Patents by Inventor Fred C. Horton

Fred C. Horton 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).

  • Patent number: 10003196
    Abstract: A distributed control node enables monitoring of complex energy signatures for local loads. The control node can identify energy signatures unique to local loads. The energy signature includes a complex current vector for the load in operation identifying the primary current with a real power component and a reactive power component, and identifying one or more harmonics each with a real power component, a reactive power component, and an angular displacement relative to the primary current. Based on the energy signature, the control node can control a noise contribution of the load due to the harmonics as seen at a point of common coupling to reduce noise introduced onto the grid network from the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: XSLENT Energy Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C Horton, Frank P Marrone
  • Patent number: 9960601
    Abstract: A distributed control node enables local control of reactive power. A consumer node generates local real power on a consumer side of a point of common coupling (PCC). The control node converts local real power into reactive power with a conversion device on the consumer side of the PCC. The control node can deliver the reactive power to the grid to provide VARs to the grid from locally generated real power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: XSLENT ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C Horton, Frank P Marrone
  • Publication number: 20170322580
    Abstract: A power transfer system provides power factor conditioning of the generated power. Power is received from a local power source, converted to usable AC power, and the power factor is conditioned to a desired value. The desired value may be a power factor at or near unity, or the desired power factor may be in response to conditions of the power grid, a tariff established, and/or determinations made remotely to the local power source. Many sources and power transfer systems can be put together and controlled as a power source farm to deliver power to the grid having a specific power factor characteristic. The farm may be a grouping of multiple local customer premises. AC power can also be conditioned prior to use by an AC to DC power supply for more efficient DC power conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, William B. Westbrock, Fred C. Horton, Joseph M. Klemm, Frank P. Marrone, Arnold F. McKinley, Kurt W. Wiseman
  • Patent number: 9690313
    Abstract: A power transfer system provides power factor conditioning of the generated power. Power is received from a local power source, converted to usable AC power, and the power factor is conditioned to a desired value. The desired value may be a power factor at or near unity, or the desired power factor may be in response to conditions of the power grid, a tariff established, and/or determinations made remotely to the local power source. Many sources and power transfer systems can be put together and controlled as a power source farm to deliver power to the grid having a specific power factor characteristic. The farm may be a grouping of multiple local customer premises. AC power can also be conditioned prior to use by an AC to DC power supply for more efficient DC power conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, William B Westbrock, Jr., Fred C Horton, Joseph M Klemm, Frank P Marrone, Arnold F McKinley, Kurt W Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20160204606
    Abstract: Distributed grid network intelligence enables data aggregation at a local control node. In a consumer node, a meter is on a consumer side of a point of common coupling (PCC). The meter can receive one or more external grid inputs and one or more local sensor inputs. The grid inputs can come from sources outside the PCC, and the local sensor inputs monitor conditions at the PCC and/or within the PCC. The meter can identify power demand within the PCC and calculate an output power to generate with a local power converter. The calculation is not simply based on power demand, but on aggregation information, including the one or more external grid inputs, the one or more local sensor inputs, and the power demand for the local load. The local power converter can then output power in accordance with the calculated output power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C. Horton, Frank P. Marrone, Clayton Borzini
  • Publication number: 20160204610
    Abstract: Distributed grid network intelligence enables intelligent local energy storage backup control. A consumer node includes a local energy storage system. A distributed control node for the consumer node monitors local power demand and local energy generation. The control node calculates an interface operation for accessing energy from the local energy storage or charging the local energy storage, based on the local power demand and the local energy generation. The control node triggers a local power converter to execute the interface operation with the local energy storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C. Horton, Frank P. Marrone, Clayton Borzini
  • Publication number: 20160087433
    Abstract: Data aggregation enables a local control response based on forecasted actions at a consumer node of a distributed grid network. A consumer node includes a local energy meter that receives grid condition information, including an aggregation of multiple inputs indicating an electrical condition of the grid network, local operating conditions at the PCC, and local power demand. The consumer node accesses rate information for the grid network indicating a consumer power price and a market power price. Based on the rate information and the aggregation information, the consumer node calculates an output power to generate with a local power converter, which outputs the power based in accordance with the calculation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C. Horton, Frank P. Marrone, Clayton Borzini
