Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-11-19)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness

CLAIMS:
What is claimed is:
1\. A microgrid power system, comprising: a power module configured to generate direct current (DC) power; an inverter module having a DC side and an AC side, and configured to invert DC power received from the power module on the DC side and output alternating current (AC) power on the AC side; a DC bus electrically connecting an output of the power module to an input on the DC side of the inverter module; an AC load bus configured to electrically connect an output on the AC of the inverter module to an AC load; an energy storage device electrically connected to the DC bus; and a kinetic storage device (KSD) device electrically connected to the AC load bus on the AC side of the inverter module.
2\. The microgrid power system of claim 1, wherein the KSD comprises a flywheel and a motor/generator connected to the flywheel.
3\. The microgrid power system of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to control the KSD according to a detected frequency of AC power provided to the AC load through the AC load bus, such that the KSD maintains the frequency of the AC power within a set frequency range.
4\. The microgrid power system of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to control the KSD, such that: the KSD supplies power to the AC load bus when the detected frequency of the AC power is more than one hertz (Hz) lower than a set frequency; and the KSD receives power from the AC load bus when the detected frequency of the AC power is more than one Hz greater than the set frequency.
5\. The microgrid power system of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to control the KSD in response to detecting a fault condition, such that the KSD supplies a fault current to the AC load bus for a set period of time after the fault condition is detected.
6\. The microgrid power system of claim 1, further comprising a resistive load electrically connected to the DC bus and configured to selectively dissipate at least a portion of the DC power generated by the power module.
7\. The microgrid power system of claim 1, further comprising: a discharging line electrically connecting an output of the KSD to the AC load bus; a first charging line electrically connected to an external AC power source; a charging switch configured to selectively connect the first charging line to an input of the KSD; and a second charging line electrically connected to the AC load bus and the charging switch, wherein the controller is configured to control the charging switch, such that the KSD is provided with power from the first charging line or the second charging line.
8\. The microgrid power system of claim 1, wherein: the power module comprises a fuel cell power module; and the energy storage device comprises an ultracapacitor energy storage device.
9\. The microgrid power system of claim 1, further comprising the AC load electrically connected to the AC load bus.
10\. The microgrid power system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of additional power modules configured to provide DC power to the DC bus.
11\. A method of operating a microgrid power system, comprising: providing direct current (DC) power from a power module to an energy storage device and to a DC side of an inverter module; and providing alternating current (AC) power from an AC side of the inverter module to an AC load and to a kinetic storage device (KSD).
12\. The method of claim 11, wherein the KSD comprises a flywheel and a motor/generator connected to the flywheel.
13\. The method of claim 11, further comprising controlling the KSD according to a detected frequency of AC power provided to the AC load, such that the KSD maintains the frequency of the AC power provided to the AC load within a set frequency range.
14\. The method of claim 13, wherein the KSD receives the AC power from the AC side of the inverter module when the detected frequency of the AC power is more than one Hz greater than the set frequency.
15\. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing the AC power from the KSD to the AC load when the detected frequency of the AC power is more than one hertz (Hz) lower than a set frequency.
16\. The method of claim 11, further comprising controlling the KSD in response to detecting a fault condition, such that the KSD supplies a fault current for a set period of time after the fault condition is detected.
17\. The method of claim 11, further comprising a resistive load electrically connected to the power module and configured to selectively dissipate at least a portion of the DC power generated by the power module.
18\. The method of claim 11, further comprising stopping providing the AC power from the AC side of the inverter module to the KSD, and providing the AC power from an external power source to the KSD.
19\. The method of claim 11, wherein: the power module comprises a fuel cell power module; and the energy storage device comprises an ultracapacitor energy storage device.
20\. The method of claim 11, wherein the AC power is provided from the AC side of the inverter module to the KSD when the microgrid is operating in an island mode disconnected from an electric power grid.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1-5, 9-16, 18, 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Wobben (US 2005/0200133).
With respect to claim 1, Wobben discloses a microgrid power system, comprising: a power module configured to generate direct current (DC) power (figure 3 discloses power modules 12, 14, 18 configured to generate DC power); an inverter module having a DC side and an AC side (inverter 24), and configured to invert DC power received from the power module on the DC side and output alternating current (AC) power on the AC side (inverter 24 is couple to receive DC from the DC sources and is couple to an AC side); a DC bus electrically connecting an output of the power module to an input on the DC side of the inverter module (DC bus 28); an AC load bus configured to electrically connect an output on the AC of the inverter module to an AC load (inverter 24 is couple to an AC load via distributor 40); an energy storage device electrically connected to the DC bus (accumulator and capacitor blocks, 14 and 18); and a kinetic storage device (KSD) device electrically connected to the AC load bus on the AC side of the inverter module (flywheel 16 is connected to the AC side of the inverter and the AC load side).
