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 .
Claims 1-20 are pending.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to the 102 rejections of claims 1-3, 6-9 and 12 have been considered but are moot because the arguments do not apply to any of the references being used in the current rejection.
Applicant’s arguments, (see Amendment, Pages 8-9) with respect to the 103 rejection of the claims 4-5 and 10-11, are directed to that “The amended claims require a specific closed-loop command dispatch architecture where: (1) edge DINs transmit unified output to the cloud DIN; (2) the cloud DIN issues tap position or on/off commands back to the edge DINs based on that unified output; and (3) the edge DINs directly issue control signals to regulators or capacitors within their corresponding regions. Neither Cherian nor Wong, alone or in combination, teaches or suggests this specific command dispatch flow.” (see Amendment, Page 9, last paragraph)
Examiner respectfully disagrees and submits that Cherian and Wong, in combination, teach the specific command dispatch flow. Cherian teaches:
(1) edge DINs transmit unified output to the cloud DIN; (Cherian: [0100] “According to one embodiment of the present invention non-leaf nodes pass only summary or aggregate information to their parents. Furthermore nodes can have operational restrictions and/or tasks (aka local goals) to take into account of which the parents are not informed. Thus a local control module, acting as a leaf may pass along limited, yet pertinent, information to the regional control mode (intermediate node) which may in-turn pass long further limited or aggregate information to an enterprise node or parent.”) (Cherian: [0105] “The input/output interface manager 538 provides an interface management system to handle remote communications between the enterprise control module 530 and external systems such as SCADA systems and other enterprise applications. Within the regional control module 520, the input/output interface manager 538 handles remote communications with field devices and systems and subsystems 550 and provides the ability to exchange information and control signals with external devices (distributed energy resources, meters, etc). These input/output interface modules 538, the regional control module interface 536, local control module interface 525, and the asset interface handler 515 enable the system to map external data points, devices, and systems to the common object models used within the system to ensure consistency and reliability between the data used in each subsystem.”) The local control module (leaf node) via regional control node (intermediary node), if any, passing along the summary or aggregate information (aggregated observables) to the enterprise control module (parent node) reads on “edge DINs transmit unified output to the cloud DIN”.
(2) the cloud DIN issues … commands back to the edge DINs based on that unified output; and (Cherian: [0111] “Having a global goal in hand, targets for various nodes in the system are established recursively down the hierarchy. Root nodes begin with the global goal, and while keeping track of any local goals, provide for each child a set of targets for observables aggregated by that child. Those observables that are continuous in nature utilize a range of acceptable values while discrete observables can utilize a range or a single value.”) The root node (parent node) providing the target for the child reads on “the cloud DIN issues … commands back to the edge DINs”, and the observables aggregated by that child reads on “… that unified output”.
(3) the edge DINs directly issue control signals to regulators or capacitors within their corresponding regions. (Cherian: [0104] “Turning back to FIG. 5, the control subsystem 533 associated with the local control module 510 de-codes commands provided from the regional control module 520 directed at power resources 560. The controls subsystem 533 ensures that the targeted asset responds consistently and reliably. This operation translates the common object model based commands used within the system to the site, equipment, and implementation specific commands required to operate the DER 560.”) (Cherian: [0113] “Leaf node (local control modules) use, when necessary, blending functions to combine targets from multiple parents. These nodes use their assets to develop solutions to meet the received targets. Note that there may be several levels of intermediate nodes between a root node and a leaf node. Furthermore, the nodal structure established and associated with one global goal may vary significantly from that of another global goal. That is the, the topology and how the control system maps enterprise, regional and local control modules and their relationship may vary depending on the challenge and the goals presented. Nonetheless the overall architecture of a distributed and decentralized control system remains valid.”) (Cherian: [0149] “The root node then selects the highest ranked of the remaining solutions. Thereafter each substation node is informed which of its proposed solutions was used in assembling the selected root solution. Accordingly, each leaf node is informed whether its asset must be turned on/off for the proposed solution and associates the selected on/off action with the uniquely identified plan.”) The local control module or leaf node (child node) controlling the control subsystem equipment or DER reads on “the edge DINs directly issue control signals …”.
Cherian does not teach that the command executed by the leaf node or the local control module is the tap position of the regulator or the capacitor on/off.
