Patents Assigned to San Diego Gas & Electric Company
  • Publication number: 20160247171
    Abstract: A system for managing grid interaction with an energy storage device includes an energy exchange server, a plurality of energy storage devices, a plurality of interconnect socket adapters, and a plurality of energy exchange controllers, each energy exchange controller coupling to one of the plurality of interconnect socket adapters and dictating energy consumption based on energy pricing data received from the energy exchange server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventors: Ken Parks, Michael COLBURN
  • Publication number: 20160236634
    Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. A power regulation module is disposed between the interconnection meter socket adapter, and configured to selectively connect one or more energy sources or energy sinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventors: Ken PARKS, Michael COLBURN
  • Publication number: 20160239035
    Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. A power regulation module is disposed between the interconnection meter socket adapter, and configured to selectively connect one or more energy sources or energy sinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventors: Ken PARKS, Michael COLBURN
  • Publication number: 20160238633
    Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. A power regulation module is disposed between the interconnection meter socket adapter, and configured to selectively connect one or more energy sources or energy sinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventors: Ken PARKS, Michael COLBURN
  • Publication number: 20160232623
    Abstract: A power exchange includes an energy exchange server and a plurality of exchange controllers, each exchange controller communicatively coupled to an interconnect socket adapter, wherein the energy exchange server receives a real-time energy consumption data set, a real-time energy production data set, a set of environmental parameters and a starting energy price, and generates a current aggregate electricity demand value as a function of the real-time energy consumption data set and the environmental parameters, a current aggregate electricity supply value as a function of the real-time energy production dataset and the environmental parameters, and a current energy price as a function of the starting energy price, the current aggregate electricity demand value, and the current aggregate electricity supply value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventors: KEN PARKS, MICHAEL COLBURN
  • Patent number: 9413156
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a falling power line in a power transmission or distribution system are described. Electrical measurements at various points in the power distribution system are used to detect changes in a power line indicating that the conductor has broken or become disconnected. Upon detection, control mechanisms are used to deenergize the conductor while the conductor is falling and/or before it contacts the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventors: William O'Brien, Eric A. Udren
  • Publication number: 20160221037
    Abstract: Non-conductive films for constructing lighter than air balloons are provided. A non-conductive film may comprise multiple layers of gas barrier polymers. An outer surface printable layer and an interior heat or ultrasonically sealable layer may also be included. Each gas barrier film may comprise multiple (e.g., from 3 to approximately 75) barrier layers. A gas barrier core has a nano-layer structure. A gas barrier core may also comprise a biodegradable film or a bio-based film. A non-conductive film may comprise a metal layer for enhancing gas barrier properties. The metal layer may be discontinuous. The metal layer may be conductive and coated with an insulating top coat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: ELDRIDGE M. MOUNT, III, DENIS S. SANFORD
  • Publication number: 20160221035
    Abstract: Non-conductive films for constructing lighter than air balloons are provided. A non-conductive film may comprise multiple layers of gas barrier polymers. An outer surface printable layer and an interior heat or ultrasonically sealable layer may also be included. Each gas barrier film may comprise multiple (e.g., from 3 to approximately 75) barrier layers. A gas barrier core has a nano-layer structure. A gas barrier core may also comprise a biodegradable film or a bio-based film. A non-conductive film may comprise a metal layer for enhancing gas barrier properties. The metal layer may be discontinuous. The metal layer may be conductive and coated with an insulating top coat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: ELDRIDGE M. MOUNT, III, DENIS S. SANFORD
  • Publication number: 20160181752
    Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. A power regulation module is disposed between the interconnection meter socket adapter, and configured to selectively connect one or more energy sources or energy sinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: San Diego Gas & Electric Company c/o Sempra Energy
    Inventors: KEN PARKS, MICHAEL COLBURN
  • Patent number: 9331465
    Abstract: Aerial markers are disclosed for hanging on overhead support cables at discrete spaced apart distances to warn passersby, such as airplanes, helicopters, hang gliders, hot air balloons, and the like of the presence of the cables. The aerial markers can be made in multiple parts, having various parting lines, including a vertical parting line, and can be hung in a spaced relationship to the support cables. To space the marker body from the support wire, a support frame is used to enable hanging the marker body via one or more external clamps. Direct connection is also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventor: Flynn S. Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20150309075
    Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. An interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a DC-AC inverter, which may be coupled to various energy sources. As such, the energy sources are coupled to an electrical power system. In addition, a connector such as a flexible cable or flexible conduit containing insulated wires can be provided for connecting various energy sources and/or sinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY C/O SEMPRA ENERGY
    Inventors: KEN PARKS, MICHAEL COLBURN
  • Patent number: 9156368
