electrical meter operably coupled to a conductor connected to the vehicle and an electrical outlet. A controller receives signals from the meter to record the measured electrical consumption. The controller includes a plurality of communications devices for communicating with different communications carriers. In one embodiment, the controller selects one of the communications devices based on availability and a desired criterion. The selected communications device then transmits the measured electrical power consumption to a utility provider. In one embodiment, the metering system is mobile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of performing a sequence of steps is provided. The apparatus includes a controller that stores the sequence of steps and displays the steps in order to the operator. The apparatus includes a positioning module that confirms the operator position and a reader module to confirm the identification of the equipment to be worked on. An programmable key is also provided for storing a sequence of unlock codes that allows the operator open the equipment and cabinets in the same sequence as the sequence of steps.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows the aggregation of a plurality of inputs from an electrical grid and the display of the plurality of inputs on a single integrated display for a network operator. The system accepts signals from electrical loads and generation devices and analyzes the inputs to determine potential issues or trends, including fault predictions and recommends contingency plans. The system presents these potential issues and possible corrective actions to the network operator. The network operator may initiate actions, such as dispatching loads or activating generation capacity for example, in response.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting motion or movement in an area of interest is provided. The optical sensor includes a base having optical filtering properties. A sensor assembly having a light emitting diode, a CMOS sensor and a pair of lens is mounted to said base. The CMOS sensor has a range of wavelengths of light to which it has an increased sensitivity. The optical filtering properties of the base are ranged to absorb wavelengths of light in the range of increased CMOS sensor sensitivity. In this way, the effects of ambient light on the optical sensor are reduced.

Abstract: A monitoring system is provided that allows for monitoring and reporting of operational parameters for processes and devices in a subterranean environment. The system includes a plurality of interface devices coupled to sensors at a desired process or device. The interface devices transmit the measured data to a coordinator device through a personal area network. The coordinator device aggregates data from multiple interface devices and transmits the data to a remote service through a communications network.

Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting motion or movement in an area of interest and a method of operation is provided. The system includes a CMOS sensor having an array of pixels that captures images in an area of interest. The system monitors the average pixel value for the array to define a first state. If the average pixel value changes beyond a defined threshold, the system defines a second state. For each change in state, a signal is generated. In one embodiment, the optical sensor is used with a meter having a dial with an indicator. The optical sensor generates a signal each time the indicator passes through the area of interest to allow for the remote monitoring of a consumable commodity.

Abstract: A metering system for measuring the electrical power used to charge a vehicle is provided. The metering system includes an electrical meter operably coupled to a conductor connected to the vehicle and an electrical outlet. A controller receives signals from the meter to record the measured electrical consumption. The controller includes a plurality of communications devices for communicating with different communications carriers. In one embodiment, the controller selects one of the communications devices based on availability and a desired criterion. The selected communications device then transmits the measured electrical power consumption to a utility provider. In one embodiment, the metering system is mobile.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.