However, Wong teaches that the command executed by the leaf node or the local control module is the tap position of the regulator or the capacitor on/off. (Wong: [0019] “In addition to DERs, distributed information resources (DIR) have a critical role in the integrated and coordinated operation of the EPS, especially in the development of smart and intelligent grids. DIRs include that of information generation (such as sensors, smart meter, metering collectors, line monitors, and other data systems), consumption (such as human machine interfaces, visualization tools, business intelligence tools, intelligent electronic devices, switch controllers, circuit breakers, capacitor controllers, reclosure controllers, voltage regulator controllers, power electronic settings, operating modes, utility network operating centers, and other control devices and data systems), and storage (such as local databases, central databases, and cloud-based systems) resources.”) (Wong: [0065] “Dynamic Volt-VAR Optimization (DVVO) 307 component provides a scheme that controls voltage levels or reactive power injection of resources such as load tap changers 110, capacitors 107, voltage regulators 108, and DERs 103-105 to minimize power system losses and improve voltage profile.”)
For the foregoing reasons, the arguments are not deemed persuasive, and the 103 rejections of the claims 4-5 and 10-11 are maintained.
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, 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.
Claims 1-3, 6-9, 12, 14-16 and 20 are rejected are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cherian et al. (US 2012/0029720 A1) (“Cherian”), in view of LIMONTA et al. (US 2023/0088697 A1) (“Limonta”).
Regarding independent claim 1, Cherian teaches:
A system, comprising: (Cherian: [0086] “FIG. 4 is a high level functional block diagram of a distributed energy resource network operating system for power production, demand management, topology management, and DER or asset management according to another embodiment of the present invention. A Distributed Energy Resource Network Operating System (DER-NOS) 410 is interposed between a plurality of management applications and a variety of energy producing resources. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the DER-NOS interfaces with a variety of power producing resources using a gateway or interface (local control module) 445. The gateway 445 is an interface that issues commands in the correct order, sequence and format for a particular device. This interface translates standards commands for different classes of equipment, assets, or DER to the unique commands required by different makes and models of equipment. The interface ensures that as far as the smart grid controls 285 are concerned, each device operates in the same manner from manufacturer to manufacturer. This gateway 445 also runs the lowest layer of the multilayered distributed power grid control system. In this example, the DER-NOS consistently interacts with DER such as photovoltaic cells 440, conventional power generation plants 430, mixed fuel generation capabilities 420, renewable generation resources 415 and the like. It is also capable of managing additional assets such as storage devices or load management systems. The DER-NOS has the ability to manage and control a variety of power producing, storing, and consuming resources utilizing a variety of application tools.”)
a cloud distributed integrated node (DIN) composed of one or more servers; and (Cherian: FIG. 2 and FIG. 5) (Cherian: [0074] “The enterprise control module 275 is operable to manage the interaction of several regional control modules 225 and the power producers under their control.”) (Cherian: [0091] “The DER-NOS 410 is linked to a variety of management applications 580 as previously shown in FIG. 4. Each of the plurality of management applications 580 is linked to the DER-NOS 410 by an OPC server 531. The enterprise control module 530 and the regional control module 520 both include OPC client/servers 535 to aid in the communication between the DER-NOS 410 and the plurality of management applications 580. …”) [The enterprise control module 275, as illustrated in FIG. 2, or 530, as illustrated in FIG. 5, reads on “a cloud distributed integrated node (DIN)”. The OPC servers 531 reads on “one or more servers”.]
a plurality of edge DINs, each of the plurality of edge DINs configured to manage a corresponding region of heterogenous energy sources; (Cherian: [0064] “Associated with each substation 125 is a regional control module 225. The regional control module manages power production, distribution, and consumption using available DER within its region. Also associated with each region are industrial loads 260 that would be representative of large commercial enterprises and residential loads 250. According to the present invention, each regional control module using one or more applications is operable to autonomously manage the power distribution and production within its region. Autonomous operation can also be in island mode where the management of grid frequency and voltage are performed at a fast enough rate to accomplish safe grid operations. The present invention dynamically manages various modes of operation of the DER and grid to carry out these functions in addition to managing the power flows.”) (Cherian: [0093] “According to one embodiment of the present invention, the enterprise control module 530 includes a network topology module 532, controls 533 by which to manage the regional control modules 520 and distributed energy resources, a dynamic configuration change handler 535, a regional control module interface handler 536 and an input/output interface manager 538. Regional control modules 520 each include network topology module 532, controls 533 to manage the distributed energy resources within its region, a dynamic configuration change handler 535, a local control module interface handler 525 and an input/output interface manager 538.”) [The regional control modules 225, as illustrated in FIG. 2, or 520, as illustrated in FIG. 5, read on “a plurality of edge DINs. The distributed energy resources within its region “… to manage a corresponding region of heterogenous energy sources”.]
