WO2022236373A1

WO2022236373A1 - Energy provision system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2022236373A1
Application number: PCT/AU2022/050451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott Graham; David Simmons; David Howe
Original assignee: REX Energy Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-13
Filing date: 2022-05-12
Publication date: 2022-11-17
Also published as: AU2021105891A4

Abstract

An energy management system is used for managing energy supplied by a renewable energy system to a plurality of users. The energy management system includes a data interface configured to receive energy parameters from the renewable energy system, the renewable energy system shared by the plurality of users. The energy management system includes a processor configured to process the energy parameters to determine control parameters for the renewable energy system to manage the energy supplied. The processor is further configured to provide the control parameters, via the data interface, to a generator controller of the renewable energy system thereby controlling an amount of energy provided by the renewable energy system to the plurality of users.

Description

1

ENERGY PROVISION SYSTEM AND METHOD Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[1] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2021901433 fded on 13 May 2021, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[2] The present disclosure relates, generally, to renewable energy provision to multiple users and, more particularly, to a system for, and a method of, managing renewable energy provision for multiple users.

Background

[3] Solar panels are used on the roofs of buildings to provide solar energy during daylight hours. Typically, the solar panels on a building are used to provide energy for that building. Where excess energy is produced, it is usually possible for owners of the solar energy systems to feed the excess energy into an electrical grid, for example according to a solar feed-in arrangement with an electricity distributor where a tariff is credited for the excess solar energy that the solar system generates and exports back to the grid.

[4] One drawback of solar power is that it can only be generated when there is sunlight. For residential energy provision, the average home consumes about 30-35 kWh per day. Assuming around 4-6 peak sunlight hours, that means a typical residential solar system is designed to produce around 6-7 kW. Although the generated power can be stored in batteries, current battery technology can be prohibitively expensive, especially for small users such as for residential solar panel systems.

[5] Solar power is one example of renewable energy, being energy collected from a renewable source as opposed to fossil fuels. Other types of on-site renewable energy can also be used in the built environment (i.e. for residential or commercial buildings) such as solar thermal cooling or solar heating systems, small wind electric systems, microhydropower systems, and hybrid (solar and wind) electric systems.

[6] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been 2 included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Summary

[7] Described herein is a system that is able to provide renewable energy to buildings 24 hours per day. Where the renewable energy is solar energy, energy provision is not limited to peak daylight hours. The renewable energy system may be shared by multiple users within the same building (for example in multi-tenant buildings), or by multiple users in separate buildings where the buildings are connected to the same renewable energy system.

[8] In one embodiment there is provided an energy management system for managing energy supplied by a renewable energy system to a plurality of users , the energy management system comprising a data interface configured to receive energy parameters from the renewable energy system, the renewable energy system shared by the plurality of users; a processor configured to process the energy parameters to determine control parameters for the renewable energy system to manage the energy supplied; and wherein the data interface is further configured to provide the control parameters to the renewable energy system thereby controlling an amount of energy provided by the renewable energy system to the plurality of users.

[9] The control parameters may be provided to a generator controller of the renewable energy system, and controlling the amount of energy provided may comprise the generator controller, responsive to the control parameters, causing an energy generator of the renewable energy system to reduce energy production of a renewable energy generator.

[10] The processor may process the energy parameters by: aggregating per user energy consumption; determining per user usage parameters; determining aggregate usage parameters; and determining system setpoints.

[11] The processor may determine the control parameters by analysing the received energy parameters to determine one or more of: if energy generated by the renewable energy system equals an energy user load for the plurality of users; if said user load exceeds the generated energy; if the generated energy plus a battery energy supply equal the user load; and if the generated energy exceeds the user load and a battery charging load. 3

[12] The processor may also determine the control parameters by analysing the received energy parameters to determine one or more of: if batteries of the renewable energy system are providing energy for the user load; if the generated energy is less than the user load; if a battery charge of the batteries is approaching a battery charge threshold.

[13] The processor may determine control parameters that comprise setpoints for one or more of the following components of the renewable energy system: an energy source comprising an energy generator and a generator controller; an energy storage comprising one or more batteries and a battery controller; and a per user power supply comprising an inverter.

[14] The processor may process the energy parameters to predict a future user load and determines the control parameters responsive to the predicted future load.

[15] In another embodiment there is provided a method of managing renewable energy provision for a plurality of independent users that share a renewable energy source, the method comprising: at a data interface, receiving status data from a renewable energy system supplying energy; processing, by a processor, the status data to determine control parameters for the renewable energy supply; and communicating, via the data interface, the control parameters to the energy system thereby controlling the provision of renewable energy to multiple users, wherein the status data comprises individual use parameters for each of the users, and wherein controlling the provision of renewable energy comprises providing renewable energy based on individual user demand.

[16] The status data may comprise energy parameters that describe operation of a renewable energy source, an energy storage connected to the renewable energy source, and energy consumption data per user.

[17] The control parameters may be used to control operation of at least one of: the renewable energy source, the energy storage, and bespoke renewable energy supply per user.

[18] The method may further comprise determining and providing individual billing information based on renewable energy usage per user.

[19] In another embodiment there is provided a renewable energy system that is shared amongst a plurality of users, the renewable energy system comprising: a renewable energy system comprising: 4 a renewable energy source; an energy storage connected to the renewable energy source and configured to store energy from the renewable energy source; and a supply system configured to supply energy from the renewable energy source and the energy storage to a plurality of users; and an energy management system configured to manage individualised energy supply to each of the plurality of users by controlling at least one of: the renewable energy source, the energy storage, and the supply system.

[20] The energy management system may control operation of the renewable energy source, the energy storage, and the supply system in response to energy parameters received from the renewable energy system.

[21] The renewable energy source may comprise at least one generator and at least one generator controller; and the energy storage may comprise at least one battery and at least one battery controller.

[22] The energy management system may manage individualised energy supply to each of the plurality of users by providing control parameters to the at least one generator controller and to the at least one battery controller.

[23] The supply system may comprise an inverter for each user, and the renewable energy system may comprise a DC bus directly connecting the renewable energy source, the energy storage, and the inverters of the supply system.

[24] The system may further comprise: an energy metering system configured to individually meter renewable energy consumption per user; and a billing system configured to determine billing information per user based on meter data received from the energy metering system.

[25] In another embodiment, there is provided an energy management system for managing energy supply from a shared renewable energy source to a plurality of users sharing the renewable energy source, the energy management system comprising: a data interface configured to receive energy parameters from a renewable energy system supplying energy; a processor configured to: process the energy parameters to determine energy use information of each of the plurality of users, the energy use information being indicative of individual user consumption; and process the energy parameters to determine control parameters for the energy 5 supply; and wherein the data interface is further configured to provide the control parameters to the energy system so as to provide energy to the plurality of users from the single shared renewable energy source based on individual user consumption.

[26] The energy system may comprise a renewable energy system.

[27] The processor may process the energy parameters to determine, based on the determined energy use information of the users, the control parameters for the energy supply.

[28] The energy management system may further comprise a communication interface configured to communicate one or more of: the received and processed energy parameters to a computing system, and wherein the communication interface communicates the energy use information with a billing system.

[29] In another embodiment there is provided a method of managing renewable energy provision for multiple users, the method comprising: at a data interface, receiving status data from an energy system supplying energy; processing, by a processor, the status data to determine control parameters for the energy supply; and communicating, via a communication interface, the control parameters to the energy system.

[30] The status data may comprise energy parameters that describe operation of a renewable energy source and an energy storage connected to the renewable energy source.

[31] The control parameters may be used to control operation of at least one of: the renewable energy source, and the energy storage.

[32] The method may further comprise storing the received and processed status data in data storage.

[33] In another embodiment there is provided a renewable energy system comprising: a renewable energy source shared by a plurality of users; an energy storage connected to the shared renewable energy source and configured to store energy from the shared renewable energy source; a supply system configured to supply energy from the shared renewable energy source and the energy storage to the plurality of users; and an energy management system configured to manage energy supply to the plurality of users by controlling at least one of: the energy source, the energy storage, and the supply system. The energy management system may 6 be configured to communicate with a billing system to provide the billing system with the energy use information of individual users.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[34] Embodiments of the disclosure are now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[35] Figure 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of an energy provision system.

