Abstract: A process/method is provided for the management of electric distribution system operations, including accurate and efficient communications and interfaces between the transmission, distribution and residential distribution systems, managed by a distribution system operator responsible for energy balance and reliability through control on a local distribution area, namely between end use customers and the transmission node of the electrical system.

Abstract: A method and system of optimizing microgrid operations is provided. One or more intelligent microgrid coordinators interface with the microgrid such that those microgrid coordinators are able to measure and control all microgrid asset activities. The microgrid coordinator is used to forecast the microgrid's demanded load more accurately, and assign asset commands so as to optimize microgrid consumption, generation, and storage of load. The method and system incorporate a valuation of dispatchable load in optimization functions. The microgrid coordinator is further used to protect the microgrid assets from over-current situations when the microgrid is connected to the bulk electric system and when islanded. The method and system provide a means to test the microgrid controller prior to implementation on the microgrid in order to assure proper operation.

Abstract: A process/method is provided, which facilitates achieving and obtaining realistic, accurate voltage observability of end customer service delivery points within the secondary distribution level using the alarming capability of intelligent data gathering and communication technology devices such as, but not necessarily limited to SCADA systems, distribution system RTU or SCADA, smart meters, smart gateways, and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters, or any device known in the art capable of sending alarm signals when voltage is detected above or below a predetermined threshold (generally herein defined as “Advanced Meters”). Such system and methods can be applied for many uses comprised of monitoring the energy grid, energy demand management and other energy industry applications, while minimizing operating and infrastructure/hardware costs.

Abstract: A process/method is provided, which authenticates electronic devices allowing the installation and utilization of encryption enabling software capable of facilitating a public key infrastructure in combination with electronic devices without need for such encryption enabling software capable of facilitating a public key infrastructure to be installed at the same time as manufacture of the electronic device. The disclosed process/method may then provide a system for monitoring various metrics and statuses of the electronic devices through the manufacturing chain, distribution chain and product lifecycle. The process/method can be utilized to create electronic devices secured with encryption enabling software capable of facilitating a public key infrastructure, free from the security risks inherent with the current method of installing encryption enabling software onto electronic devices, which will render such secured electronic devices suitable for tasks requiring such enhanced security or encryption.

Abstract: A method for enabling a non-authoring entity viewing access to view the data associated with authored, yet un-submitted, scheduling objects comprising of the identification of an entity, or the creation and selection of an entity code; and updating scheduling object. Some embodiments of the invention not only enable the ability of an entity to view the scheduling object, but also enable the selected non-authoring entity to modify the scheduling object. An embodiment of the invention is typically paired with or a part of a larger Transaction Management System (TMS).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided, which facilitate the integration of energy trading, transmission management and scheduling. The systems and methods facilitate the posting of bids and offers to buy and sell energy or capacity, allow users to view the bids and offers of others, negotiate the details of bids and offers, and permit deal formation for the purchase and sale of bids and offers. The disclosure also facilitates issuing proposals and counteroffers to enter into deals for power transmission. The disclosure also enables the scheduling of transmission including facilitating communication with various other systems. The disclosed systems and methods further enable the creation, modification and storing of transmission paths for recall and then evaluation in the scheduling of transmission path. The systems and methods are linked to and receive input from various sources of data and may facilitate two way communication with other systems in order to enable certain functionality.

Abstract: A system and method such that users subject to greenhouse gas programs, such as the California Air and Resource Board Cap-and-Trade program, can identify what allowances and obligations said user has at any point in time. The invention will allow for data to be received from any source of carbon trades, emission forward prices, electronic tags (e-Tags), or other relevant emissions attributes. The invention will have all formulas and data necessary to determine a user's position. The invention will create reports necessary to show compliance with greenhouse gas programs.

Abstract: A process is provided, that facilitates the use of value-at-risk analysis in industries with dynamic market data. The method utilizes past market data to estimate future market parameters. The method includes identifying and removing seasonal patterns from said past market data and normalizing deseasonalized market data with a repeated method of replacing large outliers with mean values. Outliers and normalized data are then grouped separately. Forecasts of normalized future market data and forecasts of future outlier patterns are then determined from said separate groups. In this way parameters used for value-at-risk analysis can be accurately estimated, leading to precise value-at-risk-analysis results.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing recommended Transmission Service Reservation (TSR) actions whereby a Criteria Monitoring Process and Tag Identification and Action Process uses CCO Criteria, Capacity, Curtailment Interval, Model Elements Monitor, Tag Transactions, and Capacity Computation results to produce Recommended TSR Actions and Recommended Tag Actions based upon existing Conditional Curtailment Options on TSRs. Additional systems and methods disclosed further include the previous systems and methods with the additional ability to take action of the Recommended TSR Actions and Recommended Tag Actions.

Abstract: A system and method which allows end users of electrical energy to engage in, comply with, and otherwise make use of a smart grid program. The invention allows end users to engage with an entity running a smart grid program through such actions as sending notifications, agreeing to events, paying bills, reviewing contracts, and updating information. The invention receives data from and sends messages to any smart meters, AMI or HAN, the end user has in their service location necessary to comply with the smart grid program. The invention supports the use of any smart meters the end user employs for home automation network functionality, enabling the end user to activate, deactivate, or otherwise modulate any devices enabled with a smart meter at their service location. The invention receives data from and sends messages to any demand response system the entity running the smart grid program employs to support the smart grid program.

