System, method, and apparatus for electric power grid and network management of grid elements

Abstract

Systems, methods and apparatus for electric power grid element and network management are disclosed. At least one grid element constructed and configured for electrical connection and for internet protocol (IP) -based network communication with a server operatively coupled with a memory. The at least one grid element is automatically and/or autonomously transformed into at least one active grid element after automatically communicating an initial message to the server for registration. The at least one active grid element functions actively within the electric power grid. The at least one active grid element has a profile comprising an energy usage pattern or an energy supply pattern. The at least one active grid element sends and receives messages to and from the server.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for electric power grid management, comprising:
 at least one active grid element constructed and configured for network-based communication with at least one server and at least one coordinator operable to route messages between the at least one active grid element and the at least one server;   wherein the at least one active grid element is operable to actively function within an electric power grid;   wherein the at least one coordinator is operable for communication of telemetry and revenue grade metrology to provide measurement and verification for the at least one active grid element; and   wherein the at least one coordinator is operable to communicate at least one function message for the at least one active grid element, wherein the at least one function message includes a predetermined, intended function for the at least one active grid element.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the measurement and verification are generated by at least one smart meter. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one coordinator differentiates messages required to route supply, demand, and transmission/distribution capacity from other messages, and wherein the supply, demand, and transmission/distribution capacity messages are prioritized over the other messages. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the network-based communication is Internet Protocol (IP) based. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a multiplicity of databases constructed and configured for network-based communication for receiving measurement and verification data from a multiplicity of active grid elements. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein a multiplicity of servers operating the multiplicity of databases exchange information associated with the multiplicity of active grid elements including the at least one active grid element for affecting electric grid operations, reporting, stabilization, and/or grid services settlement. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one smart meter includes at least one interval data recorder (IDR) that provides at least one profile and/or at least one command to be executed by the at least one active grid element. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one coordinator includes at least one advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) head end. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one coordinator is operable to communicate a geographic location of the at least one active grid element to the at least one server. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one function message includes a unique grid element identifier, an equipment identifier, IP address information, content information, security information and/or authentication information. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one coordinator is operable to communicate load characteristics for the at least one active grid element to the at least one server, and wherein the load characteristics include a power factor, a voltage, a current, and/or a reactive power for the at least one active grid element. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one coordinator is operable is collect measurement and verification data from the at least one active grid element at discrete time intervals. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one active grid element is operable to provide telemetry and messaging relating to grid element attributes and/or grid element factors. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the grid element attributes include at least one of a grid element identifier, a grid element profile, power consumption, instantaneous flows, and historical flows. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for electric power grid management, comprising:
 at least one active grid element connected to an electric power grid and at least one server associated with the electric power grid;   wherein the at least one active grid element is operable for network-based communication with the at least one server and is operable to automatically communicate messages to the at least one server;   wherein the at least one active grid element is operable to actively function within the electric power grid;   wherein the at least one coordinator is operable to provide telemetry and revenue grade metrology to provide measurement and verification generated by least one smart meter for the at least one active grid element; and   wherein the at least one smart meter includes at least one interval data recorder (IDR) that provides at least one profile and/or at least one command to be executed by the at least one active grid element.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one coordinator operable to route messages between the at least one active grid element and the at least one server. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one coordinator is operable for communication of telemetry, settlement, and tracking for the at least one active grid element. 
     
     
         18 . A method for electric power grid management, comprising:
 providing at least one active grid element constructed and configured for network-based communication with at least one server and at least one coordinator operable to route messages between the at least one active grid element and the at least one server;   the at least one coordinator communicating telemetry and revenue grade metrology to the at least one server to provide measurement and verification generated by at least one smart meter for the at least one active grid element; and   the at least one coordinator communicating at least one function message for the at least one active grid element, wherein the at least one function message includes a predetermined, intended function for the at least one active grid element.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one function message indicates a priority. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the at least one active grid element providing telemetry and messaging relating to grid element attributes and/or grid element factors.