[36] Figure 2 is a diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a power generator and supply subsystem of the energy provision system of Figure 1.

[37] Figure 3 is a diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a per user power supply subsystem of the energy provision system of Figure 1.

[38] Figure 4 is a diagram of an embodiment of an energy management system of the energy provision system of Figure 1.

[39] Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method of managing renewable energy provision.

[40] Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating how status data is received in the method of Figure 5.

[41] Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating how status data is processed in the method of Figure 5.

[42] Figure 8 is a flow diagram illustrating how energy provision is controlled in the method of Figure 5.

[43] Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating how received and processed status data is further processed and stored according to the method of Figure 5.

[44] Figure 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method of managing billing for the energy provision system of Figure 1.

[45] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a part of the energy provision system of Figure 1. 7

[46] Figure 12 is a system diagram of an embodiment of a part of the energy provision system of Figure 1.

[47] Figure 13 is a Single Line Diagram (SLD) illustrating an embodiment of a part of the energy provision system of Figure 1.

[48] Figure 14 is a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method of controlling energy generation and storage.

[49] Figure 15 is an embodiment of a user interface of an energy app.

[50] Figure 16 is another embodiment of a user interface of an energy app.

[51] Figure 17 is a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method of managing renewable energy provision.

[52] In the drawings, like reference numerals designate similar parts.

Description

[53] Energy Provision System Overview

[54] Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a renewable energy system 100 is shown that provides renewable energy to a plurality of users, each having a user computing device 112 (for example a laptop or mobile device having a network interface). The renewable energy system 100 includes an energy provision system 116 that has a renewable energy source 102, and an energy storage 103 that is connected to the renewable energy source 102. The energy storage

103 is configured to store energy from the renewable energy source 102. The system 100 has a supply system 106 configured to supply energy from the renewable energy source 102 and the energy storage 103 to the plurality of users. The system 100 has an energy management system

104 configured to manage energy supply to the plurality of users by controlling at least one of: the energy source 102, the energy storage 103, and the supply system 106. The supply system 106 includes per user power supply via a power supply subsystem 114.

[55] In some embodiments, the energy management system 104 is also in communication with a communication network 108. The communication network 108 may be (or include) for example the Internet, a wide area network (WAN) (for example spanning one or more urban 8 regions), a local area network (LAN) (for example an Ethernet of Wi-Fi network across one or more buildings), etc. In some embodiments the communication network 108 may provide cloud services, such as cloud servers or cloud storage, to support operation of the renewable energy system 100.

[56] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the communication network 108 connects the energy management system 104 with a computing system 110 and the user devices 112. The computing system 110 may include a billing system 120 that uses information provided by the energy management system 104 to determine billing information associated with one or more of the plurality of users. The billing information from the billing system is then provided to the users via the communication network 108. The computing system 110 also includes and/or is in communication with data storage 124 used to store records of energy system data, such as user energy consumption data and/or user billing information.

[57] In some embodiments, the energy management system 104 may include or be in communication with the data storage 124. In some embodiments the energy management system 104 may include the computing system 110.

[58] In some embodiments, the billing system may also provide feedback to the energy management system 104. For example, where a user has not paid a bill, this information may be provided to the energy management system 104. In the event that an unpaid billing threshold is reached, the energy management system 104 may control energy supply to the relevant user, for example by limiting, reducing, pausing and/or terminating energy supply.

[59] In some embodiments, the energy management system 104 may provide information to the users via the communication network 108. For example, the user may be able to access energy consumption information via the user device 112. In a preferred embodiment, each tenant can download an application (“app”) on a personal computing device (for example a portable device such as a tablet or smart phone), or log in online and view their real-time energy usage details, and renewable energy versus grid energy consumed on a second by second basis. Advantageously, this may aid in educating consumers about energy efficiency, especially as users may engage with the app on a regular basis due to the granular nature of its responsiveness to the activation of energy loads. The energy app (described in more detail elsewhere herein) may enable users to set an energy consumption budget target, with the app tracking their progress towards their individual energy consumption target on a daily basis. The energy app 9 may make recommendations as to how each user might curtail their energy consumption to meet their budget target.

[60] Figure 2 of the drawings illustrates an embodiment of a power generator and supply subsystem 200 of the renewable energy system 100. The renewable energy source 102 has a generator 202 and a generator controller 204. The energy storage 103 includes one or more batteries 208 and a battery controller 206. In some embodiments, the energy storage 103 may additionally or alternatively include other forms of storage, such as capacitors, flywheels, hydro or hydraulic storage, gravity storage, etc. In such embodiments, the battery controller may be a suitable controller configured for the relevant type(s) of energy storage utilised.

[61] In the exemplary embodiment, the generator 202 is in the form of a passive component, for example the Phono Solar TwinPlus module PS370M4-20UH 1000V 370W. The generator 202 may be in the form of one or more renewable energy generators that may comprise one or more of: solar panels, a solar system, a photovoltaic (PV) system, or other renewable energy generator e.g., a wind generator. Solar panels may be used in strings, being a set of series- connected solar cells or modules.

[62] The renewable energy source 102 includes a generator controller 204 used for controlling the energy generator 202 to ensure that the energy generation is as required by the renewable energy system 100. In summary, the generator controller 204 is itself controlled by the energy management system 104, and in turn controls energy production by the generators 202 by causing the generators 202 to increase or decrease production of electricity. The generator controller 204 also reports live energy production to the energy management system 104 thereby enabling a closed loop control system.

[63] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the generator controller 204 may comprise one or more power optimisers 210, for example in the form of Alencon’s String Power Optimizers and Transmitter (SPOT), which is an actively controlled component. In some embodiments, the generator controller 204 may also comprise one or more control modules 212 configured to modify and/or manage operation of generator controller 204, for example by managing operation of the power optimiser 210 so that the power optimiser 210 controls operation of the generator 202 by causing the generator 202 to increase and/or decrease energy production. In other embodiments, the generator controller 204 does not have a control module 10

212 and operation of the generator controller 204 is managed by the energy management system 104.

[64] A power optimiser is a DC to DC converter that takes the DC power from a solar photovoltaic (PV) system at an optimal voltage and current and converts that to a different voltage and current that best suits the central string inverter thereby maximizing the energy harvested from the solar panels. This is done by (a) individually tuning the performance of the solar panels through maximum power point tracking (MPPT), i.e. maintaining the load characteristics for maximum power extraction from the PV system, and (b) optionally tuning the output to match the performance of a string inverter (i.e., a DC to AC inverter). Power optimisers are useful, for example when the performance of the power generating components in a system vary, for example due to differences in equipment, shading of light or wind, or being installed facing different directions.

[65] The power optimiser 210 used in the exemplary embodiment provides MPPT tracking at a renewable energy generation string level, maps PV voltage to the DC bus 220 using galvanic isolation, acts as a blocking diode between the renewable energy generator 202 and the DC bus 220, and monitors string level performance with each power optimiser 210 being able to receive one or more strings of renewable generation inputs (for example two, four, eight, ten etc.). The power optimiser 210 of the exemplary embodiment may be used to curtail renewable production (controllable via Modbus as described elsewhere herein), and reports live renewable energy generation details to the energy management system 104.

[66] In the exemplary embodiment, the generator controller 204 may include a power optimiser 210 associated with one or more generators 202, for example one power optimiser 210 per each eight strings of renewable generators 202. Larger renewable generation systems may require additional power optimisers, and the number of power optimisers is theoretically unlimited and scalable depending on the size of the renewable generation system(s) onsite.

[67] The generator controller 204, using one or more power optimisers 210, reports on live energy production to the energy management system 104 and enables real time, dynamic energy flow control, for example using software or firmware onboard the power optimisers 210 and/or software or firmware provided by the control modules 212 if present, thereby controlling operation of the generator 202. 11

[68] The generator controller 204 assists in maintaining a fixed DC bus voltage on the DC bus 220. The generator controller 204 also protects the renewable energy generator 202; it is directionally connected to the rest of the renewable energy system 100 and energy cannot pass through the generator controller 204 in the opposite direction as per its intended forward current application.

