Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for network stabilization in smart grid voltage supply networks. Methods for stabilizing voltage supply network include: (1) receiving a control signal by a gateway of at least one subscriber; (2) generating local control commands for turning energy consumption or energy generating devices connected to the gateway on or off by the gateway of the subscriber in dependence on the received control signal; and (3) transmitting the generated local control command via a local network to at least one energy consumption or energy generating device connected to the gateway, wherein the gateway has an effective threshold value, the local control commands for turning on or off are generated when a value transmitted with the control signal exceeds or drops below the effective threshold value, and the effective threshold value is formed from a preset threshold value and a correction parameter.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for controlling power consumption with a power controlling display device. Some aspects relate to a power controlling display device that receives a notification of a power control event that may control internal display components as well as connected power consuming devices. Some aspects relate to methods and systems for automatically compensating a displayed image when display backlight levels are modified in response to a power control event.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for dispatching thermal energy and generating power in a solar power generating plant. The system includes a computer processor, computer readable medium, and control logic stored on the computer readable medium to direct the operation of the processor. The processor generates an optimized thermal energy dispatch schedule which controls operation of the generating plant by performing a combination of direct thermal energy and indirect thermal energy storage simulations to maximize operating revenues.

Abstract: A method for generating a value for available operating reserve for electric utility. Electric power consumption by at least one device is determined during at least one period of time to produce power consumption data, stored in a repository. Prior to a control event for power reduction and under an assumption that it is not to occur, power consumption behavior expected of the device(s) is determined for a time period during which the control event is expected to occur based on stored power consumption data. Additionally, prior to the control event, projected energy savings resulting from the control event, and associated with a power supply value (PSV) are determined based on devices' power consumption behavior. Amount of available operating reserve is determined based on projected energy savings.

Abstract: Supervisory control equipment for smart grids provided with a plurality of generators and loads and operated in interconnection with a commercial power system through an interconnected circuit breaker, comprising a frequency control ability calculation part for calculating the frequency control ability of the interconnected system by using a total power demand and a bus bar frequency; and an islanding and interconnection detection part for calculating frequency control ability of the commercial power system according to the frequency control ability of the system of the frequency control ability calculation part to discriminate between the interconnected and islanding operations according to the magnitude of the frequency control ability.

Abstract: A method of controlling an inverter, by modelling a synchronous generator is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for IR-drop and supply noise measurements in electronic circuits. A first voltage at a point of interest in the circuit is sampled and stored during a quiescent mode of the circuit the voltage is to be measured in. Subsequently, the circuit is brought in an operating mode and a second voltage is sampled and held at the same point of interest. The first and the second voltage are compared and a corresponding voltage signal is passed to a system output.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actively controlling in a feedback control at least one output parameter (fi, Vi, Pi, Qi) of a decentralized power generating unit (1) feeding power into a power supply grid (14) having a plurality of such decentralized power generating units, the power generating unit (1) being coupled to the grid (14) at a grid tied point (16). The actual resistance (Ri), reactance (Xi) and magnitude (|Zi|) of the impedance (Zi) of the power generating unit (1) at the tied point (16) is determined and a first quotient (Ri/|Zi|) between the resistance (Ri) and impedance magnitude (|Zi|) and a second quotient (Xi/|Zi|) between the reactance (Xi) and the impedance magnitude (|Zi|) is calculated. These quotients (Ri/|Zi|, Xi/|Zi|) are used for the feedback control of the at least one output parameter (fi, Vi, Pi, Qi).