With respect to claims 2, 12, Wobben discloses the microgrid power system of one of the claims, wherein the KSD comprises a flywheel and a motor/generator connected to the flywheel.  Flywheel 16 is connected to the synchronous generator 32.
With respect to claims 3, 13, Wobben discloses the microgrid power system of one of the claims, further comprising a controller configured to control the KSD according to a detected frequency of AC power provided to the AC load through the AC load bus, such that the KSD maintains the frequency of the AC power within a set frequency range.  Paragraph 0064 discloses that the flywheel is used for frequency regulation.
With respect to claims 4, 14, 15, Wobben discloses the microgrid power system of one of the claims, wherein the controller is configured to control the KSD, such that: the KSD supplies power to the AC load bus when the detected frequency of the AC power is more than one hertz (Hz) lower than a set frequency; and the KSD receives power from the AC load bus when the detected frequency of the AC power is more than one Hz greater than the set frequency.  Paragraph 0064, claim 23 discloses that the energy storage devices are used for overcoming frequency instabilities or deviations from its desired value.
With respect to claims 5, 16, Wobben discloses the microgrid power system of one of the claims, further comprising a controller configured to control the KSD in response to detecting a fault condition, such that the KSD supplies a fault current to the AC load bus for a set period of time after the fault condition is detected.  Controller 42 controls the operation of the energy storage devices/flywheel to compensate for frequency variations, paragraph 0064.
With respect to claim 9, Wobben discloses the microgrid power system of claim 1, further comprising the AC load electrically connected to the AC load bus.  Paragraph 0026 discloses provided AC power to a load.
With respect to claim 10, Wobben discloses the microgrid power system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of additional power modules configured to provide DC power to the DC bus.  Figure 3 discloses a plurality of power modules 12, 14, 18 configured to generate DC power to the DC bus 28.
With respect to claim 11, Wobben discloses the apparatus necessary to complete the recited method steps, as discussed above in the rejection of claim 1.
With respect to claim 18, Wobben discloses the method of claim 11, further comprising stopping providing the AC power from the AC side of the inverter module to the KSD, and providing the AC power from an external power source to the KSD.  Figure 3 discloses receiving AC power from an external power source 30.
With respect to claim 20, Wobben discloses the method of claim 11, wherein the AC power is provided from the AC side of the inverter module to the KSD when the microgrid is operating in an island mode disconnected from an electric power grid.  Wobben discloses an electrical island network.
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.
Claim(s) 6, 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wobben (US 2005/0200133) in view of BALLANTINE et al. (US 2020/0076200).
With respect to claims 6, 17, Wobben discloses the microgrid power system of one of the claims; except for, further comprising a resistive load electrically connected to the DC bus and configured to selectively dissipate at least a portion of the DC power generated by the power module.
BALLANTINE discloses a fuel cell system connected to a dc bus and a resistive load bank 360, figure 3A and paragraphs 0030-0040.
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention, to have modify Wobben and include the resistive load bank of BALLANTINE, for the purpose of dissipating extra power generated in the DC bus, for example (paragraph 0019).
Claim(s) 8, 19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wobben (US 2005/0200133) in view of BALLANTINE et al. (US 2020/0076200).
With respect to claims 8, 19, Wobben discloses the microgrid power system of one of the claims, wherein:  the energy storage device comprises an ultracapacitor energy storage device (paragraph 0038, figure 3 discloses ultracapacitors 18).
Wobben; however, does not expressly disclose that the power module comprises a fuel cell power module.
BALLANTINE discloses in figure 3 a fuel cell 320 for providing power to a DC bus 380 and a load 350.
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention, to have modify Wobben and include the fuel cell of BALLANTINE in the system of Wobben, for the purpose of adding an additional renewable power module and thus increase the reliability of the system, for example.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 7 is objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Claim 7 is allowable over the prior art of record, because the prior art of record does not disclose a discharging line electrically connecting an output of the KSD to the AC load bus; a first charging line electrically connected to an external AC power source;
a charging switch configured to selectively connect the first charging line to an input of the KSD; and a second charging line electrically connected to the AC load bus and the charging switch, wherein the controller is configured to control the charging switch, such that the KSD is provided with power from the first charging line or the second charging line.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. DONG et al. (US 2021/0218249) discloses a power supply system comprising a flywheel for supplying power to AC load. the set frequency.