[69] The generator controller 204 actively monitors the generator 202 string performance and the energy management system 104 is configured to instruct the generator controller 204 to control energy production by causing the generator 202 to increase and/or decrease energy production. This may be a timed control, a scheduled control, or an immediate control (e.g. in less than a second or in less than a millisecond). In some embodiments, decreasing energy production may be done to reduce or mitigate grid exposure of onsite generated renewable energy. This may, for example, occur when the one or more batteries 208 are reporting as fully charged and the meter 314 (see Figure 3) reports site energy requirements are less than the generator controller 204 reports is being generated. When the generator 202 has zero energy production capability (for example at night for a solar system), the generator controller 204 isolates the generator 202 and prevents reverse current. In some embodiments this may contribute to preserving the life expectancy of the energy source 102.

[70] In some embodiments the energy management system 104 monitors and controls operation of generator controller 204 by starting and stopping operation of the generator controller 204. This type of control is referred to as bang-bang control or on-off control: feedback control that switches between two states. In embodiments where the generator controller 204 includes MPPT functionality, the generator controller 204 tracks the power point and optimises energy extraction for the system. The generator controller 204 provides a feedback signal to the energy management system 104 indicative of the amount of energy production. Based on this feedback signal, the energy management system 104 controls operation of the generator controller 204. For example, if energy production drops below a threshold, the energy management system 104 will stop operation of the generator controller 204 and start operation of the battery controller 206.

[71] In alternative embodiments, the energy source 102 may have a different configuration. In one example, the energy source 102 may comprise a generator only, said generator being adapted to be actively controlled. In another example, the generator and the generator controller 12

(including power optimising functionality) may be integrated into a single component. In another example, the energy source 102 is not actively controlled, but is a passive component.

[72] The renewable energy source 102 may include a DC combiner 1112, as shown in the block diagram ofFigure 11. The DC combiner 1112 combines outgoing DC cables from the various generator controllers 204 into the DC bus 220. As shown in the system diagram in Figure 12, the DC bus 220 interconnects the generators 202, the generator controller 204, the battery controllers 206, and the batteries 208, and then connects these components to the current transformers 306 via the user inverters 302 as illustrated in Figure 3. In some embodiments there is an inverter 302 per user, so that the DC bus 220 provides an efficient DC distribution to multiple users. This configuration is in contrast to existing systems that typically convert from DC to AC and back to DC again, resulting in inefficiencies and loss of usable power at each conversion stage. This configuration is also in contrast to existing systems that utilise a DC bus to connect to a single user via a single inverter, such systems not being efficiently scalable to multi-user buildings.

[73] As illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, the energy management system 104 controls operation of the inverters 302 to ensure that the renewable power delivery to the users is optimised. Specifically, the energy management system 104 operates to optimise operation of the DC bus 220 for its intended use. For example, in some embodiments three-phase power supply would have an optimal conversion of DC to AC via the inverters 302 when the DC bus 220 is maintained at 720VDC (with inefficiencies in power conversion occurring above or below this voltage).

[74] Referring again to Figure 1 of the drawings, the generated power is provided to the users via the supply system 106 that enables per user power supply via the power supply subsystems 114. Any excess power generated by the renewable energy source 102 and not consumed by the users is stored in the energy storage 103. The energy storage 103 includes one or more batteries 208. These can be any suitable battery, and may be adapted to be an actively controlled component, for example vanadium flow batteries such as UniEnergy Technologies (UET) Vanadium Flow ReFlex Batteries.

[75] The quantity of batteries used in parallel depends on the evening demand and usage of a particular site. For example, if one vanadium flow battery has 45kWh capacity, and typical residential evening demand is 6-10kWh, then 7-11 batteries would be required for a building 13 with around 50 tenants. In some embodiments, when the energy system overproduces then energy maybe directed to the power grid 320, the amount of excess energy produced per day (and, in some embodiments, the available excess stored electricity) available for grid feed as described elsewhere herein with reference to Figure 3.

[76] The batteries 208 can be paralleled for additional storage requirements and, with current vanadium flow battery technology, the number of batteries can be increased up to a total of around 1500 VDC per each paralleled string. Site energy storage can be used for evening energy consumption and/or to feed the power grid via CT chamber 322.

[77] In some embodiments, the energy storage 103 includes a battery controller 206 used to control the charge and discharge of the batteries 208. An example of a battery controller 206 that can be used is Alencon’s Bi-Directional DC-DC Optimizer for Storage Systems (BOSS), which is an actively controlled component.

[78] The BOSS battery controller of the exemplary embodiment provides galvanic isolation between input and output to and from the energy storage 103, battery rack level charge and discharge control, and a wide voltage mapping range between the battery 208 and the DC bus 220 (or between batteries 208).

[79] In some embodiments, the battery controller 206 can be installed and controlled in parallel, is able to detect earth leakage, and enables paralleled battery application.

[80] In the exemplary embodiment, the battery controller 206 includes BOSS units that are installed in parallel to the DC bus 220 and actively assist to control DC energy availability to the inverters 302. The battery controller 206 actively assists in maintaining DC Bus 220 voltage.

The battery controller 206 is bidirectional and can divert energy into the paralleled battery bank 208 or discharge from the battery bank 208. The energy management system 104 controls the input or output from the battery controller depending on real-time readings from the battery controller 206 and real time summation of live user demand readings from the meter 314. The battery controller passively detects earth leakage.

[81] In one example, where there are 5 tenant sites, the battery controller 206 reports to the energy management system 104 that energy production is lOOkW. Meter 314 reports to the energy management system 104 that energy demand is 40kW. The energy management system 104 instructs the battery controller 206 to divert 60kW to the batteries 208, and the energy 14 management system 104 instructs each tenancy smart inverter 302 to invert the exact amount of energy demanded in real-time.

[82] Seven example scenarios are described below that illustrate the battery control applied by the battery controller 206, in this exemplary embodiment in the form of a BOSS.

[83] Scenario 1 : Batteries 208 have charging capacity and renewable energy generation exceeds site demand

• lOOkW energy production

• -40kW live demand for the case where, e.g. Tenant 1 demand is 5kW, Tenant 2 demand is lOkW, Tenant 3 demand is 12kW, Tenant 4 demand is 1 lkW, and Tenant 5 demand is 2kW

• -60kW (energy diverted to battery 208 from DC bus 220)

• OkW generator 202 curtail controlled by the power optimiser

• OkW remaining, i.e. OkW available to export to the power grid.

[84] In this scenario, 100% of energy produced on site is used on site.

[85] Scenario 2: Batteries 208 have charging capacity and renewable energy generation is less than site demand

• 5 OkW energy production

• -60kW live demand, provided via inverter 302

• +10kW (energy diverted from battery 208 to the DC bus 220)

• OkW generator 202 curtail controlled by the power optimiser

• OkW remaining, i.e. OkW available to export to the power grid.

[86] In this scenario, 100% of energy produced on site is used on site.

[87] Scenario 3: Batteries 208 do not have charging capacity and renewable energy generation is more than site demand

• lOOkW energy production

• -60kW live demand provided via inverter 302

• OkW energy diverted from battery 208 15

• -40kW generator 202 curtail controlled by the power optimiser

• OkW remaining, i.e. OkW exported to the power grid.

[88] In this scenario, 100% of the energy produced on site is used on site because energy generation by the PV system is actively reduced via the power optimiser.

[89] Scenario 4: Evening hours zero renewable energy generation. Batteries 208 have charge.

• OkW renewable generation

• -60kW live demand

• +60kW energy diverted from battery 208 to DC bus 220

• OkW generator 202 curtail controlled by the power optimiser

• OkW remaining, i.e. OkW exported to the power grid.

[90] In this scenario, 100% of the energy produced on site is used on site.

[91] Scenario 5: Evening hours , zero renewable energy generation , Batteries 208 depleted.

• OkW renewable energy generation

• OkW energy provided via inverter 302

• OkW energy diverted from battery 208

• OkW generator 202 curtail controlled by the power optimiser

• OkW remaining.

[92] All tenant control contactors 308 are open as a safety measure, tenancy supply contactors being controlled by the energy management system 104 via meter 314 and control switch 1110 (depicted in Figure 11). In this scenario, power is provided to the user from the grid.