Abstract: A computer system includes a power supply unit providing at least one first supply voltage for operation of the computer system, a system board has at least one first power supply line that distributes the at least one first supply voltage; at least one processor arranged on the system board and coupled to the first power supply line that executes program code of user programs; a system monitoring module arranged on the system board having a microcontroller that executes program code for remote maintenance; at least one network interface coupled to the system monitoring module; and at least one splitter, coupled to the network interface that taps off a remote feed voltage provided via the network interface and feeds in a second supply voltage into at least one second power supply line of the system board, the second power supply line being coupled to the system monitoring module.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for protecting against theft of wiring or other object formed of electrically conductive material in which the object is connected to a source of electrical power. The voltage of the object is sensed by a voltage sensor and a transmitter actuated when the voltage sensor detects a voltage change in the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for integration and for the regulation and parallelism among different models of voltage sources and/or high voltage energized gaps. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an efficient and inexpensive way to integrate equipment such as transformers, in any amounts, with different voltages and different specifications in the same parallelism logic, meeting strict criteria and requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to systems, devices and methods for the efficient use of utilities, more particularly to the distribution and provision of electricity supply at appropriate voltages, monitoring and usage by end devices, and to facilitating consumers in changing their energy usage behavior, and to adopt and easily install appropriate sustainable, energy efficient or renewable technologies. Said end devices typically including traditional electric, electronic and lighting appliances requiring AC or DC power provision or low voltage DC power via AC/DC converters.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to regulating electric power at a node of a system for distribution of electricity. A voltage controller can identify properties of branch structures in a system that includes a voltage regulation device that controls a voltage source supplying electricity to nodes via the branch structures. The voltage controller can receive information on voltage and current associated with electricity provided by the voltage source. The voltage controller can receive, from a metering devices at nodes in the system, primary voltage information. The voltage controller can select one of the nodes based on the primary voltage information. The voltage controller can determine, based on the properties, an impedance for a branch structure corresponding to the selected node. The voltage controller can control the voltage regulation device based on the impedance for the branch structure corresponding to the selected node and the information on the voltage and the current.

Abstract: A centralized voltage control apparatus calculates an optimum voltage distribution in a centralized control cycle period and determines, based on the relationship between the optimum voltage distribution and a proper voltage range, voltage upper and lower limit values for which a command is issued to each local voltage control apparatus taking into account voltage upper and lower limit margin amounts at respective points in a voltage control responsible range of the local voltage control apparatus for each local voltage control apparatus. The local voltage control apparatus adjusts, based on the voltage upper and lower limit values commanded from the centralized voltage control apparatus via a communication network, a control amount of a voltage control device every local control cycle shorter than the centralized control cycle period, to maintain the control voltage of the voltage control device between the voltage upper and lower limit values.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system and computer program is provided for controlling an electric power system, including implementation of a voltage control and conservation (VCC) system used to optimally control the independent voltage and capacitor banks using a linear optimization methodology to minimize the losses in the EEDCS and the EUS. An energy validation process system (EVP) is provided which is used to document the savings of the VCC and an EPP is used to optimize improvements to the EEDCS for continuously improving the energy losses in the EEDS. The EVP system measures the improvement in the EEDS a result of operating the VCC system in the “ON” state determining the level of energy conservation achieved by the VCC system. In addition the VCC system monitors pattern recognition events and compares them to the report-by-exception data to detect HVL events.

