Abstract: A lockout, tagout (LOTO) device and associated implementation method for a switchable energy isolation device are provided. The isolation device includes first and second electrical terminal members and a slideable linkage disposed and in electrical communication therebetween for switching the electrical terminal members between isolated and non-isolated states. The LOTO device includes a cover member configured to extend over the terminal members and the linkage, and a fastener member coupled to the cover member. The fastener member is configured to engage the first or second electrical terminal member to secure the cover member to the isolation device. A tagging member is configured to engage the fastener member and a securing member engaged with the cover member, upon the cover member being secured to the isolation device, to prevent the fastener member from disengaging the first or second electrical terminal member without the tagging member disengaging the fastener member.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: A battery energy storage system control system, including: logic coupled to a photovoltaic station and an energy storage system and executing a photovoltaic station capacity firming algorithm operable for making a combined output of the photovoltaic station and the energy storage system substantially constant such that power swings on an associated feeder system are avoided; logic coupled to the photovoltaic station and the energy storage system and executing a voltage support algorithm operable for holding point of common coupling voltage and phase values substantially equal to substation voltage and phase values via power injection or removal; and logic coupled to the photovoltaic station and the energy storage system and executing an energy time shift algorithm operable for storing energy during periods of relatively low demand and providing energy during periods of relatively high demand.

Abstract: Apparatuses including utility meter, power electronics, and communications circuitry are provided. The utility meter circuitry is configured to measure usage of electricity supplied by an electric utility to a premise of a customer of the electric utility. The power electronics circuitry is configured to regulate a voltage level supplied to the premise of the customer. Moreover, the communications circuitry is configured to provide communications with a first electronic device of the customer at the premise of the customer and to provide communications with a second electronic device that is upstream from the apparatus. Related methods of operating an apparatus including utility meter, power electronics, and communications circuitry are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include transmitting a first power line communication signal from the communication node to a sensor device that is at or adjacent an electric grid device. The method may include receiving from the sensor device a second power line communication signal that is responsive to the first power line communication signal, at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include determining a distance between the communication node and the electric grid device by measuring an electrical parameter of the second power line communication signal, at the communication node. Related communication nodes are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: Methods for reducing solar inverter output volatility are provided. A method for reducing solar inverter output volatility may include determining whether an output fluctuation by a solar inverter is likely, using output data of the solar inverter. Moreover, the method may include curtailing an output of the solar inverter in response to determining that the output fluctuation by the solar inverter is likely. Related solar inverters and solar installation nodes are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include transmitting a first power line communication signal from the communication node to a sensor device that is at or adjacent an electric grid device. The method may include receiving from the sensor device a second power line communication signal that is responsive to the first power line communication signal, at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include determining a distance between the communication node and the electric grid device by measuring an electrical parameter of the second power line communication signal, at the communication node. Related communication nodes are also described.

Abstract: Methods for reducing solar inverter output volatility are provided. A method for reducing solar inverter output volatility may include determining whether an output fluctuation by a solar inverter is likely, using output data of the solar inverter. Moreover, the method may include curtailing an output of the solar inverter in response to determining that the output fluctuation by the solar inverter is likely. Related solar inverters and solar installation nodes are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include transmitting a first power line communication signal from the communication node to a sensor device that is at or adjacent an electric grid device. The method may include receiving from the sensor device a second power line communication signal that is responsive to the first power line communication signal, at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include determining a distance between the communication node and the electric grid device by measuring an electrical parameter of the second power line communication signal, at the communication node. Related communication nodes are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include transmitting a first power line communication signal from the communication node to a sensor device that is at or adjacent an electric grid device. The method may include receiving from the sensor device a second power line communication signal that is responsive to the first power line communication signal, at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include determining a distance between the communication node and the electric grid device by measuring an electrical parameter of the second power line communication signal, at the communication node. Related communication nodes are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for optimizing energy use with one or more optimization engine objects. An optimization engine object may have a plurality of dependent objects including at least a dependent optimization engine object, or at least one of a supply-side or demand-side object. The optimization engine object may receive dependent object attribute data from each of the at least one dependent objects; determine an optimal configuration for the plurality of dependent objects over the first time period subject to at least one optimization constraint; and conditioned upon the optimization engine depending from a superior optimization engine, transmit a net energy usage associated with the optimal configuration to the superior optimization engine.