DETAILED ACTION
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim(s) 1-20 is/are pending.
Claim(s) 1, 8 and 15 is/are independent.
Priority
Applicant’s claim for the benefit of a prior-filed application under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) is acknowledged. The prior-filed application is U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/315,145 (filed on 3/1/2022).
Information Disclosure Statement
The references cited in the information disclosure statement(s) (IDS) submitted on 11/13/2023 and 1/2/2025 have been considered by the examiner.
Specification
The lengthy specification has not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant's cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which applicant may become aware in the specification.
Claim Objections
Claim(s) 15 is/are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 15 recites “a tangible, non-transient computer usable”, and it should be “a non-transitory -readable .
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim(s) 1-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Brockman et al. (U.S. Pub. No. 2020/0043285) (hereinafter “Brockman”) in view of Shibano et al. (U.S. Pub. No. 2022/0138635) (hereinafter “Shibano”).
Regarding claim 1, Brockman teaches a data center, (Para. 34 - - invention is applied to data center)
comprising: a distribution network; (Para. 38 - - distribution network is used)
and a control system configured (Para. 34 - - control system is used to control power related to data center)
to: receive substation meter data, distributed energy resource (DER) meter data, and data center meter data, (Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities, where meter data is received)
select a data center operating mode using the substation meter data, the DER meter data, and the data center meter data, (Para. 63, 78 - - run, i.e. operating, mode can be changed, i.e. selected based on received data)
and adjust power consumption…based on the selected the data center operating mode. (Para. 63, 78 - - power is managed based on run, i.e. operating, mode, where power management includes adjusting power consumption)
But Brockman does not explicitly teach power consumption of the distribution network based on operating mode
However, Shibano teaches power consumption of the distribution network based on operating mode (Fig. 2 - - power consumption of distribution network is connected to, i.e. based on, operating mode)
Brockman and Shibano are analogous art because they are from the same field of endeavor and contain overlapping structural and/or functional similarities. They both contain power management implemented on a distribution network.
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention (AIA ), it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above limitation(s) as taught by Brockman, by incorporating the above limitation(s) as taught by Shibano.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification in order to easily manage the power demand in the distribution network and improve stability of power supply, as suggested by Shibano (Para. 97).
Regarding claim 2, Brockman further teaches wherein the control system receives the substation meter data from a central control system, (Para. 47 - - data can be received from a centralized/central control system; Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities)
receives the DER meter data from a DER meter configured to measure power generation of a DER, (Para. 47 - - data can be received from a distributed/DER system; Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities)
and receives the data center meter data from a data center meter configured to measure the power consumption of the data center. (Para. 47 - - data can be received from a distributed/data center system; Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities)
Regarding claim 3, Brockman further teaches wherein the substation meter data is generated by a substation meter configured to measure power conducted by a substation. (Para. 36 - - power data is being measured by individual entities’ respective meter data)
Regarding claim 4, Brockman further teaches wherein a DER corresponding to the DER meter data, the data center, and a substation corresponding to the substation meter data are coupled by way of a substation distribution network. (Para. 38 - - distribution network is used coupling, i.e. connecting various entities; Para. 52, 60 - - various entities include DER corresponding to DER data, data center and substation corresponding to substation data)
Regarding claim 5, Brockman further teaches wherein the control system is configured to determine a central control system has transmitted a generation curtailment request to a DER corresponding to the DER meter data, (Para. 34 - - power curtailment is managed, i.e. control request can be determined; Para. 50 - - DER assets are controlled, i.e. generation can be curtailed)
Shibano further teaches and increase the power consumption of the distribution network in response to the generation curtailment request. (Fig. 2 - - power consumption of the distribution network is connected to, i.e. in response to, actions of the power generating facility)
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification in order to easily manage the power demand in the distribution network and improve stability of power supply, as suggested by Shibano (Para. 97).
