Patents by Inventor Jeff Frolik

Jeff Frolik 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: 11972496
    Abstract: The present disclosure can provide a distributed and anonymous approach to demand response of an electricity system. The approach can conceptualize energy consumption and production of distributed-energy resources (DERs) via discrete energy packets that are coordinated by a cyber computing entity that grants or denies energy packet requests from the DERs. The approach leverages a condition of a DER, which is particularly useful for (1) thermostatically-controlled loads, (2) non-thermostatic conditionally-controlled loads, and (3) bi-directional distributed energy storage systems, among others. In a first aspect of the present approach, each DER independently requests the authority to switch on for a fixed amount of time (i.e., packet duration). The coordinator determines whether to grant or deny each request based electric grid and/or energy or power market conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventors: Jeff Frolik, Paul Hines, Mads Almassalkhi
  • Publication number: 20220237711
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a distributed and anonymous approach to demand response of an electricity system. The approach conceptualizes energy consumption and production of distributed-energy resources (DERs) via discrete energy packets that are coordinated by a cyber computing entity that grants or denies energy packet requests from the DERs. The approach leverages a condition of a DER, which is particularly useful for (1) thermostatically-controlled loads, (2) non-thermostatic conditionally-controlled loads, and (3) bi¬directional distributed energy storage systems. In a first aspect of the present approach, each DER independently requests the authority to switch on for a fixed amount of time (i.e., packet duration). The coordinator determines whether to grant or deny each request based electric grid and/or energy or power market conditions. In a second aspect, bi-directional DERs, such as distributed-energy storage systems (DESSs) are further able to request to supply energy to the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Jeff Frolik, Paul Hines, Mads Almassalkhi
  • Patent number: 11210747
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a distributed and anonymous approach to demand response of an electricity system. The approach conceptualizes energy consumption and production of distributed-energy resources (DERs) via discrete energy packets that are coordinated by a cyber computing entity that grants or denies energy packet requests from the DERs. The approach leverages a condition of a DER, which is particularly useful for (1) thermostatically-controlled loads, (2) non-thermostatic conditionally-controlled loads, and (3) bi-directional distributed energy storage systems. In a first aspect of the present approach, each DER independently requests the authority to switch on for a fixed amount of time (i.e., packet duration). The coordinator determines whether to grant or deny each request based electric grid and/or energy or power market conditions. In a second aspect, bi-directional DERs, such as distributed-energy storage systems (DESSs) are further able to request to supply energy to the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
    Inventors: Jeff Frolik, Paul Hines, Mads Almassalkhi
  • Patent number: 11171484
    Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing electric energy in discrete power packets of finite duration are presented. Systems may include an aggregator for providing power packets to one or more nodes. An aggregator may receive requests for power packets from nodes. In other embodiments, an aggregator may transmit status broadcasts and nodes may receive power packets based on the status broadcasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
    Inventors: Jeff Frolik, Paul Hines
  • Publication number: 20190214820
    Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing electric energy in discrete power packets of finite duration are presented. Systems may include an aggregator for providing power packets to one or more nodes. An aggregator may receive requests for power packets from nodes. In other embodiments, an aggregator may transmit status broadcasts and nodes may receive power packets based on the status broadcasts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Jeff Frolik, Paul Hines
  • Patent number: 10256631
    Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing electric energy in discrete power packets of finite duration are presented. Systems may include an aggregator for providing power packets to one or more nodes. An aggregator may receive requests for power packets from nodes. In other embodiments, an aggregator may transmit status broadcasts and nodes may receive power packets based on the status broadcasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: University of Vemont and State Agricultural College
    Inventors: Jeff Frolik, Paul Hines
  • Publication number: 20180082385
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a distributed and anonymous approach to demand response of an electricity system. The approach conceptualizes energy consumption and production of distributed-energy resources (DERs) via discrete energy packets that are coordinated by a cyber computing entity that grants or denies energy packet requests from the DERs. The approach leverages a condition of a DER, which is particularly useful for (1) thermostatically-controlled loads, (2) non-thermostatic conditionally-controlled loads, and (3) bi-directional distributed energy storage systems. In a first aspect of the present approach, each DER independently requests the authority to switch on for a fixed amount of time (i.e., packet duration). The coordinator determines whether to grant or deny each request based electric grid and/or energy or power market conditions. In a second aspect, bi-directional DERs, such as distributed-energy storage systems (DESSs) are further able to request to supply energy to the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Jeff Frolik, Paul Hines, Mads Almassalkhi
  • Patent number: 9410878
