DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Objection to Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore (see claims 10-15), a non-transitory computer readable medium, memory coupled to the processing circuitry (claims16-20) claimed-subject matter must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). abs block, comparing blocks, AND, switch block must be referenced. No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Objection to Specification
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities:
Claims 10-15 state “a non-transitory computer readable medium” and (claims 16-20) state “memory coupled to the processing circuitry” must be referenced in spec.
abs block, comparing blocks, AND, switch block must be referenced in spec.
Specification (see page 1, para. [0002]) state the phrase, “A swing equation often regulates the angle and rotational speed of a voltage vector of the internal voltage source, but sometimes does not allow for an acceptable response to both grid voltage phase jumps and Rate-of-Change-of Frequency (RoCoF) events” is not clear as to the “rotational speed of a voltage vector of the internal voltage source” means? In general rotation speed refer to a generator/motor machine.
Throughout the specification state the phrase, “Rate-of-Change-of Frequency (RoCoF) events” is not clear as to what type of (RoCoF) events applicants are referring to? Specification (see spec., pages 1, 5, 11, & respective para. [0002], [0020], [0045] and relative claims 1-20) mentions a RoCoF event ride through 121 (fig.1) is not clear as to what it means?
Specification fails to teach what is the purpose of the swing tuning to achieve what result? Claims 1-20 state the phrase “adjusting a controller used by the power converter” is not clear as to the purpose of the practical application (what improvement) is achieved?
Specification, (see pages 10-11, para. [0039]) state the phrase, “the swing equation 132 parameters may be adjusted dynamically upon detection of a RoCoF event using the process 100 of fig.1” is not clear as to the dynamic adjustment.
In general, dynamic means during physical rotational movement of a motor/generator machine which is not tied to the process 100/system 200 (see figs.1-3) and therefore not clear?
The phrase (see spec., page 11, para. [0039]), “angular velocity of the converter” is stated and is not clear as in general angular velocity refers to the rotational velocity of a motor/generator machine and not a converter and therefore is not clear as the said motor/generator is not tied to the said process 100/system 200?
Appropriate correction is required wherever necessary in the specification.
Claim Rejections – 35 USC § 112
4. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claims 1-20 state the phrase, A method for adjusting a controller for a power converter during a rate-of-change-of- frequency (RoCoF) event, the method comprising:
applying, by processing circuitry of a converter control system, a filter to first frequency information associated with a power system to obtain second frequency information associated with the power system;
determining, by the processing circuitry, based on the first frequency information, a first RoCoF for the power converter;
determining, by the processing circuitry, based on the second frequency information, a second RoCoF for the power converter;
determining, by the processing circuitry, that the first RoCoF and the second RoCoF are both positive numbers or are both negative numbers;
detecting, by the processing circuitry, based on the first RoCoF and the second RoCoF both being positive numbers or both being negative numbers, a possible RoCoF event;
comparing, by the processing circuitry, based on the detection of the RoCoF event, the first RoCoF to a positive RoCoF activation threshold when the first RoCoF is positive or to a negative RoCoF activation threshold when the first RoCoF is negative;
determining, by the processing circuitry, that the first RoCoF stays greater than or equal to the positive RoCoF activation threshold for a first period of time when the first RoCoF is positive or stays less than or equal to the negative RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time when the first RoCoF is negative;
comparing, by the processing circuitry, based on the detection of the RoCoF event, a power of the power converter to an upper active power activation threshold or to a lower active power activation threshold;
determining, by the processing circuitry, that the power stays greater than or equal to the active power activation threshold for a second period of time or that the power stays less than or equal to the active power activation threshold for the second period of time;
determining, by the processing circuitry, based on the first RoCoF staying greater than or equal to the positive RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time or staying less than or equal to the negative RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time, and the power staying greater than or equal to the upper active power activation threshold for the second period of time or the power staying less than or equal to the lower active power activation threshold for the second period of time, that the possible RoCoF event is a RoCoF event; and
applying, by the processing circuitry, during the RoCoF event, a RoCoF ride through by adjusting a controller used by the power converter”” is not clear as to the positive and negative numbers (relative to fig.1), wherein the process 100 shows a switch and not clear what the switch represent (not referenced) and what happens with the switch if sign>0 ?
