Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-12-16)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
Patent claims

1\. A power flow control module (30) for use in an electrical network (12) and for adjusting the voltage and/or the current in at least one line (20) of the network (12),comprising at least two module connections (60, 62) for connection to the line (20) of the network (12), multiple switching elements (64), an energy storage unit (68) and two energySVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1030.067connections (70) for cormection to an energy source (92),
wherein the first module connection (60) and the second module connection (62) are designed to electrically connect the power flow control module (30) in series with the line (20);
two of the switching elements (64) are connected in series and are connected in parallel with the energy storage unit (68),
the power flow control module (30) is interconnected such that it is at the potential of the line (20) of the network (12) and is galvanically isolated from a ground potential or another line of the network (12),
the switching elements (64) are designed to increase or reduce the amplitude of the voltage in the line (20) in order to adjust the voltage, to shift the phase of the voltage or to control the current flow in the line (20) accordingly.
2\. The power flow control module as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the absolute value of the voltage provided by the power flow control module (30) for changing the amplitude of the line (20) is at most one third of the network rated peak voltage,SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.0770.033preferably at most one fifth, very preferably at most one tenth, more preferably at most one fifteenth, particularly preferably at most one twentieth.

3\. The power flow control module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that the absolute value of the voltage provided by the power flow control module (30) for changing the amplitude of the line (20) is at most 100 volts, preferably at most 50 volts, very preferably at most 25 volts, more preferably at most 20 volts, particularly preferably at most 15 volts.

4\. The power flow control module as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the switching elements (64) are interconnected in the form of two half- bridges and are preferably designed as transistors (66) or power transistors, particularly

preferably as low-voltage transistors or as extra-low-voltage transistors, very preferably as low- voltage trench transistors.

5\. The power flow control module as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that at least one of the switching elements (64) comprises at least one field- effect transistor, preferably made of silicon, silicon carbide, gallium nitride or gallium nitride on a silicon substrate.

6\. The power flow control module as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the power flow control module (30) is able to shift the phase between the two module connections (60, 62) that are connected to the line (20), preferably both in the negative direction and in the positive direction.

7\. The power flow control module as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the power flow control module (30) is operated in a voltage-controlled manner or is used as a current-controlled voltage source.

8\. The power flow control module as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the switching elements (64) are clocked, preferably by way of a pulse width modulation (PWM).

9\. The power flow control module as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the switching elements (64) are clocked at a switching rate of at least 20 kHz, preferably at least 100 kHz, particularly preferably at least 250 kHz.

10\. The power flow control module as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the energy source (92), which is connected to the energy connections (70), is a battery (90) that is preferably connected to the energy connections (70) by way of an interposed DC-DC converter (54).

11\. The power flow control module as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the power flow control module (30) comprises at least one galvanically isolating power supply unit (40) that is connected to the energy connections (70).

12\. The power flow control module as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the power supply unit (40) comprises a DC-DC converter (54) and is fed from the electrical network (12), preferably is connected to the line (20), wherein the DC-DC converter (54) preferably comprises an LLC circuit.

13\. The power flow control module as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the power supply unit (40) comprises a rectifier circuit (50), preferably a unidirectional rectifier, and preferably has a power factor correction circuit.

14\. The power flow control module as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the power supply unit (40) is at least one bidirectional active front end (51).

15\. The power flow control module as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the power flow control module (30) comprises a heating element (58), preferably a heating resistor.

16\. The power flow control module as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power flow control module (30) comprises a high-frequency transformer (80), the frequency of which is at least 400 Hz, preferably at least 1 kHz,verypreferably at least 10 kI-lz,more preferably at least 100 kHz, more preferably at least 300 kHz, particularly preferably at least 600 kHz.

17\. The power flow control module as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the power flow control module (30) comprises an intermediate circuit, wherein the voltage of the intermediate circuit is at most 100 volts DC, preferably at most 60 volts DC, more preferably at most 30 volts DC, particularly preferably at most 15 volts DC.

18\. A power flow control system for controlling the load distribution in an electrical network (12) or in a network segment (10) of an electrical network (12) having at least one line (20), comprising a power flow control module (30) as claimed in one of the preceding claims and an energy source (92) for supplying energy to the power flow control module (30) in order to change or adjust the amplitude of the voltage in the line (20).

19\. A network segment (10) of an electrical network (12) having a line (20) that is connected to a network transformer and to which multiple consumers and/or infeed sources are connected, and having a power flow control module (30), preferably as claimed in one of the preceding claims, which comprises two module connections (60, 62) that are connected to the line (20) of the network (12), multiple switching elements (64), an energy storage unit (68) and two energy connections (70) for connection to an energy source (92),
wherein the first module connection (60) and the second module connection (62) are connected to the line (20) such that the power flow control module (30) is connected electrically in series with the line (20);
two of the switching elements (64) are connected in series and are connected in parallel with the energystorage unit (68):
the power flow control module (30) is interconnected such that it is at the potential of the line (20) of the electrical network (12) and is galvanically isolated from a ground potential or another line of the network (12);
the switching elements (64) are designed to increase or reduce the amplitude of the voltage in the line (20) in order to adjust the voltage, to shift the phase of the voltage or to control the current flow in the line (20) accordingly.