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance.
Applicant’s arguments/amendments of 2/19/2025 have been considered and are persuasive, accordingly claims 1, 7, 11 and their dependent claims are allowable.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20050200133A1: [content unavailable]
Ref US20210218249A1: [content unavailable]
Ref US20200076200A1: Claims:
A method of operating a power source, comprising: providing output power on a power bus from the power source to at least one of a load or a device; and changing an output voltage of the power source on the power bus for the power source to communicate with the at least one of the load and the device while the power source provides the output power on the power bus.
providing output power on a power bus from the power source to at least one of a load or a device; and
changing an output voltage of the power source on the power bus for the power source to communicate with the at least one of the load and the device while the power source provides the output power on the power bus.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the output power is provided from the power source through the device to the load to track and meet a power demand of the load.
The method of claim 2 , further comprising: in response to an increased power demand from the load, determining if an increase in output power of the power source which equals to the increased power demand would cause the output power of the power source to exceed a threshold output power; if the output power of the power source would exceed the threshold output power, then communicating to the device that the threshold output power would be exceeded by changing the output voltage of the power source, and the output power is not increased above the threshold output power such that the output power no longer tracks the power demand of the load; and if the output power of the power source would not exceed the threshold output power, then increasing the output power from the power source to meet the power demand of the load.
in response to an increased power demand from the load, determining if an increase in output power of the power source which equals to the increased power demand would cause the output power of the power source to exceed a threshold output power;
if the output power of the power source would exceed the threshold output power, then communicating to the device that the threshold output power would be exceeded by changing the output voltage of the power source, and the output power is not increased above the threshold output power such that the output power no longer tracks the power demand of the load; and
if the output power of the power source would not exceed the threshold output power, then increasing the output power from the power source to meet the power demand of the load.
The method of claim 3 , wherein: the power source comprises a DC power source having a power source controller; the power bus comprises a DC power bus; the device comprises an inverter containing device containing an inverter controller; and the inverter controller is a separate device from the power source controller such that there is no separate communication link or communication protocol between the inverter controller and the power source controller.
the power source comprises a DC power source having a power source controller;
the power bus comprises a DC power bus;
the device comprises an inverter containing device containing an inverter controller; and
the inverter controller is a separate device from the power source controller such that there is no separate communication link or communication protocol between the inverter controller and the power source controller.
The method of claim 4 , wherein: the power source controller determines if the increase in output power of the power source which equals to the increased power demand would cause the output power of the power source to exceed the threshold output power; and the power source controller communicates to the inverter controller that the threshold output power would be exceeded by changing the output voltage of the power source.
the power source controller determines if the increase in output power of the power source which equals to the increased power demand would cause the output power of the power source to exceed the threshold output power; and
the power source controller communicates to the inverter controller that the threshold output power would be exceeded by changing the output voltage of the power source.
The method of claim 5 , wherein: the load comprises a microgrid; the device comprises an uninterruptable power system containing an energy storage device; and the power source comprises a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system.
the load comprises a microgrid;
the device comprises an uninterruptable power system containing an energy storage device; and
the power source comprises a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system.
The method of claim 6 , wherein the output voltage is changed by less than 5% to communicate with the inverter controller.
The method of claim 6 , wherein the threshold output power comprises a maximum possible power output of the SOFC system at a given time.
The method of claim 8 , wherein: the threshold output power comprises maximum power output of the SOFC system when power demand from the load increases at a rate such that the SOFC system temporarily cannot meet the increased power demand from the load because the SOFC system cannot ramp up the output power at a corresponding rate; the output voltage is decreased by less than 5% to communicate with the inverter controller that SOFC system temporarily cannot meet the increased power demand from the load; and the inverter controller provides supplemental power from an energy storage device to the load to meet the load demand in response to detecting the decrease in the output voltage.
the threshold output power comprises maximum power output of the SOFC system when power demand from the load increases at a rate such that the SOFC system temporarily cannot meet the increased power demand from the load because the SOFC system cannot ramp up the output power at a corresponding rate;
the output voltage is decreased by less than 5% to communicate with the inverter controller that SOFC system temporarily cannot meet the increased power demand from the load; and
the inverter controller provides supplemental power from an energy storage device to the load to meet the load demand in response to detecting the decrease in the output voltage.