  • Publication number: 20160087439
    Abstract: A distributed control node enables monitoring of complex energy signatures for local loads. The control node can identify energy signatures unique to local loads. The energy signature includes a complex current vector for the load in operation identifying the primary current with a real power component and a reactive power component, and identifying one or more harmonics each with a real power component, a reactive power component, and an angular displacement relative to the primary current. Based on the energy signature, the control node can control a noise contribution of the load due to the harmonics as seen at a point of common coupling to reduce noise introduced onto the grid network from the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C. Horton, Frank P. Marrone
  • Publication number: 20160087442
    Abstract: Distributed grid intelligence can enable a modular power grid. Multiple consumer nodes are coupled to a same point of common coupling (PCC). Local power sources are coupled to the PCC. None of the power sources has sufficient generation capacity alone to meet peak demand of the multiple consumer nodes of the grid segment. The grid segment includes multiple control nodes to control distribution of power from the power sources to the multiple consumer nodes based on power demand from the multiple consumer nodes and based on operation of the other power sources. Thus, consumer nodes can share power generated locally, but operate independently without the need for central management or a central power plant, and different independent segments can be coupled to each other to expand the grid network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C. Horton, Frank P. Marrone
  • Publication number: 20160087436
    Abstract: A distributed control node enables total harmonic control. The control node measures current drawn by a load, including harmonics of the primary current. A metering device can generate an energy signature unique to the load including recording a complex current vector for the load in operation identifying the primary current with a real power component and a reactive power component, and identifying the harmonics with a real power component, a reactive power component, and an angular displacement relative to the primary current. The control node can control a noise contribution of the load due to the harmonics as seen at a point of common coupling to reduce noise introduced onto the grid network from the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C. Horton, Frank P. Marrone
  • Publication number: 20160087522
    Abstract: A distributed control node enables local control of reactive power. A metering device of the control node measures energy delivered by a grid network at a point of common coupling (PCC) to which a load is coupled. The metering device determines that the load draws reactive power from the grid network. The control node draws real power from the grid and converts the real power from the grid into reactive power. The conversion of real to reactive power occurs on the consumer side of the PCC. The conversion of real to reactive power enables delivery of reactive power to a local load from real power drawn from the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C. Horton, Frank P. Marrone
  • Publication number: 20160087432
    Abstract: Data aggregation enables a local control response at a consumer node of a distributed grid network. A consumer node includes a local energy meter. The meter receives multiple inputs indicating an electrical condition of the grid network and local operating conditions. The meter can aggregate the grid network and local operation conditions inputs with power demand for a local load coupled to the consumer side of the point of common coupling monitored by the energy meter. The energy meter calculates a mix of real and reactive power to output from a local energy source, based on the aggregated data. A local power converter outputs the calculated power from the local energy source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C. Horton, Frank P. Marrone, Clayton Borzini
  • Publication number: 20160087441
    Abstract: Distributed grid intelligence can enable a virtual power grid. Multiple consumer nodes can have local power sources, and be coupled to a same point of common coupling (PCC). The consumer nodes can be controlled by distributed control nodes at the consumer nodes. The control nodes control the distribution of power from the local power sources based on local power demand of each respective consumer node, and also based on distribution of power from the other respective control node. Thus, consumer nodes can share power generated locally, but operate independently without the need for central management or a central power plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C Horton, Frank P Marrone
  • Publication number: 20160087434