Abstract: A system and method for producing recommended Transmission Service Reservation (TSR) actions based upon existing TSRs and existing rights of first refusal on those TRSs whereby challengers are identified, defenders are identified, and TSRs are evaluated for Preemption and Competition to produce a preemption and completion report containing recommended TSR actions. Such a method uses a capacity computation, existing TSR records, and the event of a newly pending TSR in its procedures. Recommended TSR actions may include confirmation of TSRs, recalling of TSRs, and submitting of matching TSRs.

Abstract: A system and process/method of modeling demand-response (DR) and distributed-energy resource (DER) assets is provided, facilitating the aggregation of said assets in virtual power plants (VPPs), and using VPPs to provide energy balancing services needed to minimize the impact of Variable Energy Resources (VER) on power system. The method accurately accounts for assets by qualifying assets based on various parameters and by forecasting the capabilities of the resulting VPPs for provision of balancing services. Asset performance factors that may affect the aggregated VPP's capabilities are monitored and recalculated when necessary. Near-term forecasted VPP capability is compared to near-term forecasted imbalances in the electric-power-supply system, and the VPP is dispatched to minimize the system imbalances. The dispatch signal is disaggregated to control commands to individual assets.

Abstract: A system and method for optimally assigning energy generation and procurement resources whereby information needed to calculate an optimal-cost generation plan is obtained by a database connected to the calculation module. Data from the database is automatically checked for errors, formulated into an objective function representing hypothetical generation plans, and framed within mathematical constraints by the module. Generation plans are automatically delivered in customizable formats, and functionality allowing for considerations beyond cost can be implemented. Functionality to automate the method based for periodic or event-based operation is also included. Further calculations based on hypothetical values are possible to determine how said hypothetical values would affect generation plans, or whether increasing generation-fleet output could result in added profits.

Abstract: A system and process/method is provided, which economically optimizes the dispatch of various electrical energy resources. The disclosed process/method is linked to and communicates with various sources of input data, including but not limited to, EMS/SCADA legacy Energy Management Systems (EMS), legacy Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems, Demand Response (DR) and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) monitor, control, schedule, and lifecycle management systems (DR/DER Management System), and Energy Markets, electrical energy commodity trading systems (Trading Systems), and Operations System (OPS) in order to compute optimal day-ahead, day-of, and real-time schedules of various durational length for generation, demand response and storage resources while taking into account bilateral contracts and market-based trade opportunities.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of automatically attributing energy and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to contractual and market obligations. The input of energy and RECs will automatically fit into existing data models, allowing immediate attribution upon upload. The invention will immediately calculate the energy balance of the input, accounting for such factors as resource generation, energy inputs, native load, station service, and obligations. Users can specify numerous energy and REC sources to be attributed simultaneously, such attribution happening according to either system or user-defined attribution policies. The invention allows users to manipulate the data to best facilitate use of their RECs, displaying REC positions over user-specified periods of time.

Abstract: A process/method is provided, which facilitates the secure, streamlined and authenticated installation of an end user's personally associated electronic identification, such as but not necessarily limited to Public Key Infrastructure digital certificates, a biometric authentication system, a location-based authentication system, a token-based system, and any ancillary software necessary for facilitating electronic security approaches associated with these technologies onto Mobile Devices with minimal Mobile Device end user interaction and without need for sending the personally associated electronic identification across potentially insecure communication protocols.

Abstract: A computer program for automating energy trading between regional transmission organizations (RTOs) is disclosed. The computer program includes computer readable program code means for creating a template for an energy trade between two RTOs, wherein the template comprises a plurality of trade components, the plurality of trade components being arranged in sequential order according to an RTO's required order of execution; computer readable program code means for selecting a template for an energy trade between two RTOs; computer readable program code means for displaying a summary of a trade; and computer readable program code means for monitoring and displaying a trade's status.

Abstract: Techniques are described for incorporating distribution network analysis in the demand response scheduling process. In one example, a method includes receiving demand response (DR) request from a DR initiator, transmitting the DR request to an aggregator, for each customer, receiving customer location information and a customer DR value from the aggregator, aggregating DR at a distribution transformer in a distribution system, determining if there are any violations in the distribution system, determining an aggregated DR value for each electric node affected by the DR request, and transmitting each determined DR value to the DR initiator.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for recursive parameter estimation which closely approximates actual values is taught. Briefly stated, the within invention estimates impedance parameters of network branches in both on-line and off-line modes, providing accurate estimation of branch parameters in the presence of noise in measurements and rejecting gross measurement errors, by use of a Kalman type Markov filter scheme using maximum likelihood estimation.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for recursive parameter estimation which closely approximates actual values is taught. Briefly stated, the within invention estimates impedance parameters of network branches in both on-line and off-line modes, providing accurate estimation of branch parameters in the presence of noise in measurements and rejecting gross measurement errors, by use of a Kalman type Markov filter scheme using maximum likelihood estimation.