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: Described is an apparatus which comprises: a plurality of transistors coupled to an input power supply and to a load; a first comparator with a first node coupled to the load, and a second node coupled to a first reference; a second comparator with a first node coupled to the load, and a second node coupled to a second reference, the second reference being different from the first reference; and a logic unit to receive output of the first comparator and output of the second comparator, the logic unit to turn on or off transistors of the plurality of transistors according to outputs of the first and second comparators.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the decentralized, coordinated control of the power factor on an electrical distribution system are provided. For example, a controller may include a network interface and data processing circuitry. The network interface may receive first measurements associated with a segment of an electrical distribution system and transmit a control signal configured to control equipment of the segment of the electrical distribution system. The data processing circuitry may run simulations of the segment of the electrical distribution system in various equipment configurations, selecting from among the various equipment configurations an equipment configuration that is expected to cause the power factor to approach a desired value. The data processing circuitry then may generate the control signal, which may cause the equipment of the segment of the electrical distribution system to conform to the equipment configuration and thereby control the power factor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for voltage stability monitoring in power systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving data representing a set of system parameters of a power system having one or more power buses under a load condition. The method also includes estimating one or more sets of the system parameters under one or more additional load conditions based on the received data and topology information of the power system. The method further includes determining a voltage stability index for the power system based on both the received set of system parameters and the estimated one or more sets of the system parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a system for selecting a color show generated by LED landscape, pool, and/or spa lights. The system can include a faceplate indicating the color shows available to select from. The faceplate includes a selector positioned to select one of the color shows. The system includes a microcontroller in communication with the selector and a triac circuit in communication with the microcontroller. The microcontroller controls the LED landscape, pool, and/or spa lights using the triac circuit in response to the position of the selector.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes at least one power distribution device and a computer coupled to the power distribution device, wherein the computer includes a memory area configured to store a hierarchy of the power distribution device. The computer is configured to adjust a first voltage level of a first power distribution device, wherein the first power distribution device is a first tier of the hierarchy, and adjust at least a second voltage level of at least a second power distribution device, wherein the second power distribution device is a second tier of the hierarchy. The computer is also configured to generate a switch plan for the power distribution device based on the adjusted first voltage level and the adjusted at least a second voltage level.

Abstract: A device connectable to a control device for simulating an effect of at least one electrical or electronic load being connected to at least one terminal of the control device includes: a processing unit configured to at least one of compute and make available a control variable corresponding to the effect of the at least one electrical or electronic load that is to be simulated, and a power supply device: The power supply device includes at least one auxiliary voltage source configured to form at least one of a current source and a current sink and configured to receive the control variable from the processing unit. The at least one auxiliary source is configured to draw a current from the control device or impress a current on the control device based on the received control variable.

Abstract: An electrical energy supply system providing voltage to a load and including an external power group and a DC supply device is disclosed. The external power group provides an external voltage. The DC supply device includes a bus, a converting unit, a storage unit and a smart energy management system (SEMS). The bus receives the external voltage and is coupled to the load. The converting unit converts the external voltage into a converted voltage or converts a stored voltage to generate a converted result and provides the converted result to the bus. The storage unit stores the converted voltage or provides the stored voltage to the converting unit. The SEMS controls at least one of the converting unit, the external power group and the load according to at least one of the external voltage, a voltage level of the bus and a voltage level of the storage unit.

Abstract: A resistance-measuring circuit includes a controller for outputting a PWM signal and further for adjusting the duty cycle of the PWM signal, and a sampling circuit for processing the PWM signal and transmitting the processed PWM signal to the sensor. The sampling circuit samples the signal outputted from the sensor to generate a sampled signal with the voltage thereof changing according to any change in the duty cycle of the PWM signal, and further transmits the sampled signal to the controller. The controller obtains the real-time duty cycle of the PWM signal when the voltage of the sampled signal reaches a threshold voltage, and further calculates the exact resistance of the sensor according to the obtained real-time duty cycle of the PWM signal and the threshold voltage. An electronic device with the resistance-measuring circuit is also provided.

Abstract: A control circuit for a programmable power supply is provided. It comprises a reference generation circuit generating a voltage-reference signal and a current-reference signal for regulating an output voltage and an output current of the power supply. A feedback circuit detects the output voltage and the output current for generating a feedback signal in accordance with the voltage-reference signal and the current-reference signal. A switching controller generates a switching signal coupled to switch a transformer for generating the output voltage and the output current in accordance with the feedback signal. A micro-controller controls the reference generation circuit. The micro-controller, the reference generation circuit, and the feedback circuit are equipped in the secondary side of the transformer. The switching controller is equipped in the primary side of the transformer. The control circuit can achieve good performance for the programmable power supply.