    Abstract: A method and application that utilizes a signal processing algorithm is provided for detecting plug-in electric vehicle charging events through interrogation of smart meter data. The method is a form of non-invasive load monitoring that allows the utility to track plug-in electric vehicle charging events in real time or over extended periods. These parameters are suitably flexible so as to accommodate diverse electric vehicle technologies and a range of electric vehicle owners' charging habits. Application of the method facilitates the integration of electric vehicles into utilities' electrical grids, protection of the utilities' assets, geographic mapping of electric vehicle owners and charging events, managed charging through communication between the utility and the vehicle or owner, managed charging through the offer of time of use rates for electric vehicle owners, and an enabling technology to accompany other Smart Grid functions such as Vehicle-to-Grid distributed energy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Chris Chen, William Vincent Torre, Charles Lyle, Benjamin L. Colson, Eric S. Fan, Praneet Kolluru
  • Publication number: 20150233733
    Abstract: A distribution interconnection system processes and manages interconnections into the distribution system for utilities. Various embodiments may manage and facilitate the application process. In addition, utilities may track and manage unauthorized operators, for example, via a reverse power flow detection process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY C/O SEMPRA ENERGY
    Inventors: ARNEY KENNETH PARKS, III, RACHEL ROMANI BRILES, PATRICIA MAY JUENGST, VY NGUYEN, ROB MALOWNEY, STEVE WEINGARTNER, GERALD TYNEN, AARON GREGORY FRANZ, Michael A. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20150118461
    Abstract: Non-conductive films for constructing lighter than air balloons are provided. A non-conductive film may comprise multiple layers of gas barrier polymers. An outer surface printable layer and an interior heat or ultrasonically sealable layer may also be included. Each gas barrier film may comprise multiple (e.g., from 3 to approximately 75) barrier layers. A gas barrier core has a nano-layer structure. A gas barrier core may also comprise a biodegradable film or a bio-based film. A non-conductive film may comprise a metal layer for enhancing gas barrier properties. The metal layer may be discontinuous. The metal layer may be conductive and coated with an insulating top coat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY C/O SEMPRA ENERGY
    Inventors: ELDRIDGE M. MOUNT, III, DENIS S. SANFORD
  • Publication number: 20150118460
    Abstract: Non-conductive films for constructing lighter than air balloons are provided. A non-conductive film may comprise multiple layers of gas barrier polymers. An outer surface printable layer and an interior heat or ultrasonically sealable layer may also be included. Each gas barrier film may comprise multiple (e.g., from 3 to approximately 75) barrier layers. A gas barrier core has a nano-layer structure. A gas barrier core may also comprise a biodegradable film or a bio-based film. A non-conductive film may comprise a metal layer for enhancing gas barrier properties. The metal layer may be discontinuous. The metal layer may be conductive and coated with an insulating top coat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: San Diego Gas & Electric Company c/o Sempra Energy
    Inventors: ELDRIDGE M. MOUNT, III, DENIS S. SANFORD
  • Patent number: 9020654
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and computer program product for implementing a smart transformer, comprising a processor, and a balancing algorithm residing on the processor, wherein the balancing algorithm is stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer executable program code embodied thereon, the computer executable program code configured to cause the system to monitor and control an electric customer load and generation in order to optimize the performance of a distribution transformer, wherein the processor receives a plurality of system inputs and uses the balancing algorithm to determine a rating of the transformer and an amount of customer load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventors: William Vincent Torre, Amanda Louise Myers, Michael James Colburn
  • Publication number: 20150077267
    Abstract: A modular warning light system for warning aerial vehicles of an obstacle such as a steel lattice tower includes a support, a light structure adjustably mounted onto the support, a warning light coupled to the light structure, and a power system coupled to the light structure. The power system comprises a solar panel and a rechargeable battery. The solar panel is configured for charging the rechargeable battery, and the rechargeable battery is configured for powering the warning light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Stewart Flynn Ortiz, Sneha Parmar
  • Publication number: 20150075859
    Abstract: Rigid non-conducting safety covers for the conductive components on an electrical utility pole are disclosed. The safety covers prevent arcing or current flowing to a user working on a utility pole. The safety covers extend over portions of the utility pole, cross arm and bracket mounting the cross arm to the utility pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel P. Rodriguez, Gideon Lichlyter
  • Publication number: 20150061644
    Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electrical meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. An interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a DC-AC converter, which may be coupled to various energy sources. As such, the energy sources are coupled to an electrical power system. In addition, a connector such as a flexible cable or flexible conduit containing insulated wires can be provided for connecting various energy sources and/or sinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY C/O SEMPRA ENERGY
    Inventors: KEN PARKS, MICHAEL COLBURN
  • Patent number: 8941387
    Abstract: An electrical waveform is received over an electrical power line. A plurality of nominal electrical parameters are determined for the electrical power network and the plurality of nominal electrical parameters are associated with a state of the electrical power network in the absence of at least one transitory electrical fault in the network. Subsequently, a plurality of electrical parameters of the electrical waveform are sampled when the at least one transitory electrical fault exists in the network. A plurality of inductances are determined based at least in part upon a comparison of the nominal electrical parameters and the plurality of sampled electrical parameters. The plurality of inductances are representative of inductances present in the network when the at least one transitory electrical fault exists in the network. The plurality of inductances are analyzed to determine a distance and/or direction to the at least one electrical fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Howard University, San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventor: Charles Kim