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 .
Specification
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities: Paragraph 0027, line 1 there is an extra “disclosure”.  Paragraph 0046, line 7 delete the second “the”.  Paragraph 0052 recites “12spect”, it appears that it should read “aspect”.  Paragraph 0064, line 7 recites “16onection”.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Objections
Claims 1, 9 are objected to because of the following informalities: The last lines of claims 1 and 9 recite “accordingly”; however, “accordingly” should be deleted from the claims.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 9, 10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.  Claims 9 and 10 recites “preferably” and “particular preferably”; which renders the claims indefinite as it is not clear if the limitations that follow the terms are required in the claim.
Claim 1 is also rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph for indirectly including the above noted deficiencies.
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) 1-9, 11, 13, 16-19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Mueller et al. (US 2022/0271536) in view of LEE (US 2018/0083447).
With respect to claims 1, 18, Mueller discloses a power flow control module for an electrical network and for adjusting a voltage or a current in at least one line of the electrical network (figures 1-3 disclose full bride switching modules V1-Vn are connected in a line of the electrical network to control the voltage and current, paragraph 0017), the power flow control module comprising: at least two module connections configured to connect to a line of the electrical network (connections of the switching module for connecting the X1 and X2 of the electrical line), a plurality of switching elements (switching elements H), an energy storage (capacitor CM),  wherein: a first module connection and a second module connection, of the at least two module connections, are designed to electrically connect the power flow control module in series with the line (figure 1 discloses that the modules are connected in series with the line), two of the switching elements are connected in series and are connected in parallel with the energy storage (figure 2 discloses two switches H in series and in parallel with capacitor CM), the power flow control module is interconnected such that it is at a potential of the line of the electrical network and is galvanically isolated from a ground potential or another line of the electrical network (figures 1 and 2 disclose that the modules are at a potential of the line and are isolated from ground), the switching elements are designed to increase or reduce an amplitude of the voltage in the line in order to adjust the voltage, to shift a phase of the voltage, or to control a current flow in the line accordingly (paragraphs 0017, 0019 discloses shifting a phase and to control current and voltage flow in the line).
Mueller; however, does not expressly disclose two energy connections configured to connect to an energy source.
LEE disclose a power compensator module 73, figure 4 comprising switching elements 76 that are in series and in parallel with a capacitor 77.  The compensator comprises two energy connections n2 for connection to a power source 80, paragraph 0074.
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 Mueller and include the energy connections to connect to an energy source as disclosed by LEE, for the purpose of storing or releasing power to the compensator circuit, for example (paragraph 0060).
With respect to claims 2, 3, 17, Mueller in view of LEE disclose the power flow control module as claimed in claim 1, wherein an absolute value of the voltage provided by the power flow control module for changing the amplitude of the line is at most one third of the network rated peak voltage, wherein that an absolute value of the voltage provided by the power flow control module for changing the amplitude of the line is at most 100 volts.  Mueller discloses in Paragraph 0015 that voltages of any phase angle are generated, thus 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 Mueller and LEE and change the amplitude and voltages of the line to be one third/100V of the rated peak voltage, since it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable involves only routine skill in the art.  In re Boesch, 617 F.2d 272, 205 USPQ 215 (CCPA 1980).
With respect to claims 4, 5 Mueller in view of LEE disclose the power flow control module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switching elements are interconnected in a form of two half-bridges and are designed as low-voltage trench transistors.  Figure 2 discloses two half-bridges transistors that are semiconductors switches/field effect transistors that can suitably be switched off, paragraph 0015.
With respect to claim 6, Mueller in view of LEE disclose the power flow control module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power flow control module is configured to shift a phase between the two module connections that are connected to the line both in the negative direction and in the positive direction.  Paragraphs 0010, 0019 discloses that the compensator modules provide a phase shift/offset.
With respect to claim 7, Mueller in view of LEE disclose the power flow control module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power flow control module is configured to be operated in a voltage-controlled manner or is configured to be used as a current-controlled voltage source.  Mueller in Paragraph 0017 discloses that compensator module controls current and voltage flow in the line.
With respect to claim 8, Mueller in view of LEE disclose the power flow control module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switching elements are clocked.  Paragraph 0015 of Mueller discloses clocking the switches.
With respect to claim 9, Mueller in view of LEE disclose the power flow control module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switching elements are clocked at a switching rate of at least 20 kHz, preferably at least 100 kHz, particularly preferably at least 250 KHz.  Mueller and LEE; however, do not disclose that switching elements are clocked at a switching rate of 20 kHz, 100 kHz, 250 kHz.
Mueller discloses suitable control or clocking of the switching elements, thus 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 Mueller and LEE and control the switches at a desired switching rate, since it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable involves only routine skill in the art.  In re Boesch, 617 F.2d 272, 205 USPQ 215 (CCPA 1980).
With respect to claim 11, Mueller in view of LEE disclose the power flow control module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power flow control module comprises at least one galvanically isolating power supply that is connected to the energy connections.  Figure 3 discloses a galvanically isolated power storage system 80.
With respect to claim 13, Mueller in view of LEE disclose the power flow control module as claimed in claim 11, wherein the power supply comprises a rectifier circuit.  Paragraph 0104 discloses a converter circuit to convert AC to DC.