Abstract: A smart apparatus including: a storage unit that stores a current profile supplied to a home appliance according to an operation of the home appliance; a current detector that detects a current value supplied to the home appliance; and a controller that generates operating information of the home appliance based on the current value detected by the current detector and the current profile stored in the storage unit, wherein the smart apparatus determines an operation and an operation time of the home appliance based on current or power supplied to the home appliance without adding a new configuration to an existing home appliance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling electric power supplied to one or more electrical devices from a power source are disclosed. Measurements of the supplied electricity are detected. Estimated deviant voltage levels that the supplied electricity will not drop below or exceed as a result of varying electrical consumption by the one or more electrical devices is computed based on a predetermined confidence level and the detected measurements. A voltage level output of the electricity supplied to the electrical device is adjusted based on the computed deviant voltage level.

Abstract: Devices and methods for decentralized coordinated Volt/VAR control are provided. Such a device may allow, for example, an operational parameter such as voltage, power losses, a combination of these, and/or power factor to be optimized on a segment of an electrical distribution system under certain conditions. For example, a controller may include a network interface to receive measurements and data processing circuitry to optimize a voltage deviation, active power losses, or a combination thereof, based at least in part on the total load on the segment of the electrical distribution system.

Abstract: A controller is disclosed for hybrid systems providing power to an electrical power grid. The controller reduces wear on hybrid systems by having only a fast unit tuned to track fluctuations of a regulation signal in a normal mode of operation. By contrast, the slow unit does not track fluctuations in the regulation signal in the normal mode of operation, which reduces wear on the slow unit. The normal mode of operation is defined by an energy range of the fast unit. Energy band parameters associated with the energy range can be dynamically modified in order to optimize the efficiency of the hybrid system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for managing the operations of a plurality of microgrid modules. A microgrid module includes transformers and/or power converters necessary for modifying the input AC or DC power sources to meet the required characteristics of the output power. The microgrid module further comprises a control software module and a power router software module. The control software module receives data from sensors in the microgrid module and controls the flow of power with controllable elements. The power router software module controls the operation of the power router. The power router can detect changes in demand for power within the microgrid module or from other microgrid modules. The power router can adjust the flow of power between the microgrid modules in response to changes in the supply of power to the microgrid module and changes in the demand for power from the microgrid module.

Abstract: A general decentralized voltage control scheme is proposed to coordinate the operation of DG, Voltage regulator and Capacitor banks. The present invention is based on placing a Remote Terminal Unit (RTUs) at each distribution generation (DG) and each at line capacitor. These RTUs being coordinated together through communication protocols form a multi-agent system. Novel decentralized system is proposed to estimate the voltage profile change as a result of injecting reactive power at the capacitor bus. Simulation results are presented to show the validity and the effectiveness of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and devices capable of measuring, analyzing, and monitoring electrical energy consumption of appliances and devices within a building are provided. Voltage sensors that are optionally connected to electrical socket outlets are employed within a building or section of a building to infer the identity of electricity-consuming devices and the amount of power the devices are consuming individually and collectively. Energy use inferencing devices according to embodiments of the invention provide ease of installation, simplicity, manageability, and ease-of-use that can engender deployment by electricity consumers, such as, home owners and businesses.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a power transmission line includes at least one monitoring device located along the power transmission line configured to provide power transmission line data. A wide area situational awareness module is configured to receive the power transmission line data and an adaptation module is configured to receive output from the wide area situational awareness module and further configured to calculate control actions for the power transmission line based on the power transmission line data.

Abstract: A heater control apparatus (1) includes a heater driver (51) which is turned on and off in accordance with a pulse drive signal PS, heater energization control means S33, S39 for outputting the pulse drive signal PS to the heater driver 51 so as to control the supply of electric current to the heater section (4), power supply voltage detection means S30, S35 for detecting a power supply voltage VB of the power supply BT, ideal electric energy obtaining means S31, S37 for obtaining an unit ideal electric energy WAi, actual electric energy calculation means S36 for calculating an unit actual electric energy WA, and duty ratio determination means S38 for determining a duty ratio DT(n+1) of the pulse drive signal PS such that the unit actual electric energy WA(n+1) becomes equal to the unit ideal electric energy WAi(n+1) in the next period T(n+1).