The method of claim 9 , further comprising: increasing the output voltage of the SOFC system by less than 5% to communicate that the SOFC system can meet the increased power demand from the load; increasing the output power from the SOFC system to meet the power demand of the load; and the inverter controller decreases or stops providing power from the energy storage device to the load in response to detecting the increase in the output voltage.
increasing the output voltage of the SOFC system by less than 5% to communicate that the SOFC system can meet the increased power demand from the load;
increasing the output power from the SOFC system to meet the power demand of the load; and
the inverter controller decreases or stops providing power from the energy storage device to the load in response to detecting the increase in the output voltage.
The method of claim 9 , wherein the decreasing of the output voltage of the SOFC system comprises a gradient droop and the inverter controller determines a specific value of the supplemental power based on at least one of a slope or a maximum value of the gradient droop.
The method of claim 6 , wherein the threshold output power comprises a user imposed constraint or operating condition.
The method of claim 3 , further comprising directing excess output power from the SOFC system to an additional load to maintain the output power of the SOFC system above a minimum desired operating power of the SOFC system when the power demand from the load drops to less than the minimum desired operating power of the SOFC system.
The method of claim 13 , wherein: the minimum desired operating power corresponds to an efficiency of SOFC system is at least 20% below optimal efficiency; and the additional load is a resistive load bank or an energy storage device.
the minimum desired operating power corresponds to an efficiency of SOFC system is at least 20% below optimal efficiency; and
the additional load is a resistive load bank or an energy storage device.
The method of claim 13 , further comprising when the power demand from the load increases above the minimum desired operating power of the SOFC system redirecting all or a portion of the excess output power from the additional load to the load to meet the power demand from the load without using bridging auxiliary power from an energy storage device or an electric grid.
A method of operating a power source, comprising: providing output power from a power source to a load to track and meet a power demand of the load; and directing excess output power from the power source to an additional load to maintain the output power of the power source above a minimum desired operating power of the power source when the power demand from the load drops to less than the minimum desired operating power of the power source.
providing output power from a power source to a load to track and meet a power demand of the load; and
directing excess output power from the power source to an additional load to maintain the output power of the power source above a minimum desired operating power of the power source when the power demand from the load drops to less than the minimum desired operating power of the power source.
The method of claim 16 , wherein: the power source comprises a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system; the minimum desired operating power corresponds to an efficiency of SOFC system is at least 20% below optimal efficiency; and the additional load is a resistive load bank or an energy storage device.
the power source comprises a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system;
The method of claim 16 , further comprising when the power demand from the load increases above the minimum desired operating power of the SOFC system redirecting all or a portion of the excess output power from the additional load to the load to meet the power demand from the load without using bridging auxiliary power from an energy storage device or an electric grid.
A power generation system, comprising a power source that is configured to communicate with at least one of a downstream load or a downstream device by changing a voltage on a power bus between the power source and the at least one of the downstream load or the downstream device, while power source provides power on the power bus to the at least one of the downstream load or the downstream device.
The power generation system of claim 19 , wherein: the power source comprises a DC power source having a power source controller; the power bus comprises a DC power bus; the device comprises an inverter containing device containing an inverter controller; and the inverter controller is a separate device from the power source controller such that there is no separate communication link or communication protocol between the inverter controller and the power source controller.
The device of claim 20 , wherein: the power source controller is configured to determine if an increase in output power of the power source which equals to an increased power demand from a load would cause the output power of the power source to exceed a threshold output power in response to the increased power demand from the load; the power source controller is configured to communicate to the inverter controller that the threshold output power would be exceeded by changing the output voltage of the power source, and not increasing the output power above the threshold output power such that the output power no longer tracks the power demand of the load if the output power of the power source would exceed the threshold output power; and the power source controller is configured to increase the output power from the power source to meet the power demand of the load if the output power of the power source would not exceed the threshold output power.
the power source controller is configured to determine if an increase in output power of the power source which equals to an increased power demand from a load would cause the output power of the power source to exceed a threshold output power in response to the increased power demand from the load;
the power source controller is configured to communicate to the inverter controller that the threshold output power would be exceeded by changing the output voltage of the power source, and not increasing the output power above the threshold output power such that the output power no longer tracks the power demand of the load if the output power of the power source would exceed the threshold output power; and
the power source controller is configured to increase the output power from the power source to meet the power demand of the load if the output power of the power source would not exceed the threshold output power.
