Abstract: A method includes: calculating a load prediction arising from an power consumption entity over a prospective time period; calculating a predicted off-grid power supply from an off-grid power supply; minimizing, for a respective time interval, a calculated amount of electrical-power to import from a power grid, in accordance with output from a cost function; and, for at least one interval, importing, from the power grid, the corresponding calculated amount of electrical-power corresponding to the at least one interval. The cost function uses: (i) a multi-component time of use tariff schedule associated with the power grid that includes a first power rate during a prospective time period and second power rate during a second time period, (ii) the load prediction over the prospective time period, (iii) the predicted off-grid electrical-power supply over the prospective time period, (iv) a state of a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A method includes: determining a total power load from an electrical power consumption entity configured to receive all or a portion of the total power load from each of (i) an alternative energy source (“AES”), (ii) a power grid, and (iii) a rechargeable energy storage device. The AES and the power grid are connected using a reverse power relay. The method also includes: for a first time period, determining a first power supply from the AES. The first power supply is affected by natural events that are uncontrolled by a user. The method also includes in accordance with a determination that, during the first time period, the power supply from the AES exceeds the power load: storing an excess portion of the power supply in the energy storage device, without releasing electrical power from the AES to the power grid. The excess portion is less than the energy storage device's maximum capacity.

Abstract: A method includes: calculating a load prediction arising from an power consumption entity over a prospective time period; calculating a predicted off-grid power supply from an off-grid power supply; minimizing, for a respective time interval, a calculated amount of electrical-power to import from a power grid, in accordance with output from a cost function; and, for at least one interval, importing, from the power grid, the corresponding calculated amount of electrical-power corresponding to the at least one interval. The cost function uses: (i) a multi-component time of use tariff schedule associated with the power grid that includes a first power rate during a prospective time period and second power rate during a second time period, (ii) the load prediction over the prospective time period, (iii) the predicted off-grid electrical-power supply over the prospective time period, (iv) a state of a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A method for improving electrical generator efficiency using a rechargeable battery includes, at a computer system, determining a load from an electrical-power consumption entity for a prospective time period; and calculating a first supply from a renewable electrical power supply source for the same prospective time period. The renewable electrical-power supply source comprises one or more photovoltaic devices, and the renewable electrical-power supply source is independent from a power grid. The method also includes quantifying a deficiency in an ability of the first supply to satisfy the load during the prospective time period; and in accordance with the quantification of the deficiency in the ability of the first supply to satisfy the load during the prospective time period: optimizing a spinning reserve schedule for a plurality of power generators to thereby make up the deficiency. The optimization of the spinning reserve schedule improves the non-renewable energy consumption.

Abstract: A method includes: determining a total power load from an electrical power consumption entity configured to receive all or a portion of the total power load from each of (i) an alternative energy source (“AES”), (ii) a power grid, and (iii) a rechargeable energy storage device. The AES and the power grid are connected using a reverse power relay. The method also includes: for a first time period, determining a first power supply from the AES. The first power supply is affected by natural events that are uncontrolled by a user. The method also includes in accordance with a determination that, during the first time period, the power supply from the AES exceeds the power load: storing an excess portion of the power supply in the energy storage device, without releasing electrical power from the AES to the power grid. The excess portion is less than the energy storage device's maximum capacity.