Abstract: An auto-compensation method for compensating power regulators configured to generate a regulated output voltage. Auto-compensation may be performed dynamically by determining various coefficients of a compensation function used in compensating the power regulator, based on assumptions about the structure of the regulator and corresponding filters. The method may be used to determine at least the DC loop gain and the position of the compensation zeros, without requiring any prior knowledge of the values of the various components of the system. Furthermore, the selection of the compensation parameters (loop gain, position of zeroes) may be based on measurement of various state variables of the actual power converter, and adjustment of the various coefficients of the compensation function according to the measurements. Since no power-plant model of the power regulator is used, inaccuracies that would be inherent using any method that employs a model of the system instead of the system itself may be eliminated.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating performance metrics of conservation voltage reduction (CVR) systems and VOLT/VAR optimization systems is disclosed.

Abstract: A loop powered process instrument comprises a control system measuring a process variable and developing a measurement signal representing the process variable. An output circuit, for connection to a remote power source using a two-wire process loop, controls current on the loop in accordance with the measurement signal. A power supply is connected to the output circuit and the control system. The power supply receives power from the two wire process loop and supplies power to the control system. The power supply comprises a voltage regulator receiving loop power and developing a regulated output voltage and an adjustable shunt regulator controlling voltage supplied to the voltage regulator.

Abstract: A computer provides a graphical user interface for displaying a virtual representation of a voltage regulator and for accepting a user requirement for the voltage regulator. The computer automatically determines an internal calibration setting of the voltage regulator that meets the user requirement. The computer simulates operation of the voltage regulator as calibrated with the internal calibration setting. The internal calibration setting is downloaded to the voltage regulator. A calibration controller of the voltage regulator receives the internal calibration setting and outputs digital calibration bits in accordance with the internal calibration setting. The digital calibration bits works in conjunction with interface circuits to adjust circuits of a voltage regulator core to digitally calibrate the voltage regulator.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for a controller for a power circuit that interfaces distributed power generation with a power distribution grid, comprising: a first portion, including a maximum power point tracker, that receives signals corresponding to the distributed power generation voltage and current, and outputs to the power circuit a signal for controlling the voltage of the distributed power generation; a second portion, including a current reference generator, a current controller, and a dc voltage controller, that receives signals corresponding to a dc voltage of the power circuit, the power distribution grid voltage and current, and the inverter current, and outputs signals for controlling the power circuit output voltage; wherein the current reference generator includes nonlinear circuit elements and generates a current reference signal from the dc voltage of the power circuit and the grid voltage and current; such that substantially harmonic-free power is injected into the p

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling electric power supplied to one or more electrical devices from a power source are disclosed. Measurements of the supplied electricity are detected. Estimated deviant voltage levels that the supplied electricity will not drop below or exceed as a result of varying electrical consumption by the one or more electrical devices is computed based on a predetermined confidence level and the detected measurements. A voltage level output of the electricity supplied to the electrical device is adjusted based on the computed deviant voltage level.

Abstract: Power inverters are controlled in response to reactive power support commands received from a power grid such that at least one power inverter provides reactive power to the power grid. The reactive power provided is based on each power inverter's reactive power capacity only while the total power capacity of each power inverter providing the reactive power is not exhausted in generating real power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a corrected monitoring voltage, at least a portion of the method being performed by a computing system comprising at least one processor. The method comprises generating power at a first location; monitoring the generated power by measuring a first voltage proximate the first location; measuring a second voltage proximate a second location, the first and the second locations electrically coupled; and determining, based on the measured second voltage, a corrected monitoring voltage to compensate the measured first voltage for a distance between the first and the second locations.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and devices relating to the provision of system-wide coordinated control voltage regulation support in power transmission and distribution networks using multiple inverter based power generation facilities, which are coupled to the power transmission and distribution networks for minimizing transmission and distribution line losses. The invention uses a novel control method of inverter based Distributed Generators as Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) in a way that provides a dynamic voltage regulation/control with the inverter capacity remaining after real power generation, thereby decreasing system line losses.

