Abstract: A power supply-demand control method is related to a method of a power supply-demand control system configured to adjust power supply-demand between a consumer and a power system by controlling electric equipment via a communication network during a supply-demand adjustment period. The power supply-demand control method includes receiving a request for changing the operation mode to a second operation mode higher in power consumption of the electric equipment than a first operation mode when the electric equipment operate in the first operation mode, in which power consumption of the consumer is suppressed, during the supply-demand adjustment period, and determining whether to permit the operation mode to change from the first operation mode to the second operation mode if a request for changing the operation mode to the second operation mode is received.

Abstract: A power supply device including: (a) a power supply unit group composed of a plurality of power supply units and connected with a power consuming appliance; and (b) a control device configured to control the power supply unit group, wherein the control device and each of the power supply units are connected to each other by a communicating circuit.

Abstract: An energy management system of an embodiment includes first and second registration processors, first and second receivers, an aggregation processor, first and second transmitters, and a proration processor. The first registration processor registers a first energy management system as a host system. The second registration processor registers a second energy management system as a slave system. The first receiver receives an amount of an energy supply and demand and an adjustable amount of an energy supply and demand. The aggregation processor aggregates the received amount of an energy supply and demand and the received adjustable amount of an energy supply and demand. The first transmitter transmits aggregated results. The second receiver receives an adjustment amount of an energy supply and demand. The proration processor prorates the received adjustment amount of an energy supply and demand. The second transmitter transmits individual adjustment amounts of a power supply and demand.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a storage unit storing a predefined temperature value range, a heat generating element, a processor, and a temperature adjustment module. The temperature adjustment module includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat generating element, a power generating module, and a temperature adjustment board. A surface of the power generating module is affixed on the heat generating element for utilizing the temperature difference to generate electricity. The processor includes a power generating control and a heating control module. The power generating controls the power generating module to generate electricity when the temperature value of the heat generating element is higher than the upper limit of the predefined temperature value range. The heating control module controls the temperature adjustment board to heat when the temperature value of the heat generating element is lower than the lower limit of the predefined temperature value range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising an agent. The agent is configured to receive information from an electrical power grid. The agent is further configured to identify an event from the information. The agent is further configured to classify the event. The agent is further configured to determine whether to initiate an action based on a classification of the event. The agent is further configured to initiate the action in response to a determination to initiate the action.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and computer program product for implementing a smart transformer, comprising a processor, and a balancing algorithm residing on the processor, wherein the balancing algorithm is stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer executable program code embodied thereon, the computer executable program code configured to cause the system to monitor and control an electric customer load and generation in order to optimize the performance of a distribution transformer, wherein the processor receives a plurality of system inputs and uses the balancing algorithm to determine a rating of the transformer and an amount of customer load.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, computer readable media and methods for controlling power realized by energy service equipment based on market data are disclosed. A method simulates execution of control models, as simulation results; selects one of the control models during a first period; and controls operation of the energy services equipment in a second period, using the selected control model. According to an exemplary apparatus, each control model is based on a set of changing market data and controls operation of energy service equipment. A system controls power realized from different energy service equipment using market data. The system includes a model processor that simulates execution of model sets using market data to generate a simulation result; a model selector that selects a model of each set based on simulation results; and a processor that controls operation of the different energy service equipment using the selected model of each respective model set.

Abstract: A load control system includes: a power supply control unit for controlling a power feeding to multiple load devices; and a backup power supply unit for supplying backup power during a power failure. During a power failure, the power supply control unit supplies the power from the backup power supply unit only to a part of load devices selected among the load devices, and the load devices are devoid of communications function for communicating with the power supply control unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an edge of network voltage control of a power grid are described. In some embodiments, a system comprises a distribution power network, a plurality of loads, and a plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources. The loads may be at or near an edge of the distribution power network. Each of the loads may receive power from the distribution power network. The plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources may be located at the edge or near the edge of the distribution power network where they may each detect a proximate voltage. Further, each of the VAR sources may comprise a processor and a VAR compensation component. The processor may be configured to enable the VAR source to determine whether to enable the VAR compensation component based on the proximate voltage and to adjust network volt-ampere reactive by controlling a switch to enable the VAR compensation component.