Claims 1-20 mentions a RoCoF event ride through 121 (fig.1) is not clear as to what it means?
Claims 1-20 state the phrase “adjusting a controller used by the power converter” is not clear as to the purpose of the practical application (what physical improvement or result is achieved?).
Claims 1-20 state the phrase, ““Rate-of-Change-of Frequency (RoCoF) event” is not clear as to what type of (RoCoF) event(s) applicants are referring to? Specification (see spec., pages 1, 5, 11, & respective para. [0002], [0020], [0045] and relative claims 1-20) mentions a RoCoF event ride through 121 (fig.1) is not clear as to what it means?
Claims 1-20 recite(s) mathematical calculations, and data comparisons (determining, comparing thresholds) rather than a specific physical hardware improvement. Claims 1, 10 and 16, wherein the corresponding method (process 100, claims 1-9, fig.1), and (system 200, for claims 10-20, see figs.1-3) is not tied to a concrete physical device such as a generator or a motor.
(Applicant’s (fig.2) shows Vabc/Iabc provided via grid to converter 202, which is not tied to a physical device such as a generator or a motor and therefore not clear how control system 212 is controlling the converter 202)?
The claim recites abstract ideas and simply applying these mathematical steps on a processor or controller is not enough. The generic hardware (processing circuitry) does not transform the abstract idea into a practical application and moreover claim is not clear what controller is adjusting to achieve what result for proper understanding of the invention?
Claims 2-6, 11-15, 17-20 state the phrase, (“excludes swing equation frequency as in claim 2, frequency information comprises a swing equation frequency as in claim 3, adjusting an inertia as in claim 4, adjusting damping of a swing equation as in claim 5, adjusting a high pass filter cutoff frequency of a swing equation as in claim 6”) is not clear as to the purpose or to achieve what result?
Claim Rejections – 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to an abstract idea, mathematical concepts, Mental Processes, mathematical data comparisons.
As to claim 1, A method for adjusting a controller for a power converter during a rate-of-change-of- frequency (RoCoF) event, the method comprising:
applying, by processing circuitry of a converter control system, a filter to first frequency information associated with a power system to obtain second frequency information associated with the power system;
determining, by the processing circuitry, based on the first frequency information, a first RoCoF for the power converter;
determining, by the processing circuitry, based on the second frequency information, a second RoCoF for the power converter;
determining, by the processing circuitry, that the first RoCoF and the second RoCoF are both positive numbers or are both negative numbers;
detecting, by the processing circuitry, based on the first RoCoF and the second RoCoF both being positive numbers or both being negative numbers, a possible RoCoF event;
comparing, by the processing circuitry, based on the detection of the RoCoF event, the first RoCoF to a positive RoCoF activation threshold when the first RoCoF is positive or to a negative RoCoF activation threshold when the first RoCoF is negative;
determining, by the processing circuitry, that the first RoCoF stays greater than or equal to the positive RoCoF activation threshold for a first period of time when the first RoCoF is positive or stays less than or equal to the negative RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time when the first RoCoF is negative;
comparing, by the processing circuitry, based on the detection of the RoCoF event, a power of the power converter to an upper active power activation threshold or to a lower active power activation threshold;
determining, by the processing circuitry, that the power stays greater than or equal to the active power activation threshold for a second period of time or that the power stays less than or equal to the active power activation threshold for the second period of time;
determining, by the processing circuitry, based on the first RoCoF staying greater than or equal to the positive RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time or staying less than or equal to the negative RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time, and the power staying greater than or equal to the upper active power activation threshold for the second period of time or the power staying less than or equal to the lower active power activation threshold for the second period of time, that the possible RoCoF event is a RoCoF event; and
applying, by the processing circuitry, during the RoCoF event, a RoCoF ride through by adjusting a controller used by the power converter.
Claim 1 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a non-statutory judicial exception (an abstract idea) without reciting additional elements sufficient to integrate the exception into a practical application.
