Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-9535481-B2
Publication Date
2017-01-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
The techniques described herein include for forming a power grid array with multiple power generators coupled to a power distribution unit. The power distribution unit is adapted to monitor operational data from each of the power generators to perform load balancing among the generators and to optimize the performance of the power grid array. A microgrid network is also provided within the power grid array to enable communication among the power distribution unit and the multiple generators in the array. This communication facilitates monitoring of the power grid as well as receiving and storing the operational data from each of the generators in the grid. The microgrid network can then be used to communicate the operational data over one or more connected networks allowing users to remotely access the power grid and to monitor and control the operational characteristics of the generators.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a power distribution unit (PDU) for a power grid array that forms a microgrid network with a plurality of power generators. The microgrid network provides communication among the plurality of power generators, and the PDU includes a display device.
The PDU includes a built-in computer that monitors the power grid array and requests, receives, and stores generator operational data. The operational data includes at least one of oil pressure data, water temperature data, or fuel level data, and the operational data is used to generate and format information for display.
The operational data is stored in memory of the computer, formatted in a predetermined format, and used to generate a graphical interface on the display device including the formatted operational data. The operational data is communicated over a network via a network port coupled with the computer for remote monitoring from a data processing device of a user, and commands for controlling one or more functions of the power generators can be communicated from the user's data processing device over the network connection.
The invention performs load balancing among the plurality of power generators based on the operational data. The network port can support remote access for operational data communication, including exposing the operational data via a web server and access over the Internet, and the PDU computer and network interface provide a combined monitoring and control arrangement within the microgrid network for remote operation and load balancing.
Claims Coverage
The document identifies three independent claims, covering a method using a power distribution unit with remote monitoring and load balancing, a power distribution unit having built-in monitoring, data collection, and load balancing with a network port, and a method of remote monitoring that includes receiving operational data, communicating control commands, and performing load balancing based on that data. Across the independent claims, the inventive features consistently include a microgrid network for generator communication, generator operational data, data storage and formatting for display, remote network communication via a network port, and load balancing based on the operational data.
Microgrid network with generator communication and PDU display
Forming a microgrid network for a power grid array having a plurality of power generators coupled with a power distribution unit (PDU), wherein the microgrid network provides communication among the plurality of power generators in the array, and wherein the PDU includes a display device.
Generator operational data request, receive, and store
Requesting operational data from at least one of the plurality of power generators, the operational data including at least one of oil pressure data, water temperature data, or fuel level data; receiving the operational data from the at least one of the plurality of power generators; storing the operational data received from the at least one of the plurality of power generators in a memory of the computer of the power distribution unit.
Formatted display and remote monitoring via network port
Formatting the operational data in a predetermined format; generating a graphical interface on the display device, the graphical interface including the formatted operational data; communicating the operational data over a network via a network port coupled with the computer for remote monitoring from a data processing device of a user.
Load balancing among power generators based on operational data
Performing load balancing among the plurality of power generators based on the operational data.
PDU inputs/outputs with built-in computer monitoring, data handling, and load balancing
A power distribution unit comprising a plurality of inputs adapted to receive power from a plurality of power generators coupled together in a power grid array, wherein the plurality of power generators share an overall electrical load of the power grid array; a plurality of outputs corresponding to the plurality of inputs to provide power to the electrical load; and a built-in computer configured to monitor the power grid array and to request, receive, and store operational data from each of the plurality of power generators, wherein the operational data includes at least one of oil pressure data, water temperature data, or fuel level data; and perform load balancing among the plurality of power generators based on the operational data.
Network port coupled to computer for remote operational data communication
A network port coupled with the computer and adapted to communicate the operational data over a network for remote monitoring from a data processing device of a user.
Remote monitoring accessing microgrid network and receiving operational data
Monitoring the power grid array from a user's data processing device, wherein the power grid array comprises a plurality of power generators coupled with a power distribution unit; accessing a microgrid network communicatively coupled with the power grid from the user's data processing connected to the power distribution via a network connection; receiving operational data at the user's data processing device from each of the plurality of power generators within the microgrid network over the network, the operational data including at least one of oil pressure data, water temperature data, or fuel level data.
Communicating control commands and performing load balancing based on operational data
Communicating commands for controlling one or more functions of the power generators coupled with the microgrid network from the user's data processing device over the network connection; and performing load balancing among the plurality of power generators based on the operational data.
The independent claims collectively cover a PDU-driven microgrid network that requests, receives, stores, formats, and displays generator operational data and communicates that data remotely over a network port, while performing load balancing based on the operational data; a PDU structure with built-in computer functionality for monitoring, data handling, and load balancing plus a network port for remote operational data communication; and remote monitoring by a user's data processing device that receives operational data, communicates control commands to generator functions, and performs load balancing among generators based on that operational data.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
Interested in licensing this patent?