Abstract: A method for aggregate load management includes determining whether a load capacity limit within a utility power network will be exceeded, selecting an aggregated demand reduction target to remain within capacity bounds if the load capacity limit is to be exceeded, selecting a demand reduction strategy, and sending a control signal that includes a randomized PWM level, based on the strategy, to a controller in a load component of the utility system based on the reduction target. A method for component load management includes receiving a control signal from a utility system based on a utility demand reduction strategy, converting the signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith, receiving an updated control signal based on utility system monitoring of an aggregate load of a component of the utility system, and converting the updated signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an installation having first and second energy operating states, and a different energy consumption in the first and second energy operating states, wherein the method comprising changing over the installation by a first switching command from the first into the second energy operating state, determining a first changeover time period between the beginning of the changeover process and the attainment of the second energy operating state, and storing the first changeover time period in a database for changeover time periods which is assigned to the installation, storing state information, determined using the first changeover time period, regarding the installation in a state database assigned to the installation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-terminal power conversion device, a multi-terminal power transfer device, and a power network system which allows an existing power grid to be divided into a plurality of power grids that can be interconnected together and operated stably via existing or new transmission lines. An inter-power grid asynchronous interconnection network system includes a multi-terminal power conversion device characterized by connecting together a plurality of asynchronous power grids including a bulk power grid and controlling power so that the sum of inflow power and outflow power is zero. An intra-power grid synchronous network system includes a power apparatus control terminal device with means for controlling power for a power apparatus installed in an autonomous power grid. A plurality of inter-power grid asynchronous interconnection network systems are connected to an intra-power grid synchronous network system to integrate the power control with communication control.

Abstract: A power supply device including: (a) a power supply unit group composed of a plurality of power supply units and connected with a power consuming appliance; and (b) a control device configured to control the power supply unit group, wherein the control device and each of the power supply units are connected to each other by a communicating circuit.

Abstract: An overhead infrastructure platform includes at least one horizontal support member configured to be positioned over equipment racks contained in a data center. The overhead infrastructure platform includes a module network formed by the interconnection, through a module interconnection bus, of a controller module, at least one power module and at least one I/O module. Each power module and each input/output module is physically attached to the horizontal support member proximate an equipment rack to which the module is electrically coupled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing power on an electric power grid including a server for communicating IP-based messages over a network with distributed power consuming devices and/or power supplying devices, the IP-based messages including information including a change in state of the power consuming device(s), a directive for a change in state of the power consuming device(s), a priority message, an alert, a status, an update, a location with respect to the electric power grid, a function, device attributes, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: Various embodiments involving a smart-home device are presented. It may be determined that the power supply interface has ceased receiving power from the structure's wired electrical system. In response to determining that a power supply interface of the smart-home device has ceased receiving power from a structure's wired electrical system, a power loss indication may be stored that comprises a timestamp. A network connection may be determined to be available. A notification may be transmitted of information from the stored power loss indication to a remote server via the available network connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a WiFi connected power outlet, or devices controlled by WiFi devices. A relay, solid state switch, or other is used to reversibly connect devices to the mains power, optionally implementing pulse width modulation, voltage modulation, or other means for continuously varying power delivered to a load. A manual on/off switch is further provided to allow the user to manually connected and disconnect loads from mains power. Control and status signals (including power consumption) may be relayed from device to device, effectively extending the range of such a network.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system and computer program is provided for controlling an electric power system, including implementation of voltage measurement using paired t statistical analysis applied to calculating a shift in average usage per customer from one time period to another time period for a given electrical use population where the pairing process is optimized using a novel technique to improve the accuracy of the statistical measurement.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a power supply controller that selects either commercial power or a secondary battery as a power supply and a main controller that controls the power supply controller. The main controller includes a power supply availability determination unit that determines whether or not both the commercial power and the secondary battery are available and a power supply selection unit that instructs the power supply controller to select the secondary battery as the power supply during a predetermined secondary battery usage period and instructs the power supply controller to select the commercial power as the power supply at times other than the secondary battery usage period in case both the commercial power and the secondary battery are available.

Abstract: An approach to provide power from power supply devices to power consuming devices using a centralized system. The approach includes a method for configuring micro-grids that comprises the steps of receiving information of a power consuming device and criticality of the power consuming device from a universal appliance service (UAS) system. The method further includes receiving power supply information of one or more power supply devices associated with an electric grid from the UAS system. The method further includes receiving a power request from the power consuming device. The method further includes determining, by a computing device, power requirements for the power consuming device based on the information, the criticality of the power consuming device, and the power supply information.

Abstract: A wireless switch for use in internet of things comprises: a control unit, provided with a display installed with an application program; a switch unit, one end thereof is coupled to the control unit through a wired network or a wireless network, and the other end thereof is provided with a first wireless module; and a termination unit, disposed in a patch board and coupled to a switch or a socket, the switch or the socket is coupled to a computer or a household appliance, and the termination unit is provided with a second wireless module for being communicated with the first wireless module; through the application program of the control unit, the switch unit and the termination unit are enabled to control the computer or the household appliance to be turned on or turned off.