The device of claim 21 , wherein: the load comprises a microgrid; the device comprises an uninterruptable power system containing an energy storage device; and the power source comprises a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system.
Ref US20050200133: Claims:
1. An isolated electrical network with at least one first power generator, which uses a renewable energy source, wherein the power generator is preferably a wind-power station with a generator, wherein a second generator is provided, which can be coupled to an internal combustion engine, wherein the wind-power station can be controlled in terms of its rpm and blade position, characterized in that a bus bar for feeding the generated energy into the network is formed and a device connected to a bus bar for detecting the power required in the network is provided, and at least one intermediate storage device for storing electrical energy is provided, wherein the intermediate storage device can be coupled to the first power generator and for the case that the output power of the first power generator is greater than the power of the load required in the network, at first electrical energy of the first generator is supplied to the intermediate storage device if the intermediate storage device is not full, and/or if more energy is consumed in the network than is generated by the first power generator, at first the electrical intermediate storage device used for delivering power.
2. The isolated electrical network according to claim 1, characterized in that the first power generator has a synchronous generator, which contains a converter with a dc voltage intermediate circuit with at least one first rectifier and an inverter.
3. The isolated electrical network according to claim 1, characterized by at least one electrical element connected to the dc voltage intermediate circuit for feeding electrical energy with dc voltage.
4. The isolated electrical network according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrical element is a photovoltaic element and/or a mechanical energy storage device and/or an electrochemical storage device and/or a capacitor and/or a chemical storage device as the electrical intermediate storage device.
5. The isolated electrical network according to claim 1, characterized by a flywheel, which can be coupled to the second or a third generator.
6. The isolated electrical network according to claim 1, characterized by several internal combustion engines, which can each be coupled to a generator.
7. The isolated electrical network according to claim 1, characterized by a controller for controlling the island network.
8. The isolated electrical network according to claim 1, characterized by a boost/buck converter between the electrical element and the dc voltage intermediate circuit.
9. The isolated electrical network according to claim 1, characterized by charging/discharging circuits between the electrical storage element and the dc voltage intermediate circuit.
10. The isolated electrical network according to claim 1, characterized by a flywheel with a generator and a downstream rectifier for supplying electrical energy into the dc voltage intermediate circuit.
11. The isolated electrical network according to claim 1, characterized in that all of the power generators using renewable energy sources and intermediate storage devices power a common dc voltage intermediate circuit.
12. The isolated electrical network according to claim 1, characterized by a network-commutated inverter.
13. The isolated electrical network according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy for operating the electromagnetic coupling is made available by an electrical storage device and/or by a primary power generator.
14. The isolated network according to claim 1, characterized in that a seawater desalination/service water generation plant is connected to the island network, wherein this plant generates service water (drinking water), when the power supplied by the primary power generator is greater than the power consumption of the other electrical loads connected to the island network.
15. The isolated network according to claim 1, characterized in that a pump storage device is provided, which receives its electrical energy from the primary power generator.
16. An isolated electrical network with at least one first primary power generator for generating electrical energy for an electrical island network, wherein a synchronous generator is provided, which has the function of a network generator, wherein the synchronous generator can operate in motor mode and the energy required for the motor operation is made available by the primary power generator.
17. The isolated network according to claim 16, characterized in that the generator can be connected to an internal combustion engine, which is deactivated when the electrical power of the primary power generator is greater or approximately the same size as the electrical power consumption in the island network.
18. The isolated network according to claim 16 and with a bus bar for feeding the generated energy into the network, characterized by a device attached to the bus bar for detecting the power required in the network.
19. A method for operation control of an isolated electrical island network with at least one wind-power station, characterized in that the wind-power station is controlled such that it always generates only the required electrical power as long as the consumption of the electrical power in the network is less than the electrical energy generation capacity of the wind-power station.
20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that when the required power is not met, the power generators using renewable energy sources first use electrical intermediate storage devices for delivering energy.
21. The method according to one of claim 19, characterized in that internal combustion engines are provided for driving at least one second generator, and the internal combustion engines are turned on only when the power delivered by the power generators using renewable energy sources and/or by the electrical intermediate storage devices falls below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time.
22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that for charging the intermediate storage device from renewable sources, more energy is generated than is required for the load on the network.
23. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that for overcoming frequency instabilities or deviations in the network power frequency from its desired value, preferably electrical intermediate storage devices are used for delivering energy, which can be frequently and quickly charged or discharged without significant irreversible losses in capacity.
24. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that intermediate storage devices of an accumulator block type or a battery st
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