With respect to claim 16, Mueller in view of LEE disclose the power flow control module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power flow control module comprises: a high-frequency transformer, the frequency of which is at least 400 Hz.  Mueller discloses in figure 3 a transformer, thus it would have been obvious to have made the transformer a high frequency transformer that is able to operate at a frequency of 400 Hz, for example.
With respect to claim 19, Mueller discloses a network segment of an electrical network comprising: a line that is connected to a network transformer and to which multiple consumers or infeed sources are connected (figure 3 discloses a line and a transformer couple to infeed sources); and a power flow control module, which comprises two module connections that are connected to the line of the electrical network (figures 1-3 disclose full bride switching modules V1-Vn are connected in a line of the electrical network to control the voltage and current, paragraph 0017), a plurality of switching elements (H), an energy storage (CM), wherein: a first module connection and a second module connection, of the two module connections, are connected to the line such that the power flow control module is connected electrically in series with the line (figure 1 discloses that the modules are connected in series with the line); two of the switching elements are connected in series and are connected in parallel with the energy storage (figure 2 discloses two switches H in series and in parallel with capacitor CM); the power flow control module is interconnected such that it is at a potential of the line of the electrical network and is galvanically isolated from a ground potential or another line of the electrical network (figures 1 and 2 disclose that the modules are at a potential of the line and are isolated from ground); the switching elements are designed to increase or reduce an amplitude of the voltage in the line in order to adjust the voltage, to shift the phase of the voltage, or to control the current flow in the line accordingly (paragraphs 0017, 0019 discloses shifting a phase and to control current and voltage flow in the line).
Mueller; however, does not expressly disclose  two energy connections configured to connect to an energy source.
LEE disclose a power compensator module 73, figure 4 comprising switching elements 76 that are in series and in parallel with a capacitor 77.  The compensator comprises two energy connections n2 for connection to a power source 80, paragraph 0074.
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 Mueller and include the energy connections to connect to an energy source as disclosed by LEE, for the purpose of storing or releasing power to the compensator circuit, for example (paragraph 0060).
Claim(s) 10, 12, 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Mueller et al. (US 2022/0271536) in view of LEE (US 2018/0083447) in further view of Gyugyi et al. (US 5,808,452).
With respect to claims 10, 12, 14, Mueller in view of LEE disclose the power flow control module as claimed in one of the claims, wherein the energy source, which is connected to the energy connections.  Figure 3, paragraph 0104 discloses that the power storage controller 81 performs conversion functions and is connected to power storage apparatus 83.  Mueller and Lee; however, do not expressly disclose that a battery that is preferably connected to the energy connections by way of an interposed DC-DC converter, wherein the power supply comprises a DC-DC converter and is fed from the electrical network, wherein the power supply is at least one bidirectional active front end.
Gyugyi discloses a power flow controller connected to an AC electrical network 11, with a DC-DC converter system 3 connected to capacitors 25, 27 and inverters to the electrical network 11, figure 1.
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 Mueller and LEE and include the DC-DC converter connected to the DC sources and to the electrical network, and use a bidirectional active front end, for purposes of controlling a charge to the DC sources and control the power flow of the system, for example.
Claim(s) 15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Mueller et al. (US 2022/0271536) in view of LEE (US 2018/0083447) in further view of EBRAHIMZADEHVESHAREH et al. (US 2022/0321041).
With respect to claims 15, Mueller in view of LEE disclose The power flow control module as claimed in claim 1; except for, wherein the power flow control module comprises a heating element.
EBRAHIMZADEHVESHAREH discloses a power converter system with a heating element/resistor 207 connected to a controllable switch, forming a power dissipation device.
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 Mueller and LEE and include the power dissipation device, for the purpose of dissipating extra unwanted power in the system for example.
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS / ARGUMENTSReconsideration of the application and claims in light of the foregoing amendments and following remarks/arguments is respectfully requested.Status of the Claims Claims 1-19 are currently pending in the present application.In the Office Action, claims 1-19 were rejected.The present Response amends claim 1-10, 11-17, and 19, cancels claims 11 and 18, and adds new claim 20. No new matter has been added.Upon entry of these amendments, claims 1-10, 11-17, and 19-20 will be pending.Objections to the Claims Claims 1 and 19 were objected to for containing informalities. Claims 1 and 19 have now been amended to correct these informalities. Reconsideration and withdrawal of the objection to claims 1 and 19 is therefore respectfully requested.Rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 112 Claims 1, 9 and 10 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter regarded as the invention. In view of the foregoing amendments, reconsideration and withdrawal of the rejections of claims 1, 9, and 10 under 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) are respectfully requested.Rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 103 Claims 1-9, 11, 13, 16-19 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being obvious over US 2022/0271536 by Mueller et al. ("Mueller") in view of US 2018/0083447 by Lee ("Lee");Claims 10, 12, 14 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being obvious over Mueller in view of Lee and in further view of US 5,808,452 by Gyugyi et al. ("Gyugyi"); and Claim 15 was rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being obvious over Mueller in view of Lee and in further view of US 2022/0321041 by Ebrahimzadehveshareh et al.