Step 2A, Prong 1- Directed to an Abstract idea.
The method claim is directed to Mathematical Concepts and Mental Processes (specifically data manipulation and mathematical comparisons.
The method claim recites applying a filter to frequency information, determining a first and second rate-of change-of-frequency (RoCoF), comparing the numbers to determine if they are positive/negative, and comparing those values to activation thresholds over specified periods of time. These steps constitute mathematical calculations, filtering operations, and data comparisons, which are abstract mathematical and mental concepts.
Step 2A, Prong 2- Integration into a Practical Application.
The method claim merely collects data, performs calculations, and ends with a data driven conclusion without a specific, tangible hardware improvement.
While the claim recites a method for adjusting a controller for a power converter during a rate-of-change-of frequency (RoCoF) event, the method comprising: a processing circuitry of a converter control system, these elements are generic hardware and does not transform the abstract idea into a practical application and the claim lacks a specific structural limitation explaining how the controller is adjusting to achieve what result or how the power converter’s operation is physically modified to solve a technical problem (power converter not tied to a concrete physical device such as a generator or a motor) for proper understanding of the invention?
Step 2B-Inventive Concept (Significantly More)
A controller, power converter, a processing circuitry, and a converter control system, are standard conventional generic hardware that perform normal functions of storing data, processing instructions and converting power.
The claim does not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception because the claim does not recite an inventive concept, merely collects data, performs calculations using a generic hardware (processing circuitry, memory) and without a specific, tangible improvement.
As to claim 10, A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions to cause processing circuitry of a power converter control system for adjusting a controller during a rate-of-change-of-frequency (RoCoF) event, upon execution of the instructions by the processing circuitry, to:
apply a filter to first frequency information associated with a power system to obtain second frequency information associated with the power system;
determine, based on the first frequency information, a first RoCoF for the power converter;
determine, based on the second frequency information, a second RoCoF for the power converter;
determine, that the first RoCoF and the second RoCoF are both positive numbers or are both negative numbers;
detect, based on the first RoCoF and the second RoCoF both being positive numbers or both being negative numbers, a possible RoCoF event;
compare, based on the detection of the RoCoF event, the first RoCoF to a positive RoCoF activation threshold when the first RoCoF is positive or to a negative RoCoF activation threshold when the first RoCoF is negative;
determine that the first RoCoF stays greater than or equal to the positive RoCoF activation threshold for a first period of time when the first RoCoF is positive or stays less than or equal to the negative RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time when the first RoCoF is negative;
compare, based on the detection of the RoCoF event, a power of the power converter to an upper active power activation threshold or to a lower active power activation threshold;
determine that the power stays greater than or equal to the active power activation threshold for a second period of time or that the power stays less than or equal to the active power activation threshold for the second period of time;
determine, based on the first RoCoF staying greater than or equal to the positive RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time or staying less than or equal to the negative RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time, and the power staying greater than or equal to the upper active power activation threshold for the second period of time or the power staying less than or equal to the lower active power activation threshold for the second period of time, that the possible RoCoF event is a RoCoF event; and
apply, during the RoCoF event, a RoCoF ride through by adjusting a controller used by the power converter.
Claim 10 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a non-statutory judicial exception (an abstract idea) without reciting additional elements sufficient to integrate the exception into a practical application.
Step 2A, Prong 1- Directed to an Abstract idea.
Claim is directed to Mathematical Concepts and Mental Processes (specifically data manipulation and mathematical comparisons.
The claim recites applying a filter to frequency information, determining a first and second rate-of change-of-frequency (RoCoF), comparing the numbers to determine if they are positive/negative, and comparing those values to activation thresholds over specified periods of time. These steps constitute mathematical calculations, filtering operations, and data comparisons, which are abstract mathematical and mental concepts.
Step 2A, Prong 2- Integration into a Practical Application.
Claim merely collects data, performs calculations, and ends with a data driven conclusion without a specific, tangible hardware improvement.