Abstract: A security and economy coordinated automatic voltage control method based on a cooperative game theory is provided. The method includes: establishing a multi-objective reactive voltage optimizing model of a power system; resolving the multi-objective reactive voltage optimizing model into an economy model and a security model; solving the economy model and the security model based on the cooperative game theory to obtain the automatic voltage control instruction; and performing an automatic voltage control for the power system according to the automatic voltage control instruction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for managing the operations of a plurality of microgrid modules. A microgrid module includes transformers and/or power converters necessary for modifying the input AC or DC power sources to meet the required characteristics of the output power. The micro grid module further comprises a control software module and a power router software module. The control software module receives data from sensors in the microgrid module and controls the flow of power with controllable elements. The power router software module controls the operation of the power router. The power router can detect changes in demand for power within the microgrid module or from other microgrid modules. The power router can adjust the flow of power between the micro grid modules in response to changes in the supply of power to the microgrid module and changes in the demand for power from the microgrid module.

Abstract: A power control subsystem for controlling the supply of power transmitted to at least one node over communication cabling, the power control subsystem comprising: a plurality of references; a plurality of comparators, each of the comparators being associated with a particular one of the plurality of references; and a current limiter in communication with the plurality of comparators and arranged to limit current of the power transmitted over communication cabling responsive to the plurality of comparators.

Abstract: A load-monitoring interfacing device obtains and processes sensor data from an electrical load. The interfacing device can include at least one power outlet to provide power to a corresponding electrical load. During operation, the interfacing device can obtain sensor data from a local power outlet coupled to an electrical load, such that the sensor data can indicate an electrical measurement associated with the electrical load. The interfacing device selects a rule to process based on the obtained sensor data, and processes the rule to determine whether to perform an action. If the rule's condition is satisfied, the interfacing device proceeds to processing the rule's action description to perform the action, such as to enable or disable a power outlet, or to perform any other pre-defined action.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring electric devices coupled to a power circuit are provided. The method includes: obtaining a first power feature of the power circuit at a time; obtaining a second power feature of the power circuit at another time; determining whether a power feature variation occurs according to the first and second power features. If the power feature variation occurs, the method further includes: adjusting the first power feature to a first normalized power feature according to a reference voltage; adjusting the second power feature to a second normalized power feature according to the reference voltage; recognizing that a status of one of the electric devices is changed from a first status to a second status according to the first and second normalized power features. By applying the method, whether the electric devices are switched on or off may be accurately recognized.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring power comprises a plurality of plugs, at least one sensor in communication with the plurality of outlets, and at least one microcontroller unit in communication with the at least one sensor. Each of the plurality of plugs is able to provide electrical power to a device. The at least one sensor is configured to monitor current flowing to the plurality of plugs. The at least one microcontroller unit is configured to receive readings from the at least one sensor regarding the amount of current delivered to the plurality of plugs.

Abstract: A maximum power point tracking method and system for use with a power generator comprises sampling instantaneous output voltage and current of the power generator at a first instant in time and at a second instant in time to obtain first and second power samples, generating a reference voltage or current signal from a difference of the first and second power samples; comparing the reference voltage or current to the instantaneous power generator voltage or current and generating at least one gating signal; and repeating so as to minimize the difference of the first and second power samples; wherein the gating signal affects magnitude of the output voltage and current of the power generator; wherein the maximum power point is tracked when the difference signal is minimized. The power generator may be at least one photovoltaic cell, wind turbine, or fuel cell.