("Ebrahimzadehveshareh").Independent claim 1 of the present application has now been amended to recite (emphasis added):A power flow control system for an electrical network and for adjusting a voltage or a current in a line of the electrical network, the power flow control system comprising:a power flow control module, the power flow control module comprising:at least two module connections configured to connect to a line of the electrical network;a plurality of switching elements;an energy storage; and two energy connections: and a galvanically isolating power supply that is connected to the energy connections, wherein:a first module connection and a second module connection, of the at least two module connections, are designed to electrically connect the power flow control module in series with the line, two of the switching elements are connected in series and are connected in parallel with the energy storage, the power flow control module is interconnected such that it is at a potential of the line of the electrical network and is galvanically isolated from a ground potential or another line of the electrical network, the switching elements are designed to increase or reduce an amplitude of the voltage in the line in order to adjust the voltage, to shift a phase of the voltage, or to control a current flow in the line, and the galvanically isolating power supply comprises a DC-DC converter, which comprises a high-frequency transformer.Support for the amendments can be found, for example, in original claims 11 and 12, as well as in paragraphs [0067], [0069], and [0072] of the present published specification.In the relevant art, it is apparent that the capacity utilization of electrical networks is steadily increasing and constantly changing, which can create overloading or distribution problems. See Published Application (US Patent Application Publication No. 2024/0222975 Al), at paragraph [0003]. In the art, meshed networks have been used to improve reliability, however, such networks are known to use very large, heavy, and expensive transformers and take up significant installation space. Also, known mesh controllers for meshed networks are relatively inflexible, and unable to adequately improve network quality. See Published Application, at paragraphs [0006] and [0009]. Embodiments of the present invention, however, provide structurally smaller and more cost-effective solutions as compared to the state of the art, which improve network quality and are able to adjust load distribution. See Published Application, at paragraph [0022].For example, FIG. 1 of the present application (shown below) illustrates an embodiment of a power flow control system of the present invention for an electrical network (12) and for adjusting a voltage or a current in at least one line of the electrical network. In the system, there is a power flow control module (30) that includes: at least two module connections (60, 62) configured to connect to a line (2) of the electrical network, a plurality of switching elements (64), an energy storage (68), and two energy connections (70). The system also has a galvanically isolating power supply (40) that is connected to the energy connections. A first module connection (60) and a second module connection (62), of the at least two module connections, are designed to electrically connect the power flow control module in series with the line. Two of the switching elements (64) are connected in series and are connected in parallel with the energy storage. The power flow control module is interconnected such that it is at a potential of the line of the electrical network and is galvanically isolated from a ground potential or another line of the electrical network. The switching elements are designed to increase or reduce an amplitude of the voltage in the line in order to adjust the voltage, to shift a phase of the voltage, or to control a current flow in the line. The galvanically isolating power supply has a DC-DC converter (54), which has a high- frequency transformer (80).D-DC OLERTRg POWER SUPPLsw r `~... ..F...... . \ FIG. 3 of the present application (annotated) By using a galvanically isolating power supply in the way of the present claim it is possible in the invention to take an active power from the line and feed it into the energy store or, conversely, to take power from the energy store and feed it into the line. This is not contemplated or possible in the prior art.It is respectfully submitted that Mueller, Lee, Gyugyi and Ebrahimzadehveshareh, alone or in combination, fail to disclose or suggest the at least the particular configuration of the galvanically isolating power supply with the power flow control module as recited in amended claim 1.In view of the assertions made in the Office Action, it would appear that the Office agrees that Mueller does not teach or otherwise suggest a galvanically isolating power supply connected to the energy connections of the power flow control module. Rather, the Office suggest that the combination of Lee with Mueller discloses this feature. See Detailed Action, at page 6. However, it is unclear exactly how the Office is making the combination, nor does there appear to be a rational basis for combining the references to arrive at the claimed invention.For example, the Office does not appear to explicitly state where in Mueller the "two energy connection" would be after combining with Lee or how the power supply would be connected. What is said is that "Mueller; however, does not expressly disclose two energy connections configured to connect to an energy source; and Lee discloses "two energy connections n2 for connection to power source 80", which the Office asserts is a galvanically isolated power storage system. See Detailed Action, at pages 4 and 6. In Lee, these connections n2 are at the positive and negative DC rails of the AC/DC converter circuit 75.See Lee, at paragraph [0074] and FIG. 4 (reproduced below). Accordingly, it would seem that the connections must be at a corollary location in Mueller, i.e., at each end of its switching module capacitor CM in the full-bridge switching modules Vn. See Mueller, at FIG. 2 (reproduced below, annotated per understanding of combination). Meaning this must also be where the power source 80 is connected for the combination.fR. 4 energy conctiont n ~ergy- Conn ct on Fig. 4 of Lee (annotated) "ENERGYCONNECTION"t V.
k-v .0 kr, o 8.ENERGYCONNECTION"TO "POWERSUPPLY"Fig. 2 ofMueller (annotated) For the sake of compact prosecution, Applicant will assume this is what the Office intended. However, prior to moving on to considering the remaining features of the amended claim, Applicant must turn to the stated reasons to combine, which would not appear to have been rational to a person having ordinary skill in the art. The Office says that "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 Mueller and include the energy connections to connect to an energy source as disclosed by LEE, for the purpose of storing or releasing power to the compensator circuit, for example (paragraph 0060)." Detailed Action, at page 4. This rather simplistic statement of what Lee discloses, does not bear out when reading Lee as a whole.First, the cited paragraph of Lee states that a power compensation system may deliver a control signal or data to the power storage system to store or transmit power to a power, and in context with the remainder of Lee, this purpose appears to be for providing significant power to a load or to store power produced by renewable energy sources, and not merely to a converter. See, e.g., Lee, at paragraph [0010]. Accordingly, for the combination to make any sense, one must consider the purpose of the connection in Lee to the energy source is in relation to a complex and controlled energy storage and release based on load requirements and produced energy. Those considerations are irrelevant to Mueller and there does not seem to be any rational reason in providing such a complex source/store of energy to Mueller, when it has its capacitor for its own operation of its converter, and no apparent need for anything so