While the claim recites a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions to cause a processing circuitry of a power converter control system for adjusting a controller, these elements are generic hardware and does not transform the abstract idea into a practical application and the claim lacks a specific structural limitation explaining how the controller is adjusting to achieve what result or how the power converter’s operation is physically modified to solve a technical problem (power converter not tied to a concrete physical device such as a generator or a motor) for proper understanding of the invention?
Step 2B-Inventive Concept (Significantly More)
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a processing circuitry, power converter control system, and a controller are standard conventional generic hardware that perform normal functions of storing data, processing instructions and converting power.
The claim does not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception because the claim does not recite an inventive concept, merely collects data, performs calculations using a generic hardware (processing circuitry, memory) and without a specific, tangible improvement.
As to claim 16, A system for adjusting a controller for a power converter during a rate-of-change-of- frequency (RoCoF) event, the system comprising: a power converter; and a control system comprising memory coupled to processing circuitry, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to:
apply a filter to first frequency information associated with a power system to obtain second frequency information associated with the power system;
determine, based on the first frequency information, a first RoCoF for the power converter;
determine, based on the second frequency information, a second RoCoF for the power converter;
determine that the first RoCoF and the second RoCoF are both positive numbers or are both negative numbers;
detect, based on the first RoCoF and the second RoCoF both being positive numbers or both being negative numbers, a possible RoCoF event;
compare, based on the detection of the RoCoF event, the first RoCoF to a positive RoCoF activation threshold when the first RoCoF is positive or to a negative RoCoF activation threshold when the first RoCoF is negative;
determine that the first RoCoF stays greater than or equal to the positive RoCoF activation threshold for a first period of time when the first RoCoF is positive or stays less than or equal to the negative RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time when the first RoCoF is negative;
compare, based on the detection of the RoCoF event, a power of the power converter to an upper active power activation threshold or to a lower active power activation threshold;
determine that the power stays greater than or equal to the active power activation threshold for a second period of time or that the power stays less than or equal to the active power activation threshold for the second period of time;
determine, based on the first RoCoF staying greater than or equal to the positive RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time or staying less than or equal to the negative RoCoF activation threshold for the first period of time, and the power staying greater than or equal to the upper active power activation threshold for the second period of time or the power staying less than or equal to the lower active power activation threshold for the second period of time, that the possible RoCoF event is a RoCoF event; and
apply, during the RoCoF event, a RoCoF ride through by adjusting a controller used by the power converter.
Claim 16 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a non-statutory judicial exception (an abstract idea) without reciting additional elements sufficient to integrate the exception into a practical application.
Step 2A, Prong 1- Directed to an Abstract idea.
Claim is directed to Mathematical Concepts and Mental Processes (specifically data manipulation and mathematical comparisons.
The claim recites applying a filter to frequency information, determining a first and second rate-of change-of-frequency (RoCoF), comparing the numbers to determine if they are positive/negative, and comparing those values to activation thresholds over specified periods of time. These steps constitute mathematical calculations, filtering operations, and data comparisons, which are abstract mathematical and mental concepts.
Step 2A, Prong 2- Integration into a Practical Application.
Claim merely collects data, performs calculations, and ends with a data driven conclusion without a specific, tangible hardware improvement.
While the claim recites a power converter and a control system comprising memory coupled to processing circuitry, these elements are generic hardware and does not transform the abstract idea into a practical application and the claim lacks a specific structural limitation explaining how the controller is adjusting to achieve what result or how the power converter’s operation is physically modified to solve a technical problem (power converter not tied to a concrete physical device such as a generator or a motor) for proper understanding of the invention?
Step 2B-Inventive Concept (Significantly More)
The processing circuitry, memory and power converter are standard conventional generic hardware that perform normal functions of storing data, processing instructions and converting power.
The claim does not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception because the claim does not recite an inventive concept, merely collects data, performs calculations using a generic hardware (processing circuitry, memory) and without a specific, tangible improvement.