Regarding claim 6, Brockman further teaches wherein the control system is configured to determine an operating cost threshold and select a second operating mode in response to determining the operating cost threshold. (Para. 96 - - operating cost threshold is used to trigger energy management system, i.e. running/operation mode based on cost)
Regarding claim 7, Brockman further teaches wherein the control system adjusts the power consumption of the data center by toggling loads of the distribution network. (Para. 96 - - balancing of load is performed in area including data center and connected grid elements, i.e. loads of the distribution network, that are toggled)
Regarding claim 8, Brockman teaches a data center control system for a data center, (Para. 34 - - invention is applied to data center; Para. 34 - - control system is used to control power related to data center)
comprising: a data acquisition circuit configured to receive substation meter data, distributed energy resource (DER) meter data, and data center meter data; (Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities, where meter data is received)
a mode selection circuit configured to select a data center operating mode using the substation meter data, the DER meter data, and the data center meter data; (Para. 63, 78 - - run, i.e. operating, mode can be changed, i.e. selected based on received data)
and a response circuit configured to adjust power consumption…a data center distribution network based on the selected the data center operating mode. (Para. 63, 78 - - power is managed based on run, i.e. operating, mode, where power management includes adjusting power consumption; Para. 38 - - distribution network is used)
But Brockman does not explicitly teach power consumption of a data center distribution network based on operating mode
However, Shibano teaches power consumption of a data center distribution network based on operating mode (Fig. 2 - - power consumption of distribution network is connected to, i.e. based on, operating mode)
Brockman and Shibano are analogous art because they are from the same field of endeavor and contain overlapping structural and/or functional similarities. They both contain power management implemented on a distribution network.
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention (AIA ), it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above limitation(s) as taught by Brockman, by incorporating the above limitation(s) as taught by Shibano.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification in order to easily manage the power demand in the distribution network and improve stability of power supply, as suggested by Shibano (Para. 97).
Regarding claim 9, Brockman further teaches wherein the data acquisition circuit receives the substation meter data from a central control system, (Para. 47 - - data can be received from a centralized/central control system; Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities)
receives the DER meter data from a DER meter configured to measure power generation of a DER, (Para. 47 - - data can be received from a distributed/DER system; Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities)
and receives the data center meter data from a data center meter configured to measure the power consumption of the data center. (Para. 47 - - data can be received from a distributed/data center system; Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities)
Regarding claim 10, Brockman further teaches wherein the substation meter data is generated by a substation meter configured to measure power conducted by a substation. (Para. 36 - - power data is being measured by individual entities’ respective meter data)
Regarding claim 11, Brockman further teaches wherein a DER corresponding to the DER meter data, the data center, and a substation corresponding to the substation meter data are coupled by way of a substation distribution network. (Para. 38 - - distribution network is used coupling, i.e. connecting various entities; Para. 52, 60 - - various entities include DER corresponding to DER data, data center and substation corresponding to substation data)
Regarding claim 12, Brockman further teaches wherein the data center control system is configured to determine a central control system has transmitted a generation curtailment request to a DER corresponding to the DER meter data, (Para. 34 - - power curtailment is managed, i.e. control request can be determined; Para. 50 - - DER assets are controlled, i.e. generation can be curtailed)
Shibano further teaches and increase the power consumption of the data center distribution network in response to the generation curtailment request. (Fig. 2 - - power consumption of the distribution network is connected to, i.e. in response to, actions of the power generating facility)
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification in order to easily manage the power demand in the distribution network and improve stability of power supply, as suggested by Shibano (Para. 97).
