Patent Application
20130274933
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a process. In particular, the invention includes a method for improving the performance of an electric grid.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
While a functional, widely distributed electric grid is but one part of a nation's infrastructure, examples of a large nation-state that remains politically stable and economically prosperous without one are scarce. Grid improvement driven by carefully designed measures of grid performance is therefore a matter of national interest.
Although it is not the current situation, grid improvement should be driven by a broad spectrum of electric power industry stakeholders. These include generators, transmission companies, distributors, consumers, commercial entities, industry, electric industry suppliers of goods and services, and those affected by the activities and operations of any of these.
Indeed, historical standards for measuring grid performance reflect, to a large extent, the interests of the electric power industry. These grid performance measures therefore ignore significant non-industry interests. And, even when particular non-industry interests are recognized, these are often drowned out by unfair balancing against competing interests.
Although a general awareness of this problem has yet to develop, the writers find historical measures of grid performance fail to identify grid improvement initiatives that consider the broad spectrum of stakeholder interests. And, to the extent grid performance measures do identify and lead to non-capacity grid improvements, these initiatives have been sporadic and lack coordination on a large scale. Evidence of this singular vision of grid improvement is that since the grid's inception, grid capacity increases have persistently dominated grid investments. Grid performance measures other than those leading first and primarily to grid capacity improvements are needed.
The present invention provides methods for improving electric grid performance. Embodiments utilize a rating system or performance assessment system (“PAP”) having standards and/or primary indicia of electric infrastructure performance. In various embodiments, performance against standards is evaluated using a plurality of criteria that are specific to each standard.
In an embodiment, a method of improving electric grid performance comprising the steps of: providing a governing body, a rating system, and certification candidates; the rating system incorporating a plurality of standards including enabling customer action, environment and efficiency, operational effectiveness, and reliability.
In an embodiment, a method of improving electric grid performance comprising the steps of: providing a performance assessment program (“PAP”), the PAP measuring means enabling customers to monitor and influence attributes of their electric service as a first primary indicia of performance, identifying electric system costs, wastes, and the value of improvements associated with particular electric system costs as a second primary indicia of performance, identifying source energy intensity and selected environmental effects as a third primary indicia of performance, and identifying duration and type of electric service interruptions as a fourth primary indicia of performance; providing a certifying authority, the certifying authority defining criteria for scoring each primary indicia of performance, the points to be awarded for meeting each criterion, and a minimum certifying score; providing certification candidates, each candidate operating at least one of electric generating facilities, electric transmission facilities, and electric distribution facilities; the certifying authority authorizing auditors to audit and score candidate performance using the PAP; conditioning the candidate's receipt of a certificate of registration on the candidate's PAP score; and, the certifying authority causing periodic publication of a list indicating electric industry participants holding certificates of registration.
The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures, incorporated herein and forming part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the invention.
The disclosure provided in the following pages describes examples of some embodiments of the invention. The designs, figures, and descriptions are non-limiting examples of certain embodiments of the invention. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed device may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply to only certain embodiments of the invention and should not be used to limit the disclosed inventions.
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The bulk power system as defined by the Regional Reliability Organization incorporates electrical generation resources, transmission lines, interconnections with neighboring systems and associated equipment and is generally operated at voltages of 100 kV or higher.1 1 Glossary of Terms in the NERC Reliability Standards, page 8 of 51, http://www.nerc.com/docs/standards/rs/Reliability Standards Complete Set.pdf
Area transmission and distribution is an area wide power system generally operated between 34 kV and 100 kV and incorporates transmission, step-down transformers, area substations, and higher voltage area distribution, step down transformers and supply meters.
Microgrids generally include local distribution equipment. For example, microgrid equipment may include any or all of bulk power supply meter, substation, lower voltage distribution, breaker, switch, breaker/switch, load step-down transformer, and similar equipment. Microgrids are discussed further below.
Facilities include loads being supplied by the microgrid, including metering and sub-metering.
Distributed generation is defined as any generation that ties into the facility electricity system (downstream or in parallel with facility meter) or generation connected to the microgrid electricity system (downstream or in parallel with the microgrid supply meter). Distributed generation can include waste heat recovery in the form of steam, hot water, or chilled water that is supplied to local facilities.
