DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates, in general, to power grids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and device for distributing power efficiently to one or more loads connected to a micro grid.

BACKGROUND
A micro grid is an integrated energy system consisting of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources which as an integrated system can operate in parallel with the grid or in an intentional island mode. The existing grid architectures distribute power to one or more loads, but fail to control and regulate the power distribution. The existing systems provide base load requirements but do not monitor energy wastage. Also, surplus energy is not supplied to users requiring excess energy. Therefore, energy is not efficiently handled by the typical electrical grids.

Micro grids monitor weather data and store excess energy available on a particular day in an energy storage unit. However, the excess energy is not provided to users when required. Thus, user demand is not met using the existing systems.

The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

SUMMARY
In an embodiment, the present disclosure presents a method for distributing power in a micro grid. The method comprises receiving, by a power distribution unit, weather data from a weather station associated with a micro grid, receiving a request for requirement of base load and additional load, where the load represents the power and energy requirement where the base load is requested by each of a plurality of user connections connected to the micro grid and the additional load is requested by at least one user connection among the plurality of user connections, calculating total energy available in an energy storage unit of the micro grid, wherein a threshold is set on the total energy, varying the threshold based on the weather data and distributing the base load from the total energy, to corresponding plurality of user connections, and the additional load from the total energy, to corresponding at least one user connection based on the threshold.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure presents a micro grid for distributing power. The micro grid comprises a weather station for monitoring weather forecast, an energy storage unit and a power distribution unit. The power distribution unit is configured to receive weather data from the weather station and a request for requirement of base load and additional load, where the base load is requested by each of a plurality of user connections connected to the micro grid and the additional load is requested by at least one user connections among the plurality of user connections, calculate total energy available in an energy storage unit of the micro grid wherein a threshold is set on the total energy, vary the threshold based on the weather data and distribute the base load from the total energy, to corresponding plurality of user connections, and the additional load from the total energy, to corresponding at least one user connections based on the threshold.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a micro grid for distributing power, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 shows internal architecture of a power distribution unit for distributing power in micro grid in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for distributing power in a micro grid in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 4A shows an exemplary block diagram of a micro grid for distributing power in case of availability of excess energy, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Figure 4B shows an exemplary block diagram of a micro grid for distributing under-utilized energy, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a micro grid system for distributing power to users requiring base load and users requiring additional load. The micro grid system comprises a weather station for monitoring weather forecast, an energy storage unit and a power distribution unit. The power distribution unit receives information on available energy in the energy storage unit. Also, the power distribution unit receives the weather forecast. Based on the weather forecast, the power distribution unit distributes energy to users requiring additional load. In another embodiment, the power distribution unit receives information on under-utilization of energy by users. Thus, the power distribution unit distributes power to users requiring additional load based on the under-utilized energy.

Figure 1 shows a micro grid 100 architecture. The micro grid 100 comprises a power source 101, a Power Conducting Unit (PCU) 102, an energy storage unit 103, a Power Distribution Unit (PDU) 104, a user connection 105A, a user connection 105B, …, a user connection 105N, and a weather station 106. The user connection 105A, the user connection 105B, …the user connection 105N may be collectively referred as plurality of user connections 105 henceforth in the present disclosure.

The power source 101 generates electrical energy from renewable or non-renewable resources. For example, the electrical energy may be generated using solar panels. In an embodiment, the power source 101 generates three phase Alternating Current (AC). Alternatively, the power source 101 can also generate single phase AC current or Direct Current (DC). The PCU 102 receives the electrical energy from the power source 101. Then, the PCU 102 regulates the electrical energy according to base load requirements of the plurality of user connections 105. Here, regulating the electrical energy may include conversion of DC to DC and DC to AC (single phase or three phase) or three phase AC current to single phase AC current, voltage regulation, etc. Further, the generated energy is supplied to the plurality of user connections 105 by the PDU 104 based on one or more inputs and a threshold set on total energy available in the energy storage unit 103. In an embodiment, the one or more inputs may include, but are not limited to, weather data, base load required by the plurality of user connections 105, additional load required by the plurality of user connections 105 and under-utilized energy.