[93] Scenario 6: Early morning hours, batteries 208 are depleted and renewable power is significantly less than site demand.

• 20kW renewable energy generation

• OkW provided to users via the inverter 302

• -20kW energy diverted from the battery 208 via the DC bus 220 16

• OkW generator 202 curtail controlled by the power optimiser

• OkW remaining, i.e. OkW exported to the power grid.

[94] In this scenario, 100% of the energy produced on site is sold on site, and supplemented from the grid as required.

[95] Scenario 7: Any time of day any scenario above at the request of power authority.

[96] The energy management system 104 signals meter 314 and instructs control switch 1110 to open all tenant renewable power contactors 308, and simultaneously instructs all smart inverters 302 to shut down while closing the grid renewable energy supply contactor 322 and activating the grid power supply inverter.

• 0 - max kW renewable energy generation

• OkW provided via user inverter 302

• 0 - max kW energy diverted from the Battery 208 via DC Bus 220

• OkW generator 202 curtail controlled by the power optimiser

• kW requested by power authority inverted through grid supply inverter via CT chamber 322.

[97] Figure 3 of the drawings illustrates an embodiment of a per user power supply subsystem 114 of the renewable energy system 100. Refer also to Figure 11, which represents a part of the renewable energy system 100 in the form of a block diagram 1100. The DC distribution 301 interfaces between the energy source 102 and the per user power supply subsystem 114 includes a combined fuse switch 1102 and a circuit breaker 1104 as illustrated in Figure 11, both passive components that, together, provide DC distribution to user inverters 302 and also ensure line side isolation to the user inverters 302. The user inverters 302 may be “smart inverters”, being inverters with functionality additional to DC-to-AC conversion, such as anti-islanding, bidirectional communication, voltage regulation and/or frequency support. The inverters 302 are installed per user, and operate to support per peak demand requirement. The inverters 302 are fed directly from the DC distribution 301 via the DC bus 220. The user inverters 302 are actively controlled components, controlled by the energy management system 104, and the inverters 302 provide data to the energy management system 104 with respect to the user’s real time demand. 17

[98] The power supply subsystem 114 includes a circuit breaker 304 providing load side individual inverter isolation, and a metering current transformer 306, which meters each user’s total renewable energy consumption, and this data is provided to the energy management system 104 and may be used for billing. In some embodiments, this data that describes the user’s renewable energy consumption may also be provided to a user application as described elsewhere herein.

[99] The power supply subsystem 114 includes a per user power contactor 308 (with an associated tenant main switch 1106). The user power contactors 308 are actively controlled components and are used to isolate energy supply to each user. The contactors 308 are controlled by a control switch 1110 associated with meter 314, which in turn is controlled by the energy management system 104.

[100] The size of the contactor 308 is dependent on the grid power tenancy main switch size in amperage, for example, a three phase, 80A tenancy main switch will receive an 80A, three phase contactor. In some embodiments, the contactor 308 may provide isolation of the tenant renewable power, e.g. in the event of non-payment, emergencies, or if renewable power is supplied from the energy system 122 to the grid (via CT chamber 322).

[101] The power supply subsystem 114 also has a monitoring current transformer 310. There is one monitoring current transformer 310 per each phase for each user that monitors live demand of each phase of each user. In the exemplary embodiment, both the metering current transformer 306 and the monitoring current transformer 310 are passive devices. The user load 312 in Figure 3 represents the power consumption of a particular user.

[102] The tenant supply meter 314, is an actively controlled data acquisition device that reports to the energy management system 104. The meter 314 has three main functions. Firstly, the meter 314 meters each phase of each user’s renewable energy supply for the purpose of billing. This operation is executed in conjunction with metering CT 306, and the data is reported to the energy management system 104. Secondly, the meter 314 monitors each phase of each user’s live energy demand for the purpose of managing total system energy production, and managing and/or mitigating grid export. Thirdly, meter 314 includes controller functionality, and controls the energy contactors 308 via a control switch 1110.

[103] The meter 314 obtains measurements from the metering current transformer 306, the per user power contactor 308, and the monitoring current transformer 310. The tenant supply meter 18

314 obtains and provides data relating to each user’s live demand, and each user’s total energy consumption (including both renewable energy and grid energy). These measurements are provided to the energy management system 104, which in turn provides control signals to the tenant supply meter 314. The tenant supply meter 314 includes control switch 1110 that turns the current transformer 306 on or off.

[104] An example of a tenant supply meter 314 is SATEC’s Branch Feeder Monitor (BFM), or the BFM-II, that provide energy management metering for multi -point power solutions. The BFM monitors three-phase or single-phase circuits, and utilizes High Accuracy Current Sensors (HACS), which measure and report the current consumed by each of the branch circuits at the panel board. For billing purposes, single or multiple circuits can be defined for each customer.

[105] In an exemplary embodiment using a BFM-II, the meter 314 has 54 total CT inputs and the ability to add a Relay Output which provides the functionality for the control switch 1110 so that the user supply can be controlled remotely, in this case by switching the user power contactor 308 on or off. In some embodiments the control switch 1110 is separate and not part of the meter 314, the control switch 1110 nevertheless being an actively controlled component. In particular, the control switch 1110 is controlled by the energy management system 104, for example via direct cloud intervention or by automated processes built into the system’s onsite operating software.

[106] Optionally (as shown in broken lines in Figure 3), in some embodiments, if the user load 312 exceeds the renewable energy supply provided by the energy source 102, then the energy supply to the user is supplemented from the grid 320 (i.e. an electrical grid connecting to e.g., a power station via electric power transmission). As shown, the monitoring current transformer

310 is installed load side of the main grid power isolation 1108 situated at the meter panel 318.

[107] Furthermore, optionally (as shown in broken lines in Figure 3), where the energy supply from the energy source 102 exceeds both the charging energy used by the batteries 208 and the user load 312, the excess renewable energy may be provided to the grid 320 via the inverter, current transformer, and contactor, shown as CT chamber 322 in Figures 3 and 11. The CT chamber 322 has a circuit breaker line side of a CT section and then an isolator load side to meet code and regulation requirements. The grid supply renewable energy contactor is controlled by the meter 314, which in turn is controlled by the energy management system 104. The grid supply contactor’s purpose is to provide energy to the power grid upon request by the local 19 authority. The grid renewable energy supply inverter is sized according to the requirements of the local power authority and not to exceed the size of the main switch of the system 100. For example, a 400kW main switch cannot have more than a 400kW inverter installed. The grid inverter supplies electricity to the CT chamber where a power authority owned meter is situated. The power authority meter will meter the energy the system 100 sends to their network. The gird inverter’s output is connected to the CT chamber line side, load side of the CT chamber has cables outgoing that match that of the site’s incoming mains, and are installed in parallel to the line side of the site’s grid power main isolator.

[108] Figure 13 is a Single Line Diagram (SLD) illustrating an embodiment of a part of the renewable energy system 100. From left to right, the generator 202 interfaces with the generator controller 204 which, in turn, interfaces with both the battery controller 206 and battery 208, and the DC distribution 301 via the DC bus 220. The AC distribution 1302 is metered by the meter 314 and the metering CT 306, and energy provision to the user is monitored at the monitoring CT 310. AC supply data is provided to the energy management system 104 from the meter 314 (at 1304) and from the monitoring CT 310 (at 1306).

[ 109] Energy Management System Overview

[110] The energy management system 104 directly controls the generation, distribution, conversion and storage of renewable energy within a site, as illustrated in Figure 12, for example.

[111] The energy management system 104 is an edge control device responsible for the management and relay of energy to users through direct control of edge devices and hardware through software control. The software also provides usage information and operational data to both the system’s network operations centre (NOC), e.g. at computing system 110, and to the user 112. The energy management system 104 manages energy flow on client sites, to ensure that PV, wind, or other renewable energy is optimised to meet site demand and battery charging during daylight hours, and to then control battery discharge to the site load when renewable energy generation is less than the site load. The energy sources that are controlled include the renewable energy source 102, and the batteries 208.

