Patents by Inventor Francis K. Tuffner
Francis K. Tuffner 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: 20230307909Abstract: Electric power systems, control systems and associated operational methods are described. According to one aspect, an electric power system includes plural load controllers that are configured to control the supply of electrical energy from the system to plural loads, a control system that determines an amount of power in reserve and available to be provided to the electric power system, uses the determined amount of power in reserve to determine different values for a plurality of setpoints that correspond to a parameter of electrical energy that is supplied by the system to the loads, and the load controllers monitor the parameter of the electrical energy that is supplied by the system with respect to the setpoint values and to adjust an amount of the electrical energy that is supplied from the electric power system to the loads as a result of the monitoring of the parameter by the load controllers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Kevin P. Schneider, Xueqing Sun, Francis K. Tuffner, Wei Du, Marcelo A. Elizondo, Jing Xie
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Patent number: 11515704Abstract: Methods include, in response to a line frequency variation of a power grid, adjusting a voltage setpoint of a voltage regulator coupled to the power grid at a grid edge to maintain a voltage at the grid edge, wherein the adjusting the regulated voltage setpoint is configured to reduce the line frequency variation to stabilize the line frequency of the power grid. Apparatus include a voltage regulator configured to couple to a power grid at a grid edge and to maintain a voltage at the grid edge, wherein the voltage regulator is further configured to adjust a voltage setpoint of a voltage regulator in response to a line frequency variation of the power grid to reduce the line frequency variation and stabilize the line frequency of the power grid.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Wei Du, Kevin P. Schneider, Francis K. Tuffner, Jing Xie, Thanh T. Vu
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Publication number: 20210210957Abstract: Methods include, in response to a line frequency variation of a power grid, adjusting a voltage setpoint of a voltage regulator coupled to the power grid at a grid edge to maintain a voltage at the grid edge, wherein the adjusting the regulated voltage setpoint is configured to reduce the line frequency variation to stabilize the line frequency of the power grid. Apparatus include a voltage regulator configured to couple to a power grid at a grid edge and to maintain a voltage at the grid edge, wherein the voltage regulator is further configured to adjust a voltage setpoint of a voltage regulator in response to a line frequency variation of the power grid to reduce the line frequency variation and stabilize the line frequency of the power grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Wei Du, Kevin P. Schneider, Francis K. Tuffner, Jing Xie, Thanh T. Vu
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Patent number: 10784686Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for control systems for improving stability of electrical grids by temporarily reducing voltage output of electrical generators responsive to transient events on an electrical grid. In one example of the disclosed technology, a controller is coupled is to an automatic voltage regulator, which in turn adjusts excitation current of an electrical generator responsive to changes in frequency detected for the electrical grid. Reducing the output voltage temporarily allows for smaller generators to provide power to the microgrid. Methods for selecting parameters determining how the controller generates a regulation signal used to adjust the excitation current are further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Kevin P. Schneider, Francis K. Tuffner, Jacob Hansen, Yingying Tang, Nikitha Radhakrishnan, Priya Thekkumparambath Mana
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Patent number: 10663932Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value).Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Richard M. Pratt, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Michael C. W. Kintner-Meyer, Francis K. Tuffner
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Publication number: 20200021131Abstract: A method employing an intuitive physical slider, or graphical computer display of a slider, to generate a single input value for use in generating operating set points (typically comprising dispatch and droop settings) for each of a multiplicity of energy resources in a microgrid to achieve a predetermined operational goal, such as maximizing resiliency or efficiency, or minimizing emissions. The single input value may be selected to maximize the resiliency of the microgrid, using a minimized droop when the microgrid encounters either a decrease in energy resources or an abrupt increase in end-user loads. Alternatively, the single input value may maximize the efficiency of the microgrid. Other operational goals may also be achieved with different settings of the single input value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2018Publication date: January 16, 2020Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Kevin P. Schneider, Francis K. Tuffner, Yingying Tang, Nikitha Radhakrishnan, Priya Thekkumparambath Mana
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Publication number: 20190173285Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for control systems for improving stability of electrical grids by temporarily reducing voltage output of electrical generators responsive to transient events on an electrical grid. In one example of the disclosed technology, a controller is coupled is to an automatic voltage regulator, which in turn adjusts excitation current of an electrical generator responsive to changes in frequency detected for the electrical grid. Reducing the output voltage temporarily allows for smaller generators to provide power to the microgrid. Methods for selecting parameters determining how the controller generates a regulation signal used to adjust the excitation current are further disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2018Publication date: June 6, 2019Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Kevin P. Schneider, Francis K. Tuffner, Jacob Hansen, Yingying Tang, Nikitha Radhakrishnan, Priya Thekkumparambath Mana
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Patent number: 9753440Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value).Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Richard M. Pratt, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Michael C. W. Kintner-Meyer, Francis K. Tuffner