Methods of this invention include grid improvement methods utilizing electric industry infrastructure data for purposes including performance evaluations. Any of fuel delivery systems, generating plants, area transmission and distribution, local distribution or microgrid, facilities, and the like can be rated. Moreover, embodiments utilize infrastructure data along with industry stakeholder data to enable complementary performance evaluations against standards including consumer enablement, environmental and efficiency, operational effectiveness, and reliability.
In various examples of rating systems or performance assessment programs (“PAP”) of the present invention, performance evaluations will include electric ratings for electric industry infrastructure near consumer interconnections such as local distribution and microgrid infrastructure involved in local distribution. Microgrids typically serve a specific constituent or set of consumers and consist of interconnected wires, distributed energy resources, and end-use loads for which metrics can be reported. Exemplary microgrid applications include municipalities, neighborhoods, universities and campuses of buildings, office parks, industrial parks, multiuse developments, and office towers.
In a microgrid electric delivery paradigm, the electricity delivery system includes a network of interactive and intelligent microgrids. Like traditional local distribution infrastructure, microgrids link customers with the bulk power systems. Unlike traditional local distribution infrastructure, microgrids incorporate extended functionality. In various embodiments, microgrids include automated adaptation to changing needs and conditions of the bulk power system. Therefore, microgrids are not only served by the bulk power grid, they also provide valuable services, such as demand-response functionality, to the bulk power grid.
Augmenting and working in concert with the bulk grid, intelligent microgrids offer reliable, uninterrupted electric power while enabling customers to participate as partners and providers in the electricity enterprise. Intelligent microgrids integrate local resources at the community level and allow both consumers and suppliers to take full advantage of the smart grid transformation. This also allows intelligent microgrids to immediately island to serve local needs when the bulk power system is lost or when local generation becomes advantageous such as economic advantage.
Performance metrics and system attributes are selected for the grid improvement methods (“GIM”) to work in conjunction with other ratings systems that focus at the building or facility level, such as ENERGY STAR and LEED. In addition, microgrids that purchase power from the bulk power system will need to obtain performance data for the GIM system metrics. This will require that the microgrid or local distribution company owners/operators gain access to the bulk power system performance data. In turn, the microgrid system owners/operators can require that suppliers provide the metrics and/or underlying data outlined in electricity distribution franchise and power purchase agreements.
The proposed GIM can be applied to different types of local distribution systems or microgrids, for example: 1) A microgrid where the owner/operator of the grid also owns/operates the buildings being served (e.g., universities; large multi-use towers, etc.); and, 2) A microgrid where the owner/operator of the grid does not own the buildings and facilities being served (municipality or local distribution company).
Intelligent microgrids focus on the local power delivery system, one that meets the needs of electric consumers. Microgrid based local power delivery systems of the present invention include microgrids that are manageable and accountable, enabling industry participants to partner with local government. Such partnerships enhance performance through, among other things, coordinated grid improvements and related infrastructure upgrades.
GIM include establishing a uniform rating system or performance assessment program (“PAP”) for businesses, consumers, and to encourage competition. In addition, GIM aim to educate stakeholders through increased awareness and to reveal gaps in performance. Grid performance metrics include customer engagement, operational effectiveness, reliability, and power supply or delivery energy efficiency and environment.
Customer Engagement/Enabling Customer Action—As information becomes more readily available customers are becoming more engaged in their purchasing and consumption—including electricity use. With increased demand and stress on the grid forecasted, customer engagement will be essential to achieving an improved electricity system. The intent of this category is to provide a defined set of performance criteria that demonstrate a consumer's ability to contribute to system improvement. The criteria in this category address measurable customer capabilities, standard processes and policies, programs and incentives that verify and increase customer contribution.
Operational Effectiveness—Consumers expect high-quality service from their electricity provider at competitive rates. The intent of this category is to provide a defined set of performance criteria that are common and available information to accurately represent the overall performance of a microgrid in terms of the operational efficiency, value produced, risk avoidance, and waste minimization. The criteria in this category address operational efficiency, quantifying value, and quantifying opportunity cost.