[112] In a preferred embodiment, the energy management system 104 functions as a control device that balances energy flow on the DC bus 220 such that as the renewable energy provided 20 by energy source 102 and the user demand vary, energy exported to the grid remains zero (unless a specific request is received from the grid).

[113] In the exemplary embodiment, the energy management system 104 comprises an edge gateway (i.e. a network entry point for devices talking to cloud services) in a hot standby configuration which is loaded with an energy management program to manage energy, local devices, hardware, billing and environment control local to the site. Hot standby is a redundant method in which one system runs simultaneously with an identical primary system. Upon failure of the primary system, the hot standby system takes over, replacing the primary system. The energy management system 104 then reports back to the remote server 110 and customers 112 via redundant diverse transmission links and cloud infrastructure as outlined in Figure 1.

[114] Referring to Figure 4 of the drawings, an embodiment of the energy management system 104 is shown. The energy management system 104 is used for managing energy supply to the plurality of users. The energy management system 104 has a data interface 410 configured to receive energy parameters from an energy system 122 (as illustrated in Figure 1), a processor 420, and a communication interface 430. As is typical with computing devices, the processor 420 may have storage 440 and/or memory 450 associated therewith, and sharing data with one another via a bus 460. The processor 420 is configured to process the received energy parameters to determine energy use information of the plurality of users (as described in more detail elsewhere herein). The processor 420 is also configured to process the received energy parameters to determine control parameters for the energy supply (as supplied by the energy system 122). The data interface 410 is further configured to communicate these control parameters to the energy system 122. The communication interface 430 is configured to communicate the received and/or processed energy parameters to computing system 110, where some or all of this information may be stored, further processed, provided to the users via an energy app, etc. The communication interface 430 may also communicate the energy use information with billing system 120.

[115] In the exemplary embodiment, the energy management system 104 receives data from and also provides control for the following: the generator controller 204 (e.g. the power optimiser), the battery controller 206 (e.g. the BOSS), the meter 314 (e.g. the BFM-II), the battery 208, the smart inverter 302, and a grid renewable energy supply smart inverter. 21

[116] Referring to Figure 12 which shows a system diagram of an embodiment of a part of the renewable energy system 100, the energy management system 104 is shown interfacing with various components of the system 100. In this embodiment, the data interface 410 is configured to communicate via Modbus (a communication protocol used for industrial electronic devices). In the exemplary embodiment a Modbus Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) connection 1202 (Modbus RTU is a serial transmission mode), is used to exchange data with the generator controller/optimiser 204, the battery controllers 206, and the meter 314. A battery Modbus connection 1204 is used to exchange data with the batteries 208. The data interface 410 provides control signals via the Modbus RTU and the Modbus connections 1202, 1204. In some embodiments the battery Modbus connections 1204 may include a Modbus RTU and/or a Sunspec Modbus (a communication standard used for monitoring and controller Distributed Energy Resource (DER) systems).

[117] As illustrated in Figure 12, the energy management system 104 is in communication with network 108. In this embodiment, the communication interface 430 uses an IP Protocol interface to communicate with connected devices, servers, and/or storage via network 108, for example with computing system 110, billing system 120, and storage 124 as illustrated in Figure 1

[118] In summary the energy management system 104 receives data as follows.

[119] The energy management system 104 receives data via Modbus live readings of each tenancy on the renewable energy exchange, in kWh usage. This information is obtained via a current transformer 310 on the load side of the user’s main switch 308. This is the monitoring CT 310. The CT secondary input is read by a multi-input meter 314 (a BMF-II in the exemplary embodiment), which can read individual inputs from 18 to 54 current inputs. The meter 314 has an associated control switch 1110 for each input. The energy management system 104 also receives kWh readings from a current transformer 306 on the input side from the renewable energy supply, which is connected on the line side of the user's main switch (shown as contactor 308 in Figure 3). The energy management system 104 receives data via Modbus live readings of each user of the system, in kWh usage. This metering CT information is then processed and is billable to the individual users . The meter 314 is behind the grid supply energy meter 318. In the exemplary embodiment, the control switch 1110 is an add-on to the BMF-II meter 314 and, using a volt free contact, is connected to a normally open contactor 308. These contactors are 22 installed on the line side of the renewable energy circuit breaker 304 dedicated for each user. This contactor 308 is controlled directly via the meter 314, and serves two main functions:

[120] Firstly, as long as energy is flowing through a user’s main switch measured by the monitoring CT 310, then the control switch 1110 will close the relevant volt free contact. An external voltage source supplied by the community section of the installation will then energize the contactor coil. This auto isolation protocol is a safety protocol of the system whereby a user’s renewable energy is automatically isolated if zero voltage is detected on the line side of the user’s grid power isolator. This serves a safety role: if a user’s main switch is turned off for electrical work within the building there will be no energy flow through the monitoring CT 310 and the control switch 1110 will open circuit the supply to the relevant contactor 308, thereby stopping supply from the energy source 102.

[121] Secondly, in the event that a user does not want to participate in the renewable energy supply (but instead receive energy from the grid), the energy management system 104 can communicate with the meter 314 and switch 1110 module and open circuit the relevant contactor 308, disconnecting them. The energy management system 104 can also disconnect the renewable energy supply to the user at contactor 308 via meter 314 if their electricity bill is not paid.

[122] The energy management system 104 is also linked to the billing software. In some embodiments, usage for each user and the building as a whole is available on mobile apps for individuals to access. Site information for load is also stored, providing a source of information regarding energy consumption for the site.

[123] In summary the energy management system 104 controls components of the system 100 as follows.

[124] The aggregate power consumption of the users is calculated by the energy management system 104 software, in real-time, based on the data received. This provides the required information to control the output from the renewable energy source 202 at power optimiser 204, in kWh required as a maximum demand for the entire site. In addition, the BOSS 206 monitors and controls the battery banks 208.

[125] The power optimiser 204 is an MPPT device and receives a maximum demand indication in kWh via the Modbus RTU connection 1202. This information is provided by the 23

BMF-II meter 314, and is relayed to the power optimiser 204 via the energy management system 104. The power optimiser 204 provides the ramping control of renewable energy devices 202, and delivers the kWh output from the renewable energy source 202 to the users and battery bank 208. Once the maximum demand of each user and battery storage is full, the spot 204 will reduce the output from the renewable sources 202. The BOSS 206 is also controlled by energy management system 104 via the Modbus RTU connection 1202. This will curtail any renewable energy being sent to the grid (for embodiments where this is a feature). The output to each user from the inverters 302 is controlled to match a percentage of live demand. The inverters 302 are able to receive a set DC bus voltage, nominally 720 VDC, and convert DC to 240-250VAC 50Hz.

[126] Some embodiments have an export supply separately metered via a utility smart meter 322. The smart meter 322 can either be a direct connect or CT operated meter depending on the size of the installation and the export to the grid current rating as per the energy regulator requirements. This function turns the microgrid of the system described herein into a source of energy to the grid 320 in times of peak demand.

[127] Method of managing renewable energy provision

[128] Figure 5 of the drawings shows an embodiment of a method 500 of managing renewable energy provision.

[129] At 502 the energy management system 104 requests, via the data interface 410, status data from the energy system 122. The energy system 122 is the energy provision system 116 (which includes the energy source 102 and the energy storage 103) and the supply system 106 (which includes one or more user power supply subsystems 114).

[130] At 510, the data interface 410 of the energy management system 104 receives status data from one or more of the components of the energy system 122 supplying energy. For example, status data may be received from the meter 314, the generator controller 204, the battery controller 206, and/or the inverter 302. In some embodiments the status data may include data used for monitoring correct operation and equipment functionality for maintenance purposes.

[131] At 520, the processor 420 processes the received status data as described elsewhere herein with reference to Figure 14. The received and processed data may be stored locally (at 512) by the energy management system 104 in storage 440. At 522, the control parameters are 24 confirmed by the processor 420 against the received status data. In some embodiments the received data is processed to ascertain correct operation of equipment and to ascertain whether maintenance of equipment is required.

[132] Then at 530, the control parameters are communicated to the energy system 122 via the data interface 410. The control parameters include setpoints that are provided to the battery controller 206, the generator controller 204, and/or the inverters 302.