each of the plurality of edge DINs comprising: a processor, configured to: (Cherian: [0182] “As will be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant art, portions of the present invention can be implemented on a conventional or general-purpose computer system such as a main-frame computer, a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a handheld or pocket computer, embedded computer, and/or a server computer. A typical system comprises a central processing unit(s) (CPU) or processor(s) coupled to a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a keyboard, a printer, a pointing device, a display or video adapter connected to a display device, a removable (mass) storage device (e.g., floppy disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, or the like), a fixed (mass) storage device (e.g., hard disk), a communication (COMM) port(s) or interface(s), and a network interface card (MC) or controller (e.g., Ethernet). Although not shown separately, a real-time system clock is included with the system in a conventional manner.”)
intake data across the heterogenous energy sources of the corresponding region; execute data pre-processing including data synchronization, data resolution adjustment, …on the intaken data to produce a unified output for processing by the cloud DIN; and transmit the unified output to the cloud DIN; (Cherian: [0100] “According to one embodiment of the present invention non-leaf nodes pass only summary or aggregate information to their parents. Furthermore nodes can have operational restrictions and/or tasks (aka local goals) to take into account of which the parents are not informed. Thus a local control module, acting as a leaf may pass along limited, yet pertinent, information to the regional control mode (intermediate node) which may in-turn pass long further limited or aggregate information to an enterprise node or parent.”) (Cherian: [0105] “The input/output interface manager 538 provides an interface management system to handle remote communications between the enterprise control module 530 and external systems such as SCADA systems and other enterprise applications. Within the regional control module 520, the input/output interface manager 538 handles remote communications with field devices and systems and subsystems 550 and provides the ability to exchange information and control signals with external devices (distributed energy resources, meters, etc). These input/output interface modules 538, the regional control module interface 536, local control module interface 525, and the asset interface handler 515 enable the system to map external data points, devices, and systems to the common object models used within the system to ensure consistency and reliability between the data used in each subsystem.”) [The local control module along with regional energy sources passing along the pertinent information to the regional control module reads on the regional control module “intake data across the heterogenous energy sources”. Mapping the data points through the common object models to ensure consistency and summarizing or aggregating the information read on “execute pre-processing including data synchronization, data resolution adjustment, … on the intaken data to produce a unified output”. The regional control module passing along the summary or aggregate and consistent information to the enterprise control module or the parent node reads on “transmit … to the cloud DIN”.]
wherein the cloud DIN, in response to receipt of the unified output from one or more of the plurality of edge DINs, is configured to issue a command to regulate the heterogenous energy sources of the corresponding region of the one or more of the plurality of edge DINs; (Cherian: [0111] “Having a global goal in hand, targets for various nodes in the system are established recursively down the hierarchy. Root nodes begin with the global goal, and while keeping track of any local goals, provide for each child a set of targets for observables aggregated by that child. Those observables that are continuous in nature utilize a range of acceptable values while discrete observables can utilize a range or a single value.”) [The enterprise control module or the root node based on input from the regional control modules or the children nodes read on “in response to receipt … from one or more of the plurality of edge DINs”. The target reads on “a command”.]
wherein the one or more of the plurality of edge DINs controls the heterogenous energy sources of the corresponding region in response to the command. (Cherian: [0112] “Intermediate nodes receive targets from one or more parents and while keeping track of any local goals set targets for observables aggregated for each of its children. When an intermediate node has multiple parents it uses blending functions to combine and manage the targets and to split them accordingly to its children. Again continuous observables are targeted using range of acceptable parameters while discrete characteristics can be targeted with a range or single value.”) (“Cherian: [0113] “Leaf node (local control modules) use, when necessary, blending functions to combine targets from multiple parents. These nodes use their assets to develop solutions to meet the received targets. Note that there may be several levels of intermediate nodes between a root node and a leaf node. Furthermore, the nodal structure established and associated with one global goal may vary significantly from that of another global goal. That is the, the topology and how the control system maps enterprise, regional and local control modules and their relationship may vary depending on the challenge and the goals presented. Nonetheless the overall architecture of a distributed and decentralized control system remains valid.”) [The regional control module or the children node controlling its further children nodes or leaf nodes reads on “… controls the heterogenous energy sources …”.]
Cherian does not expressly teach: execute data pre-processing including data synchronization, data resolution adjustment, and data integrity checking on the intaken data to produce a unified output for processing by the cloud DIN.
Limonta teaches:
execute data pre-processing including data synchronization, data resolution adjustment, and data integrity checking on the intaken data to produce a unified output for processing by the cloud DIN. (Limonta: [0004] “According to an example embodiment, a method is provided, the method comprising: receiving, from an intermediate apparatus, a trusted aggregate data object comprising aggregate data object that comprises aggregate data comprising a respective trusted source data object for one or more data source apparatuses mapped to the intermediate apparatus and an intermediate apparatus quote that is descriptive of one or more aspects of a configuration of the intermediate apparatus upon production of the aggregate data, and an intermediate apparatus signature comprising a digital signature derived based on the aggregate data object using a first key assigned to the intermediate apparatus; and verifying, based at least in part on information received in the trusted aggregate data object, integrity of data included in the trusted aggregate data object and integrity of the intermediate apparatus.”) [Verifying reads on “checking”.]
Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having the teachings of Cherian and Limonta before them, to modify aggregating of information at a node to send to its parent or enterprise node, to incorporate ensuring the integrity of data in addition to ensuring that the data is from trusted sources.
One of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to do this modification because it would allow for data being received from the trusted sources and that the data has not been tampered with for security of large amounts of data communicated throughout multiple systems. (Limonta: [0003])
Regarding claim 2, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian further teaches:
a plurality of field distributed integrated nodes (DINs), each of the plurality of field DINs connected to a corresponding one of the heterogenous energy sources and configured to provide the data to a corresponding one of the plurality of edge DINs. (Cherian: FIG. 2) (Cherian: [0105] “The input/output interface manager 538 provides an interface management system to handle remote communications between the enterprise control module 530 and external systems such as SCADA systems and other enterprise applications. Within the regional control module 520, the input/output interface manager 538 handles remote communications with field devices and systems and subsystems 550 and provides the ability to exchange information and control signals with external devices (distributed energy resources, meters, etc). These input/output interface modules 538, the regional control module interface 536, local control module interface 525, and the asset interface handler 515 enable the system to map external data points, devices, and systems to the common object models used within the system to ensure consistency and reliability between the data used in each subsystem.”) [The field devices and systems and subsystems 550 that provide the ability to exchange information and control signals with the distributed energy resources reads on “a plurality of field DINs”. The corresponding regional control module with the input;output interface manager 538 reads on “a corresponding one of the plurality of edge DINs”.]
Regarding claim 3, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian further teaches:
a plurality of aggregator distributed integrated nodes (DINs), each of the aggregator DINs configured to distribute an aggregated control reference to the heterogeneous energy sources for different control objectives. (Cherian: [0112]-[0113] as discussed in claim 1) (Cherian: [0094] “Each local control module 510 includes controls 533 by which to manage distributed energy resources using the asset interface handler 515. The local control module 510 also includes and OPC client 534, a dynamic configuration change handler 535 and an input/output interface manager 538. The local control module 510 interacts directly with the power resources (also known herein as Distributed Energy Resources or DERs) 560 and measurement systems through a custom interface 565. The regional control module 520 interacts with field systems 550 and/or subsystem controllers/applications through its custom interface 555. These three layers of the DER-NOS 410 work together with management applications 580 to dynamically manage and control a distributed power grid.”) [The local control module 510 connected to the DERs read on “a plurality of aggregator DINs”.]
Regarding claim 6, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian further teaches:
wherein the command comprises a reactive power for a photovoltaic panel associated with the one or more of the plurality of edge DINs, wherein the one or more of the plurality of edge DINs adjust the reactive power of the photovoltaic panel in response to the command. (Cherian: [0073] “According to one embodiment of the present invention, the enterprise control module 275 includes the plurality of applications to aid in the management of a distributed power grid. These applications can include, inter alia, data visualization 280, smart grid controls 285 and environment simulation 290. The smart grid controls 285 include capabilities such as active and reactive power flow control, voltage and Voltage Amperage Reactive (VAR) control on feeders or grid interconnection points, intermittency management using various assets to counteract the variability of power generation from renewable generation sources such as wind turbines and solar panels, and optimal dispatch of generation, storage, or controllable loads to meet operations, cost, or emissions criteria.”) (Cherian: [0074] The enterprise control module 275 is operable to manage the interaction of several regional control modules 225 and the power producers under their control. As previously described, each regional control module 225 using applicable applications can dynamically manage the power consumers and power producers within its control. As demand (active power or reactive power) within a certain region managed by a regional control module 225 increases or decreases algorithms within the regional control module act to compensate for power production within its particular region. However, it is recognized by the present invention that power consumer demand in one region may exceed the ability for that region's power producers. The presence of the enterprise control module 275 and its ability to coordinate operations of regional control modules 225 enables this type of situation to be dynamically managed by enabling production from a regional control module to serve another that does not have sufficient local resources or for any other reason. One feature of the present invention is that the enterprise control module 275 using a DER application is tasked to manage and control requests for additional power as well as the availability of excess power producing capacity. In essence, the enterprise control module provides system-level coordination, the regional control module provides regional coordination, and the local control module provides fast control of assets thereby providing smooth control over a large number of assets over different time scales and different geographic reach to meet specific system goals. This ability of the system to coordinate the operation of a dynamic and variable portfolio of DER across a dynamic and variable distribution network to keep the system within its permitted operating limits is a distinguishing feature of this invention.”)