Abstract: A system for automatically setting a power saving mode according to a location of a device, such as a TV. The system includes an interface, e.g. GPS receiver, terrestrial broadcast receiver, network interface, etc. for coupling the device to one or more external devices; a processor; programming executable on said processor for performing the following steps: determining the location of the device via communication with the one or more external devices; establishing a power consumption mode according to the determined location of the device and one or more power consumption regulatory requirements associated with said device location; and adjusting a function of the device to modify the power consumption of the device according to said power consumption mode.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment, a method for managing power consumption includes receiving power rate information and receiving power usage information. The method also includes receiving a plurality of personal preference profiles. Each personal preference profile of the plurality of personal preference profiles is associated with a different user of a plurality of users and includes at least one preferred state associated with a respective user. The method further includes detecting a presence of at least one user within a room. The method additionally includes adjusting at least one state associated with the room based on the at least one preferred state associated with the at least one user within the room, the power rate information, and the power usage information.

Abstract: A unit commitment problem is solved for a set of generators with a set of configurations having a set of 2N.T schedules, wherein N is a number of generators i and T is a number of decision time steps. A reduced set of configurations is determined, and then a functional metric to measure a similarity of all possible pairs of the configurations is defined. Dynamic programming is applied to the reduced set of configurations using the similarity metric to determine an optimal configuration.

Abstract: Techniques for provisioning energy generation and/or storage systems. In one embodiment, a method is provided that can comprise automatically determining, by a site gateway, information pertaining to one or more components of an energy storage system, where the site gateway and the one or more components are located at a customer site. The method can further comprise configuring, by the site gateway, the energy storage system based on the automatically determined information.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for wireless control and management. Some embodiments include receiving a first signal regarding a device condition of a service device in an environment, determining a condition type of the device condition, and sending a first request for to correct the device condition, based on the condition type. Some embodiments also include receiving a second signal indicating whether the device condition was corrected.

Abstract: A programmable electrical control device (10) adapted to be programmed by an external programming device, the programmable electrical control device for controlling electrical power supply in cooperation with an electrical switching device (12), the electrical switching device having a body, an electrical power supply input, an electrical power supply output (15) and a manual switch (16), the device (10) including a data connection module; memory; a timing module; a processor; and a switching module, including at least one supply on period, and at least one supply off period, wherein at least a part of the device (10) is capable of being integrated within the body.

Abstract: A voltage control and conservation (VCC) system is provided, which includes three subsystems, including an energy delivery (ED) system, an energy control (EC) system and an energy regulation (ER) system. The VCC system is configured to monitor energy usage at the ED system and determine one or more energy delivery parameters at the EC system. The EC system may then provide the one or more energy delivery parameters to the ER system to adjust the energy delivered to a plurality of users for maximum energy conservation.

Abstract: A power consumption management system includes power consumption managers and a power supply manager. Each of the power consumption managers creates changeable power amount information with respect to a planned value of power consumption for each predetermined time range in a preset predetermined period in future, the planned value being related to a load of each piece of equipment in a building as a monitoring target. The power supply manager is connected to each of the power consumption managers through a network, decides a power change request amount for each building based on the created changeable power amount information, and transmits the decided power change request amount to each of the power consumption managers for the purpose of notification.

Abstract: Two water heaters may be installed in series at a customer location, such that an output of a first (or storage) water heater is coupled to the input of a second (or primary) water heater, the output of which provides hot water to the customer location. During normal operation, only the primary water heater may actually heat water for use at the customer location. However, during periods of excess capacity, the electrical service provider may enable the storage water heater to store the excess electrical power that is generated by operating the power plant at higher output (which may be more efficient). Later, during hours of greater demand, the electrical service provider may disable the storage water heater used to store the excess capacity, whereas the primary water heater may operate normally. However, during the time of greater demand, the storage water heaters may provide pre-heated water to the primary water heater, which in-turn, may need to heat the water less or perhaps not at all.

Abstract: Operations of nuclear power plants have been suspended in various locations due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. However, it is not necessarily essential to undertake strict emergency energy saving measures at all times.