In an embodiment, the PDU 104 is connected to the plurality of user connections through distribution busses (not shown in figure) for distributing power. The distribution busses facilitate distribution of energy between the micro grid 100 and the plurality of user connections 105. Also, the PDU 104 is connected to the plurality of user connections 105 for communicating through wired or wireless networks. The networks may include at least one of a Subscriber Messaging Services (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS), Internet services, and voice messages. In an embodiment, an application may be provided to the plurality of user connections 105 for communication. The communication may be with respect to but are not limited to amount of base load required, amount of additional load required and amount of under-utilized energy. In an embodiment, the application may be installed in a user device. The user device may include but is not limited to tablets, mobile devices, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) or any other computing device.

In an embodiment, the base load indicates amount of energy or power required by a user connection 105 on each day. In an embodiment, the additional load indicates additional energy or power required by a user connection 105 on a specific day or specific number of days.

In an embodiment, the energy storage unit 103 stores energy received from the power source 101. Further, the stored energy may be used for distributing to the plurality of user connections 105.

In an embodiment, the weather station 106 may determine weather forecast of a predefined area around the micro grid 100 at predefined intervals of time. The weather station 106 may include weather sensors (not shown in figure), a dedicated processor and memory for predicting the weather forecast. Based on the weather forecast, the PDU 104 may estimate amount of energy that may be generated by the power source 101. Thus, the PDU 104 estimates amount of power that can be stored in the energy storage unit 103 based on the weather forecast.

Figure 2 of the present disclosure represents internal architecture of the PDU 104. The PDU 104 comprises an Input/ Output (I/O) interface 201, a processor 203, a memory 202 communicatively connected to the processor 203, data 204 and modules 209. The data 204 may be stored within the memory 202. The data 203 may include weather data 205, load data 206, energy storage data 207 and other data 208.

In an embodiment, the weather data 205 may include weather forecast of an area around the micro grid 100. The weather forecast may be used to determine amount of energy that can be generated on a particular day. For example, when the forecast predicts that a particular day may be sunny from 7am to 6:30pm, then the PDU 104 may estimate an amount of energy that may be generated between 7am and 6:30pm. Thus, the weather forecast helps estimate amount of energy that can be generated on a particular day. Further, using forecast, amount of energy that can be generated for a month may be estimated. Thus, using the weather forecast, energy that may be generated for predefined number of forthcoming days may be estimated.

In an embodiment, the load data 206 may include but are not limited to base load requirement by the plurality of user connections 105, additional load requirement by the plurality of user connections, under-utilized energy by the plurality of user connections 105. The base load requirement may be indicated to the PDU 104 by corresponding users of the plurality of user connections 105 during installation of the distribution bus. The additional load requirement may be indicated to the PDU 104 using the user devices. Also, the under-utilized energy may be indicated to the PDU 104 using the user device.

In an embodiment, the energy storage data 207 indicates amount of total energy available in the energy storage unit 103. Further, the energy storage data 207 may indicate a threshold set on the total energy available in the energy storage unit 103. The energy in the energy storage unit 103 may be distributed to the plurality of user connections until the threshold is reached. When the threshold is reached, the energy distribution may be ceased.

In an embodiment, the other data 208 may include but are not limited to theft monitoring data, the plurality of user connections data and power source data. The theft monitoring data may include monitoring power of each of the plurality of user connections 105 for detecting theft. When power at a user connection 105 is lesser by a predefined value, then the PDU 104 flags such user connections for theft of energy. The plurality of user connections data may include type of electrical connection required, i.e., one phase, two phase or three phase, industry standard connection or residence standard connection. Power source data may include power generation capacity, rate of power generation, etc.