Regarding independent claim 7:
The claim recites similar limitations as corresponding claim 1 and is rejected using the same teachings and rationale.
Regarding claim 8, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 7.
The claim recites similar limitations as corresponding claim 2 and is rejected using the same teachings and rationale.
Regarding claim 9, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 7.
The claim recites similar limitations as corresponding claim 3 and is rejected using the same teachings and rationale.
Regarding claim 12, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 7.
The claim recites similar limitations as corresponding claim 6 and is rejected using the same teachings and rationale.
Regarding claim 14, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian further teaches:
wherein each of the plurality of edge DINs includes a data publisher/subscriber module configured to publish and receive data through a distributed publish/subscribe mechanism. (Cherian: [0054] “OPC ((Object Linking and Embedding) for Process Control) is a software interface standard that allows Windows programs to communicate with industrial hardware devices. OPC is implemented in server/client pairs. The OPC server is a software program that converts the hardware communication protocol used by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (a small industrial computer that controls one or more hardware devices) into the OPC protocol. The OPC client software is any program that needs to connect to the hardware. The OPC client uses the OPC server to get data from or send commands to the hardware. Many interface standards and protocols are available for exchanging information between applications or systems that the present invention utilizes for communicating with various DER, applications, and systems.”)
Regarding claim 15, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Limonta further teaches:
wherein each of the plurality of edge DINs includes a database configured to serve as a historical data buffer. (Limonta: [0131] “The apparatus 900 comprises a processor 916 and a memory 915 for storing data and computer program code 917. The memory 915 and a portion of the computer program code 917 stored therein may be further arranged to, with the processor 916, to implement at least some of the operations, procedures and/or functions described in the foregoing in context of respective one of the data source apparatus 111-k, the edge processing server 121 or the cloud server 131.”) (Cherian: [0132] “The apparatus 900 comprises a communication portion 912 for communication with other devices. The communication portion 912 comprises at least one communication apparatus that enables wired or wireless communication with other apparatuses. A communication apparatus of the communication portion 912 may also be referred to as a respective communication means.”) (Cherian: [0133] “The apparatus 900 may further comprise user I/O (input/output) components 918 that may be arranged, possibly together with the processor 916 and a portion of the computer program code 917, to provide a user interface for receiving input from a user of the apparatus 900 and/or providing output to the user of the apparatus 900 to control at least some aspects of operation of the respective one of the data source apparatus 111-k, the edge processing server 121 or the cloud server 131. The user I/O components 918 may comprise hardware components such as a display, a touchscreen, a touchpad, a mouse, a keyboard, and/or an arrangement of one or more keys or buttons, etc. The user I/O components 918 may be also referred to as peripherals. The processor 916 may be arranged to control operation of the apparatus 900 e.g. in accordance with a portion of the computer program code 917 and possibly further in accordance with the user input received via the user I/O components 918 and/or in accordance with information received via the communication portion 912.”) (Cherian: [0134] “Although the processor 916 is depicted as a single component, it may be implemented as one or more separate processing components. Similarly, although the memory 915 is depicted as a single component, it may be implemented as one or more separate components, some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent/dynamic/cached storage.”)
The motivation to combine Cherian and Limonta as described in claim 1 is incorporated herein.