Abstract: An equipment overload successive approximation adaptive control method based on centralized real-time decisions is provided. The method estimates in real time permissible current for long-term running of equipment and continuous running time according to current and temperature actual measurement information of the equipment. Control modes are decided according to the continuous running time of the equipment instead of current. On the basis of mixed integer nonlinear programming algorithm, a target function which aims to control the total cost and minimize comprehensive indexes of proportions of load control quantities of different regions is adopted, discreteness and cost of a control measure are taken into consideration, flow restraint of an electric system is measured, a centralized optimization decision and successive approximation control strategy are adopted, coordination to real-time scheduling operation control and emergency control for overload of equipment of the electric system is realized.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to the design of a portable and cost-effective fuel cell system for a portable computing device. This fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack which converts fuel into electrical power. It also includes a fuel source for the fuel cell stack and a controller which controls operation of the fuel cell system. The fuel system also includes an interface to the portable computing device, wherein the interface comprises a power link that provides power to the portable computing device, and a bidirectional communication link that provides bidirectional communication between the portable computing device and the controller for the fuel cell system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing power management systems using a peak demand factor are described and disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes gathering load samples from a site, generating a plurality of peak demand factors based on the load samples, performing an analysis to determine feasible demand reduction based on the peak demand factors, such as by plotting the demand reduction against the peak demand factors and finding one or more points at which demand reduction is particularly advantageous, selecting a maximum percentage of peak reduction matched with a peak demand factor, and implementing a power management system corresponding to the selected peak demand factor. Embodiments disclosed may quickly determine a superior peak demand reduction strategy or configuration for a site, thereby reducing the time and labor costs of excessive experimentation presently used to implement demand management systems.

Abstract: A demand response (DR) system includes a DR control unit to generate different DR levels having different power rates for each power unit, and transmit a current DR level, and a household appliance to receive the DR level from the DR control unit, and differentially control energy output of a product in response to the received DR level so as to reduce power consumption of the product. As a result, the DR system reduces power consumption when power rates are high so as to reduce electricity bills.

Abstract: An equipment control device has: a reception unit for receiving desired time information indicating a desired operation start time or a desired operation termination time, operation period information and electrical power information; a time-shift period setting unit for setting a time-shift period indicating a period which has a time range including the desired time information and during which the operation start time or the operation termination time of a household appliance is shiftable; an electrical power charge information acquisition unit for acquiring electrical power charge information; an operation time computing unit for computing the operation start time or the operation termination time, on the basis of which the electricity charge that is billed when the household appliance is operated within the time-shift period falls to or below a predetermined charge; and a transmission unit for transmitting the operation start time or the operation termination time to the household appliance.

Abstract: According to the inventive method, the power consumed on an electric grid (10), by preselected consumers (42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52) being able to accept a predetermined decrease in power over a predetermined time range, is regulated. This method comprises the following successive steps: sending a control entity, regularly and by each preselected consumer (42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52), a message (M1) containing the power consumed by said preselected consumer (42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52); using the control entity (60) to compute a maximum power reduction value for all of the preselected consumers (42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52) and a maximum duration of that power reduction; transmitting, using the control entity (60) and to a grid manager (62), computed values and maximum power durations; and sending, from the grid manager (62) to the control entity (60), a command order (79) commanding a power reduction for a selected duration.

Abstract: A power supply device performs grid connected operation and autonomous operation. The grid connected operation is operation in which power is supplied from an AC power network and a DC power source to a load. The autonomous operation is operation in which the power supply device is disconnected from the AC power network and power is supplied from the DC power source to the load. The power supply device includes a power inverter configured to receive a DC power supplied from the DC power source and output an AC power, an operation mode switching unit configured to switch between grid connected operation and autonomous operation, and an output information control unit configured to control output information about the AC power output from the power inverter.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, an information display device includes a receiver and a display. The receiver is configured to receive, from one or more devices, information indicating power consumption of one or more spaces in which electronic devices can be installed and/or one or more electronic devices. The display controller is configured to display animations corresponding to the power consumption of the one or more spaces and/or one or more electronic devices, such that differences in the power consumption among the one or more spaces and/or one or more electronic devices are displayed as differences in animation speeds.

Abstract: An operation planning method performed in a system including a power generation device, a first electric load operating using power generated by the power generation device, and a second electric load which generates heat using power generated by the power generation device. The operation planning method is performed to design an operation plan for the second electric load and includes: predicting, for individual unit time periods, an amount of power to be generated by the power generation device and an amount of power to be consumed by the first electric load; and designing the operation plan for the second electric load to operate during an operation period including the time period with the largest amount of reverse power, calculated by subtracting the amount of power to be consumed from the amount of power to be generated.

