Patent Publication Number: US-2012029720-A1

Title: Dynamic distributed power grid control system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/846,520 filed Jul. 29, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate, in general, to power grids and more particularly to systems and methods for controlling allocation, production, and consumption of power in an electric power grid. 
     2. Relevant Background 
     An electrical grid is not a single entity but an aggregate of multiple networks and multiple power generation companies with multiple operators employing varying levels of communication and coordination, most of which are manually controlled. A smart grid increases connectivity, automation and coordination among power suppliers and power consumers and the networks that carry that power for performing either long-distance transmissions or local distribution. 
     Today&#39;s alternating current power grid was designed in the latter part of the 19th century. Many of the implementation decisions and assumptions that were made then are still in use today. For example, the current power grid includes a centralized unidirectional electric power transmission system that is demand driven. Over the past 50 years the electrical grid has not kept pace with modern challenges. Challenges such as security threats, national goals to employ alternative energy power generation, conservation goals, a need to control peak demand surges, uninterruptible demand of power, and new digital control devices put in question the ability of today&#39;s electrical distribution grid. To better understand the nature of these challenges, a firm grasp of current power generation and distribution is necessary. 
     The existing power grid starts at a power generation plant and thereafter distributes electricity through a variety of power transmission lines to the power consumer. The power producer or supplier in almost all cases consists of a spinning electrical generator. Sometimes the spinning generators are driven by a hydroelectric dam, large diesel engines or gas turbines, but in most cases the generator is powered by steam. The steam may be created by burning coal, oil, natural gas or in some cases a nuclear reactor. Electric power can also be produced by chemical reactions, direct conversion from sunlight and many other means. 
     The power produced by these generators is alternating current. Unlike direct current, alternating current oscillates much like a sine wave over a period of time. Alternating current (AC) operating as a single sine wave is called single phase power. Existing power plants and transmission lines carry three different phases of AC power simultaneously. Each of these phases is offset 120° from each other and each phase is distributed separately. As power is added to the grid, it must be synchronized with the existing phase of the particular transmission line it is utilizing. 
     As this three-phase power leaves the generator from a power station, it enters a transmission substation where the generated voltage is up-converted to an extremely high number for long-distance transmission. Then, upon reaching a regional distribution area, the high transmission voltage is stepped down to accommodate a local or regional distribution grid. This step down process may happen in several phases and usually occurs at a power substation. 
       FIG. 1  shows a typical power distribution grid as is known to one skilled in the art. As shown, three power generation plants  110  service three distinct and separate regions of power consumers  150 . Each power plant  110  is coupled to its power consumer  150  via distribution lines  140 . Interposed between the power producer  110  and the power consumer  150  are one or more transmission substations  125  and power sub-stations  130 .  FIG. 1  also shows that the power production plants are linked via high-voltage transmission lines  120 . 
     From each power production plant  110 , power is distributed to the transmission substation  125  and thereafter, stepped down to the power substations  130  which interface with a distribution bus, placing electricity on a standard line voltage of approximately 7200 volts. These power lines are commonly seen throughout neighborhoods across the world, and carry power to the end-user  150 . Households and most businesses require only one of the three phases of power that are typically carried by the power lines. Before reaching each house, a distribution transformer reduces the 7200 volts down to approximately 240 volts and converts it to normal household electrical service. 
     The current power distribution system involves multiple entities. For example, production of power may represent one entity; while the long distance transmission of power another. Each of these companies interacts with one or more distribution networks that ultimately deliver power to the power consumer. While the divisions of control described herein are not absolute, they nonetheless represent a hurdle for dynamic control of power over a distributed power grid. 
     Under the current power distribution grid, should the demand for power by a group of power consumers exceed the production capability of their associated power production facility, that facility can purchase excess power from other producers of networked power. There is a limit to the distance power can be reliably and efficiently transported, thus as consumer demand increases, more regional power producers are required. The consumer has little control over who produces the power it consumes. 
     Electrical distribution grids of this type have been in existence and use for over 100 years. And while the overall concept has not significantly changed, it has become extremely pervasive and has been reasonably reliable. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the existing power grid and its control system is antiquated and that new and innovative control systems are necessary to modify the means by which power is efficiently distributed from the producer to the consumer. For example, when consumer demand for power routinely exceeds the production capability of a local power production facility, the owner and operator of the local power network considers adding additional power production capability, or alternatively, a portion of the consumers are denied service, i.e. brown-outs. To add additional power to the grid, a complicated and slow process is undertaken to understand and control new electrical power distribution options. The capability of the grid to handle the peak demands must be known and monitored to ensure safe operation of the grid, and, if necessary, additional infrastructure must be put in place. This process can take years and fails to consider the dynamic nature of electrical production and demand. 
     Current distribution power grid control systems implement operational goals using traditional optimization techniques, e.g., linear programming, gradient descent, etc. These techniques require centralized knowledge of the entire distribution power grid resulting in an efficient and non-responsive control system. 
     One aspect highlighting the need to modify existing power distribution control systems is the emergence of alternative and renewable power production sources, distributed storage systems, demand management systems, smart appliances, and intelligent devices for network management. These options each require active power management of the distribution network, substantially augmenting the control strategies that are currently utilized for distribution power network management. 
     Existing network management solutions lack the distributed intelligence to manage power flow across the network on a multitude of timescales. This void is especially evident, since new power generation assets being connected to the grid are typically owned by different organizations and can be used for delivering different benefits to different parties at different times. Conventional electric power system management tools are designed to operate network equipment and systems owned by the network operators themselves. They are not designed to enable dynamic transactions between end-users (power consumers), service providers, network operators, power producers, and other market participants. 
     Existing power grids were designed for one-way flow of electricity and if a local sub-network or region generates more power than it is consuming, the reverse flow of electricity can raise safety and reliability issues. A challenge, therefore, exists to dynamically manage power production and network assets in real time, and to enable dynamic transactions between various energy consumers, asset owners, service providers, market participants, and network operators. Since changes have to be made to the existing electric power system to add dynamic power management capabilities using different resources and under various conditions, an additional challenge exists to model and simulate the behavior of the power system using different power management strategies. These and other challenges present in the current power distribution grid are addressed by one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A system for dynamic control and distribution of power over a distributed power grid is hereafter described by way of example. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-layered control architecture is integrated into the existing power transmission and distribution grid, so as to enable dynamic management of power production, distribution, storage, and consumption (collectively distributed energy resources). This dynamic control is complemented by the ability to model proposed power distribution solutions prior to implementation, thereby validating that the proposed power distribution solution will operate within the existing infrastructure&#39;s physical and regulatory limitations. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-layered control system is coupled with a simulation of the electric power system and grid connected distributed energy resources in such a way that the behavior of the overall system (electric power system along with the controlling multi-layered control system) is accurately simulated. This invention enables the plurality of control modules within the multi-layered control system to control appropriate portions of the simulated power system, in the same way it would in the real world. This is a significant aspect of this invention since the multi-layered control system and the power system simulation can be run as independent, but communicatively coupled systems. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a distributed control system is interfaced with an existing power distribution grid to efficiently control power production and distribution. The distributed control system has three primary layers: i) enterprise control module, ii) regional control modules, and iii) local control modules. An enterprise control module is communicatively coupled to existing supervisory control and data acquisition systems, and to a plurality of regional control modules. The regional control modules are integrated into existing transmission sub-stations and distribution sub-stations to monitor and issue control signals to other devices or control modules to dynamically manage power flows on the grid. Each regional control module is further associated with a plurality of local control modules that interface with power producers, including steam driven electric generators, wind turbine farms, hydroelectric facilities and photoelectric (solar) arrays, storage resources such as thermal or electric storage devices and batteries on electric vehicles, and demand management systems or smart appliances 
     Each local control module falls under the direction of a regional control module for management and control of its associated power producer, consumer, or device. By standardizing control responses, the regional control module is operable to manage power production, distribution, storage and consumption within its associated region. In another embodiment of the present invention, regional control modules, via the enterprise control module, can identify a request for additional power production. Knowing the production capability of other regional areas and whether they possess excess capacity, the enterprise control module can direct a different regional control module to increase power production to produce excess power or tap stored energy. The excess power can then be transmitted to the region in need of power for distribution. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, modifications to the power production and distribution system can be simulated in real time to determine whether a proposed solution to meet power generation and consumption fluctuations is within regulatory, safety guidelines and/or system capabilities. A simulation system that operates in conjunction with various modules of the multi-layered control system utilizes real time information from the power system and predicts the consequences of control actions prior to issuing the control actions to connected systems. Each control module includes an associated simulation module that knows the structure of the network, network-connected DER, and their salient characteristics that fall within the control modules visibility and operating range. The simulation module performs state estimation to determine conditions at locations that are not directly measured, gage the validity of actual measurements, and estimate the conditions that might result as a consequence of specific actions or sequence of actions. This approach utilizes distributed control modules and simulation modules to carry out these operations in subsections of the power system within their own range of operations and in near real time. Upon validating that a system-proposed solution can be achieved, it can be implemented using real-time controls. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes managing enterprise level power load demands, energy production and distribution across a power grid. As demand changes are driven by a plurality of power consumers, the enterprise control module can detect the need for additional power by one or more regional control modules. In addition, the enterprise control module can receive data regarding each regional control module&#39;s ability to produce excess power in relation to its local consumer demand. The enterprise control module can issue commands to one or more regional control modules to increase power production or decrease consumption as well as reroute excess power. Receiving such a command, the regional control modules communicate with the power producers within its region to increase power production. The command transmitted to each power producer is standardized to ensure consistent production response by the variety of power production options associated with a distributed power grid. The local control modules and the regional control modules are also capable of independently taking action to keep supply and demand in balance if very fast action is required to keep the system in a stable operating condition. 