complicated as Lee. At bottom, there is no rational reason to include the complex system of Lee into Mueller.Still further, while the Office asserts that Lee's power storage system 80 is galvanically isolated, there does not appear to be any evidence in the record to support this assertion. Applicant respectfully requests explanation.Regardless, the combination of Lee and Mueller still does not disclose that the power supply unit comprises a DC-DC converter which has a high-frequency transformer as required in the amended independent claim. In rejecting features from a previously presented claim, the Office turns to Gyugyi for the DC-DC converter, but also must rely on an unrelated transformer from Mueller for the transformer. See Detailed Action, at pages 7 and 9. It is respectfully submitted that there is no rational basis to combine these references to arrive at the claimed invention.Gyugyi describes the control of the power flow in electric power transmission lines using static inverters. However, the two inverters 1,2 and the DC-DC converter system are coupled into the transmission line 11 via two transformers 13, 15. In order to achieve the present invention with the solution described in Gyugyi, a person skilled in the art would have to remove transformer 13 and replace transformer 15 with the solution from Mueller shown in Fig. 1. However, these changes would result in a short circuit, and the person skilled in the art would have to adjust the switching frequency of the components and the DC-DC converter system 3 of Gyugyi and equip it with a high-frequency transformer. It is also not trivial for the person skilled in the art to determine where the high-frequency transformer could be used in the DC-DC converter system, and the changes would require a complete and substantial reconstruction of the circuits involved, including new control algorithms and a new component design. As such, there is no rationale basis to make the combination. See, e.g., MPEP 2143.01 VI.While not used in the relevant combinations, it is further respectfully submitted that the addition of Ebrahimzadehveshareh would not cure the above-described deficiencies.Also, while different in overall claim scope, claim 19 has been amended to include corollary features to those discussed above. Thus, for similar reasons as discussed above, the combination of references cannot disclose or suggestion all of the features of claim 19.Because the combination of references cannot disclose or suggest at all of the features of independent claims 1 and 19, the claims 1, 19, and the dependent claims 2-18 cannot be considered obvious over such a combination. Accordingly, reconsideration and withdrawal of the rejection of claims 1-19 under 35 U.S.C. § 103 is respectfully requested.Lee is Non-Analogous Art As a separate reason for traversal, Applicant respectfully submits that Lee is not proper for use in an obviousness rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 103. "In order for a reference to be proper for use in an obviousness rejection under 35 U.S.C. 103, the reference must be analogous art to the claimed invention." MPEP at § 2141.01(a)(I). "[A] a reference is analogous art to the claimed invention if. (1) the reference is from the same field of endeavor as the claimed invention (even if it addresses a different problem); or (2) the reference is reasonably pertinent to the problem faced by the inventor (even if it is not in the same field of endeavor as the claimed invention)." MPEP at § 2141.01(a)(I). Appellant respectfully submits Lee is not from the same field of endeavor as the claimed invention nor is it reasonably pertinent to the problem faced by the inventor.A person skilled in the art would not consider Lee when assessing the present invention because each address different technical problems, application areas, technical solutions, features, and objectives. The present invention focuses on specific challenges and solutions for low-voltage local networks, whereas Lee aims at stabilizing and compensating power flows in high-voltage networks. These are not related fields.Lee describes a power compensation apparatus that aims to compensate for both active and reactive power in a power system. It is primarily developed for stabilizing high-voltage networks and improving grid stability through flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS).Lee targets high-voltage networks and the compensation of power flows in large power grids, including the storage and provision of energy through renewable energy sources. The power compensation apparatus described in Lee includes multiple systems, such as a converter, an energy storage system, and renewable energy sources, to compensate for both active and reactive power. It uses a modular multilevel converter (MMC) and is designed for integration into large, complex power grids.These teachings are completely irrelevant to the problems faced by the present invention. The present invention addresses a power flow control module specifically designed for use in low-voltage local networks. It aims to adjust the voltage and/or current in a line to improve grid quality and optimize load distribution. In the present invention, the galvanic isolation by the DC-DC converter with the high-frequency transformer serves to prevent short circuits and makes it possible to save at least one transformer, which basically takes up a lot of space due to its design. This is what makes the solution according to the invention so small, also in comparison to the state of the art, and allows it to be installed in a distribution cabinet (about the size of a shoebox). The problems of size and low voltage mesh-networks are not considered at all in Lee.Accordingly, because Lee is not from the same field of endeavor and is not pertinent to the problem faced by the present inventors, it cannot be used in a rejection under 35 U.S.C.§ 103.New Claims New claim 20 depends from independent claim 1. It is therefore respectfully submitted that new claim 20 is allowable over the cited prior art for at least the same reasons as independent claim 1, discussed above. Support for the new claim can be found, for example, in paragraphs [0027] of the published specification. It is further respectfully submitted that the combination of references, unlike the claimed invention of claim 20, are incapable of taking an active power from the line and feeding it into the energy store and, conversely, of taking power from the energy store and feed it into the line.CONCLUSIONApplicant believes that all issues raised by the Office have been addressed and that the present application is allowable for the foregoing reasons. If there are any remaining issues which the Office believes could be resolved through either a Supplemental Response or an Examiner's Amendment, Applicant respectfully invites the Office to call the telephone contact at the number indicated below.The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge any unpaid fees deemed required in connection with this submission, including any additional filing or application processing fees required under 37 C.F.R. §1.16, 1.17 or 1.492, except for fees based on multiple dependent claims under 37 CFR §1.16(i) or (j) or 37 CFR §1.492(e) or (f), or to credit any overpayment, to Deposit Account No. 12-1216.Dated: March 11, 2025