In an embodiment, the data 204 in the memory 202 is processed by modules 209 of the PDU 104. As used herein, the term module 209 refers to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), Programmable System-on-Chip (PSoC), a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. The modules 209 when configured with the functionality defined in the present disclosure will result in a novel hardware.

In one implementation, the modules 209 may include, for example, a communication module 210, a control module 211, a distribution module 212 and other modules 213. It will be appreciated that such aforementioned modules 209 may be represented as a single module or a combination of different modules.

In an embodiment, the communication module 210 may communicate with the plurality of user connections 105. The communication module 210 may receive base load information, additional load information and under-utilized energy information from the plurality of user connections 105. In an embodiment, the communication module 210 may communicate with the plurality of user connections 105 in real time. Further, the communication module 210 may receive weather data 205 from the weather station 106 and energy storage data 206 from the energy storage unit 103.

In an embodiment, the control module 211 receives the weather data 205, the energy storage data 207 and the one or more inputs of the plurality of user connections 105 from the communication module 210. Further, the control module 211 calculates the total energy that may be available in the energy storage unit 103 based on the weather data 205. Here, the control module 211 predicts total energy that can be generated by the power source 101 based on the weather forecast. Thus, the control module 211 estimates total energy that may be available for storing in the energy storage module 103. A threshold is set on the total energy available in the energy storage unit 103. Energy may be distributed to the plurality of user connections 105 until the threshold is reached. Once the threshold is reached, the distribution of energy from the energy storage unit 103 is stopped. The control module 211 varies the threshold based on the estimation of total energy. In a first instance, when the weather forecast predicts that a particular day may be sunny throughout the day, the control module 211 may reduce the threshold, thus, allowing more distribution of energy to plurality of user connections 105 requiring additional load. Here, the additional load is catered by distributing available energy in the energy storage unit 103. Thus, each of the plurality of user connections 105 requiring additional load may receive the required load. In a second instance, when the weather forecast predicts that a particular day may be cloudy throughout the day, the control module 211 may increase the threshold, thus reducing distribution of energy. Hence, each of the plurality of user connections 105 requiring additional load may not receive the additional load.

In an embodiment, the base load demand of the plurality of user connections 105 is always met.

In an embodiment, the control module 211 receives under-utilized energy by one or more user connections among the plurality of user connections 105. The control module 211 distributes the under-utilized energy to one or more user connections requiring additional load.

In an embodiment, the distribution module 212 distributes the base load and additional load. In an embodiment, the base load is demanded by each of the plurality of user connections 105. The additional load may be demanded by at least one user connection 105 among the plurality of user connections 105. The distribution module 212 is connected to the plurality of user connections 105 by means of corresponding distribution bus. Each of the distribution bus is configured based on the base load requirements. For example, a user connection 105 requiring 240V in a two phase may have a predefined configuration of distribution bus. Likewise, a user connection 105 requiring 240v in three phase may have a predefined configuration of distribution bus. Thus, the distribution module 212 distributes the base load demand and the additional load demand to corresponding user connections 105.

In an embodiment, the other modules 213 may include but are not limited to theft detection module and display module. The theft detection module may detect power leakages in the micro grid 100 and notify one or more super users using the communication module 210. Here, a super user may be a user having authority to control the PDU 104. The display module may display amount of energy generated by the power source 101, amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit 103, number of user connection 105 connected to the micro grid 100, amount of power consumed by each of the one or more loads 105, etc. Further, a failure notification can be displayed when the power is not distributed to any loads among the one or more loads 105. Here, failure may indicate lack of power transmission from the power distribution unit 104 to the one or more loads 105, error in energy storage in the storage unit 103, communication error between the PDU 104 and the plurality of user connections 105.

In an embodiment, the one or more super users can remotely control the PDU 104. The one or more super user may turn on or turn off the power distribution unit remotely. Further, the one or more super users may determine tariffs for distributing surplus power.