     The present invention further possesses the ability to automatically respond to changes in network structure, asset availability, power generation levels, or load conditions without requiring any reprogramming According to one embodiment of the present invention the enterprise control modules as well as the regional and local control modules possess knowledge of known components of the distributed energy grid. As new components of a known class are connected to the grid, for example an additional wind turbine, the various layers of the present invention immediately recognized it as a wind turbine possessing particular characteristics and capabilities. Knowing these characteristics and capabilities the present invention can issue commands seamlessly with respect to the production of power and its distribution. Upon a command being issued the regional and local control modules can provide to each component the correct information such that it will be understood by that device and perform as expected. The present invention also possesses the capability to recognize components that are foreign to the distributed grid. Upon an unrecognized device being coupled to the grid, the local control module initiates an inquiry to identify that devices characteristics, properties, and capabilities. That information is added to the repository of information and is thereafter used to facilitate communication with and control of the device. This process may be manual or automatic. This new information immediately propagates to appropriate system modules and monitoring, control, network, and simulation activities can take advantage of the capabilities offered by the new device automatically. 
     The present invention further enables the enterprise control module to expose functional capabilities to other applications for implementing different types of services. Examples include a feeder peak load management application that uses an import/export function provided by the controller to limit the maximum load experienced by that feeder at the substation, and a reliability application that can issue an “island” command to a regional control module to separate from the grid and operate independently using local generation resources and load control. By using functional capabilities exposed by the enterprise control module, many applications can use power generating, consuming, and assets storing capabilities of the network without compromising its stability or violating operating limits. 
     The present invention provides method and systems to enable general transactions between different service providers and service subscribers automatically (dynamic transactions between power consumers, service providers, network operators, power producers, and other market participants), while maintaining the stability and reliability of grid operations. The multi-layered approach of the present invention provides a stable interface between applications which operate on the front end of the system and devices which interface with the back end. In doing so both applications and devices experience a “Plug and Play” experience which is capitalized upon to manage the distributed power grid. An example would be how a peak load management application automatically finds and uses available generators to ensure that a demand limit is not exceeded on a distribution feeder. This is analogous to a word processing application automatically finding an available network printer when needed. 
     The features and advantages described in this disclosure and in the following detailed description are not all-inclusive. Many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter; reference to the claims is necessary to determine such inventive subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood, by reference to the following description of one or more embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a legacy power distribution grid as known in the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  shows a high level process overlay of a system for controlling a distributed power grid according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a high level block diagram showing a process flow for implementing distributed control methodology into a simulated power system according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         3 B is a high level block diagram showing a process flow for implementing the distributed control methodology tested in  3 A using a simulated power system into an actual power system without making any changes to the control methodology according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a high level functional block diagram of a distributed energy resource network operating system (an alternative embodiment of the smart grid controls presented in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) for power production, topology and asset management according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein new applications are using the functional capabilities exposed by a distributed energy resources network operating system to implement more complex system capabilities as described in herein; 
         FIG. 5  is a high level block diagram of a multilayered architecture for controlling a distributed power grid according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart for local control module operations according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart for regional control module operations according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart for enterprise control module operations according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9A through 9C  are flowcharts of method embodiments for decentralized control of power distribution and production in a distributed power grid according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart of one method embodiment for simulating a distributed power grid topology and its associated power systems; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  combine to form a flowchart of one method embodiment for deploying and validating controls developed with a simulated power system. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart of one method embodiment for real time monitoring and modifications of command and control inputs to a physical power system based on real time power system simulation; and 
         FIG. 13  is a high level block diagram showing the interaction between a control module, a simulation engine and physical components of a distributed energy grid according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The Figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein. 
     GLOSSARY OF TERMS 
     As a convenience in describing the invention herein, the following glossary of terms is provided. Because of the introductory and summary nature of this glossary, these terms must also be interpreted more precisely by the context of the Detailed Description in which they are discussed. 
     Cloud Computing is a paradigm of computing in which dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources are provided as a service over the Internet. Users need not have knowledge of, expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructure in the “cloud” that supports them. The term cloud is used as a metaphor for the Internet, based on how the Internet is depicted in computer network diagrams, and is an abstraction for the complex infrastructure it conceals. 
     HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is a communications protocol for the transfer of information on the Internet or a similar wide area network. HTTP is a request/response standard between a client and a server. A client is the end-user; the server is the web site. The client making a HTTP request—using a web browser, spider, or other end-user tool—is referred to as the user agent. The responding server—which stores or creates resources such as HTML files and images—is called the origin server. In between the user agent and the origin server may be several intermediaries, such as proxies, gateways, and tunnels. HTTP is not constrained to using TCP/IP (defined below) and its supporting layers, although this is its most popular application on the Internet. 
     A Web Server is a computer housing a computer program that is responsible for accepting HTTP requests from web clients, which are known as web browsers, and serving them HTTP responses along with optional data contents, which usually are web pages such as HTML documents and linked objects (images, etc.). 
     The Internet Protocol (IP) is a protocol used for communicating data across a packet-switched internetwork using the Internet Protocol Suite, also referred to as TCP/IP. The Internet Protocol Suite is the set of communications protocols used for the Internet and other similar networks. It is named from two of the most important protocols in it, the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP), which were the first two networking protocols defined in this standard. Today&#39;s IP networking represents a synthesis of several developments that began to evolve in the 1960s and 1970s, namely the Internet and LANs (Local Area Networks), which emerged in the mid- to late-1980s, together with the advent of the World Wide Web in the early 1990s. The Internet Protocol Suite, like many protocol suites, may be viewed as a set of layers. Each layer solves a set of problems involving the transmission of data, and provides a well-defined service to the upper layer protocols based on using services from some lower layers. Upper layers are logically closer to the user and deal with more abstract data, relying on lower layer protocols to translate data into forms that can eventually be physically transmitted. The TCP/IP model consists of four layers (RFC 1122). From lowest to highest, these are the Link Layer, the Internet Layer, the Transport Layer, and the Application Layer. 
     A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a broad area (i.e., any network whose communications links cross metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries). This is in contrast with personal area networks (PANs), local area networks, campus area networks (CANs), or metropolitan area networks (MANs) which are usually limited to a room, building, campus or specific metropolitan area (e.g., a city) respectively. WANs are used to connect local area networks and other types of networks together, so that users and computers in one location can communicate with users and computers in other locations. Many WANs are built for one particular organization and are private. Others, built by Internet service providers, provide connections from an organization&#39;s local area networks to the Internet. 
     A local area network (LAN) is a computer network covering a small physical area, like a home, office, or small group of buildings, such as a school, or an airport. The defining characteristics of LANs, in contrast to WANs, include their usually higher data-transfer rates, smaller geographic area, and lack of a need for leased telecommunication lines. 
     The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standardized Internet Protocol Suite, serving billions of users worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope that are linked by copper wires, fiber-optic cables, wireless connections, and other technologies. The Internet carries a vast array of information resources and services, most notably the inter-linked hypertext documents of the World Wide Web and the infrastructure to support electronic mail. In addition, it supports popular services such as online chat, file transfer and file sharing, gaming, commerce, social networking, publishing, video on demand, teleconferencing and telecommunications. 
     SCADA, or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition refers to an industrial control system, electric grid control system or computer system used in conjunction with monitoring and controlling a process. Generally speaking, a SCADA system usually refers to a system that coordinates monitoring of sites or complexes of systems spread out over large areas. Most control actions are performed automatically by Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) or by Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). For purposes of the present invention, SCADA is one of the many means by which the present invention gains power consumer demand information as well as related data concerning the distributed power grid. 
     Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are assets, equipment, or systems capable of producing power, storing/releasing energy, managing consumption, and providing measurements and control distributed throughout a power grid. Each of the resources varies as in type and capability. Moreover a DER may represent a system composed of other DER along with portions of the electric power system operationally bound together with the control systems described in this invention (forming a compound-DER). A compound-DER, in turn, looks like an ordinary DER to other elements of the power system external to the compound-DER. This recursive control capability gives the current invention a powerful compositional mechanism for building and operating very large systems in a scalable manner 
     OPC ((Object Linking and Embedding) for Process Control) is a software interface standard that allows Windows programs to communicate with industrial hardware devices. OPC is implemented in server/client pairs. The OPC server is a software program that converts the hardware communication protocol used by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (a small industrial computer that controls one or more hardware devices) into the OPC protocol. The OPC client software is any program that needs to connect to the hardware. The OPC client uses the OPC server to get data from or send commands to the hardware. Many interface standards and protocols are available for exchanging information between applications or systems that the present invention utilizes for communicating with various DER, applications, and systems. 
     A Smart Grid delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers using digital technology to control energy production, consumption, storage and release, appliances at consumer&#39;s homes manage demand and/or save energy, reduce cost and increase reliability and transparency. The difference between a smart grid and a conventional grid is that pervasive communications and intelligent control are used to optimize grid operations, increase service choices, and enable active participation of multiple service providers (including energy consumers) in a complex web of dynamic energy and services transactions. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. Although the invention has been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the combination and arrangement of parts can be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Embodiments of the present invention enable the management and control of a plurality of DER and network elements connected to a distributed power grid. Unlike traditional power grids a smart power grid allows power generation, storage, and load management within distribution networks on a local or regional level. To facilitate the generation, storage, load management and distribution of power the present invention integrates a multi-layer control system which acts to interface a plurality of diverse applications offering a variety of services to a plurality of diverse energy producing and controlling elements. Included in the description below are flowcharts depicting examples of the methodology which may be used to control and manage a transmission and distribution power grid using the capabilities of DER and systems installed within it. In the following description, it will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a machine such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture, including instruction means that implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed in the computer or on the other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. 
     Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of steps for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     Currently, power grid systems have varying degrees of communication within control systems for their high value assets, such as in generating plants, transmission lines, substations and major energy users. In general, information flows one way, from the users and the loads they control back to the utilities. The utilities attempt to meet the demand with generators that automatically follow the load and thereafter by dispatching reserve generation. They succeed or fail to varying degrees (normal operations, brownout, rolling blackout, uncontrolled blackout). The total amount of power demand by the users can have a very wide probability distribution which requires spare generating plants to operate in a standby mode, ready to respond to the rapidly changing power usage. This grid management approach is expensive; according to one estimate the last 10% of generating capacity may be required as little as 1% of the time, and brownouts and outages can be costly to consumers. 
     Existing power lines in the grid were originally built using a radial model, and later connectivity was guaranteed via multiple routes, referred to as a meshed network structure. If the current flow or related effects across the network exceed the limits of any particular network element, it could fail, and the current would be shunted to other network elements, which eventually may fail also, causing a domino effect. A technique to prevent this is load shedding by a rolling blackout or voltage reduction (brownout). 
     Distributed generation allows individual consumers to generate power onsite, using whatever generation method they find appropriate. This allows individuals to tailor their generation directly to their load, making them independent from grid power failures. But, if a local sub-network generates more power than it is consuming, the reverse flow can raise safety and reliability issues resulting in a cascading failure of the power grid. Distributed generation can be added anywhere on the power grid but such additional energy resources need to be properly coordinated to mitigate negative impacts to the power system. Embodiments of the present invention address this need to safely and reliably control power production, distribution, storage, and consumption in a distributed power grid. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention a multilayer control system is overlaid and integrated onto the existing power grid. Using data collected in conjunction with existing SCADA systems, an enterprise control module governs overall power demand, control, management and distribution. This enterprise control module interacts with regional control modules that serve to manage power production and distribution on a local or regional level. Each regional control module interfaces with multiple DER within its area of responsibility to dynamically manage power production and consumption keeping the system within its reliability and safety limits. These three layers, the enterprise control module, the regional control module and the local control module, form a distributed energy resource network operating system which acts as a stable environment to which any one of a plurality of energy producers provide energy and one from which any one of a plurality of energy consumers can draw energy. The system of the present invention enables the individual components of the power grid, energy consumers and producers, to change dynamically without detrimentally affecting the stability and reliability of the distributed power grid. 
       FIG. 2  shows a high level overlay of a communication system for controlling a distributed power grid according to one embodiment of the present invention. Traditional power generation facilities  110  are coupled to substations  125  as are wind turbine farms  220  and solar arrays  210 . While  FIG. 2  shows three forms of power generation, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is applicable to any form of power generation or energy source. Indeed the present invention is equally capable of managing power added to the distributed energy grid from batteries as may be found in electric vehicles as long as the power is compatible with, or transformed to be compatible with, the grid format. 
     Associated with each substation  125  is a regional control module  225 . The regional control module manages power production, distribution, and consumption using available DER within its region. Also associated with each region are industrial loads  260  that would be representative of large commercial enterprises and residential loads  250 . According to the present invention, each regional control module using one or more applications is operable to autonomously manage the power distribution and production within its region. Autonomous operation can also be in island mode where the management of grid frequency and voltage are performed at a fast enough rate to accomplish safe grid operations. The present invention dynamically manages various modes of operation of the DER and grid to carry out these functions in addition to managing the power flows. 
     Each power producing entity  210 , such as the traditional power generation plants  110  and the renewable or alternative energy sources  220 , interfaces with the regional grid via a local control module  215 . The local control module  215  standardizes control command responses with each of the plurality of power producers. By offering to the regional control module  225  a standardized response from each of the plurality of power producing entities, the regional control module can actively manage the power grid in a scalable manner This means that the controller can dynamically alter its actions depending on the DER that is available at any time. The distributed controller dynamically and automatically compensates for assets that may be added, go out of service, fail, or lose connectivity. This capability gives the current invention a highly scalable nature minimizing the need to manually change the system every time there is a change in network structure or DER availability. This is a unique and distinguishing feature of this invention. 
     To better understand the versatility and scalability of the present invention, consider the following example.  FIG. 2  shows a primary power grid  205  (shown in dashed lines) overlaid with a power distribution management network  200 . Assume as depicted in  FIG. 2  a regional control module  225  is actively managing power production, consumption and distribution of energy within its area of responsibility. To do so the regional control module  225  interacts with the enterprise control module  275  which in turn gives the regional control module  225  access to smart grid controls  285 , data  280  and other management applications that are associated with the enterprise control module  275 . In this example consider that the area of responsibility includes a distributed energy generation plant  110  and a wind farm electric power facility  220 . Beyond interacting with these power producing facilities, the regional control module  225  is also aware of energy consumption and demand by residential loads  250  and commercial loads  260 . Assume that there is no wind and thus the wind production facility  220  is idle. Accordingly the regional control module manages the distribution of energy generated by the power plant  110  and power drawn from the primary grid  205  to the various energy consumers  250 ,  260 . 
     Further assume that a breeze begins to blow sufficient to power the wind turbines. One by one a plurality of wind turbines come on line and being producing power. As each wind turbine begins producing power it is identified to the regional control module  225  and indeed the entire distributed energy resource network operating system as a wind turbine having particular characteristics and properties. Knowing these characteristics and properties the regional control module can establish communication and control of the turbine as it changes its mode from idle to producing. As the wind turbine(s) can provide additional power the regional control module can decrease production requests to the power plant  110  based on its analysis of both the residential  250  and commercial  260  load and adjust the power drawn from the primary grid  205  to maintain the system within operating limits or market based contractual limits. The system also automatically adjusts other parameters such as the local spinning reserves and replacement reserves needed to adjust to the ever changing real-world conditions. This continuous adjustment across the portfolio of DER under any control module, and across control modules, is a distinguishing feature of this invention. 