Reliability—To ensure that the quality of power and the safety of the public are not compromised in the quest for ever—cheaper energy, power reliability must be examined. The intent of this category is to provide a defined set of design and performance criteria that are common and available information to accurately represent the overall performance of a microgrid n terms of how reliably and safely the electricity they consume is generated, delivered, and used. The criteria in this category address sustained interruptions, momentary interruptions, ensuring power to key facilities/loads, reliability design attributes, power quality improvement, and risk mitigation.
Power Supply or Delivery/Energy Efficiency and Environment—Greater emphasis on improving power supply energy efficiency and environmental performance is called for and is a major oversight in the energy efficiency community. In addition, environmental responsibility is increasingly becoming an expectation for both companies and consumers in all sectors. The intent of this category is to define a set of performance criteria that are common and available information to accurately represent the overall performance of the electricity delivered and consumed by a microgrid in terms of energy efficiently and environmental stewardship. The criteria in this category address power supply energy efficiency, power supply air emissions, water consumption, power supply resource use, renewable energy credits, and design features.
The rating system uses five different criteria types to measure the performance of a grid:
Known rating systems or standards tend to look narrowly, such as viewing one performance measure aspect at a time, i.e. reliability, or operational effectiveness, or one particular stakeholder. Embodiments of GIM provide for evaluating multiple performance measures and in cases these performance measures are evaluated from data gathered in a single bounded or limited time period.
A governing body manages the rating system. The governing body sets certification requirements, tracks certification metrics, and issues certifications to applicants. This body engages in various business endeavors and recoups costs incurred in carrying out its rating system creation and operation mission.
Donations are a first revenue source. The rating system governing body or board will seek donations from foundations and stakeholders including those with interests in issues addressed by the rating system. Donations may also come from customers and wealthy individuals. Methods of attracting donations include activities including communications such as:
Membership is a second revenue source. This includes membership for organizations that want to join a user's group for the rating system but not membership in the governing body. The customer group for membership would be inclusive of all donors, project certification customers, professional certification customers, technology providers, regulators, attorney generals, government stakeholders, and the investment community. Methods for attracting customer memberships include activities including communications such as:
Project certification is a third revenue source. This would include revenue collected for certifying microgrids, projects, and utilities. Certification customers include universities, developers, corporations including Fortune 500 Corporations, petro and chemical plants, medical centers, military bases, and municipalities. Methods for attracting project certifications include activities including communications such as:
Professional certification is a fourth revenue source. Professional certification includes training for developers and designers of projects related to the rating system. Professional certification customers include individuals seeking professional certification, employees of the customers listed under Project Certification, as well as other interested parties such as consultants for these organizations, regulators, attorney generals and their staff, and technology providers. Class offerings will include understanding the rating system, understanding microgrids and the bulk power system, and developing/implementing strategies to improve microgrids and rating system scores. Methods for attracting professional certifications include activities including communications such as:
Technical publications are a fifth revenue source, for example sale of metrics handbooks and other publications. This would include revenue from books, guides, and other education materials related to explaining the rating system metrics and how to improve your score. This would also include documentation for certifying bodies and explanation of data entry codes such as what the American Medical Association provides doctors' offices and insurance companies. Additional publications would include comparative reports and case study details. Customers would be similar to the target membership group. Methods for attracting publication sales include activities including communications such as:
Newsletter and other subscriptions are a sixth revenue source. In addition to user group members and others may likely be interested in newsletter subscriptions and other documents related to the rating system. Topics for the newsletter would include upcoming changes or thinking around the rating, brief case studies, training materials, product reviews, and reports on user experiences. The target customer group here would be the same as the membership group. Methods for attracting newsletter and other subscription sales include email blasts, and advertisements through other products and services.
Advertising is a seventh revenue source. The governing body for the rating system will collect advertising revenue for advertisements in newsletters, other periodic publications, conference materials, websites, and apps. Customers include technology providers, certification consultants, and developments where the rating system has been applied. Methods of attracting advertising sales include upsells from targeted members and subscribers.
Educational “Apps” (applications for mobile devices such as smartphones and for non-mobile such as desktop computing devices) are an eighth revenue source. This would include revenue from educational smart phone applications and computer applications teaching consumers and stakeholder about the electricity system. Applications could include games; provide what-if scenarios or tools and resources for electricity consumers. Revenue could come from advertising as mentioned above or from sponsors such as museums and project developers. Customers include conference attendees, exhibit attendees, customers in special energy district and microgrid projects. Methods of attracting educational application revenues include user signs and posted website instructions offering application downloads to visitors.