Figure 3 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for distributing power in a micro grid 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the method 300 may comprise one or more steps for distributing power in a micro grid 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 300 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

The order in which the method 300 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At step 301, the communication module 210 receives weather data 205 from a weather station 106 associated with the micro grid 100. The weather data 205 may include weather forecast for a particular day. In an embodiment, the weather data may include weather forecast for predefined number of forthcoming days.

At step 302, the communication module 210 receives a request for requirement of base load and additional load. In an embodiment, the base load is demanded by each of the plurality of user connections 105 and the additional load is demanded by at least one user connection among the plurality of user connections 105. In an embodiment, the additional load may be communicated using the dedicated application. The application may be installed in the user device. The base load may be demanded during installation of electrical lines for corresponding plurality of user connections.

At step 303, the control module 211 calculates total energy available in the energy storage unit 103. Here, the control module 211 estimates total energy that may be available in the energy storage unit 103 based on the weather prediction. The control module 211 determines amount of power that may be generated based on the weather prediction. Further, the control module 211 estimates amount of energy that may be available for storing in the energy storage unit 103.

At step 304, the control module 211 varies the threshold set on the total energy available based on the weather forecast, for allowing or preventing distribution of surplus energy to the at least one user connections requiring additional load.

At step 305, the distribution module 212 distributes the base load and the additional load to corresponding plurality of user connections 105 and corresponding at least one user connection. Here, the distribution module 212 is connected to each of the plurality of user connections by a corresponding distribution bus. Thus, the distribution module 212 distributes the base load to each of the plurality of user connections 105 over corresponding distribution bus, and distributes the additional load to the at least one user connection over the corresponding distribution bus.

Figure 4A illustrates distributing power to at least one user connection based on weather data 205. In a first instance, let an initial threshold of the energy storage unit 103 be at TH1. Let two user connections 105 demand for additional load from the micro grid 100. Let us consider that the weather station 106 has predicted the weather to be sunny on day 1. Then, the control module 211 determines total amount of energy that may be generated based on the weather forecast. Further, the control module 211 estimates total energy that may be available for storing in the energy storage unit 103. Further, the control module 211 determines whether sufficient energy may be present in the energy storage unit 103 after providing the additional load to the two user connections 105. Let us consider that the control module 211 determines that sufficient energy will remain in the energy storage unit 103 after distributing the additional load, the control module 211 decreases the threshold. For example, the control module 211 may decrease the threshold to TH2 as shown in Figure 4A. Thus, the control module 211 facilitates for distributing the additional load to the two user connections 105. Further, the distributing module 213 distributes the additional load to the two user connections 105 using corresponding distribution bus.

In a second instance, let an initial threshold of the energy storage unit 103 be at TH2. Let two user connections 105 demand for additional load from the micro grid 100. Let us consider that the weather station 106 has predicted the weather to be cloudy and likely to rain on day 2. Then, the control module 211 determines total amount of energy that may be generated based on the weather forecast. Further, the control module 211 estimates total energy that may be available for storing in the energy storage unit 103. Further, the control module 211 determines whether sufficient energy may be present in the energy storage unit 103 after providing the additional load to the two user connections 105. Let us consider that the control module 211 determines that sufficient energy may not remain in the energy storage unit 103 after distributing the additional load. Thus, the control module 211 may not decrease the threshold. Alternatively, if excess power is distributed and energy loss is detected, the control module 211 may further increase the threshold. For example, the control module 211 may increase the threshold to TH1 as shown in Figure 4A. Thus, the control module 211 facilitates efficient source management.

Figure 4B shows an exemplary diagram illustrative of distribution of under-utilized energy, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For instance, let us consider that a user connection 1051 is under-utilizing the base load. Here, the user connection 1051 may indicate under-utilization of energy to the micro grid 100 using the user device. The PDU 104 of the micro grid 100 receives the under-utilized energy from the user connection 1051. Further, let us assume, a user connection 1052 requires additional load. Thus, the PDU 104 may distribute the under-utilized energy of the user connection 1051 to the user connection 1052. Further, if a surplus power remains after distributing the under-utilized energy to the user connection 1052, the surplus power may be stored in the energy storage unit 103.