     In doing so the regional control module  225  can modify the distribution scheme (network topology) within its region to optimize power production and distribution and to keep the system within its operational limits. Lastly assume that one of the wind turbines in the wind turbine farm  220  is of a type that is unknown to the regional control module. While producing power its characteristics, properties, and other pertinent data with respect to power production is not possessed by the regional control module. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the regional  225  and local  215  control modules send out a plurality of inquiries to the new wind turbine to ascertain data pertinent to the wind turbine&#39;s integration into the distributed power grid. This data can also be obtained through manual input by operators. Once gained, this information is shared to the enterprise control module  275  which stores the data in a repository accessible by all regional control modules. The new wind turbine is now available for active control by the system up to the permitted extent 
     One of the methods for power generation at a traditional power plant occurs by generating steam which turns one or more steam driven turbines which thereafter drives an electrical generator. As demand increases within the region there is a finite amount of time from when the demand is realized and the new amount of energy can be produced. This sort of response is different for each type of power generation. For example, from the time an increasing demand is realized to that when power generated by a gas turbine is available, two minutes may elapse. This means the time between when the control interface issues a command to the gas turbine to begin producing power to that when the power is actually realized at the substation may be as much as five minutes or some other period of time. Alternatively, a steam powered turbine may be able to increase its output within 30 seconds, a spinning natural gas reciprocating engine may be able to increase its output in seconds and a flywheel may be able to contribute energy instantaneously. The responsiveness to control inputs of each power producing system is different. Control algorithms within the different layers of the present invention manage these distinctions so that power production dynamically meets power demand at all times. Another embodiment of the present invention standardizes responses to control inputs with respect to power generation. Knowledge of the response characteristics of DER enables the controller to reliably issue appropriate signals to produce desired results. By doing so each DER becomes the equivalent of a “plug and play” energy production device. While each DER is unique, its interface into the control management system of the present invention is standardized making the control and management of a plurality of diverse DERs possible. The information concerning the performance characteristics, operating boundaries, and other constraints of DERs and the grid are used by the various control layers to take local or regional actions without the need for a central decision making authority such as in conventional SCADA-based grid control systems. This unique approach enables the present invention to be highly scalable, rapidly respond to changing conditions and incorporate a diversity of generation, storage, and load management assets geographically dispersed within the electric power system. 
     As with the communication between the regional control module  225  and the enterprise control module  275 , each local control module  215  provides data to the regional control module  225  regarding DER characteristics. These characteristics may include maximum output, minimum output, response time, and other characteristics as would be known to one skilled in the art. Understanding these characteristics, the regional control module  225  and the enterprise control module  275  can manage power production and distribution without risking the reliability and safety of the grid. 
     Consider another example in which a regional control module  225  recognizes an increase in power demand. Through the associated local control modules  215  within the region, the regional control module  225  can direct one or more additional power producers to meet this increased amount. Understanding control response of each of the power producers and their available modes of operation, the regional control module can issue commands at the appropriate time and in the appropriate sequence to meet the dynamic needs of the region. Modes of operation can be automatic load following, load sharing, frequency tracking, droop, set-point based base load generation, or any other mode available to individual DER. The ability of the regional control module to select modes of operation across its portfolio of DER enables it to respond to evolving conditions on the grid at multiple time scales. Distributed dynamic mode management across a portfolio of DER is a distinguishing feature of the current invention. 
     The regional control module  225  is further aware of the electricity producing capacity within the region and the limitations to the distribution grid. The regional control module  225  understands topology with respect to the power producers and power consumers and its own ability to distribute the power. Each regional control module  225  is communicatively coupled to an enterprise control module  275  via, in one embodiment of the present invention, a wide area network  230 . As one skilled in the art will appreciate, a wide area network can be the Internet or other means to communicate data among remote locations. In other embodiments of the present invention data can be exchanged between the enterprise control module  275  and the regional control modules  225  via a local area network or Intranet. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the enterprise control module  275  includes the plurality of applications to aid in the management of a distributed power grid. These applications can include, inter alia, data visualization  280 , smart grid controls  285  and environment simulation  290 . The smart grid controls  285  include capabilities such as active and reactive power flow control, voltage and Voltage Amperage Reactive (VAR) control on feeders or grid interconnection points, intermittency management using various assets to counteract the variability of power generation from renewable generation sources such as wind turbines and solar panels, and optimal dispatch of generation, storage, or controllable loads to meet operations, cost, or emissions criteria. 
     The enterprise control module  275  is operable to manage the interaction of several regional control modules  225  and the power producers under their control. As previously described, each regional control module  225  using applicable applications can dynamically manage the power consumers and power producers within its control. As demand (active power or reactive power) within a certain region managed by a regional control module  225  increases or decreases algorithms within the regional control module act to compensate for power production within its particular region. However, it is recognized by the present invention that power consumer demand in one region may exceed the ability for that region&#39;s power producers. The presence of the enterprise control module  275  and its ability to coordinate operations of regional control modules  225  enables this type of situation to be dynamically managed by enabling production from a regional control module to serve another that does not have sufficient local resources or for any other reason. One feature of the present invention is that the enterprise control module  275  using a DER application is tasked to manage and control requests for additional power as well as the availability of excess power producing capacity. In essence, the enterprise control module provides system-level coordination, the regional control module provides regional coordination, and the local control module provides fast control of assets thereby providing smooth control over a large number of assets over different time scales and different geographic reach to meet specific system goals. This ability of the system to coordinate the operation of a dynamic and variable portfolio of DER across a dynamic and variable distribution network to keep the system within its permitted operating limits is a distinguishing feature of this invention. 
     The data visualization unit  280  is operable to provide a user or DER application with the current status of electricity demand, network topology and status, and power producing capacity throughout the distributed power grid. At any point in time a user can visualize the ability for power producers to provide additional power, or the particular load experienced in a region. Moreover, the data visualization module  280  can indicate to a user the availability of a path by which to distribute power. Prior to issuing a command to regional control module  225  to increase the production of electricity, the enterprise control module  275  can simulate the effects of a proposed command to test the stability of the grid under the proposed change. 
     The simulation environment  290 , utilizing real-time data from existing regional control modules  225  and their DER facilities, can initiate a series of simulated commands to balance generation and loads. Knowing the topology of the distribution grid and the electrical properties of the elements within its range of control, the simulation module  290  can validate whether a proposed command will meet the projected load within predefined limits such as safety and regulatory constraints. The simulation module may use models of DER or compound-DER as presented to it by regional control modules to estimate the behavior of the system in near real time. It is to be noted that the regional control modules have their own simulation modules to estimate performance and plan actions within their range of control enabling distributed operations of the system. Once a proposed command has been validated using the simulation module  290 , the same commands can be passed to the smart grid control module  285  for execution. This could be an automatic action or can be mediated by a human operator. This simulation module takes into account the behavior and effects of the multi-layered distributed power grid control system of the present invention deployed within the system. The ability of the simulation to take into account the behavior of the multi-layered distributed power grid control system is a distinguishing feature of this invention. Another distinguishing feature of this invention is the distributed simulation environments within the local, regional, and enterprise control modules and the ability to simulate system behavior using compound-DER presented by lower level layers. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are a high level block diagrams showing a process flow for implementing simulated ( FIG. 3A ) and actual ( FIG. 3B ) control methodology into a power system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This process flow is used for meeting different objectives. One example is during the development of the control system. The simulated power system module  340  is developed to reflect the actual power system where the distributed control system in the current invention is to be deployed. The smart grid controls module  285  is then built using local control modules  215 , regional control modules  225 , and enterprise control module  275  as required for the target power system. The user interface module  315  presents the operations user interface for the system as desired by various users. The control system being designed may run on the general purpose computer, the exact same hardware that will be deployed in the field, or any combination thereof. The Smart I/O module  335  will route information flow between the smart grid controls module  285  (the top level of which is the enterprise control module  275 ) and the simulated power system module  340 . The designer or user of the system can now test the control system under development against the simulated target power system until desired performance is achieved. Another example of the process flow is shown in  FIG. 3B  where the smart I/O module  335  now routes information flows between the smart grid controls module  285  and the actual power system. In this example, the control system has been deployed in the field and the various control modules (local, regional, and enterprise) and communicatively coupled with field DER and with each other. A unique feature of this invention is that the distributed control system requires no modification other than appropriate addressing for field communications to operate the physical power system as designed using the simulated power system module  340 . The control system also allows parameters to be fine-tuned in the field to meet system performance objectives. Yet another example use of the process flow diagrams in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  is during system operations. Both cases could be operational side by side, enabling operators to compare the field operations with simulated operations for planning, system reconfiguration, expansion, or troubleshooting operations. In one embodiment of the present invention the data visualization module  280  includes a user interface  315 , data acquisition and management module  310  and historical data and analysis module  305 . These modules work in conjunction with one another to collect and analyze data from the distributed power grid via regional control modules  225  to present to a user via the user interface  315  information with respect to the distributing grid including its status with respect to power production and power consumption. The data visualization module  280  could be exactly the same whether the control system is connected to a simulated power system or to the real power system. The interface modules between the smart grid controls module  285 , simulated power system module  340 , actual power system  350 , and the visualization module  280  that enables the system to be seamlessly switched between these various use cases is a distinguishing feature of this invention. 