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.
Claim 1 is allowable over the prior art of record, because the prior art of record does not disclose  a power flow control system for an electrical network and for adjusting a voltage or a current in a line of the electrical network, the power flow control system comprising: a power flow control module, the power flow control module comprising: at least two module connections configured to connect to the line of the electrical network; a plurality of switching elements; an energy storage; and two energy connections; a galvanically isolating power supply that is connected to the energy connections, wherein: a first module connection and a second module connection, of the at least two module connections, are designed to electrically connect the power flow control module in series with the line, two of the switching elements are connected in series and are connected in parallel with the energy storage, the power flow control module is interconnected such that it is at a potential of the line of the electrical network and is galvanically isolated from a ground potential or another line of the electrical network, the switching elements are designed to increase or reduce an amplitude of the voltage in the line in order to adjust the voltage, to shift a phase of the voltage, or to control a current flow in the line, and the galvanically isolating power supply comprises a DC-DC converter, which comprises a high-frequency transformer.
Claim 19 is allowable over the prior art of record, because the prior art of record does not disclose a network segment of an electrical network comprising: a line that is connected to a network transformer and to which multiple consumers or infeed sources are connected; and a power flow control module, which comprises: two module connections that are connected to the line of the electrical network, a plurality of switching elements, an energy storage, and two energy connections; and a galvanically isolating power supply that is connected to the energy connections, wherein: a first module connection and a second module connection, of the two module connections, are connected to the line such that the power flow control module is connected electrically in series with the line; two of the switching elements are connected in series and are connected in parallel with the energy storage; the power flow control module is interconnected such that it is at a potential of the line of the electrical network and is galvanically isolated from a ground potential or another line of the electrical network; the switching elements are designed to increase or reduce an amplitude of the voltage in the line in order to adjust the voltage, to shift the phase of the voltage, or to control the current flow in the line and the galvanically isolating power supply comprises a DC-DC converter, which comprises a high-frequency transformer.
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 US20220271536A1: [content unavailable]
Ref US20180083447A1: Claims:
A power compensation apparatus for compensating for power of a power system to be allowed to transmit from at least one or more power sources to a load, the power compensation apparatus comprising: a first system connected to the power system to compensate for active power and reactive power of the power system; a second system connected to the first system to store power necessary for compensating for active power and reactive power; and a third system connected to the second system to generate power to be stored in the second system, wherein the first system includes: a converter connected to the power system to convert power; a capacitor connected to the converter and charged with active power of the power system or the power of the second system; and a first controller configured to control the converter and the capacitor.
a first system connected to the power system to compensate for active power and reactive power of the power system;
a second system connected to the first system to store power necessary for compensating for active power and reactive power; and
a third system connected to the second system to generate power to be stored in the second system,
wherein the first system includes:
a converter connected to the power system to convert power;
a capacitor connected to the converter and charged with active power of the power system or the power of the second system; and
a first controller configured to control the converter and the capacitor.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first system further includes: a first switch element between the converter and the capacitor; a second switch element between the capacitor and the second system; and a third switch element between the converter and the second system.
a first switch element between the converter and the capacitor;
a second switch element between the capacitor and the second system; and
a third switch element between the converter and the second system.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second system includes: a power storage apparatus configured to store active power of the power system or the power generated by the third system; and a second controller configured to perform data communication with the first system and to control the power storage apparatus.
a power storage apparatus configured to store active power of the power system or the power generated by the third system; and
a second controller configured to perform data communication with the first system and to control the power storage apparatus.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the third system includes a renewable energy source configured to generate power to be transmitted to the second system.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the first controller: determines whether reactive power is compensated for based on a voltage of the power system, and controls the converter to supply reactive power to the power system or to absorb reactive power from the power system.
determines whether reactive power is compensated for based on a voltage of the power system, and
controls the converter to supply reactive power to the power system or to absorb reactive power from the power system.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the first controller checks a charge amount of the capacitor and charges the capacitor with power stored in the power storage apparatus if the charge amount of the capacitor is insufficient.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the first controller: determines whether active power and reactive power are compensated for based on a frequency of the power system, and controls the converter to supply active power and reactive power to the power system or to absorb active power and reactive power from the power system.
determines whether active power and reactive power are compensated for based on a frequency of the power system, and
