Patents by Inventor Ben KEARNS
Ben KEARNS has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230367348Abstract: A control system for an energy storage system located behind a utility meter uses a unique, feedback-based, communication and control method to reliably and efficiently maximize economic return of the energy storage system. Operating parameters for the energy storage system are calculated at an external, centralized data center, and are selected to prevent electrical power demand of an electric load location from exceeding a specified set-point by discharging energy storage devices, such as DC batteries, through a bidirectional energy converter during peak demand events. The control system can operate autonomously in the case of a communications failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Ben KEARNS, Jon BURLINSON, Drew STEVENS
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Patent number: 11714441Abstract: A control system for an energy storage system located behind a utility meter uses a unique, feedback-based, communication and control method to reliably and efficiently maximize economic return of the energy storage system. Operating parameters for the energy storage system are calculated at an external, centralized data center, and are selected to prevent electrical power demand of an electric load location from exceeding a specified set-point by discharging energy storage devices, such as DC batteries, through a bidirectional energy converter during peak demand events. The control system can operate autonomously in the case of a communications failure.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Stem, Inc.Inventors: Ben Kearns, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens
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Patent number: 11454999Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include control methods employed in multiphase distributed energy storage systems that are located behind utility meters typically located at, but not limited to, medium and large commercial and industrial locations. Current solutions for these types of electric load locations entail multiple discrete energy storage systems, where if any piece of an energy storage system is damaged, the ability of the complete power control strategy at the entire electric load location is at risk of becoming inoperable. Some embodiments of the invention include hardware and methods for dynamically reconfiguring networks of distributed energy storage systems that are able to provide automatic site layout discovery using a formed auto-discovering network formed at an electric load location.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Stem, Inc.Inventors: David Erhart, Craig Southeren, Ben Kearns, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens
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Patent number: 11201491Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include control methods employed in multiphase distributed energy storage systems that are located behind utility meters typically located at, but not limited to, medium and large commercial and industrial locations. These distributed energy storage systems can operate semi-autonomously, and can be configured to develop energy control solutions for an electric load location based on various data inputs and communicate these energy control solutions to the distributed energy storage systems. In some embodiments, one or more distributed energy storage systems may be used to absorb and/or deliver power to the electric grid in an effort to provide assistance to or correct for power transmission and distribution problems found on the electric grid outside of an electric load location. In some cases, two or more distributed energy storage systems are used to form a controlled and coordinated response to the problems seen on the electric grid.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2017Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Stem, Inc.Inventors: Ben Kearns, James W. Detmers, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens
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Publication number: 20200371540Abstract: A control system for an energy storage system located behind a utility meter uses a unique, feedback-based, communication and control method to reliably and efficiently maximize economic return of the energy storage system. Operating parameters for the energy storage system are calculated at an external, centralized data center, and are selected to prevent electrical power demand of an electric load location from exceeding a specified set-point by discharging energy storage devices, such as DC batteries, through a bidirectional energy converter during peak demand events. The control system can operate autonomously in the case of a communications failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Ben KEARNS, Jon BURLINSON, Drew STEVENS
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Patent number: 10782721Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include control methods employed in multiphase distributed energy storage systems that are located behind utility meters typically located at, but not limited to, medium and large commercial and industrial locations. These multiphase distributed energy storage systems can operate semi-autonomously, but may be in frequent contact with a cloud-based optimization engine that is configured to develop energy control solutions based on various data inputs and to communicate these energy control solutions to one or more of the distributed energy storage systems. Due to characteristics of the electric load location and/or the use of on-site power generation, imbalances in the power draw per phase can be created within the electric load location. Therefore, embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods that are used to control and/or limit the imbalance in power flowing through one phase versus other phases at the electric load location.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: STEM, INC.Inventors: David Erhart, Craig Southeren, Ben Kearns, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens
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Patent number: 10768652Abstract: In various embodiments, a hedge mode plugin increases the ability of an energy storage system to reduce the demand charges associated with purchasing electricity from a utility. A utility measurement interval (UMI) is divided into a pre-discharge phase and a subsequent compensatory charge phase. During the pre-discharge phase, the hedge mode plugin causes an energy storage device to discharge. At the beginning of the compensatory charge phase, the hedge mode plugin computes time-indexed charge values based on the total amount of energy that the energy storage device discharged during the pre-discharge phase. The hedge mode plugin then causes the energy storage device to charge based on at least one of the charge values. By systematically pre-discharging and re-charging the energy device, the hedge mode plugin optimizes the demand reduction effectiveness of the energy storage system during each UMI while stabilizing the state-of-charge of the energy storage device across multiple UMIs.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Stem, Inc.Inventors: Jon Burlinson, Chris Benjamin, Ben Kearns, Garrison Venn