Regarding claim 13, Brockman further teaches wherein the mode selection circuit is configured to determine an operating cost threshold and select a second operating mode in response to determining the operating cost threshold. (Para. 96 - - operating cost threshold is used to trigger energy management system, i.e. running/operation mode based on cost)
Regarding claim 14, Brockman further teaches wherein the response circuit adjusts the power consumption of the data center by toggling loads of the data center distribution network. (Para. 96 - - balancing of load is performed in area including data center and connected grid elements, i.e. loads of the distribution network, that are toggled)
Regarding claim 15, Brockman teaches a computer program product for use on a computer system for providing power to a data center, (Para. 34 - - invention is applied to data center; Para. 34 - - control system is used to control power related to data center; Para. 36 - - computer system is used)
the computer program product comprising a tangible, non-transient computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, (Para. 36 - - computer system is used, where computer system includes computer medium having program code)
the computer readable program code comprising: program code for receiving substation meter data, distributed energy resource (DER) meter data, and data center meter data; (Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities, where meter data is received)
program code for selecting a data center operating mode using the substation meter data, the DER meter data, and the data center meter data; (Para. 63, 78 - - run, i.e. operating, mode can be changed, i.e. selected based on received data)
and program code for adjusting power consumption…a distribution network of the data center based on the selected the data center operating mode. (Para. 63, 78 - - power is managed based on run, i.e. operating, mode, where power management includes adjusting power consumption; Para. 38 - - distribution network is used)
But Brockman does not explicitly teach power consumption of a distribution network of the data center based on operating mode
However, Shibano teaches power consumption of a distribution network of the data center based on operating mode (Fig. 2 - - power consumption of distribution network is connected to, i.e. based on, operating mode)
Brockman and Shibano are analogous art because they are from the same field of endeavor and contain overlapping structural and/or functional similarities. They both contain power management implemented on a distribution network.
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention (AIA ), it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above limitation(s) as taught by Brockman, by incorporating the above limitation(s) as taught by Shibano.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification in order to easily manage the power demand in the distribution network and improve stability of power supply, as suggested by Shibano (Para. 97).
Regarding claim 16, Brockman further teaches wherein the substation meter data is transmitted from a central control system, (Para. 47 - - data can be received from a centralized/central control system; Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities)
the DER meter data is transmitted from a DER meter configured to measure power generation of a DER, (Para. 47 - - data can be received from a distributed/DER system; Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities)
and the data center meter data is transmitted from a data center meter configured to measure the power consumption of the data center. (Para. 47 - - data can be received from a distributed/data center system; Para. 36 - - meter is used by various entities)
Regarding claim 17, Brockman further teaches wherein a DER corresponding to the DER meter data, the data center, and a substation corresponding to the substation meter data are coupled by way of a substation distribution network. (Para. 38 - - distribution network is used coupling, i.e. connecting various entities; Para. 52, 60 - - various entities include DER corresponding to DER data, data center and substation corresponding to substation data)
Regarding claim 18, Brockman further teaches determining a central control system has transmitted a generation curtailment request to a DER corresponding to the DER meter data, (Para. 34 - - power curtailment is managed, i.e. control request can be determined; Para. 50 - - DER assets are controlled, i.e. generation can be curtailed)
Shibano further and increasing the power consumption of the distribution network in response to the generation curtailment request. (Fig. 2 - - power consumption of the distribution network is connected to, i.e. in response to, actions of the power generating facility)
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification in order to easily manage the power demand in the distribution network and improve stability of power supply, as suggested by Shibano (Para. 97).
Regarding claim 19, Brockman further teaches determining an operating cost threshold and select a second operating mode in response to determining the operating cost threshold. (Para. 96 - - operating cost threshold is used to trigger energy management system, i.e. running/operation mode based on cost)
Regarding claim 20, Brockman further teaches wherein adjusting the power consumption of the data center includes toggling loads of the distribution network. (Para. 96 - - balancing of load is performed in area including data center and connected grid elements, i.e. loads of the distribution network, that are toggled)
It is noted that any citations to specific, pages, columns, lines, or figures in the prior art references and any interpretation of the reference should not be considered to be limiting in any way. A reference is relevant for all it contains and may be relied upon for all that it would have reasonably suggested to one having ordinary skill in the art. See MPEP 2123.
Citation of Pertinent Prior Art
The following prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0226386 by Kulathu et al., which discloses power management for a plant electrical network including hierarchical level and distributed level power management (Title/Abstract).
U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0029897 by Cherian et al., which discloses dynamic distributed power grid control system including simulation module operatively connected to DER control (Title/Abstract).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Saad M. Kabir whose telephone number is 571-270-0608 (direct fax number is 571-270-9933). The examiner can normally be reached on Mondays to Fridays 9am to 5pm EST.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Mohammad Ali can be reached on 571-272-4105. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/SAAD M KABIR/
Examiner, Art Unit 2119
/MOHAMMAD ALI/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2119
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