     Using the visualization module  280  a set of commands can be issued using the smart grid control module  285  to manage power production and distribution within the distributed power grid. Within the smart grid control module  285  exists an embedded power system simulation engine  320 , a real-time control engine  325  and a real-time, intelligent control interface  335 . In one embodiment of the present invention, these modules (module  285  and its component modules) are contained within the local control module  215 , regional control module  225 , and the enterprise control module  275  establishing the distributed control architecture of the system. For each of the modules  215 ,  225 , and  275 , the smart I/O module  335  provides the interface to the external world of DER, network components, and systems. It gives the distributed control system access to real time and non-real time data flows within the range of the visibility and control range of the individual modules. These data flows feed the activities of the real-time controls engine  325  and the embedded power system simulation engine  320 . For example, say that at system configuration time a particular regional control module  225  was associated with a particular substation, all feeders below it and loads, generation, and other DER connected to the feeders through appropriate local control modules  215 . At system deployment time, the smart I/O modules of the regional control module  225  and associated local control modules  215  are connected to DER and other required data sources and sinks. This portion of the power system is now within the visible and controllable range of the regional control module. During system operations, real time data flows in through smart I/O modules  335  and reach the real time controls engine  325  and embedded power system simulation engine  320 , all three of which are present in their appropriate instantiations in local, regional, and enterprise control modules  215 ,  225 , and  275 . Within each of these modules, parallel activities take place where the real time controls engine uses its algorithms to determine what course of action to take to meet its local objectives. In order to accomplish this, it may query the embedded simulation engine for predictions about the consequences of actions it might take. This process may iterate until some condition is met or some time has elapsed when the controls engine  325  determines its action and sends command signals to appropriate destinations through its associated smart I/O module  325 . By carrying out all these operations in parallel across the power system controlled by the distributed control system, the present invention achieves a highly scalable control solution that centralized systems cannot achieve. Further, by presenting the functional capabilities of compound-DER upstream from local control modules  215  to regional control modules  225 , and from regional control modules  225  to enterprise control module  275 , the system automatically manages the coordination of activities between control modules ranging from local simulations and predictions to the timing and consequences of control actions. This layered approach to synergistic operation of distributed control modules incorporating embedded power system simulation engine  320 , real time controls engine  325 , and smart I/O  335  for the reliable operation of power systems is a distinguishing feature of this invention. 
     Each of the modules within the smart grid control module  285 , the real time intelligent control interface  335 , embedded power system simulation engine  320  and real-time control engine  325  work together in various combinations to form the multi-layered distributed power grid control system of the present invention so as to manage and control the power grid as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Turning back to  FIG. 3 , a user (or an application running on the enterprise control module when operating in an automatic mode), recognizing the need to modify some system operating parameter, for example reduce system voltage for energy conservation, can initiate a series of commands through the smart grid control module  285  to issue the new voltage set point. The commands from the smart grid control module  285  are executed in the simulated power system environment  290  to ascertain whether the proposed solution will meet the voltage reduction objective under the then current conditions on the grid. In essence the multi-layered distributed power grid control system of the present invention provides real-time actual data with respect to the current grid topology and energy producers as well as real-time data regarding energy consumption to a simulation engine which then carries out one or more simulations of proposed solutions to meet system performance objectives. 
     Once a series of simulations has been validated by the environment simulation module  290 , the grid control strategy can be applied to the actual power system  350  without fear that the alteration in the grid will adversely affect the grid&#39;s stability. This is accomplished by sending the commands from the data management and visualization module  280 , to the multilayered distributed power grid control system  285  installed in the field that is in turn connected to the physical grid and devices  350 , instead of the simulated grid and assets  290 . During application of the actual commands to the actual power system  350 , data is once again acquired through the data acquisition and management module  310  to verify that the commands issued are producing the desired results. The ability of the system to evaluate the behavior of the multilayered distributed power grid control system  285  in simulation and then to deploy it directly to the field (with very minimal modifications such as device addressing) is one of the distinguishing features of the present invention. 
     Managerial applications operating on the enterprise layer  275  can initiate commands to one or more of the regional control modules  225  to increase power production and transfer power among the variety of regions within the distributed power grid. For example, consider a region managed and controlled by a regional control module  225  that is experiencing an increase in power demand or load. This increase in demand may be the result of an unusually high temperature day resulting in increased air-conditioner use or the increase may be expected during working hours due to a high concentration of the industry located within the region. The regional control module  225  in conjunction and in communication with the enterprise control module  275  can predict and recognize this load increase using peak load management, demand response, or other DER management applications. The regional control module  225  can further recognize that the power producers within the region are incapable of producing enough power to meet the demand or their ability to produce such power would exceed safety and regulatory constraints. 
     Upon recognizing that such a situation may occur the regional control module  225  issues a request for additional power through the enterprise control module  275 . Applications associated with the enterprise control module  275  issue queries to the remaining regional control modules  225  regarding their ability to produce excess power. Other regional control modules  225  can respond to the inquiry indicating that it has the ability to increase power production in response to the request for power by another region. 
     Understanding that one region has an excess capacity of power and another has a need for additional power, as well as knowing the topology of the distributed power grid, applications associated with the enterprise control module  275  can run a series of simulated controls to increase power production of a first region and transfer the excess power to a second region. Once the commands have been validated, the commands are issued by the smart grid control module  285  to both of the affected regional control modules  225 ; i.e., the region having an excess power capacity and the regional control module  225  of the region requesting power. Furthermore, a distribution application can configure switches throughout the distributed power grid to transfer power from the first region to the second region. 
     The request for power from one region and the response with excess power from another, as managed by one or more applications affiliated with the enterprise control module  275 , is a dynamic process. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the consumption of electricity within a particular region varies dynamically, as does the ability of any region to produce power. While historical data can provide insight regarding typical loads experienced by one or more regions, as well as the ability of another region to produce excess power, the production and transfer of power must be controlled dynamically and in real-time. Within the multilayered distributed power grid control system of the present invention, different power management functions are carried out by the different layers. The ability to “look-ahead” to make decisions about what actions to take using simulations exist at every level. This is a feature of the distributed controller—not all decisions have to be made at the enterprise level. This is also true for the simulations—many simulations are carried out at the regional controller level, while systems level simulations may be carried out at the enterprise level. In essence, simulations necessary for real-time control are carried out automatically at the appropriate control layer, simulations to provide operators with options that they may have under various operations situations is carried out at the enterprise level. 
       FIG. 4  is a high level functional block diagram of a distributed energy resource network operating system for power production, demand management, topology management, and DER or asset management according to another embodiment of the present invention. A Distributed Energy Resource Network Operating System (DER-NOS)  410  is interposed between a plurality of management applications and a variety of energy producing resources. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the DER-NOS interfaces with a variety of power producing resources using a gateway or interface (local control module)  445 . The gateway  445  is an interface that issues commands in the correct order, sequence and format for a particular device. This interface translates standards commands for different classes of equipment, assets, or DER to the unique commands required by different makes and models of equipment. The interface ensures that as far as the smart grid controls  285  are concerned, each device operates in the same manner from manufacturer to manufacturer. This gateway  445  also runs the lowest layer of the multilayered distributed power grid control system. In this example, the DER-NOS consistently interacts with DER such as photovoltaic cells  440 , conventional power generation plants  430 , mixed fuel generation capabilities  420 , renewable generation resources  415  and the like. It is also capable of managing additional assets such as storage devices or load management systems. The DER-NOS has the ability to manage and control a variety of power producing, storing, and consuming resources utilizing a variety of application tools. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, distributed energy resources can be managed and controlled using application modules including inter alia peak load management  465 , distributed generation applications  460 , demand response applications  455 , and other DER-NOS monitoring applications  450 . Each of these management and control tools interact via an engineering workstation or web based user interface either through computers or mobile devices to assist a user in deploying the system and to understand and manage the operation of the power network and network-connected distributed energy resources throughout the power grid. This management and control is accomplished via the DER-NOS. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the engineering workstation  475  interacts, in one embodiment, with a data visualization model  280  as described with respect to  FIG. 2 . This engineering workstation enables the system to be configured to match field conditions. 
       FIG. 4  further shows an interaction between the engineering work station  475  and the monitoring application  450  via a modeling simulation module, also referred to herein as the simulation module  290 . The monitoring application provides real time data to the simulation module that in turn is used to configure and tune the system. This ability of the system to utilize real time data from the field to carry out simulations to further tune the system in an integrated manner distinguishes the current invention from the prior art. 
