In a method of managing electrical power consumption by a group of energy storage devices, each energy storage device estimates a forecasted input energy amount for a future time period and communicates the forecasted input energy amount to a system controller. The system controller calculates an aggregate input energy based on a sum of the forecasted input energy amounts, generates a charging schedule identifying a group energy consumption rate for each of a plurality of intervals of the future time period, and communicates the charging schedule to each device controller. Each device calculates a device energy consumption rate based on the corresponding forecasted input energy amount and the group energy consumption rate for each interval, and consumes electrical power based on the device energy consumption rate for the interval. A portion of the consumed electrical power is stored in the storage medium.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
2.
ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE POWER CONTUMPTION MANAGEMENT
In a method of managing electrical power consumption by a group of energy storage devices, each energy storage device estimates a forecasted input energy amount for a future time period and communicates the forecasted input energy amount to a system controller. The system controller calculates an aggregate input energy based on a sum of the forecasted input energy amounts, generates a charging schedule identifying a group energy consumption rate for each of a plurality of intervals of the future time period, and communicates the charging schedule to each device controller. Each device calculates a device energy consumption rate based on the corresponding forecasted input energy amount and the group energy consumption rate for each interval, and consumes electrical power based on the device energy consumption rate for the interval. A portion of the consumed electrical power is stored in the storage medium.
In one embodiment of a method of controlling a level of consumption of electrical power distributed by an electrical panel using a load control device, electrical power supplied through the electrical panel is consumed using electrical devices. A current level of the electrical power is detected using a power meter. The detected level is compared to a load limit corresponding to a percentage of a maximum continuous electrical load rating for the electrical panel. When the detected current level is less than the load limit, increasing electrical power consumption by one or more flexible loads of the electrical devices to increase the current level using a controller of the load control device. When the detected current level is greater than or equal to the load limit, decreasing electrical power consumption by the one or more flexible loads to decrease the current level using the controller.
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
A pilot burner for igniting a gas flare includes a pilot gas supply line, an inspirator, a gas feed line, a pilot output and an igniter. The pilot gas supply line is configured to receive a flow of pilot gas from a pilot gas source. The inspirator receives the flow of pilot gas from the pilot gas supply line and mixes the flow of pilot gas with air to form a mixed flow of air and gas. The gas feed line receives the mixed flow from the inspirator. The pilot output is connected to the gas feed line and discharges the mixed flow. The igniter is configured to ignite the mixed flow discharged through the pilot output to form a flame. The pilot gas supply line includes a gas preheat conduit section that is positioned adjacent to the pilot output and is configured to be heated by the flame.
F23G 7/08 - Methods or apparatus, e.g. incinerators, specially adapted for combustion of specific waste or low grade fuels, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases using flares, e.g. in stacks
F23D 14/46 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid Details
F23G 7/06 - Methods or apparatus, e.g. incinerators, specially adapted for combustion of specific waste or low grade fuels, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases
An air-assist flare includes a flare body, a fan, a gas feed pipe, a pilot burner, a pressure sensor and a controller. The fan operates at a plurality of fan speed settings to drive a flow of air through the flare body. The gas feed pipe is coupled to a source of flammable gas and includes an output port within the flare body. The pilot burner is configured to ignite a mixture of the flammable gas discharged through the output port and the flow of air. The pressure sensor is configured to generate a pressure output signal that is indicative of a pressure within the gas feed pipe. The controller is configured to adjust the fan speed setting based on the pressure output signal. When the controller detects an error in the pressure output signal, the controller sets the fan speed setting to a predetermined fan speed setting.
F23G 7/08 - Methods or apparatus, e.g. incinerators, specially adapted for combustion of specific waste or low grade fuels, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases using flares, e.g. in stacks
An energy management system includes an energy input sensor, an energy output sensor and a system controller. The energy input sensor is configured to generate at least one energy input signal indicating an energy flow to an energy storage medium of an energy storage device. The energy output sensor is configured to generate at least one energy output signal indicating an energy flow from the energy storage medium. The system controller is configured to estimate a charge level of the energy storage medium based on an initial charge level of the energy storage medium and a change in the charge level of the energy storage medium, which is based on the at least one energy input signal and the at least one energy output signal.
H02J 3/28 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
A heat pump water heater includes a tank, a first condenser, a second condenser, a heat pump, valving and a controller. The tank includes an interior cavity, an input port and an output port. The first condenser and second condenser each include an input port and an output port. The heat pump drives a fluid in a heated state through an output. A first setting of the valving fluidically couples the heat pump output to the input port of the first condenser, and fluidically disconnects the heat pump output from the input port of the second condenser. A second setting of the valving fluidically couples the heat pump output to the input port of the second condenser, and fluidically disconnects the heat pump output from the input port of the first condenser. The controller selectively directs the valving to the first or second setting.