controls the converter to supply active power and reactive power to the power system or to absorb active power and reactive power from the power system.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the first controller controls the converter to supply power stored in the capacitor as active power to the power system when active power is supplied.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the first controller controls the second system to supply power stored in the power storage apparatus as active power to the power system, if the charge amount of the capacitor is insufficient.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the second controller controls the third system to receive power generated by the renewable energy source and to store the received power in the power storage apparatus, if the amount of power stored in the power storage apparatus is insufficient.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the first controller controls the converter to charge the capacitor with active power of the power system, when active power is absorbed.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the first controller controls the second system to store active power of the power system in the power storage apparatus, if the capacitor is fully charged.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the second controller controls the third system such that the third system does not transmit power, if the third system transmits power.
The power compensation apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the first controller performs control to stop absorption of active power of the power system if the frequency of the power system is within a stable range.
A power compensation apparatus for compensating for power of a power system to be allowed to transmit from at least one or more power sources to a load, the power compensation apparatus comprising: a first system connected to the power system to compensate for active power and reactive power of the power system and to store power necessary for compensating for active power and reactive power; and a second system connected to the first system to generate power to be stored in the first system, wherein the first system includes: a converter connected to the power system to convert power; a power storage apparatus connected to the converter to store active power of the power system or the power generated by the second system; and a controller configured to control the converter and the power storage apparatus.
a first system connected to the power system to compensate for active power and reactive power of the power system and to store power necessary for compensating for active power and reactive power; and
a second system connected to the first system to generate power to be stored in the first system,
a power storage apparatus connected to the converter to store active power of the power system or the power generated by the second system; and
a controller configured to control the converter and the power storage apparatus.
A method of controlling a power compensation apparatus including a first system including a converter and a capacitor, a second system including a power storage apparatus and a third system including at least one or more renewable energy sources, in order to compensate for power of a power system to be allowed to transmit from at least one or more power sources to a load, the method comprising: measuring, by the first system, a voltage and frequency of the power system; determining, by the first system, one of a reactive power supply mode, a reactive power absorption mode, an active power supply mode and an active power absorption mode based on the voltage and frequency; compensating for, by the first system, power according to the determined mode; and storing, by the second system, power generated by the at least one or more renewable energy sources in the power storage apparatus.
measuring, by the first system, a voltage and frequency of the power system;
determining, by the first system, one of a reactive power supply mode, a reactive power absorption mode, an active power supply mode and an active power absorption mode based on the voltage and frequency;
compensating for, by the first system, power according to the determined mode; and
storing, by the second system, power generated by the at least one or more renewable energy sources in the power storage apparatus.
The method according to claim 16 , further comprising controlling, by the first system, the second system to receive the power from the power storage apparatus and to charge the received power on the capacitor of the first system if the capacitor of the first system is not charged upon initial operation of the first system.
The method according to claim 16 , further comprising controlling, by the first system, the converter of the first system to supply active power to the power system or to absorb reactive power of the power system in the reactive power supply mode or the reactive power absorption mode.
The method according to claim 16 , further comprising: supplying, by the first system, the power stored in the capacitor of the first system to the power system as active power in the active power supply mode; and controlling, by the first system, the second system to supply the power stored in the power storage apparatus to the power system as active power if a charge amount of the capacitor of the first system is insufficient.
supplying, by the first system, the power stored in the capacitor of the first system to the power system as active power in the active power supply mode; and
controlling, by the first system, the second system to supply the power stored in the power storage apparatus to the power system as active power if a charge amount of the capacitor of the first system is insufficient.
The method according to claim 19 , further comprising controlling, by the second system, the third system to receive power generated by the renewable energy sources and to store the received power in the power storage apparatus if the amount of power stored in the power storage apparatus of the second system is insufficient.
The method according to claim 16 , further comprising: charging, by the first system, the capacitor of the first system with the active power of the power system in the active power absorption mode; and controlling, by the first system, the second system to store the active power of the power system in the power storage apparatus if the capacitor of the first system is fully charged.
charging, by the first system, the capacitor of the first system with the active power of the power system in the active power absorption mode; and
controlling, by the first system, the second system to store the active power of the power system in the power storage apparatus if the capacitor of the first system is fully charged.
The method according to claim 21 , further comprising the second system controlling, by the second system, the third system to stop transmission of power from the third system if the third system transmits power.
Ref US5808452A: Claims:
A power flow controller for an ac transmission line, said controller comprising: a first inverter having ac terminals connected in shunt with the transmission line and having dc terminals; a second inverter having ac terminals connected to inject an alternating voltage in series with said transmission line and having dc terminals; dc-to-dc converter means connecting said dc terminals of said first inverter to said dc terminals of said second inverter; and control means for controlling operation of said first inverter, operation of said second inverter to control phase angle of said alternating voltage injected into said transmission line relative to phase of voltage on said transmission line, and controlling said dc-to-dc converter to regulate amplitude of said alternating voltage injected by said second inverter into said transmission line.
a first inverter having ac terminals connected in shunt with the transmission line and having dc terminals;
a second inverter having ac terminals connected to inject an alternating voltage in series with said transmission line and having dc terminals;