[133] Optionally, at 540, the received status data, control parameters, setpoints and/or the processed data are communicated to the computing system 110 via the communication interface 430 of the energy management system 104, for example to be stored in the data storage 124 associated with the computing system 110 and used to provide feedback to the users.

[134] This process repeats as indicated by arrow 550.

[135] As shown in Figure 6, receiving the status data 510 may include one or more of the following: at 610, receiving energy consumption data; at 620, receiving battery status data, at 630, receiving energy generator data, and at 640, receiving inverter data.

[136] Optionally, at 650, user-specific data may also be received. For example, where user behaviour (such as energy consumption or bill payments) is taken into consideration when managing the renewable energy system. This user-specific data may, in one exemplary embodiment, be received from the computing system 110, for example from the billing system 120. In the event that an unpaid billing threshold is reached, the energy management system 104 may control energy supply to the relevant user, for example by limiting, reducing, pausing and/or terminating energy supply. The user-specific data may, in another exemplary embodiment, be received from the tenant supply meter 314.

[137] As shown in Figure 7, processing the status data 520 may include one or more of the following:

[138] At 710, aggregating per user energy consumption. In some embodiments, aggregating per user energy consumption may be achieved by receiving, at the data interface 410 of the energy management system 104, real time discrete energy consumption values from one or more of the current transformer(s) 306 via the meter(s) 314. The real time values are stored locally in storage 440, and summed via the processor 420. This sum is the real time aggregated energy 25 consumption. The real time aggregate value and real time discrete values are timestamped by the processor 420, stored in storage 440 (at 512) and then (at step 540) sent via the communications interface 430 to the computing system 110 and stored in storage 124 where the processed data may be used for subsequent processing.

[139] At 720, determining per user usage parameters. In some embodiments, determining per user usage parameters may be performed in the computing system 110 by using the discrete values from the current transformer(s) 306 (as collected via the meter(s) 314). For example, in some embodiments the energy consumption values from the current transformer(s) 306 are recorded over a period of time and compared against one or more similar historical timeframes for the same current transformer(s) 306. The comparison data may then be processed at computing system 110 to predict short term future energy requirements for the site, for example using statistical prediction models which may be implemented using machine learning techniques such as regression techniques.

[140] In the exemplary embodiment, time-based pattern analysis is performed by the energy management system 104 to develop a predictive model for power usage of each user. The usage according to the developed predictive model is compared to current, actual usage. The difference between the predicted energy usage value and the current energy usage value per user is used to give a weighting that informs the system on how best to respond to potential future power needs. The calculated weighting is used to adjust the real time monitored energy usage so that energy production is adjusted accordingly. This is implemented using a neural network trained on past usage data in order to predict future power usage so that renewable energy production is pre-emptively adjusted in order to meet the target before a change occurs.

[141] At 722, the current per user energy consumption value and the predicted value are stored (see step 512 in Figure 5), and may, from there, be provided to the computing system 110 where the current per user energy consumption value and the predicted value are stored in storage 124.

[142] At 730, determining aggregate usage parameters. In some embodiments, the current and predicted values determined at step 720 are used to calculate the aggregate usage parameters for both real time demand and predictive demand by summing the values over a period of time (for example over a 24-hour period, over a 48-hour period, over a week, over a month, etc.) that are stored in storage 124, and then saving these calculated values in storage 124. This may be done 26 by the processor 420 and/or at the computing system 110. The aggregate current and/or predicted usage parameters are stored at 722.

[143] Steps 720 and 730 may include determining predicted future per user and aggregate (i.e. total user) usage parameters. In some embodiments this is done based on historical usage parameters, for example using known regression techniques such as linear regression. In other embodiments time -based pattern analysis is used, as described above.

[144] At 740, determining one or more system setpoints. In some embodiments, both the real time and predicted values calculated in steps 720 and 730 are retrieved, and then the processor 420 of the energy management system 104 sums the like values for one or more user connections to the energy system 122. The summed individual values provide a total real time value and/or a total predictive value, and in some embodiments these values are also stored.

[145] In some embodiments a predicted load is determined based on historical use parameters, for example using known regression techniques such as linear regression. In these embodiments, the total real time user load and total predicted load values are compared by the processor 420 of the energy management system 104. One or more setpoints are determined for the energy system 122 taking into consideration both the current user energy load and the predicted load, for example based on an average of the total real and predicted loads, or based on a median of the per user real and predicted loads.

[146] Where a site has the ability to individually control supply via a dedicated inverter 302 to each monitored current transformer 306, then there may be a need to manage each inverter 302 individually via the set points. This is indicated by arrow 350 in Figure 3.

[147] At 740, system setpoints are determined based on the parameters calculated in steps 720 and/or 730. The setpoints are determined as described with reference to Figure 14, and include setpoints for the generator 202, the generator controller 204, the battery controller 206, the batteries 208, the power optimiser 210, the control modules 212 if present, and/or the inverters 302.

[148] Figure 14 illustrates the operation of the energy management system 104 in more detail. The site hardware interfaces to the energy management system 104 over a mixture of data communication protocols, the main ones being: RS485, Modbus RTU, and Direct Digital as detailed in Figure 12. Using these methods, the required data is both retrieved and sent to the 27 devices to meet the required control logic conditions. The control logic conditions can be summarised as shown in Table 1, where El is the generated renewable energy, E2 is energy provided by the batteries 208, L2 is the user load, and LI is the charging load of the battery controller 206 and the batteries 208:

TABLE 1: Control Logic Conditions

[149] The control logic conditions of Table 1 may be understood with reference to Figure 14, which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method 1400 of controlling energy generation and storage. At 1402 data is input to the energy management system 104 via the data interface 410. This data is input from various components in the system 100, for example, the energy management system 104 receives:

• customer load data from the monitoring CT 310 via the meter 314,

• battery load and charge data is received from the batteries 208 via the battery Modbus connection 1204, and from the battery controller 206 via the Modbus RTU connection 1202,

• the inverter 302 DC input value, and

• the inverter 302 AC output value.

[150] The input data and the information obtained therefrom may further be understood with reference to Table 2. 28

TABLE 2: Software Data Dictionary 29

[151] At 1404, the energy provided from the energy source 102 and from the batteries 308 is determined by the processor 420 of the energy management system, and the user load and the battery load are determined from the data received at 1402. For example, the per customer load L2 may be determined from the customer load data received from the monitoring CT 310 via the meter 314. For each inverter, the inverter 302 DC input value equals the power provided by the energy source 102 to that inverter 302, and the inverter 302 AC output value equals the per customer load. The total customer load åL2 is determined from the per customer load L2.

[152] The processor 420 is configured to process the received energy parameters to determine control parameters for the energy supplied by the energy system 122. The data interface 410 is configured to communicate these control parameters to the energy system 122.

[153] The energy management system 104 uses the input data received at 1402 to calculate, at 1404, the customer load value, and to confirm the power supplied to the inverter 302 from the energy source 102. The processor 420 compares the generated energy El to the total customer load åL2.

[154] If, at 1406, the processor 420 determines that the solar power equals the user load, E1=L2, then no additional battery power is required and neither is any power available to recharge the batteries, and the energy management system 104 provides (at 1408) a control signal accordingly via the data interface 410 to the battery controller 206.

[155] If the processor 420 determines, at 1410, that the user load exceeds the renewable energy, i.e., E1<L2, then at 1412 the energy management system 104 provides a control signal accordingly to the battery controller 206 via the data interface 410 to supplement energy supply from the batteries 308.

[156] In some embodiments, the processor 420 determines at 1414 whether the generated energy together with the battery energy supply is sufficient to meet the customer load requirements. If the processor determines that the renewable energy system (i.e. the battery together with the energy source, e.g. a photovoltaic power generator) will not be able to meet the customer load in the next time period, then a control signal is provided (at 1416) to the battery controller 206 and the generator controller 204 to stop supplying power. When this occurs and the voltage available from the renewable energy system drops below the voltage available from the grid 320, then the power provided to the load is supplemented from the grid. 30

[157] Alternatively, if the processor determines at 1410 that the renewable energy exceeds the load, i.e. E1>L2, then at 1418, the energy management system 104 provides a control signal via the data interface 410 to the battery controller 206 to use the excess generated energy to recharge the batteries 208. For the example case where E1=L1+L2, some of the generated power El is used to meet user demand L2 while the rest of the generated power El is used to recharge the batteries 208.