Citation of Pertinent Prior art
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure:(Howard et al., Pub. No.: US 2023/0031575 A1) teaches a method 300 (fig.12) for adjusting power limit signal using a controller 120 for a power converter 106 (figs.6-14) during a change of frequency [ωPLL-ωREF=Eω], the method (fig.12) comprising
applying, by processing circuitry 400 of a converter control system 120 (fig. 13), a filter [Filter 1/Filter 2] to first frequency information FrqFbk1 associated with a power system 200 (figs.6, 9) to obtain second frequency information FrqRef1 associated with the power system 200; determining, by the processing circuitry 400, based on the first frequency information FrqFbk1, a first freq Droop 408 (see para. [0085] for the power converter 106 (figs.6, 9); determining, by the processing circuitry 400 (fig.13), based on the second frequency information FrqRef2, a second [second Freq Droop] for the power converter 106 and Howard teaches determine control commands for the converter/inverter via power compensation adjustment of power limit/reference signal [Power_Ref] so as to support a grid frequency of the grid within power available at the converter/inverter resource (see fig.12, step 316, para’s [0086] thru [0089]) and prevent operation beyond equipment voltage or current capability and remain stable for any grid configuration (Howard, Para. [0006]).
Howard et al., also teaches a computer-readable storage medium [memory 160] (fig.8) comprising instructions to cause processing circuitry 158 of a power converter control system 100/200 (figs.6, 9) for adjusting a controller 120 (figs.9-14) during a rate-of-change-of-frequency [ωPLL-ωREF=Eω] (fig.10), upon execution of the instructions by the processing circuitry 158, to: apply a filter [Filter 1, Filter 2] (fig.13) to first frequency information FrqFbk1 associated with a power system 200 (figs.6, 9) to obtain second frequency information FrqRef1 associated with the power system 200; determining, by the processing circuitry 400, based on the first frequency information FrqFbk1, a first freq Droop 408 (see para. [0085] for the power converter 106 (figs.6, 9); determining, by the processing circuitry 400 (fig.13), based on the second frequency information FrqRef2, a second [second Freq Droop] for the power converter 106 and Howard teaches determine control commands for the converter/inverter via power compensation adjustment of power limit/reference signal [Power_Ref] so as to support a grid frequency of the grid within power available at the converter/inverter resource (see fig.12, step 316, para’s [0086] thru [0089]) and prevent operation beyond equipment voltage or current capability and remain stable for any grid configuration (Howard, Para. [0006]).
Howard also teaches a power converter control system 100/200 (figs.6, 9) for adjusting a controller 120 for a power converter 106 (figs.9-14) during a rate-of-change-of-frequency [ωPLL-ωREF=Eω] (fig.10), the system 100/200 comprising: a power converter 106; and a control system 120 comprising memory 160 coupled to processing circuitry 158, wherein the processing circuitry 158 is configured to:
apply a filter [Filter 1, Filter 2] (fig.13) to first frequency information FrqFbk1 associated with a power system 200 (figs.6, 9) to obtain second frequency information FrqRef1 associated with the power system 200; determining, by the processing circuitry 400, based on the first frequency information FrqFbk1, a first freq Droop 408 (see para. [0085] for the power converter 106 (figs.6, 9); determining, by the processing circuitry 400 (fig.13), based on the second frequency information FrqRef2, a second [second Freq Droop] for the power converter 106 and Howard et al. teaches determine control commands for the converter/inverter 106 via power compensation adjustment of power limit/reference signal [Power_Ref] (figs.9-14) so as to support a grid frequency of the grid within power available at the converter/inverter resource (see fig.12, step 316, para’s [0086] thru [0089]) and prevent operation beyond equipment voltage or current capability and remain stable for any grid configuration (Howard, Para. [0006]).
However, in order to determine allowability, formal requirements outstanding (see objection to drawings and specification and 35 U.S.C.101 rejection of claims 1-20 and 35 USC 112 rejection of claims 1-20 needs to be corrected and clarified in order for allowability to be considered for claims 1-20 in response to this office action.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ANTONY M PAUL whose telephone number is (571)270-1608. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8 am to 4 pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Mr. Eduardo Colon Santana can be reached at 571-272-2060. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/ANTONY M PAUL/
Primary Examiner of Art Unit 2837
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