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Patent number: 10756543Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include control methods employed in multiphase distributed energy storage systems that are located behind utility meters typically located at, but not limited to, medium and large commercial and industrial locations. These distributed energy storage systems can operate semi-autonomously, and can be configured to develop energy control solutions for an electric load location based on various data inputs and communicate these energy control solutions to the distributed energy storage systems. In some embodiments, one or more distributed energy storage systems may be used to absorb and/or deliver power to the electric grid in an effort to provide assistance to or correct for power transmission and distribution problems found on the electric grid outside of an electric load location. In some cases, two or more distributed energy storage systems are used to form a controlled and coordinated response to the problems seen on the electric grid.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Stem, Inc.Inventors: James W. Detmers, Ben Kearns, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens
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Patent number: 10747252Abstract: A control system for an energy storage system located behind a utility meter uses a unique, feedback-based, communication and control method to reliably and efficiently maximize economic return of the energy storage system. Operating parameters for the energy storage system are calculated at an external, centralized data center, and are selected to prevent electrical power demand of an electric load location from exceeding a specified set-point by discharging energy storage devices, such as DC batteries, through a bidirectional energy converter during peak demand events. The control system can operate autonomously in the case of a communications failure.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Stem, Inc.Inventors: Ben Kearns, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens
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Patent number: 10693294Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include control methods employed in multiphase distributed energy storage systems that are located behind utility meters typically located at, but not limited to, medium and large commercial and industrial locations. Some embodiments of the invention use networked multiphase distributed energy storage systems located at an electric load location or installed at interconnection points along the electric power distribution grid to provide a means for balancing the load created from an electric charging station, which are adapted to transfer power between one or more electric vehicles and the electric power grid.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: STEM, INC.Inventors: Ben Kearns, Henry Holbrook Hyde, III, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens
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Patent number: 10571947Abstract: In various embodiments, a hedge mode plugin increases the ability of an energy storage system to reduce the demand charges associated with purchasing electricity from a utility. A utility measurement interval (UMI) is divided into a pre-discharge phase and a subsequent compensatory charge phase. During the pre-discharge phase, the hedge mode plugin causes an energy storage device to discharge. At the beginning of the compensatory charge phase, the hedge mode plugin computes time-indexed charge values based on the total amount of energy that the energy storage device discharged during the pre-discharge phase. The hedge mode plugin then causes the energy storage device to charge based on at least one of the charge values. By systematically pre-discharging and re-charging the energy device, the hedge mode plugin optimizes the demand reduction effectiveness of the energy storage system during each UMI while stabilizing the state-of-charge of the energy storage device across multiple UMIs.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: STEM, INC.Inventors: Jon Burlinson, Chris Benjamin, Ben Kearns, Garrison Venn
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Patent number: 10389126Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include control methods employed in multiphase distributed energy storage systems that are located behind utility meters typically located at, but not limited to, medium and large commercial and industrial locations. These distributed energy storage systems can operate semi-autonomously, and can be configured to develop energy control solutions for an electric load location based on various data inputs and communicate these energy control solutions to the distributed energy storage systems. In some embodiments, one or more distributed energy storage systems may be used to absorb and/or deliver power to the electric grid in an effort to provide assistance to or correct for power transmission and distribution problems found on the electric grid outside of an electric load location. In some cases, two or more distributed energy storage systems are used to form a controlled and coordinated response to the problems seen on the electric grid.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: STEM, INC.Inventors: Ben Kearns, James W. Detmers, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens
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Publication number: 20170331290Abstract: In various embodiments, a hedge mode plugin increases the ability of an energy storage system to reduce the demand charges associated with purchasing electricity from a utility. A utility measurement interval (UMI) is divided into a pre-discharge phase and a subsequent compensatory charge phase. During the pre-discharge phase, the hedge mode plugin causes an energy storage device to discharge. At the beginning of the compensatory charge phase, the hedge mode plugin computes time-indexed charge values based on the total amount of energy that the energy storage device discharged during the pre-discharge phase. The hedge mode plugin then causes the energy storage device to charge based on at least one of the charge values. By systematically pre-discharging and re-charging the energy device, the hedge mode plugin optimizes the demand reduction effectiveness of the energy storage system during each UMI while stabilizing the state-of-charge of the energy storage device across multiple UMIs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Jon BURLINSON, Chris BENJAMIN, Ben KEARNS, Garrison VENN