     The DER-NOS interacts with a variety of management applications  465 ,  460 ,  455 ,  450  and the energy producing resources  440 ,  430 ,  420 ,  415  and automatically carries out power management  480 , topology management  485  and energy resource asset (DER) management  490 . This management is accomplished, according to one embodiment of the present invention, using a three layer operating system acting as a bridge between the management applications on one hand and the distributed energy resources on the other. Without the DER-NOS of the present invention, each management and control application would have to develop custom methods to gain data, interface with each DER, and send unique instructions to operate DER while leaving unsolved the issue of grid impact mitigation, conflicting operations between DER, and coordination for achieving system-wide objectives. The DER-NOS is a common platform for all DER, network, and power management applications to use. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the distributed generation application  460  does not need to know what specific commands must be issued to cause a particular type of steam power electrical generator to increase production. It simply issues an instruction that the plant should increase production and the DER-NOS converts the command to a format that the steam power electrical generator will recognize. Further, the DER-NOS also carries out “aggregation” and “virtualization” of DER. Aggregation is the process of dynamically pooling different DERs into groups based on user or application specified criteria. The combined capabilities of the DER in the pool and operations that can be performed on the pool are calculated by the DER-NOS. A command issued to an aggregate resource by a user or application will be transparently interpreted and executed appropriately by the DER-NOS. The DER-NOS can also bind aggregate resources and the network that connects them into “virtual” resources using appropriate local and regional control modules  215  and  225 . Virtual resources (same as compound-DER described earlier) can be treated as a single DER by other parts of the system. These “virtual” resources (with capabilities comparable to a conventional power plant or other DER) are now made available to the variety of management applications  465 ,  460 ,  455 ,  450 . Availability, compatibility, assignment to pools and/or applications, conflict resolution, error handling and other resource management functions are carried out by the DER-NOS, much as a computer operating system assigns memory, processor time, and peripheral devices to applications. The ability of the present system to manage resources and make them available individually, in pools, or as virtualized resources to applications for optimally utilizing them for various functions is a significant advantage over prior systems. 
       FIG. 5  is a high level block diagram of a multilayered architecture for controlling a distributed power grid showing an expanded view of one embodiment of a DER-NOS according to the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the DER-NOS includes a multilayered approach having local control modules  510 , regional control modules  520 , and an enterprise control module  530 . The enterprise control module  530  is communicatively coupled to each of a plurality of regional control modules  520  and each regional control module  520  is communicatively coupled to a plurality of local control modules  510 . The DER-NOS interacts with external applications and devices through custom interfaces  545 ,  555 , and  565 . Through these interfaces the DER-NOS gains the ability to interact with existing DER assets, grid equipment, utility SCADA systems, and other applications to exchange data and control commands. These custom interfaces serve as adapters to translate implementation specific interfaces to the common language used within the system. 
     The DER-NOS  410  is linked to a variety of management applications  580  as previously shown in  FIG. 4 . Each of the plurality of management applications  580  is linked to the DER-NOS  410  by an OPC server  531 . The enterprise control module  530  and the regional control module  520  both include OPC client/servers  535  to aid in the communication between the DER-NOS  410  and the plurality of management applications  580 . As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, utilization of OPC is but one of many means to implement a communication interface. Many other such interfaces that are both reliable and fast can be utilized in conjunction with the present invention without departing from the scope of the inventive material. The enterprise control module  530  uses, in this embodiment, an object model for each asset type within the DER-NOS. The object model not only defines the input and output to a particular asset such as a DER, but also defines the control/system response of changes in commands issued to the asset. Ensuring that an asset responds in a similar manner to a command provides the enterprise control module the ability to maintain stable and repeatable control architecture. For example, if two generators responded differently to an “OFF” command, the complexity of implementing controls would be difficult as the area under control expands, and the number of varying assets increases. Using a common object information model resolves this dilemma by providing both common information and controls. These common object models are implemented primarily at each local control module  510 , based on common object model definitions, and then propagated throughout the system. This approach ensures that the system can interface with any asset in the field regardless of manufacturer or site-specific customization and still have a common object model representing it. The mapping from site, asset, and implementation specific details to a common object model is carried out by the local control module  510 . 
     The enterprise control module  530  is also linked to existing supervisory control and data acquisition systems  540  through a custom interface. Through these systems and with additional data from each regional control module  520 , the control unit  530  monitors and controls data points and devices through existing SCADA systems and DER-NOS-specific control modules. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, SCADA is but one of many means to implement supervisory control systems. The custom interface  545  can be used to interface with any required external application. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the enterprise control module  530  includes a network topology module  532 , controls  533  by which to manage the regional control modules  520  and distributed energy resources [number?], a dynamic configuration change handler  535 , a regional control module interface handler  536  and an input/output interface manager  538 . Regional control modules  520  each include network topology module  532 , controls  533  to manage the distributed energy resources within its region, a dynamic configuration change handler  535 , a local control module interface handler  525  and an input/output interface manager  538 . 
     Each local control module  510  includes controls  533  by which to manage distributed energy resources using the asset interface handler  515 . The local control module  510  also includes and OPC client  534 , a dynamic configuration change handler  535  and an input/output interface manager  538 . The local control module  510  interacts directly with the power resources (also known herein as Distributed Energy Resources or DERs)  560  and measurement systems through a custom interface  565 . The regional control module  520  interacts with field systems  550  and/or subsystem controllers/applications through its custom interface  555 . These three layers of the DER-NOS  410  work together with management applications  580  to dynamically manage and control a distributed power grid. 
     As can be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant art, knowing the network topology is a critical aspect of managing the distributed power grid. The network topology module  532  supports network topology analysis queries which can be integrated into a particular control to enhance the control range/capability. Network topology is the representation of the connectivity between the various elements of the electric power system (transformers, busbars, breakers, feeders, etc) and the DER that is connected to it. DER-NOS uses this subsystem to ensure that future controls can be safely performed while limiting the risk to the stability of the grid. This is accomplished by running load flow calculations and dynamic simulations to predict the future state of the system based on proposed control actions and evaluating whether the resulting state violates any stability, reliability, or operations criteria of the network. The network topology module  532  subsystem can also receive dynamic status updates of the electrical network from a variety of data sources. This allows the network topology module to be updated with the latest information about the state of the “real” system so that predictions can be made with the most recent information available. 
     The network topology module  532  associated with the enterprise control module  530  can issue queries to the regional control module  520  and wait for results. The regional control module  520  uses its own network topology module  532  and control algorithms to compute results for queries from enterprise control module  530 . In this way, the enterprise control module  530  does not need to analyze the entire network itself, but rather distributes the analysis to the regional control modules  520 . This distributive process may be carried using a request-response method or by having the regional control module  520  push information to the enterprise control module  530  on a periodic or event triggered basis. The net result is that the network topology module, simulation modules, and other modules within higher layer control modules has access to pre-processed information from lower layer control modules minimizing the real time data they need and the necessary processing. 
     The decentralized and distributive nature of the present invention is illustrative of a hierarchical nodal computational structure. In such a structure any given node in communication with another node can be characterized as either a parent or a child. In such a structure a node is never a descendent of itself. Examples of such nodal structures are illustrated below in Table 1. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Permissible Nodal Control Structure Examples 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 
                   
                     
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 
                   
                     
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Looking from the classic perspective that the top node is a parent, each node connected to and below that parent is a child. A typically hierarchal nodal structure is seen in leftmost depiction of Table 1. In the rendering shown in Table 1 the arrows represent a child parent relationship. Information flow is understood to be bidirectional. Nodes without children are understood to be leaf nodes. Thus in the leftmost example each of the lowest level of nodes are leaf nodes. According to one embodiment of the present invention these leaf nodes acquire data from and exercise control over a collection of assets. Assets in turn are part of a larger system such as a distribution power grid. Root nodes by comparison are nodes that have no parent. The leftmost example has one root node while the rightmost example has three root nodes. Nodes that are nether root or leaf nodes are called intermediate nodes. The rightmost structure has 3 root, 4 leaf, and 4 intermediate nodes. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Impermissible Nodal Control Structure 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 
                   
                     
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     For purposes of the present invention a node cannot be a descendent of itself. Thus the structure shown above is not permissible as it shows a circular relationship of intermediate nodes. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention non-leaf nodes pass only summary or aggregate information to their parents. Furthermore nodes can have operational restrictions and/or tasks (aka local goals) to take into account of which the parents are not informed. Thus a local control module, acting as a leaf may pass along limited, yet pertinent, information to the regional control mode (intermediate node) which may in-turn pass long further limited or aggregate information to an enterprise node or parent. Information held back at the local or regional levels (leaf and intermediate nodes) may include such knowledge as the response time of various child nodes to various types of control requests, performance characteristics, optimal working times, etc. Non-leaf nodes exercise control by sending control signals/commands to only its associated children nodes. Each child node is thereafter responsible for determining how to best act on that control request by sending various commands and controls to its children. The child nodes may be leaf nodes, intermediate node, or a combination of the two. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention a global or overall operational goal of the control system is a state of control of assets that the overall system is attempting to achieve. The proximity of the system to achieving that goal can be measured by a finite number of observables and each observable can be affected by control of one or more of the system&#39;s assets. For the purpose of the present invention an observable is a quantifiable property, i.e. something that can be measured. For example power output, current, or voltage are examples of an observable property. With respect to a load balancing situation, two observable quantities could be active and reactive power output. How close the system is able to achieve a particular goal or desired result can be measured by active and reactive power output at points of interconnection with an external grid. Embodiments of the present invention provide a power grid control system with the understanding that asset effects are combined with respect to a plurality of observables. Consider the load balancing scenario again. When a load is disconnected both the active and reactive components with respect to the load balancing condition must be considered. Therefore when an established goal is to meet an active+reactive power output requirement at a substation, both variables have to be considered and tracked. So in a situation involving multiple components, each with specific characteristics, the challenge becomes determining which combination or combinations of those components best achieves the desired outcome. One distinction of the present invention and departure from the prior art is that the control system embodiments of the present invention are decentralized in nature. 