    Abstract: Data aggregation enables a local control response based on forward prediction at a consumer node of a distributed grid network. A consumer node includes a local energy meter that receives grid condition information, including an aggregation of multiple inputs indicating an electrical condition of the grid network, local operating conditions at the PCC, and local power demand. The consumer node accesses operating history for a local control node, the operating history including records of previous power output for various grid conditions and operating conditions. Based on the operating history and the aggregation information, the consumer node calculates an output power to generate with a local power converter, which outputs the power based in accordance with the calculation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C Horton, Frank P Marrone, Clayton Borzini
  • Publication number: 20160087440
    Abstract: Distributed grid intelligence enables grid saturation control. A distributed control node can determine that a segment of the power grid exceeds a saturation threshold. A power grid can be saturated by real power when local power sources at customer premises are connected to the grid. The grid saturation threshold can be a point at which real power generation capacity of local energy sources exceeds a threshold percentage of peak real power demand for the power grid segment where the power generation capacity exists. The control node at a consumer node can dynamically adjust a ratio of real power to reactive power for the segment of the power grid as seen from the grid, and reduce grid saturation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C. Horton, Frank P. Marrone
  • Publication number: 20160079757
    Abstract: A distributed control node enables local control of reactive power. A consumer node generates local real power on a consumer side of a point of common coupling (PCC). The control node converts local real power into reactive power with a conversion device on the consumer side of the PCC. The control node can deliver the reactive power to the grid to provide VARs to the grid from locally generated real power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C Horton, Frank P Marrone
  • Publication number: 20160079752
    Abstract: A control node enables distributed grid control. The control node monitors power generation and power demand at a point of common coupling (PCC) between a utility power grid and all devices downstream from the PCC. The control node can have one or more consumer nodes, which can be or include customer premises, and one or more energy sources connected downstream. The control node monitors and controls the interface via the PCC from the same side of the PCC as the power generation and power demand. The control can include adjusting the interface between the control node and the central grid management via the PCC to maintain compliance with grid regulations at the PCC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, Fred C Horton, Frank P Marrone
  • Publication number: 20140350742
    Abstract: A power transfer system provides power factor conditioning of the generated power. Power is received from a local power source, converted to usable AC power, and the power factor is conditioned to a desired value. The desired value may be a power factor at or near unity, or the desired power factor may be in response to conditions of the power grid, a tariff established, and/or determinations made remotely to the local power source. Many sources and power transfer systems can be put together and controlled as a power source farm to deliver power to the grid having a specific power factor characteristic. The farm may be a grouping of multiple local customer premises. AC power can also be conditioned prior to use by an AC to DC power supply for more efficient DC power conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, William B. Westbrock, JR., Fred C. Horton, Joseph M. Klemm, Frank P. Marrone, Arnold F. McKinley, Kurt W. Wiseman
  • Patent number: 8693228
    Abstract: A power transfer system provides power factor conditioning of the generated power. Power is received from a local power source, converted to usable AC power, and the power factor is conditioned to a desired value. The desired value may be a power factor at or near unity, or the desired power factor may be in response to conditions of the power grid, a tariff established, and/or determinations made remotely to the local power source. Many sources and power transfer systems can be put together and controlled as a power source farm to deliver power to the grid having a specific power factor characteristic. The farm may be a grouping of multiple local customer premises. AC power can also be conditioned prior to use by an AC to DC power supply for more efficient DC power conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, William B. Westbrock, Jr., Fred C. Horton, Joseph M. Klemm, Frank P. Marrone, Arnold F. McKinley, Kurt W. Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20100208501
    Abstract: A power transfer system provides power factor conditioning of the generated power. Power is received from a local power source, converted to usable AC power, and the power factor is conditioned to a desired value. The desired value may be a power factor at or near unity, or the desired power factor may be in response to conditions of the power grid, a tariff established, and/or determinations made remotely to the local power source. Many sources and power transfer systems can be put together and controlled as a power source farm to deliver power to the grid having a specific power factor characteristic. The farm may be a grouping of multiple local customer premises. AC power can also be conditioned prior to use by an AC to DC power supply for more efficient DC power conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Stefan Matan, William B. Westbrock, JR., Fred C. Horton, Joseph M. Klemm, Frank P. Marrone, Arnold F. McKinley, Kurt W. Wiseman