[158] In the exemplary embodiment, if the processor 420 determines, at 1420, that the batteries are charged, then the energy management system 104 provides a control signal, at 1422, via the data interface 410 to the power optimiser 204 to limit the production of energy by the energy source 102 so that E1=L1+L2.

[159] As shown in Figure 8, providing the control parameters to the energy system 122 in order to effect control of one or more parts of the energy system 122 may include, at 810, applying one or more energy source setpoints, and at 820, applying one or more energy storage setpoints. Energy source setpoints include setpoints provided to the energy source 102, for example to the generator 202, the generator controller 204, the power optimiser 210, and/or the control modules 212 if present. Energy storage setpoints include setpoints provided to the energy storage 103, for example to the battery 208 and/or to the battery controller 206. Optionally, at 830, per user power supply may be controlled, for example by providing setpoints to the per user inverters 302.

[160] Figure 17 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 1700 of managing renewable energy provision by an energy management system 104. The method 1700 provides setpoints to the energy source 102 and the energy storage 103 of the system 100. At 1702 status data is input from the loads, i.e., per user and/or aggregate user load, e.g., provided by the inverter 302 and/or the meter 314. Data is also input from the power sources, i.e., from the energy storage 103 via the battery controller 206, and/or from the energy source 102 via the generator controller 204.

[161] At 1704 the processor 420 of the energy management system 104 determines, from the data input in step 1702, whether the batteries are outputting energy. If the batteries are outputting energy then at 1706 the processor compares the energy supply from the generator 202 with the site load. If the energy supply from the generator 202 matches the site load, then at 1708 the battery controller 206 sets the batteries 208 to input (i.e. to charge). Otherwise, at 31

1710, the energy management system 204 provides setpoints to the battery controller 206 and/or generator controller 204 to effect generator supply + battery supply = site load. This is illustrated as State 1 1712, where curve 1714 represents the generator supply, curve 1716 represents the battery supply, and curve 1718 represents the site load (kWh overtime).

[162] If, at 1704, the processor 420 determines that the batteries are not outputting energy, then at 1720 the processor compares the generated energy supply to the sum of the energy being used to recharge the batteries and the site load. If the energy provided by the generator 202 exceeds the energy required by both the batteries 208 and the site load, then at 1722 the energy management system 204 provides setpoints to the generator controller 204 in order to reduce the generator output.

[163] Alternatively, if the energy required by both the batteries 208 and the site load exceeds the energy provided by the generator 202, then at 1724 the processor 420 of the energy management system 104 determines whether the battery charge is approaching a battery charge threshold, for example 90% fully charged. If the processor determines that the battery charge is approaching the battery charge threshold, then at 1726 the energy management system 104 provides the generator control 204 with a setpoint to proportionally reduce the generator output. This is illustrated at State 2 1728, where curve 1714 then represents the generator output, curve 1716 represents the battery charge, and curve 1718 represents the battery charge threshold (kWh overtime).

[164] If, at 1724, the processor determines that the batter charge is not approaching the battery charge threshold, then at 1730 the processor compares the energy supplied by the generator 202 to the site load. If the site load exceeds the energy supplied then at 1732 the energy management system 104 provides a setpoint to the battery controller 206 to set the batteries to output.

[165] The process is repeated as indicated by arrow 1734.

[166] Figure 9 shows how received and processed status data is stored according to step 512 in the method of Figure 5. At 910 per user energy consumption data is stored (including how much renewable energy and how much grid energy forms part of a user’s energy consumption). At 920, battery status data (e.g. percent charge, charge rate, charging/discharging status, etc.) is stored and at 930 energy generator data (current kWh generation, cumulative energy generation, averaged energy generation per time period such as per hour or per day, etc.) is stored. At 940, aggregate energy consumption data relating to a particular site (e.g. one building with multiple 32 users) is stored. At 950, other user usage parameters are stored, such as average energy use, peak energy use, energy use of a period (e.g. over 24 hours), etc. At 960, aggregate usage parameters (relating to the site as a whole) are stored.

[167] The data may be stored locally in storage associated with the energy management system 104, in addition to or as an alternative to storing the data offsite (for example in data storage 124 or in cloud storage).

[168] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a method 1000 of managing billing for the renewable energy system 100. At 1002 status data and usage parameters are received by the computing system 110. At 1004 the received status data and usage parameters are applied to billing platform 120. At 1006, according to some embodiments, the usage parameters and billing data are provided to an energy software platform that supports the energy app accessible to the users, e.g. via a personal computing device such as a mobile smart phone.

[ 169] Energy Software Platform and Energy App

[170] An energy software platform is supported by the computing system 110 and/or the energy management system 104. The energy software platform has access to the measured and processed data that relates to the operation of the renewable energy system 100, and facilitates providing the measured and processed data to the users via an energy app. In some embodiments, users can download an application (“app”) on a personal computing device (for example a portable device such as a tablet or smart phone), or log in via a web interface to view various details relating to their energy usage. The energy software platform also facilitates providing the measured and processed data to other users or stakeholders of the renewable energy system 100, for example a building manager where the users are tenants.

[171] Referring to Figure 15 of the drawings, a user interface 1500 for an energy app is shown. In this embodiment, the user interface 1500 provides an overview of energy consumption related data for a building as a whole, including multiple users (also referred to as tenants). This user interface 1500 may, for example, be used by building managers. The user interface 1500 provides an overall view of the entire property's energy consumption. The top section 1520 shows each energy source that has been consumed: battery energy 1508, renewable energy 1506, and grid energy 1518, as well as showing the total energy consumption 1502. 33

[172] The middle left section 1510 shows a percentage breakdown of energy supplied, and at 1512 the money saved by using renewable energy. Money saved is based on a number of input variables entered by the user. If no inputs are entered there is a prompt to action the user to provide inputs.

[173] Middle right section 1514 is a graphic displaying the percentage of renewable energy supplied to the site compared to the electricity grid.

[174] Across all these sections the user can toggle between all tenants or a specific tenant to drill down and get a more granular look. They can also look at usage over selected time periods.

[175] The bottom section 1516 is a per tenant breakdown so the user (for example a building manager or owner) can see which tenants are consuming how much energy and what source of energy. This section also has time periods to see any trends over set periods of time.

[176] Referring to Figure 16, another embodiment of a user interface 1600 is shown. This user interface 1600 would typically be used by a user that is a tenant, and shows electricity consumption of their tenancy.

[177] The top section 1620 shows each energy source that has been consumed: battery energy 1614, renewable energy 1604, and grid energy 1606, as well as showing the total energy consumption 1602.

[178] The middle left section 1612 shows a percentage breakdown of energy supplied (renewable versus grid energy), and at 1610 the money saved by using renewable energy is shown. Money saved is based on a number of input variables entered by the user. If no inputs are entered there is a prompt to action the user to provide inputs. Battery charge 1608 is also shown.

[179] In some embodiments, the bottom section 1630 is used to display patterns and trends that enable the user to see how they compare against other matching tenants. Matching is based on common property data including apartment/office/warehouse floor area, usage type, room type (e.g., bedrooms/offices), installed appliances, etc. 34

[180] Advantages and Benefits

[181] The exemplary embodiment of the renewable energy system 100 described herein captures energy from the sun using solar panels. The energy management system 104 and the energy storage 103 are typically both located on site. The energy management system 104 constantly measures each user’s electricity demand. The system 100 then precisely generates and distributes the exact amount of electricity demanded by all tenancies combined. The energy management system 104 actively makes energy supply adjustments within milliseconds to predictably mitigate grid export of renewable power, and simultaneously ensures optimal electricity energy storage for night time use. The energy management system 104 meters grid and renewable electricity usage of individual tenancies in real-time. Data is securely stored in the cloud. In addition, users can view real-time usage, energy-saving tips and usage costs on an app, e.g. a mobile app.