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Publication number: 20170329361Abstract: In various embodiments, a hedge mode plugin increases the ability of an energy storage system to reduce the demand charges associated with purchasing electricity from a utility. A utility measurement interval (UMI) is divided into a pre-discharge phase and a subsequent compensatory charge phase. During the pre-discharge phase, the hedge mode plugin causes an energy storage device to discharge. At the beginning of the compensatory charge phase, the hedge mode plugin computes time-indexed charge values based on the total amount of energy that the energy storage device discharged during the pre-discharge phase. The hedge mode plugin then causes the energy storage device to charge based on at least one of the charge values. By systematically pre-discharging and re-charging the energy device, the hedge mode plugin optimizes the demand reduction effectiveness of the energy storage system during each UMI while stabilizing the state-of-charge of the energy storage device across multiple UMIs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Jon BURLINSON, Chris BENJAMIN, Ben KEARNS, Garrison VENN
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Publication number: 20170229896Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include control methods employed in multiphase distributed energy storage systems that are located behind utility meters typically located at, but not limited to, medium and large commercial and industrial locations. These distributed energy storage systems can operate semi-autonomously, and can be configured to develop energy control solutions for an electric load location based on various data inputs and communicate these energy control solutions to the distributed energy storage systems. In some embodiments, one or more distributed energy storage systems may be used to absorb and/or deliver power to the electric grid in an effort to provide assistance to or correct for power transmission and distribution problems found on the electric grid outside of an electric load location. In some cases, two or more distributed energy storage systems are used to form a controlled and coordinated response to the problems seen on the electric grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Ben KEARNS, James W. DETMERS, Jon BURLINSON, Drew STEVENS
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Patent number: 9634508Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include control methods employed in multiphase distributed energy storage systems that are located behind utility meters typically located at, but not limited to, medium and large commercial and industrial locations. These distributed energy storage systems can operate semi-autonomously, and can be configured to develop energy control solutions for an electric load location based on various data inputs and communicate these energy control solutions to the distributed energy storage systems. In some embodiments, one or more distributed energy storage systems may be used to absorb and/or deliver power to the electric grid in an effort to provide assistance to or correct for power transmission and distribution problems found on the electric grid outside of an electric load location. In some cases, two or more distributed energy storage systems are used to form a controlled and coordinated response to the problems seen on the electric grid.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: STEM, INC.Inventors: Ben Kearns, James W. Detmers, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens
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Publication number: 20160342170Abstract: A control system for an energy storage system located behind a utility meter uses a unique, feedback-based, communication and control method to reliably and efficiently maximize economic return of the energy storage system. Operating parameters for the energy storage system are calculated at an external, centralized data center, and are selected to prevent electrical power demand of an electric load location from exceeding a specified set-point by discharging energy storage devices, such as DC batteries, through a bidirectional energy converter during peak demand events. The control system can operate autonomously in the case of a communications failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2016Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Ben KEARNS, Jon BURLINSON, Drew STEVENS
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Patent number: 9418392Abstract: A control system for an energy storage system located behind a utility meter uses a unique, feedback-based, communication and control method to reliably and efficiently maximize economic return of the energy storage system. Operating parameters for the energy storage system are calculated at an external, centralized data center, and are selected to prevent electrical power demand of an electric load location from exceeding a specified set-point by discharging energy storage devices, such as DC batteries, through a bidirectional energy converter during peak demand events. The control system can operate autonomously in the case of a communications failure.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: STEM, Inc.Inventors: Ben Kearns, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens
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Patent number: 9406094Abstract: A control system for an energy storage system located behind a utility meter uses a unique, feedback-based, communication and control method to reliably and efficiently maximize economic return of the energy storage system. Operating parameters for the energy storage system are calculated at an external, centralized data center, and are selected to prevent electrical power demand of an electric load location from exceeding a specified set-point by discharging energy storage devices, such as DC batteries, through a bidirectional energy converter during peak demand events. The control system can operate autonomously in the case of a communications failure.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Stem Inc.Inventors: Ben Kearns, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens
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Patent number: 8880233Abstract: A control system for an energy storage system located behind a utility meter uses a unique, feedback-based, communication and control method to reliably and efficiently maximize economic return of the energy storage system. Operating parameters for the energy storage system are calculated at an external, centralized data center, and are selected to prevent electrical power demand of an electric load location from exceeding a specified set-point by discharging energy storage devices, such as DC batteries, through a bidirectional energy converter during peak demand events. The control system can operate autonomously in the case of a communications failure.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: STEM Inc.Inventors: Ben Kearns, Jon Burlinson, Drew Stevens