Regarding claim 16, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian further teaches:
wherein each of the plurality of edge DINs includes an edge functional library, and wherein the cloud DIN includes a central functional library. (Cherian: [0024] The present invention further possesses the ability to automatically respond to changes in network structure, asset availability, power generation levels, or load conditions without requiring any reprogramming According to one embodiment of the present invention the enterprise control modules as well as the regional and local control modules possess knowledge of known components of the distributed energy grid. As new components of a known class are connected to the grid, for example an additional wind turbine, the various layers of the present invention immediately recognized it as a wind turbine possessing particular characteristics and capabilities. Knowing these characteristics and capabilities the present invention can issue commands seamlessly with respect to the production of power and its distribution. Upon a command being issued the regional and local control modules can provide to each component the correct information such that it will be understood by that device and perform as expected. The present invention also possesses the capability to recognize components that are foreign to the distributed grid. Upon an unrecognized device being coupled to the grid, the local control module initiates an inquiry to identify that devices characteristics, properties, and capabilities. That information is added to the repository of information and is thereafter used to facilitate communication with and control of the device. This process may be manual or automatic. This new information immediately propagates to appropriate system modules and monitoring, control, network, and simulation activities can take advantage of the capabilities offered by the new device automatically.”) (Cherian: [0192] “As will be understood by those familiar with the art, portions of the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Likewise, the particular naming and division of the modules, managers, functions, systems, engines, layers, features, attributes, methodologies, and other aspects are not mandatory or significant, and the mechanisms that implement the invention or its features may have different names, divisions, and/or formats. Furthermore, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, the modules, managers, functions, systems, engines, layers, features, attributes, methodologies, and other aspects of the invention can be implemented as software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of the three. Of course, wherever a component or portion of the present invention is implemented as software, the component can be implemented as a script, as a standalone program, as part of a larger program, as a plurality of separate scripts, and/or programs, as a statically or dynamically linked library, as a kernel loadable module, as a device driver, and/or in every and any other way known now or in the future to those of skill in the art of computer programming. …”)
Regarding claim 20, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian further teaches:
wherein each of the plurality of edge DINs serves as an edge gateway that directly interacts with one or a cluster of grid assets downstream and connects with other edge DINs for upstreaming information or data flow. (Cherian: [0100] and [0105] as discussed in claim 1) [The local control module or the leaf node reads on “an edge gateway”, the parent node of the local control module or the intermediate nodes read on “other edge DINs”.]
Claims 4-5, 10-11 and 13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cherian, in view of Limonta, further in view of Wong et al. (US 2020/0379494 A1) (“Wong”).
Regarding claim 4, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian and Limonta teach do not expressly teach the recitations of claim 4.
Wong teaches:
wherein the command comprises a tap position for a regulator associated with the one or more of the plurality of edge DINs, wherein the one or more of the plurality of edge DINs receives the tap position from the cloud DIN based on the unified output previously transmitted to the cloud DIN, and directly issues control signals to the regulator within the corresponding region to control the tap position of the regulator in response to the command. (Wong: [0019] “In addition to DERs, distributed information resources (DIR) have a critical role in the integrated and coordinated operation of the EPS, especially in the development of smart and intelligent grids. DIRs include that of information generation (such as sensors, smart meter, metering collectors, line monitors, and other data systems), consumption (such as human machine interfaces, visualization tools, business intelligence tools, intelligent electronic devices, switch controllers, circuit breakers, capacitor controllers, reclosure controllers, voltage regulator controllers, power electronic settings, operating modes, utility network operating centers, and other control devices and data systems), and storage (such as local databases, central databases, and cloud-based systems) resources.”) (Wong: [0065] “Dynamic Volt-VAR Optimization (DVVO) 307 component provides a scheme that controls voltage levels or reactive power injection of resources such as load tap changers 110, capacitors 107, voltage regulators 108, and DERs 103-105 to minimize power system losses and improve voltage profile.”) [Controlling the load tap changers via the distributed information resources (DIR) reads on “controls the tap position of the regulator …”.]
Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having the teachings of Cherian, Limonta and Wong before them, to modify the distributed power management system with regional control modules that manage corresponding distributed energy resources and distributed power consumers, to incorporate load tap change controllers.
One of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to do this modification because it would help minimize power system losses and improve voltage profile on the electric power system. (Wong: [0065])
Regarding claim 5, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian and Limonta do not expressly teach the recitations of claim 5.
Wong teaches:
wherein the command comprises an on/off command for capacitors associated with the one or more of the plurality of edge DINs, wherein the one or more of the plurality of edge DINs receives the on/off command from the cloud DIN based on the unified output previously transmitted to the cloud DIN, and directly issues control signals to the capacitors within the corresponding region to switch the capacitors on or off in response to the command. (Wong: [0019] “In addition to DERs, distributed information resources (DIR) have a critical role in the integrated and coordinated operation of the EPS, especially in the development of smart and intelligent grids. DIRs include that of information generation (such as sensors, smart meter, metering collectors, line monitors, and other data systems), consumption (such as human machine interfaces, visualization tools, business intelligence tools, intelligent electronic devices, switch controllers, circuit breakers, capacitor controllers, reclosure controllers, voltage regulator controllers, power electronic settings, operating modes, utility network operating centers, and other control devices and data systems), and storage (such as local databases, central databases, and cloud-based systems) resources.”) (Wong: [0065] “Dynamic Volt-VAR Optimization (DVVO) 307 component provides a scheme that controls voltage levels or reactive power injection of resources such as load tap changers 110, capacitors 107, voltage regulators 108, and DERs 103-105 to minimize power system losses and improve voltage profile.”) [Controlling the injection of the capacitor via the distributed information resources (DIR) reads on “switches the capacitors on or off …”.]
Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having the teachings of Cherian, Limonta and Wong before them, to modify the distributed power management system with regional control modules that manage corresponding distributed energy resources and distributed power consumers, to incorporate capacitor controllers.
One of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to do this modification because it would help minimize power system losses and improve voltage profile on the electric power system. (Wong: [0065])
Regarding claim 10, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 7.
The claim recites similar limitations as corresponding claim 4 and is rejected using the same teachings and rationale.
Regarding claim 11, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 7.
The claim recites similar limitations as corresponding claim 5 and is rejected using the same teachings and rationale.
Regarding claim 13, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian and Limonta do not expressly teach the recitations of claim 13.
Wong teaches:
wherein the data pre-processing further includes data communication protocol conversion. (Wong: [0041] “Each IN consists of a hardware and software platform, with data/information processing (e.g. intelligence, decision making) and communications (e.g. networking, protocol conversion, local and wide area) capabilities. INs are integrated or embedded with grid components such as DER controllers, sensors, metering collectors, switch controllers, and substation intelligent electronic devices (IED). An IN can also be a computing device at the utility NOC carrying out GOS functions at the utility site.”) (Wong: [0058] With continued reference to FIG. 2, electric power system components 202 represent the components 103-110 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. Other grid operating system 203 is a higher, lower or adjacent tier GOS that is connected to the Communication Network/Field Messaging Bus. Reference number 204 shows bi-directional data flow between Utility Enterprise application and the GOS via a common Communication Network. The communication and data handling component 205 manages all messaging and interfaces between the GOS 101, Utility 111, and EPS components 103-110. Protocol translation component 206 provides conversion of communication messages from one protocol to another. …”).
Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having the teachings of Cherian, Limonta and Wong before them, to modify the distributed power management system with data communication interface management, to incorporate conversion of data from one protocol to another.
One of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to do this modification because it would allow for data communication between different protocols throughout the interconnected systems. (Wong: [0058])
Claims 17-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cherian, in view of Limonta, further in view of SANDERS et al. (US 2017/0005515 A1) (“Sanders”).
Regarding claim 17, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian further teaches:
wherein the data intaken across the heterogenous energy sources includes system operation status comprising line power flow and node voltages, and smart asset status … (Cherian: [0101] “According to another embodiment of the present invention a global or overall operational goal of the control system is a state of control of assets that the overall system is attempting to achieve. The proximity of the system to achieving that goal can be measured by a finite number of observables and each observable can be affected by control of one or more of the system's assets. For the purpose of the present invention an observable is a quantifiable property, i.e. something that can be measured. For example power output, current, or voltage are examples of an observable property. With respect to a load balancing situation, two observable quantities could be active and reactive power output. How close the system is able to achieve a particular goal or desired result can be measured by active and reactive power output at points of interconnection with an external grid. …”) (Cherian: [0128] “The local control module operates by carrying out operations based on a prior system state 610. From that state the local control module updates 620 the status of each connected DER as well as local grid conditions and other local constraints on the system. …”)
Cherian and Limonta do not expressly teach: smart asset status comprising at least one of photovoltaic reactive power injection, photovoltaic active power injection, battery active power injection, or electric vehicle charging power.
Sanders teaches:
smart asset status comprising at least one of photovoltaic reactive power injection, photovoltaic active power injection, battery active power injection, or electric vehicle charging power. (Sanders: Abstract “A software platform in communication with networked distributed energy resource energy storage apparatus, configured to deliver various specific applications related to offset demand monitoring, methods of virtual power plant and orchestration, load shaping services, methods of reducing demand at aggregated level, prioritizing computer programs related to virtual energy pool, energy cloud controllers methods, charge discharge orchestration plans of electric vehicles, distributed energy resources, machine learning predictive algorithms, value optimizing algorithms, autonomous sensing event awareness, mode selection methods, capacity reservation monitoring, virtual power plant methods, advanced DER-ES apparatus features, energy management system for governing resources and methods, aggregated energy cloud methods, load shaping methods, marginal cost cycle-life degradation, load shaping API, forward event schedule, on demand request, and load service state request methods. Various rules, constraints of predictive algorithms for signal inputs to determine incremental storage cycles, cycle life degradation marginal cost, iterative and forward event schedule development, and load control.”) (Sanders” [0035] The services provided by the site management system and the site gateway enable the ecosystem to maximize the value of each unit of energy dispatched from each site gateway by means of intelligent decision-making at the local (site) level. Unlike conventional centrally-controlled systems, the site management system can delegate many of these intelligent decision-making responsibilities and related site-specific policy implementations to the site gateway. The site gateway can use its own local resources to implement many of the decisions, services, and policies for managing energy consumption and generation both locally and in the ecosystem based upon at least the following inputs: the current cost of energy; the efficiency of internal components (the inverter, the charge controller, the battery, etc.); maximum and minimum charge and discharge rates; energy reserved by other applications; available battery capacity; the marginal cost of each battery cycle, which can change over time and is a complex calculation; load and generation profiles unique to each site; energy demand tariffs at the site; current and forecast weather conditions; historical analysis, predictive modeling, and real-time networked awareness of the entire system; retail and wholesale prices for energy; values for delivery of specific applications such as Demand Response, Regulation, or Power Quality (Volt/VAR); flexible integration of data from multiple channels: direct metered sensor input, utilities and third party systems, integrations with partner applications; and data for capacity pooling, scheduling, and bidding to automate the market interfaces for the site management system services.”)
Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having the teachings of Cherian, Limonta and Sanders before them, to modify the status of each connected DER, to incorporate status, such as, the electric vehicle battery charging power.
One of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to do this modification because it would allow for managing charging and discharging decisions for the vehicle battery. (Sanders: [0035])
Regarding claim 18, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian and Limonta do not expressly teach the recitations of claim 18.
Sanders teaches:
wherein the cloud DIN is configured to perform AI/ML-based data analysis on the unified output received from the plurality of edge DINs. (Sanders: [0217] “In certain aspects, the energy cloud method is provided wherein at least one of the one or more predictive analytic algorithms includes a machine learning, feedback loop.”) (Sanders: [0218] “In an embodiment, a method in an energy management system comprises steps for providing real-time tracking of one or more values of at least one or more of one or more distributed energy resources or one or more energy storage objects; responding to pricing, demand, and ancillary services signals to produce one or more target outputs of one or more distributed energy resource energy storage (DER-ES) apparatus, each of the apparatus having an inverter-controller, storage appliance, and gateway controller housed in a common enclosure, that together each function as a site integration system and when networked together form an energy network; … pushing decision-making to intelligent edge devices which can optimize performance based on real-time local conditions of the one or more distributed resources and one or more energy storage objects associated with the one or more networked DER-ES apparatus; providing detailed data and analytics to a demand management system (DMS), grid control system (GCS) and associated systems; and distributing resource configuration, upgrades, monitoring, management, and support to a network of distributed resources, energy storage objects and electric vehicle resources.”)
Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having the teachings of Cherian, Limonta and Sanders before them, to modify determining targets for the nodes to execute control, to incorporate using the machine learning based data analysis.
One of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to do this modification because it would allow for predictive analytics to control the distributed energy resources based on a large amount of data inputs. (Sanders: [217]-[218])
Regarding claim 19, Cherian and Limonta teach all the claimed features of claim 1. Cherian and Limonta do not expressly teach the recitations of claim 19.
Sanders teaches:
wherein the cloud DIN is configured to perform grid voltage regulation through at least one of model-based optimization or a data-driven AI-based approach to generate the command. (Sanders: [0381] “In an embodiment as shown in various aspects in FIGS. 4A-4I for providing virtual power plant (VPP) orchestration in a network of one or more distributed energy resource energy storage apparatus 04000, methods include steps for orchestrating one or more distributed energy resources and one or more energy storage objects each associated with an integrated device apparatus that together behave as a single energy entity when programmed and controlled by one or more common elements of one or more energy management software applications 04002. …”) (Sanders: [0387] “… a network of one or more aggregated apparatus acting as a fleet wherein the network of one or more aggregated apparatus automatically provide orchestrated voltage control on a specified feeder or a specified circuit in response to one or more commands 07018.”) (Sanders: [0405] “In another configuration of the orchestrated VPP of the previous paragraph and continuing with FIGS. 9A and 9B, the one or more rule sets to machine learn one or more features of one or more user sites comprises a learning element including one or more input references from a related knowledge base coupled to a data repository to produce an actual output element, an expected output element from a standard input from the orchestrated virtual power plant, and a comparator module to calculate an error equaling the differences between the actual output element and the expected output element and wherein the orchestrated virtual power plant modifies one or more of the rule sets to automatically adapt via an artificial intelligence component, one or more features of the one or more user sites 09040.”)
Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having the teachings of Cherian, Limonta and Sanders before them, to modify determining targets for the nodes to execute control of the DERs, to incorporate using the orchestrated voltage control using the artificial intelligence model.
One of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to do this modification because it would allow for modifying the rules to automatically adapt the control of the DERs based on learning from a repository of knowledge base via the artificial intelligence model. (Sanders: [0381], [0387] and [0405])
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MICHAEL W CHOI whose telephone number is (571)270-5069. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Kenneth Lo can be reached at (571) 272-9774. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/MICHAEL W CHOI/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2116
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