[182] The system described herein can function as an urban situated, cloud connected, dynamic renewable power production and storage network that uses (typically low-set) multi tenant buildings to generate, store and sell energy. The system includes advanced onboard energy control systems that, in a preferred embodiment, does not include export of renewable power to the grid. The system meters the supply of renewable power to each tenant onsite and invoices for their consumption. Advantageously, this can result in around 20% discount compared to energy retail costs. In a preferred embodiment, the system uses water based energy storage and can produce and supply up to 100% of most residential buildings’ (and some commercial buildings’) energy demand requirements over a twenty-four hour period.

[183] The energy provision system described herein transforms the energy supplied from the power grid into an onsite backup energy supply. The large amount of stored energy at each site can be diverted to the power grid and act as a peaker plant if and when needed. When a number of energy provision systems as described herein are deployed throughout an urban region, they can remotely be controlled to supplement grid supply and inject energy into the power grid when and where it is needed most via a CT chamber and the onboard communications system.

[184] The energy provision system described herein is disruptive and transformative in nature and could change the way we think about electricity in multi-tenant buildings. Presently, in multi-tenant buildings there exists no equitable method of sharing the roof space and/or energy 35 generated from a renewable energy generation system amongst tenants and building owners or body corporates.

[185] The energy provision system described herein aims to solve some of the challenges relating to renewable energy provision to multi-tenant buildings by creating a private, dynamic and metered renewable energy supply to each tenant of a multi-tenant building (output) that stems from at least one large-scale renewable energy generation system located on-site (input).

[186] The energy provision system described herein systematically over-generates electricity to store inside benign vanadium flow energy storage systems to provide a safe, 24-hour renewable energy supply to multi-tenant buildings.

[187] The tenants inside the multi -tenant site can be remotely isolated from the provided energy, e.g. for non-payment of electricity invoices and/or so the system can purge the stored energy it has accumulated during peak sun hours to the power grid (for example, at the request of the power grid at a commercially arranged per kWh rate.

[188] Unique features of the systems described herein include that the energy usage of all tenancies within a building or a complex can be offset, not just community power, i.e., not just the power provided for shared or communal loads in a multi-tenant building or site (such as communal lighting, air conditioners, etc.). Furthermore, 90-100% of the total energy needs per tenancy can be supplied on demand; a single large, autonomous system can supply, meter and bill all tenants, not individual systems per tenants; and energy generation is precisely controlled to only enter the grid upon request and at agreed premium rates.

[189] In some embodiments, the energy provision system described herein provides the following features:

[190] Metering: The energy management system 104 continuously meters energy demand of all tenancies and continuously matches energy supply to the total site demand. The energy app provides real-time visibility on usage and charges for each tenant, property management organization and owner. This is achieved through cloud accumulation of real time data and provision to a range of mobile platforms.

[191] Supply: A single installation supplies renewable energy to all tenants (plus community area demand) in the multi -tenant site. Multiple renewable energy sources can be added to the 36 system as technology evolves (solar, wind, hydrogen etc.) Grid connectivity is maintained for backup and, upon instruction, renewable power is injected into the power grid. This reduces peak grid demand and the need to start up high cost peaker plant assets.

[192] Storage: Surplus energy is diverted to batteries during the day to meet demand for evening use, through battery supply to the site. Energy is safely stored on site and the system does not export any electricity to the grid, removing regulatory limitations on large scale renewable energy supply.

[193] Advantageously, according to some embodiments, the cloud-controlled urban renewable network generates energy where the users live and work. This mitigates line loss and maximises efficiency and profitability. The system is scalable across multiple properties and regions. All system and usage data are captured in the cloud, keeping customers connected from anywhere in the world. The system (via computing system 110) maintains 24/7 visibility and control over every powered site globally. Accordingly, regulatory bodies, building owners and customers can view current and historical aggregated and individual usage data. Upon request, each site can remotely supply electricity back to the grid from the on-site storage batteries at a predetermined premium rate. Controlled releases ensure energy is delivered when needed at times of peak grid load. The system does not allow energy to enter the grid unless specifically requested.

[194] Advantageously, according to some embodiments, buildings that support the renewable energy provision system described herein generate sufficient energy to fill onsite batteries, energy retailers have real-time visibility on all battery storage levels and locations, retailers can request controlled release of energy to meet peak demand, peak demand can be scheduled for common trends and forecast peaks, and real-time controlled release can be triggered digitally upon request.

[195] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[196] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

37 CLAIMS:

1. An energy management system for managing energy supplied by a renewable energy system to a plurality of users, the energy management system comprising: a data interface configured to receive energy parameters from the renewable energy system, the renewable energy system shared by the plurality of users; and a processor configured to process the energy parameters to determine control parameters for the renewable energy system to manage the energy supplied, wherein the processor is further configured to provide the control parameters, via the data interface, to a generator controller of the renewable energy system thereby controlling an amount of energy provided by the renewable energy system to the plurality of users.

2. The energy management system of claim 1, wherein controlling the amount of energy provided comprises the generator controller, responsive to the control parameters, causing an energy generator of the renewable energy system to reduce energy production of a renewable energy generator.

3. The energy management system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processor processes the energy parameters by: aggregating per user energy consumption; determining per user usage parameters; determining aggregate usage parameters; and determining system setpoints.

4. The energy management system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor determines the control parameters by analysing the received energy parameters to determine one or more of: if energy generated by the renewable energy system equals an energy user load for the plurality of users; 38 if said user load exceeds the generated energy; if the generated energy plus a battery energy supply equal the user load; and if the generated energy exceeds the user load and a battery charging load.

5. The energy management system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor determines the control parameters by analysing the received energy parameters to determine one or more of: if batteries of the renewable energy system are providing energy for the user load; if the generated energy is less than the user load; if a battery charge of the batteries is approaching a battery charge threshold.

6. The energy management system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor determines control parameters that comprise setpoints for one or more of the following components of the renewable energy system: an energy source comprising an energy generator and a generator controller; an energy storage comprising one or more batteries and a battery controller; and a per user power supply comprising an inverter.

7. The energy management system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor processes the energy parameters to predict a future user load and determines the control parameters responsive to the predicted future load.

8. A method of managing renewable energy provision for a plurality of independent users that share a renewable energy source, the method comprising: at a data interface, receiving status data from a renewable energy system supplying energy; processing, by a processor, the status data to determine control parameters for the renewable energy supply; and 39 communicating, via the data interface, the control parameters to the energy system thereby controlling the provision of renewable energy to multiple users, wherein the status data comprises individual use parameters for each of the users, and wherein controlling the provision of renewable energy comprises providing renewable energy based on individual user demand.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the status data comprises energy parameters that describe operation of a renewable energy source, an energy storage connected to the renewable energy source, and energy consumption data per user.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the control parameters are used to control operation of at least one of: the renewable energy source, the energy storage, and bespoke renewable energy supply per user.

11. The method of any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising determining and providing individual billing information based on renewable energy usage per user.

12. A renewable energy system that is shared amongst a plurality of users, the renewable energy system comprising: a renewable energy system comprising: a renewable energy source; an energy storage connected to the renewable energy source and configured to store energy from the renewable energy source; and a supply system configured to supply energy from the renewable energy source and the energy storage to a plurality of users; and an energy management system configured to manage individualised energy supply to each of the plurality of users by controlling at least one of: the renewable energy source, the energy storage, and the supply system.

13. The renewable energy system of claim 12, wherein the energy management system controls operation of the renewable energy source, the energy storage, and the supply system in response to energy parameters received from the renewable energy system. 40

14. The renewable energy system of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein: the renewable energy source comprises at least one generator and at least one generator controller; and the energy storage comprises at least one battery and at least one battery controller, and wherein the energy management system manages individualised energy supply to each of the plurality of users by providing control parameters to the at least one generator controller and to the at least one battery controller.

15. The renewable energy system of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the supply system comprises an inverter for each user, and wherein the renewable energy system comprises a DC bus directly connecting the renewable energy source, the energy storage, and the inverters of the supply system.

16. The renewable energy system of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the system further comprises: an energy metering system configured to individually meter renewable energy consumption per user; and a billing system configured to determine billing information per user based on meter data received from the energy metering system.