     The solution of the present invention also considers when nodes have multiple parents. In such a situation that node is endowed with a blending function enabling the node to combine operational targets and to split responses to such targets among the multiple parents. The ability of a node to blend targets depends very much on the challenge with which it is presented and the system being controlled. For example a distribution substation in a power grid may be fed by two transmission substations. These transmission substations act as parents to the distribution substation node. The blending function of the transmission substations would depend on the impedances of the sub-transmission lines. Accordingly the blending would reflect the answer to the question, “When load is reduced by 1 MW at the distribution substations, what reduction in load is achieved on each of the two transmissions systems feeding it?” 
     The system of the present invention is hierarchical in that an intermediate node cannot send targets (goals) to its children until it has received targets from its parents. Similarly a node cannot convey solutions to its parent until it has received the proposed solutions from all of its children. According to the present invention once the node possesses all of the targets from its parents or all of the solutions from its children that node sets targets or blends solutions in a decentralized fashion. 
     Turning back to  FIG. 5 , the control subsystem  533  associated with the local control module  510  de-codes commands provided from the regional control module  520  directed at power resources  560 . The controls subsystem  533  ensures that the targeted asset responds consistently and reliably. This operation translates the common object model based commands used within the system to the site, equipment, and implementation specific commands required to operate the DER  560 . 
     The input/output interface manager  538  provides an interface management system to handle remote communications between the enterprise control module  530  and external systems such as SCADA systems and other enterprise applications. Within the regional control module  520 , the input/output interface manager  538  handles remote communications with field devices and systems and subsystems  550  and provides the ability to exchange information and control signals with external devices (distributed energy resources, meters, etc). These input/output interface modules  538 , the regional control module interface  536 , local control module interface  525 , and the asset interface handler  515  enable the system to map external data points, devices, and systems to the common object models used within the system to ensure consistency and reliability between the data used in each subsystem. 
     Field systems or subsystem controllers and applications  550  is any system external to DER-NOS that the regional control module  520  has to exchange data and control signals with. Example would be a switch (breaker) at a substation. 
     The dynamic configuration change handler  535 , found in each module is the engine that accepts field signals, information from other systems such as utility SCADA, or user inputs and responds to changes in the configuration of the network (network topology), availability of assets, or communications system changes by making internal changes to appropriate parts of the system. Since the DER-NOS is a distributed controller as previously described, the dynamic configuration handler  535  is the engine that ensures that real time change information propagates appropriately throughout the system (without having to shutdown and restart the system) and various resources (DER and grid assets) are put into new modes of operation dynamically. 
     Typically the local control module  510  only interacts with single devices or a small group of directly connected devices at a single site. Hence it does not require the more sophisticated dynamic configuration manager  535  that deals with configuration changes across multiple devices/sites that are geographically dispersed. The controls at the local control module  533  have the capability to manage configuration changes as required for the devices to which the local control module  510  is connected. 
       FIGS. 6-8  and the descriptions that follow outline the processes and role of the various local, regional and enterprise control modules within the power grid control system of the present invention. Each of the module processes follows a decentralized and distributive logic process aligned with the nodal framework depicted above. Generally a target or goal is set, a plurality of solutions proposed and then a solution selected and executed by the various nodes (modules) within the system. While the scope of the solutions and goals varies based on the individual module roles (local, regional or enterprise) the process is comparable. 
     The overall process begins with the establishment or receipt of a global operational goal. This goal is associated with a unique identifier. As other goals or desired outcomes are received a similar process can begin with each having its own unique identifier. 
     Having a global goal in hand, targets for various nodes in the system are established recursively down the hierarchy. Root nodes begin with the global goal, and while keeping track of any local goals, provide for each child a set of targets for observables aggregated by that child. Those observables that are continuous in nature utilize a range of acceptable values while discrete observables can utilize a range or a single value. 
     Intermediate nodes receive targets from one or more parents and while keeping track of any local goals set targets for observables aggregated for each of its children. When an intermediate node has multiple parents it uses blending functions to combine and manage the targets and to split them accordingly to its children. Again continuous observables are targeted using range of acceptable parameters while discrete characteristics can be targeted with a range or single value. 
     Leaf node (local control modules) use, when necessary, blending functions to combine targets from multiple parents. These nodes use their assets to develop solutions to meet the received targets. Note that there may be several levels of intermediate nodes between a root node and a leaf node. Furthermore, the nodal structure established and associated with one global goal may vary significantly from that of another global goal. That is the, the topology and how the control system maps enterprise, regional and local control modules and their relationship may vary depending on the challenge and the goals presented. Nonetheless the overall architecture of a distributed and decentralized control system remains valid. 
     With targets in place the process of developing a solution takes place by recursively proceeding up the hierarchy. Thus for a node to present a solution to its parent it must first be provided solutions with respect to the problem presented from all of its children. If a child does not respond with a solution a node can reformulate the targets and gain a revised solution based on a non-responsive child or accept from the child its best possible solution even though it falls short of achieving the desired goal. 
     The leaf nodes respond first. Using and in light of any of the local assets under control of the leaf, the leaf node informs its parent(s) which, if any, targets can be achieved. In situations where a leaf node possesses multiple parents a reverse blending process splits the report to each parent. If it is not possible for a leaf to achieve the received target based on the local assets under its control, solutions that most closely approach the targets are forward to the leaf node&#39;s parent for consideration. 
     Upon receiving solutions from leaf nodes, the intermediate nodes identify solutions that offer continuous ranges so as to widen target ranges. The intermediate node also solves the multi-variate problem of finding all possible solutions by combining a plurality of children discrete solutions. Thus an intermediate node may be provided with multiple solutions from one leaf node and a message from another node saying it was not able to meet the received target but that it could offer a close solution. The intermediate node can then evaluate these messages/proposed solutions to determine which combination best suites its criteria. Indeed the intermediate node may determine based on the received solutions to reissue revised targets or simply form its solution with the information in hand. 
     One approach to resolve this problem of combinatorial optimization is to apply what is commonly referred to as a knapsack algorithm. The term comes from the optimization problem of given a set of items, each with a weight and a value, determine the number of each item to include in a collection so that the total weight is less than or equal to a given weight and the total value is as large as possible. Knapsack problems can be applied to real-world decision-making processes in a wide variety of fields, such as the finding the least wasteful cutting of raw materials, selection of capital investments and financial portfolios, selection of assets for asset-backed securitization, and generating keys for the Merkle-Hellman knapsack cryptosystem. In this case the knapsack problem of optimization is one of determining which combination of assets best meets the present target. 
     There are several knapsack problem variants including 0-1 knapsack problem, a bounded knapsack problem and an un-bounded knapsack problem. These can include dynamic programming solutions and dominance relations (collective, threshold, multiple, module, etc.) with respect to the various elements of the solution. Indeed a fractional problem also considers where the components are discrete or if a portion (fraction) of a component can be considered. 