An energy management system includes an energy input sensor, an energy output sensor and a system controller. The energy input sensor is configured to generate at least one energy input signal indicating an energy flow to an energy storage medium of an energy storage device. The energy output sensor is configured to generate at least one energy output signal indicating an energy flow from the energy storage medium. The system controller is configured to estimate a charge level of the energy storage medium based on an initial charge level of the energy storage medium and a change in the charge level of the energy storage medium, which is based on the at least one energy input signal and the at least one energy output signal.
H02J 3/28 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
An energy management system includes an energy input sensor, an energy output sensor and a system controller. The energy input sensor is configured to generate at least one energy input signal indicating an energy flow to an energy storage medium of an energy storage device. The energy output sensor is configured to generate at least one energy output signal indicating an energy flow from the energy storage medium. The system controller is configured to estimate a charge level of the energy storage medium based on an initial charge level of the energy storage medium and a change in the charge level of the energy storage medium, which is based on the at least one energy input signal and the at least one energy output signal.
F24D 11/02 - Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps
F28D 20/00 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or
F28F 27/00 - Control arrangements or safety devices specially adapted for heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
An energy management system includes an energy input sensor, an energy output sensor and a system controller. The energy input sensor is configured to generate at least one energy input signal indicating an energy flow to an energy storage medium of an energy storage device. The energy output sensor is configured to generate at least one energy output signal indicating an energy flow from the energy storage medium. The system controller is configured to estimate a charge level of the energy storage medium based on an initial charge level of the energy storage medium and a change in the charge level of the energy storage medium, which is based on the at least one energy input signal and the at least one energy output signal.
F24D 11/02 - Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps
F28D 20/00 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or
F28F 27/00 - Control arrangements or safety devices specially adapted for heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
A power control system includes at least one energy storage device each having a heat storage medium, a heater configured to heat the heat storage medium, a temperature sensor, a maximum temperature operating parameter of the device, a user-adjustable target temperature setting, which indicates a desired temperature of the heat storage medium and is less than the maximum temperature, and a controller that controls electrical energy consumption of each of the at least one energy storage device to heat the heat storage medium to a temperature that exceeds the target temperature setting and is below the maximum temperature.
An energy storage device includes a device controller, an electrical energy converter, an energy storage medium and a power metering device. In a method of managing electrical power consumption by a group of the energy storage devices, a measured power level is output from the power metering device of each energy storage device. The power level represents a rate of electrical energy consumption by the electrical energy converter of the device. The measured power levels of each of the devices are communicated to a system controller using the device controllers. An aggregate power level is calculated based on the measured power levels, and is stored in memory using the system controller. In some embodiments, the aggregate power level is communicated to a remote location, such as an electrical power distribution system.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
H02J 3/28 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy
H02J 7/34 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
A pressure relief valve includes a valve seat at the outlet, a valve body, and an air dashpot damper. In some embodiments, the valve body is configured to engage the valve seat and move along a central axis relative to the valve seat in response to a pressure at the outlet to regulate a flow of combustible gas through the outlet. In some embodiments, the air dashpot damper includes a tubular member having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, and a piston member received within the tubular member. In some embodiments, the tubular member or the piston member is attached to the valve body, and the piston moves relative to the tubular member along an axis of the tubular member in response to movement of the valve body relative to the valve seat. In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve includes a plurality of the air dashpot dampers.
F16K 47/02 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for preventing water-hammer or noise
F23G 7/08 - Methods or apparatus, e.g. incinerators, specially adapted for combustion of specific waste or low grade fuels, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases using flares, e.g. in stacks
G05D 7/01 - Control of flow without auxiliary power
An electrical appliance configured to receive power and a power consumption signal from an electrical power distribution system comprises an energy storage device and a controller. The energy storage device includes a heat storage medium and a heater. The heater is configured to heat the heat storage medium at a heating rate. The controller adjusts the heating rate based on the power consumption signal.
A combustible gas burner includes gas flow conduit or a housing having an outlet and a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve includes a valve seat at the outlet, a valve body and a valve body rotator. The valve body is configured to engage the valve seat and move along an axis relative to the valve seat in response to a pressure at the outlet. The valve body rotator is configured to rotate the valve body about the axis in response to movement of the valve body along the axis relative to the valve seat.
F23N 1/02 - Regulating fuel supply conjointly with air supply
F23G 7/08 - Methods or apparatus, e.g. incinerators, specially adapted for combustion of specific waste or low grade fuels, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases using flares, e.g. in stacks
F16L 55/04 - Devices damping pulsations or vibrations in fluids
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
F16K 17/12 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side weight-loaded
F16K 29/00 - Arrangements for movement of valve members other than for opening or closing the valve, e.g. for grinding-in, for preventing sticking
F23N 5/24 - Preventing development of abnormal or undesired conditions, i.e. safety arrangements
17.
POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT THROUGH ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES
An energy storage device (104) includes a device controller (106), an electrical energy converter (108), an energy storage medium (110) and a power metering device (170). In a method of managing electrical power consumption by a group of the energy storage devices, a measured power level (172) is output (174) from the power metering device of each energy storage device. The power level represents a rate of electrical energy consumption by the electrical energy converter of the device. The measured power levels of each of the devices are communicated (176) to a system controller (102) using the device controllers. An aggregate power level (184) is calculated (178) based on the measured power levels, and is stored (180) in memory (124) using the system controller. In some embodiments, the aggregate power level is communicated (190) to a remote location, such as an electrical power distribution system (112).
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
18.
POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT THROUGH ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES
An energy storage device (104) includes a device controller (106), an electrical energy converter (108), an energy storage medium (110) and a power metering device (170). In a method of managing electrical power consumption by a group of the energy storage devices, a measured power level (172) is output (174) from the power metering device of each energy storage device. The power level represents a rate of electrical energy consumption by the electrical energy converter of the device. The measured power levels of each of the devices are communicated (176) to a system controller (102) using the device controllers. An aggregate power level (184) is calculated (178) based on the measured power levels, and is stored (180) in memory (124) using the system controller. In some embodiments, the aggregate power level is communicated (190) to a remote location, such as an electrical power distribution system (112).
A combustible gas burner includes gas flow conduit or a housing having an outlet and a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve includes a valve seat at the outlet, a valve body and a valve body rotator. The valve body is configured to engage the valve seat and move along an axis relative to the valve seat in response to a pressure at the outlet to regulate the flow of combustible gas through the outlet. The valve body rotator is configured to rotate the valve body about the axis in response to movement of the valve body along the axis relative to the valve seat.
F23N 1/02 - Regulating fuel supply conjointly with air supply
F23G 7/08 - Methods or apparatus, e.g. incinerators, specially adapted for combustion of specific waste or low grade fuels, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases using flares, e.g. in stacks
F16L 55/04 - Devices damping pulsations or vibrations in fluids
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
F16K 17/12 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side weight-loaded
F16K 29/00 - Arrangements for movement of valve members other than for opening or closing the valve, e.g. for grinding-in, for preventing sticking
A system includes a cold water supply, a water heater, a mixing valve, and one or more water use fixtures. The water heater includes a tank, a first temperature sensor configured to output a first temperature signal indicative of a water temperature of water in the tank, a heating device, and a water heater controller configured to control the water heater based on the first temperature signal and an operating temperature setting. The mixing valve outputs a mixed water flow, which is a combination of a hot water flow and a cold water flow, to the water use fixtures. A second temperature sensor outputs a second temperature signal indicative of a water flow temperature of the mixed water flow or the hot water flow, and a system controller selectively deactivates the water heater based on the second temperature signal.
A power control system that includes a plurality of electrical appliances and a controller. Each of the electrical appliances includes an energy storage device comprising a heat storage medium, a heater, and a temperature sensor. The heater is configured to heat the storage medium at a heating rate. The temperature sensor produces a temperature signal that is indicative of a temperature of the heat storage medium. The controller adjusts the heating rate of each energy storage device from a first heating rate to a second heating rate based on the temperatures of the heat storage mediums of the other energy storage devices.
In a method of controlling energy consumption from an electrical power distribution system by energy storage devices, a first electrical load range for a first period in the future is communicated to the electrical power distribution system using a controller comprising a processor. A plurality of commands from the electrical power distribution system are received during the first period using the controller. A rate of electrical energy consumption by the group of energy storage devices is adjusted during the first period to a value within the first electrical load range responsive to each of the commands using the controller. A portion of the energy consumed by the group of energy storage devices is then stored in energy storage mediums of the devices during the first period.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
H02J 3/28 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
In a method of controlling energy consumption from an electrical power distribution system (112) by energy storage devices (104), a first electrical load range for a first period (154) in the future is communicated (150) to the electrical power distribution system using a controller (102) comprising a processor. A plurality of commands (140) from the electrical power distribution system are received (156) during the first period using the controller. A rate (163) of electrical energy consumption by the group of energy storage devices is adjusted (158) during the first period to a value within the first electrical load range responsive to each of the commands using the controller. A portion of the energy consumed by the group of energy storage devices is then stored (160) in energy storage mediums (110) of the devices during the first period.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
An electrical appliance configured to receive power and a power consumption signal from an electrical power distribution system comprises an energy storage device and a controller. The energy storage device includes a heat storage medium and a heater. The heater is configured to heat the heat storage medium at a heating rate. The controller adjusts the heating rate based on the power consumption signal.
patents