Design tools are a ninth source of revenue. This includes revenue from sales of design tools to aid developers, designers, and planners for certification projects as well as developing projects that would eventually be certified by the rating system. Examples would include templates for failure modes and effects analysis and quality training tools. Customers include customers listed under project certification, professional certification and consultants. Methods of attracting design tool revenues include activities including communications such as:
Conferences are a tenth source of revenue. This would include revenue from conferences based around the rating system and training events. Customers would be drawn from all potential membership customers. Methods of attracting conference revenues include activities including communications such as:
Consulting is an eleventh source of revenue. This includes consulting revenue from consulting for certifiers, parties undergoing the certification process, parties that are already certified but need to maintain their certification, and parties that are planning on certification. The governing body for the rating system will collect large amounts of data overtime which can be leveraged to help clients compare themselves to baselines and help them optimize their systems. This could include helping clients apply tools that they have already purchased and help provide technology providers design specifications. Customers include customers listed under project certification, professional certification and consultants. Methods for attracting email database and blast customers include activities including communications such as:
Product certification and product rating provides a twelfth source of revenue. In various embodiments this service utilizes information gained from verifying and tracking data and performance of systems with and without certification. In some embodiments members of the certifying body offer complementary certifications, ratings and standards development such as standards for interoperability and good design practice. Customers include technology providers, project certifiers, and those with professional certification. Methods of attracting product certification and product rating customers include activities including communications such as:
Clearing house or lottery for scarce resources represents a thirteenth source of revenue. Through experiences related managing the rating system and tracking the related data, the members of the certify body will likely become aware of scarce resources, such as clean distributed generation generators, or low cost clean energy suppliers and act a clearing house to connect these resources with interested customers. Customers include the customers listed under project certification, professional certification and consultants. Methods for attracting clearing house and lottery revenues include activities including communications such as:
Financial instruments are a fourteenth source of revenue. With experience from managing the rating system and tracking the related data, the certifying body members will become aware customer needs for financial resources and customer and/or customer group specific loan programs. Certifying body members working with banks and other financial institutions provide a means of developing these specialized loan programs and other customer resources. Customers include the customers listed under project certification, professional certification and consultants. Methods of attracting revenue through the use of financial instruments include activities including communications such as:
Education is a fifteenth source of revenue. Education media includes live classes, webinars, and educational materials such as printed and multimedia materials. These services may be offered to certifying professionals, non-certifying professionals, and others with an interest in the subject matter. Methods of attracting revenues through the use of education include activities including communications such as:
Here, and with other sources of revenue shown above, any one and any combination of the revenue attraction methods may be used. For example, early business stage funding sources may include and/or consist of combined revenues from memberships, project certifications, professional certifications, project consulting, and microgrid consulting.
Standards or primary indicia of performance used in the rating system include:
As shown in the tables below, criteria that are specific to each standard provide a means of measuring performance against the standard, for example measuring performance and/or a change in performance such as improvement.
The criteria are associated not only with the standard(s) they measure but also with criteria types and scoring types. Criteria types include:
Scoring types include:
In various embodiments, point values assigned to criteria provide a numerical basis for scoring performance against standards. And, in various embodiments each standard has a maximum point value determined by the governing body. Here, the governing body also determines one or more of standard specific certifying scores and/or an overall certifying score considering multiple standards.
Table 1 shows the criteria for each standard along with the scoring type and the criteria type.
2Standard sustained interruption reliability indices include SAIDI, CAIDI, SAIFI, CAIFI, and ASAI.
The next three tables are sorted to show scoring types. In particular, Table 2 shows all of the criteria for the Prerequisite scoring type, Table 3 shows all of the criteria for the Core scoring type, and Table 4 shows all of the criteria for the Bonus scoring type.
Each of the standards and the related criteria are more fully explained in Appendix 1 of this patent specification.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and equivalents thereof.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/789,556 filed Mar. 7, 2013 titled GRID IMPROVEMENT METHOD which claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. App. No. 61/607,995 filed Mar. 7, 2012 titled GRID IMPROVEMENT METHOD, both of which are incorporated herein in their entireties and for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61607995 | Mar 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13789556 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Child | 13918983 | US |