    Abstract: The Portable Ultrafine Particle Sizer (PUPS) invention is provided. The PUPS is an instrument which can measure particle number concentration for particle sizes under 200 nanometers in-situ. The PUPS is a compact design for quick mounting on vehicles. Size discrimination is accomplished using a compact reverse Differential Mobility Analyzer (rDMA). Particle charging is accomplished using corona ionization. Concentration measurements are completed using a unique flexible printed circuit board electrode which can be removed for cleaning, disposal or chemical analysis of collected particles at the end of its in situ measurement life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
    Inventors: Andrew Vize, Matthew Casari, Jeff Frolik, Britt Holmen
  • Publication number: 20150380936
    Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing electric energy in discrete power packets of finite duration are presented. Systems may include an aggregator for providing power packets to one or more nodes. An aggregator may receive requests for power packets from nodes. In other embodiments, an aggregator may transmit status broadcasts and nodes may receive power packets based on the status broadcasts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jeff FROLIK, Paul HINES
  • Publication number: 20150068282
    Abstract: The Portable Ultrafine Particle Sizer (PUPS) invention is provided. The PUPS is an instrument which can measure particle number concentration for particle sizes under 200 nanometers in-situ. The PUPS is a compact design for quick mounting on vehicles. Size discrimination is accomplished using a compact reverse Differential Mobility Analyzer (rDMA). Particle charging is accomplished using corona ionization. Concentration measurements are completed using a unique flexible printed circuit board electrode which can be removed for cleaning, disposal or chemical analysis of collected particles at the end of its in situ measurement life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
    Inventors: Andrew Vize, Matthew Casari, Jeff Frolik, Britt Holmen
  • Patent number: 8739602
    Abstract: The Portable Ultrafine Particle Sizer (PUPS) invention is provided. The PUPS is an instrument which can measure particle number concentration for particle sizes under 200 nanometers in-situ. The PUPS is a compact design for quick mounting on vehicles. Size discrimination is accomplished using a compact reverse Differential Mobility Analyzer (rDMA). Particle charging is accomplished using corona ionization. Concentration measurements are completed using a unique flexible printed circuit board electrode which can be removed for cleaning, disposal or chemical analysis of collected particles at the end of its in situ measurement life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
    Inventors: Andrew Vize, Matthew Casari, Britt Holmen, Jeff Frolik
  • Patent number: 8552396
    Abstract: A ground-based system that provides quasi real-time measurement and collection of snow-water equivalent (SWE) data in remote settings is provided. The disclosed invention is significantly less expensive and easier to deploy than current methods and less susceptible to terrain and snow bridging effects. Embodiments of the invention include remote data recovery solutions. Compared to current infrastructure using existing SWE technology, the disclosed invention allows more SWE sites to be installed for similar cost and effort, in a greater variety of terrain; thus, enabling data collection at improved spatial resolutions. The invention integrates a novel computational architecture with new sensor technologies. The invention's computational architecture is based on wireless sensor networks, comprised of programmable, low-cost, low-powered nodes capable of sophisticated sensor control and remote data communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
    Inventors: Jeff Frolik, Christian Skalka
  • Publication number: 20120099105
    Abstract: The Portable Ultrafine Particle Sizer (PUPS) invention is provided. The PUPS is an instrument which can measure particle number concentration for particle sizes under 200 nanometers The PUPS has a compact design which allows it to be mounted on vehicles with relative ease. Size discrimination is accomplished using, a compact reverse Differential Mobility Analyzer (rDMA) Particle charging is accomplished using a low-cost method for corona ionization. Concentration measurements are completed using a unique flexible printed circuit board electrode which can be easily removed for cleaning, disposal or chemical analysis of collected particles at the end of its in situ measurement life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew Vize, Matthew Casari, Britt Holmen, Jeff Frolik
  • Publication number: 20100233969
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compact reconfigurable channel emulator, which may be used to emulate severe fading environments and test wireless systems and subsystems for operation in severe channel environments. Examples include radios, coding schemes, diversity methods and antennas. In particular, the chamber is well suited to test hardware associated with wireless sensor deployments for these tend to be susceptible to severe fading scenarios. Moreover, the invention is significantly smaller than traditional testing instruments, and with its automation, reduces electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility testing time and costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicants: University of South Florida, University of Vermont
    Inventors: Jeff Frolik, Thomas Weller
  • Patent number: 7720437
    Abstract: The invention is a new device that will improve the radio link quality for low power wireless devices. An example application is for low power, miniaturized wireless sensor nodes that are statically deployed in a slowly varying environment or that have limited mobility. The device is a reconfigurable antenna that is novel in that it operates with very low (zero-order) energy in contrast to existing system that required both significant computational and DC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignees: University of South Florida, University of Vermont
    Inventors: Thomas Weller, Jeff Frolik