dc-to-dc converter means connecting said dc terminals of said first inverter to said dc terminals of said second inverter; and
control means for controlling operation of said first inverter, operation of said second inverter to control phase angle of said alternating voltage injected into said transmission line relative to phase of voltage on said transmission line, and controlling said dc-to-dc converter to regulate amplitude of said alternating voltage injected by said second inverter into said transmission line.
The power flow controller of claim 1 wherein said dc-to-dc converter means comprises a first capacitor connected across said dc terminals of said first inverter, a second capacitor connected across said dc terminals of said second inverter, and a dc chopper connected between said dc terminals of said first and second inverters, said control means comprising means operating said dc chopper to exchange charge between said first and second capacitors to regulate voltage on said second capacitor and therefore across said dc terminals of said second inverter.
The power flow controller of claim 2 wherein said dc chopper includes first electronic switch means and second electronic switch means connected in series with a common polarity across said first capacitor, and said second capacitor is connected across one of said first and second electronic switch means.
The power flow controller of claim 3 wherein said first and second electronic switch means each comprise at least one electronic switch and at least one anti-parallel diode connected across said at least one electronic switch.
The power flow controller of claim 4 wherein said dc-to-dc converter means includes an impedance connected in series with said second capacitor across said one of said first switch means and said second switch means.
The power flow controller of claim 5 wherein said impedance comprises an inductor.
Ref US20220321041A1: Claims:
A method for controlling a power generating unit, the power generating unit comprises a power source, a machine side converter, a line side converter, a DC link electrically connected to an output of the machine side converter and an input of the grid side converter, the method comprising: obtaining a current magnitude of the current supplied by the line side converter to a power grid based on a grid current; determining a virtual impedance value based on a current difference between the current magnitude and an overcurrent threshold value, where the virtual impedance value comprises a virtual resistance value and optionally a virtual reactance value; determining a virtual voltage over the virtual impedance value (Zvir) based on the virtual impedance value and the grid current; determining a virtual grid power based on the virtual resistance value and the grid current, or based on a voltage magnitude reference and the grid current (Igrid), or transformations thereof; determining a virtual synchronous machine rotational speed and/or a synchronous machine angle, where the derivative of the synchronous machine rotational speed is indicative of a deviation between a power reference for a desired power output of the power generating unit and the virtual grid power combined with a damping power; providing the voltage magnitude reference for a desired reactive power to be generated by the line side converter; and determining a voltage reference for controlling the line side converter to generate the desired reactive power based on the virtual synchronous machine rotational speed or angle, the virtual voltage and the voltage magnitude reference.
obtaining a current magnitude of the current supplied by the line side converter to a power grid based on a grid current;
determining a virtual impedance value based on a current difference between the current magnitude and an overcurrent threshold value, where the virtual impedance value comprises a virtual resistance value and optionally a virtual reactance value;
determining a virtual voltage over the virtual impedance value (Zvir) based on the virtual impedance value and the grid current;
determining a virtual grid power based on the virtual resistance value and the grid current, or based on a voltage magnitude reference and the grid current (Igrid), or transformations thereof;
determining a virtual synchronous machine rotational speed and/or a synchronous machine angle, where the derivative of the synchronous machine rotational speed is indicative of a deviation between a power reference for a desired power output of the power generating unit and the virtual grid power combined with a damping power;
providing the voltage magnitude reference for a desired reactive power to be generated by the line side converter; and
determining a voltage reference for controlling the line side converter to generate the desired reactive power based on the virtual synchronous machine rotational speed or angle, the virtual voltage and the voltage magnitude reference.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the virtual resistance value is determined based on a control algorithm, where the control algorithm comprises a proportional part which determines a value which is proportional with the current difference and/or an integral part which determines a value which is proportional with a time integral of the current difference.
The method of claim 2 , wherein the integral part comprises an integral gain Ki which is determined dependent on the current difference, such as the sign of the current difference.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the method comprises limiting the virtual resistance value according to minimum and maximum limits.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the virtual reactance value of the virtual impedance value is determined dependent on a predetermined factor defining a ratio between the virtual reactance value and the virtual resistance value.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the current magnitude is determined as the maximum current magnitude of the current magnitudes of the current phases of the grid current, or as the magnitude of the current vector of the grid current or a transformation thereof.
The method of claim 1 , where the virtual synchronous machine rotational speed is determined based on a combination of a feedback of a damping power, the power reference, the virtual grid power and an inertial integration model, where the synchronous machine angle is determined based on an integration of the synchronous machine rotational speed, and where the damping power is determined based on the virtual synchronous machine rotational speed.
The method of claim 1 , comprising: obtaining a network voltage at a connection point of the output of the power generating unit; determining a rotational speed of the grid based on the network voltage; and determining the damping power based on the virtual synchronous machine rotational speed and the rotational speed of the grid.
obtaining a network voltage at a connection point of the output of the power generating unit;
determining a rotational speed of the grid based on the network voltage; and
determining the damping power based on the virtual synchronous machine rotational speed and the rotational speed of the grid.
The method of claim 1 , comprising determining a modified voltage reference by combining the voltage magnitude reference, or a transformation thereof, with the a virtual voltage, and determining the voltage reference based on the modified voltage reference.
determining a modified voltage reference by combining the voltage magnitude reference, or a 
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