In an embodiment, the threshold of the energy storage unit 103 may be varied only when additional load is demanded by the at least one user connection 105.

In an embodiment, the request for additional load may be made in real-time. The request may be made using the user device.

In an embodiment, the under-utilized energy may be received by the PDU 104 in real-time.

The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)" unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "including", "comprising", “having” and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article or a different number of devices/articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself.

The illustrated operations of Figure 3 show certain events occurring in a certain order. In alternative embodiments, certain operations may be performed in a different order, modified or removed. Moreover, steps may be added to the above described logic and still conform to the described embodiments. Further, operations described herein may occur sequentially or certain operations may be processed in parallel. Yet further, operations may be performed by a single processing unit or by distributed processing units.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method and a system for efficient source and load management by controlling energy in the energy storage and by effectively distributing surplus power to required users.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method and a system for distributing additional load based on weather forecast. Thus, energy is distributed to users in need, unlike conventional system which does not distribute additional load in an event of probable availability of energy.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method and a system for distributing under-utilized energy, to users needing additional load.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a system that is compatible with existing systems. Thus, the discloses system is cost effective.

Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS:
Reference number Description
100 Micro grid
101 Power source
102 PCU
103 Energy storage unit
104 PDU
105 User connections
106 Weather station
201 I/O interface
202 Memory
203 Processor
204 Data
205 Weather data
206 Load data
207 Energy storage data
208 Other data
209 Modules
210 Communication modules
211 Control module
212 Distribution module
213 Other modules
,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A method for distributing power in a micro grid, comprising:
receiving, by a power distribution unit, weather data from a weather station associated with a micro grid;
receiving, by a power distribution unit, a request for requirement of base load and additional load, wherein the load represents the power and energy requirement, wherein the base load is requested by each of a plurality of user connections connected to the micro grid and the additional load is requested by at least one user connection among the plurality of user connections;
calculating, by the power distribution unit, total energy available in an energy storage unit of the micro grid, wherein a threshold is set on the total energy;
varying, by the power distribution unit, the threshold based on the weather data; and
distributing, by the power distribution unit, the base load from the total energy, to corresponding plurality of user connections, and the additional load power from the total energy, to corresponding at least one user connection based on the threshold.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base load requirement is stored in a memory associated with the power distribution unit.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the request for additional load is received in real time.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
receiving under-utilized energy from one or more user connections of the plurality of user connections for storing in the energy storage unit; and
distributing the under-utilized energy to the at least one user connection based on the power utilization data.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the under-utilized energy is received in real time.

6. A micro grid system for distributing power, comprising:
a weather station for monitoring weather forecast;
an energy storage unit;
and
a power distribution unit to:
receive weather data from the weather station and a request for requirement of base load and additional load, wherein the base load is requested by each of a plurality of user connections connected to the micro grid and the additional load is requested by at least one user connections among the plurality of user connections;
calculate total energy available in an energy storage unit of the micro grid wherein a threshold is set on the total load;
vary the threshold based on the weather data; and
distribute the base load from the total energy, to corresponding plurality of user connections, and the additional load from the total load, to corresponding at least one user connections based on the threshold.

7. The micro grid as claimed in claim 6, wherein the base load requirement is stored in a memory associated with the power distribution unit.

8. The micro grid as claimed in claim 6, wherein the request for additional load is received in real time.

9. The micro grid as claimed in claim 6, wherein the power distribution unit is further configured to:
receive under-utilized energy from one or more user connections of the plurality of user connections for storing in the energy storage unit; and
distribute the under-utilized load to the at least one user connections based on the power utilization data.

10. The micro grid as claimed in claim 9, wherein the under-utilized energy is received in real time.