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Publication number: 20170222437Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Richard M. Pratt, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Michael C.W. Kintner-Meyer, Francis K. Tuffner
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Patent number: 9589297Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. One of the disclosed embodiments is a method for operating a transactive thermostatic controller configured to submit bids to a market-based resource allocation system. According to the exemplary method, a first bid curve is determined, the first bid curve indicating a first set of bid prices for corresponding temperatures and being associated with a cooling mode of operation for a heating and cooling system. A second bid curve is also determined, the second bid curve indicating a second set of bid prices for corresponding temperatures and being associated with a heating mode of operation for a heating and cooling system. In this embodiment, the first bid curve, the second bid curve, or both the first bid curve and the second bid curve are modified to prevent overlap of any portion of the first bid curve and the second bid curve.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Jason C. Fuller, David P. Chassin, Robert G. Pratt, Matthew Hauer, Francis K. Tuffner
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Patent number: 9441889Abstract: Thermal energy storage devices, systems, and thermal energy storage device monitoring methods are described. According to one aspect, a thermal energy storage device includes a reservoir configured to hold a thermal energy storage medium, a temperature control system configured to adjust a temperature of the thermal energy storage medium, and a state observation system configured to provide information regarding an energy state of the thermal energy storage device at a plurality of different moments in time.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Maria C. Tugurlan, Francis K. Tuffner, David P. Chassin
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Patent number: 8700225Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value).Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Richard M. Pratt, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Michael C. W. Kintner-Meyer, Francis K. Tuffner
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Publication number: 20130268132Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Richard M. Pratt, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Michael C.W. Kintner-Meyer, Francis K. Tuffner
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Patent number: 8478452Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value).Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Richard M. Pratt, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Michael C. W. Kintner-Meyer, Francis K. Tuffner
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Publication number: 20130077944Abstract: Thermal energy storage devices, systems, and thermal energy storage device monitoring methods are described. According to one aspect, a thermal energy storage device includes a reservoir configured to hold a thermal energy storage medium, a temperature control system configured to adjust a temperature of the thermal energy storage medium, and a state observation system configured to provide information regarding an energy state of the thermal energy storage device at a plurality of different moments in time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Maria C. Tugurlan, Francis K. Tuffner, David P. Chassin
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Publication number: 20120278221Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. One of the disclosed embodiments is a method for operating a transactive thermostatic controller configured to submit bids to a market-based resource allocation system. According to the exemplary method, a first bid curve is determined, the first bid curve indicating a first set of bid prices for corresponding temperatures and being associated with a cooling mode of operation for a heating and cooling system. A second bid curve is also determined, the second bid curve indicating a second set of bid prices for corresponding temperatures and being associated with a heating mode of operation for a heating and cooling system. In this embodiment, the first bid curve, the second bid curve, or both the first bid curve and the second bid curve are modified to prevent overlap of any portion of the first bid curve and the second bid curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventors: Jason C. Fuller, David P. Chassin, Robert G. Pratt, Matthew Hauer, Francis K. Tuffner
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Publication number: 20120200160Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Richard M. Pratt, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Michael C.W. Kintner-Meyer, Francis K. Tuffner
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Patent number: 8183826Abstract: Battery charging control methods, electric vehicle charging methods, battery charging apparatuses and rechargeable battery systems. According to one aspect, a battery charging control method includes accessing information regarding a presence of at least one of a surplus and a deficiency of electrical energy upon an electrical power distribution system at a plurality of different moments in time, and using the information, controlling an adjustment of an amount of the electrical energy provided from the electrical power distribution system to a rechargeable battery to charge the rechargeable battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Francis K. Tuffner, Michael C. W. Kintner-Meyer, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Richard M. Pratt
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Publication number: 20110245987Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Richard M. Pratt, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Michael C. W. Kintner-Meyer, Francis K. Tuffner
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Publication number: 20100289451Abstract: Battery charging control methods, electric vehicle charging methods, battery charging apparatuses and rechargeable battery systems are described. According to one aspect, a battery charging control method includes accessing information regarding a presence of at least one of a surplus and a deficiency of electrical energy upon an electrical power distribution system at a plurality of different moments in time, and using the information, controlling an adjustment of an amount of the electrical energy provided from the electrical power distribution system to a rechargeable battery to charge the rechargeable battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Francis K. Tuffner, Michael C.W. Kintner-Meyer, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Richard M. Pratt