Abstract: During operation of at least one power generator (EE) in a power supply network, a reactive power transfer between the two upper voltage levels (1, 2) is sensed at a first transformer (T1) connecting these levels, and the voltage at a first network connection point (5) at the lowest voltage level (3) is ascertained. The amount of a reactive power demand served by the power generator (EE) is calculated as a function of the ascertained voltage value in order to maintain the voltage ascertained at the lowest voltage level (3) within a predefinable voltage range, wherein a means (WR) of the power generator (EE) is activated for a reactive power draw or a reactive power delivery, based on the calculated reactive power demand.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to the liquid crystal display device and the driving method for selectively controlling the average picture level. The liquid crystal display device of the present disclosure comprises: a brightness extractor separating a brightness and a color difference information from an input image; an user interface receiving a limit APL; an APL restrictor calculating an average APL of the input image based on the brightness from the brightness extractor, modulating the brightness of the input image such that the average APL is restricted lower than the limit APL when the average APL of input image is higher than the limit APL, and converting the modulated brightness and the color difference information into a RGB data; and a driving circuit representing the RGB data from the APL restrictor on a liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: Is provided a power supply system optimizing a power conversion efficiency of its entire system, including at least one main power supply unit converting an input power into an output power supplied to a load; an auxiliary power supply unit including a power storage unit supplying an output power by the power storage unit to the load; a power measurement unit for measuring an output power from the main and auxiliary power supply units; and a power supply control unit for calculating an optimal output power in the main power supply unit maximizing its power conversion efficiency according to the output power measured by the power measurement unit and an optimal output power or charge power in the auxiliary power supply unit, controlling the main power supply unit based on the optimal output power, and controlling the auxiliary power supply unit based on the optimal output power or charge power.

Abstract: A power control device includes a power unit generating power to be supplied to a target device, from external power, an operating unit receiving operation of power on and power off by a user, a nonvolatile memory unit storing information, and a power control unit turning off, when the operating unit has received power-off operation, power supply to the target device in a predetermined sequence for the target device and records the fact that power has been turned off normally in the nonvolatile memory unit. When external power supply is started, the power control unit turns on the power supply to the target device when having determined that external power supply was stopped due to a certain cause, or does not turn on the power supply to the target device when having determined that external power supply was stopped due to a cause other than the certain cause.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an electrical appliance can tolerate variations in supplied electrical energy. In some embodiments, the method may include coupling the electrical appliance to a source of electrical energy, delivering electrical energy to the electrical appliance, wherein the electrical energy is delivered at a first electrical energy level, obtaining a first measurement of current consumed by the electrical appliance at the first electrical energy level, delivering electrical energy to the electrical appliance at a second electrical energy level different than the first electrical energy level, obtaining a second measurement of current consumed by the electrical appliance at the second electrical energy level, and comparing the first measurement of current to the second measurement of current.

Abstract: A method for regenerating switching plans based on changing power distribution network conditions includes updating a power distribution network model in response to a power distribution network event, identifying areas of the power distribution network affected by the power distribution network event, identifying switching plans that are impacted by the power distribution network event and regenerating the switching plans that are impacted by the power distribution network event.

Abstract: A solar string includes first and second solar modules coupled to first and second filters by an electric transmission line. The second solar module includes a solar panel including a plurality of photovoltaic cells configured to convert photon energy to electrical energy. A processor is coupled to the solar panel and is in communication with the first solar module. The processor is configured to monitor an output of the solar panel and to transmit a status signal including an environmental condition of the second solar module to the first solar module by way of the electric transmission line. The first and second filters are configured to pass electrical power to a central inverter of a solar array in which the solar string is disposed and to prevent the status signal transmitted from the second solar module to the first solar module from being transmitted to the central inverter.

Abstract: Improvements in a system to connect and multiplex sensor signals that connects and multiplexes sensor signals is disclosed. The number of plug connections may line up and match the number of circuit breakers on one side of a panel. The device installs on panel board configurations to gathers precise power information for amps, volts, power factor, watts and kWh—and provides utility-grade data on each branch circuit metering. Up to 4 panel board strips per units of 4, 8 or 21 can be connected together to monitor 120 circuits. The system is adaptable to three phase monitoring and ground fault measurement and monitoring which is not conveniently provided by existing hard wired systems. The number of plug connections may line up with and match the number of circuit breakers on one side of the panel.

Abstract: Provided is a data transfer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention including: a power supply unit supplying operation power; a communication unit connected with an external apparatus and downloading inverter control data from the external apparatus; a memory storing the inverter control data downloaded by the communication unit; a connection unit connected to an inverter, transferring the inverter control data stored in the memory to the inverter, and supplying the operation power supplied through the power supply unit to the inverter; and a control unit allowing the operation power to be supplied to the inverter and allowing the inverter control data to be transferred to the inverter whenever the inverter is connected.