     As an example, one early application of knapsack algorithms was in the construction and scoring of tests in which the test-takers have a choice as to which questions they answer. On tests with a homogeneous distribution of point values for each question, it is a fairly simple process to provide the test-takers with such a choice. For example, if an exam contains 12 questions each worth 10 points, the test-taker need only answer 10 questions to achieve a maximum possible score of 100 points. However, on tests with a heterogeneous distribution of point values—that is, when different questions or sections are worth different amounts of points—it is more difficult to provide choices. A system was proposed in which students were given a heterogeneous test with a total of 125 possible points. The students are asked to answer all of the questions to the best of their abilities. Thus of the possible subsets of problems whose total point values add up to 100, a knapsack algorithm would determine which subset gives each student the highest possible score. 
     Finding an optimal combination of assets to solve a directed target can be approached from many different directions. As illustrated above the knapsack problem has been addressed by numerous scholars, mathematicians, and computer scientists. The decentralized and modular structure of the present invention allows one or more of these approaches to be used by the various nodes so as to determine proposed solutions quickly and efficiently. The exact classification of the knapsack problem at it applies to the present invention will depend on how many variables (observables), which components are discreet vs. continuous, and the like. Many possible solution strategies/algorithms exist for any of these knapsack problems from brute force methods to so-called “genetic” or “evolutionary” algorithms. All of which are contemplated with respect to the present invention. 
     When multiple solutions or combinations of the leaf node&#39;s solutions are possible that can meet the intermediate node&#39;s targets, the intermediate node prioritizes or ranks the possible solutions. The actual ranking of solutions varies depending on the problem presented. One approach would be to rank the solutions based on how close the various solutions achieve the desired result but another approach may take into consideration tradeoffs of the possible solutions. For example if the target presented to the node was a rapid balancing issue and the ability of a micro-grid to absorb rapid shocks was indicated by a range of values, any value in that range would provide a stable solution. However some values may be associated with other detrimental considerations (rolling blackouts) and thus rather than the solution closest to the center of the range being chosen as the highest priority the best solutions with minimal customer impact based on ancillary factors can be chosen. 
     These ranked solutions and the aggregate affects of the solutions are forwarded up the hierarchical flow to the intermediate node&#39;s parent. When necessary reverse blending of the solutions occurs as the solutions flow to the parent(s). As with the leaf node, if an intermediate node cannot provide a solution, it sends up the hierarchy one or more possible solutions that are closest to the designated targets. 
     When the parent is a root node (recall that an intermediate node can have another intermediate node as a parent) continuous ranges in solutions proposed by the children are used to again broaden target ranges. Solutions from various child nodes are combined and evaluated so as ultimately to gain a prioritized list of the possible solutions. Here at the root node (enterprise control module) the details of what the proposed solutions involve at the regional or local control module is absent. Only information that certain targets can be achieved is conveyed to the root node so that an informed decision can be made as to how to best proceed. 
     With the information in hand at the root node, a solution achieving the global goal is determined or selected. This solution is thereafter communicated from the root node to each intermediate node and from each intermediate node to each leaf node. Each child receives notification of which of its proposed solutions has been selected in assembling the blended solution by the parent(s). At the leaf node asset control settings necessary to achieve the desired solution are stored and associated with the global goal&#39;s unique identifier. 
     With each node in the control grid now in possession of a comprehensive solution to achieve the goal, a global broadcast signal can be sent to rapidly engage system assets and execute all control actions associated with the selected solutions. This general recursive and decentralized process for target dissemination and solution generation can occur simultaneously for a variety of global and/or local goals. As a solution strategy for a particular global goal is executed the assets available to each leaf node may vary requiring the alteration or modification of proposed solutions to other targets. Thus the selected solution may have a finite window of viability before it must be reevaluated based on revised asset capabilities. The dynamic nature of the control system of the present invention in combination with its ability to decentralize and distribute the solution develop and selection process provides a robust, reliable and efficient means to control a complex and vast distribution power grid. 
       FIGS. 6-8  describe a more specific example of the actions of various control modules in controlling a distribution power grid. Beginning with a local control module (leaf node) and moving to the enterprise control module (root node) a decentralized system of target distribution and solution generation of the present invention is described. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart depicting local control module logical operations according to one embodiment of the present invention. Each layer of the DER-NOS  410  architecture operates independent of the other layers such that if and when communications are lost between layers or other subsystems fail, each control module can continue to operate in a failsafe mode until other systems come back on-line or until pre-programmed sequences, such as a shut down sequence, are triggered. 
     The local control module operates by carrying out operations based on a prior system state  610 . From that state the local control module updates  620  the status of each connected DER as well as local grid conditions and other local constraints on the system. Next an update request is sent  650  from the local control module to the regional control module. Pending updates are received and thereafter the local control module determines the next actions to be taken and/or response to be sent to the regional control module  670 . From that point the local control module carries out  680  one or more actions and updates the regional control module with respect to these actions. Request and response processing between local, regional, and enterprise modules are asynchronous in the sense that the modules do not wait pending the arrival of a response message. They are designed to continue operations without locking on delayed or failed communications between control modules. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart depicting the operational logic of a regional control module. As with the local control module, the regional control module carries out actions based on a prior system state  710 . The regional control modules receives information from and updates the status of each connected local control module  720  as well as the network status from SCADA and/or subsystem controllers. Grid measurements within the region of responsibility as well as monitored events are also updated. Armed with the knowledge of the status of the local control modules under supervision, the regional control module requests  740  updates from the enterprise control module including the objective the regional control module should be satisfying. 
     The regional control thereafter determines a next course of action  760  to meet these objectives. In doing so the regional control modules evaluates  770  the consequences of each proposed action using local simulation and local intelligent algorithms as described below in reference to  FIG. 10 . Alternate actions are also considered  780  until a final set of actions or warnings are determined. Lastly the regional control module carries out  790  the determined set of actions and sends a response to the enterprise control module informing it of these actions as well as commands to the applicable local control modules. 
     Finally  FIG. 8  is a flowchart depicting the logical operation of an enterprise control module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Again the enterprise control module carries out its actions based on the prior state of the system  810 . As the overall governing entity the enterprise control module updates  820  the status of connected regional control modules, enterprise applications and other enterprise assets with which it interacts. System status updates are also sent out  850  to the presentation subsystem that is used to update the user (human) interface system. Likewise the user interface can be used to receive user inputs when provided. 
     The enterprise control module thereafter determines what action to take next  870  by evaluating the consequences of various actions by conducting global simulations using intelligent algorithms. Enterprise control module simulations operate on compound-DER or virtual DER provided by regional control modules. The dynamic behavior, performance characteristics, and measurement and control interfaces of compound-DER are calculated and presented to the enterprise control module by regional control modules. Simulations at the enterprise control module level are therefore able to characterize the global behavior of the system without having to model all the details of all distributed resources and grid components. Alternate actions are considered  880  until a final acceptable set of actions or warnings is determined. Once determined the enterprise control module then executes  890  these actions and sends out response and commands and new commands to the connected regional control modules. 
       FIGS. 9A through 9C  illustrate three methodology flowcharts for a decentralized energy grid distribution control system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9A  illustrates the methodology of the root node and begins  900  with the root node listening for new or uniquely identified global goals. These global goals can take many forms such as balancing loads and power generation, power redistribution and a variety of other enterprise level desired outcomes. The control system of the present invention continually monitors  904  for the receipt of a new goal and responds accordingly. 
     Upon receipt of a new goal  904 , local goals or targets are set for each child node  906 . Once the goals have been conveyed to the children the root node pauses  908  and waits for one or more solutions from the respective children nodes. Periodically the root node checks to see if the children nodes have relied to the request  910 . 
     Once solutions have been received from all the children nodes  910  combinations of the solutions are identified that fit (meet) the global goal  912 . If at least one combined solution cannot be found  914 , the targets for all children nodes are widened  960  and the solution process begins anew. When at least one combined solution from the children nodes is available  914  the solutions are ranked  918  based on local goals, ranking of child solutions and proximity of the solutions to the global goal. 
     From these proposed solutions, a top ranked solution is selected  920 . Once selected all children nodes are notified which of their proposed solutions will be used to construct the selected global solution  922 . With the selection of a proposed solution accomplished, each root, intermediate and child node, awaits an execution order broadcast by the root node  990 . 
     A decentralized solution determination process of the intermediate nodes is shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 9B . The process begins  930  with each intermediate node listening for targets associated with a new global goal  932 . This global goal possesses identification unique to the requirements of the global goal. Thus it is conceivable that an intermediate node, or for that matter at leaf node, oversees multiple goals, each with its own unique identifier. Moreover, each intermediate node may have one or more parents. Accordingly once targets are received from multiple parents  930 , a blending function is used to combine the targets and to allow the intermediate node to properly assess possible solutions  936 . The combined targets received from the parent(s) along with local goals are used to set targets for each child node of the intermediate node  938 . As with the root node, the intermediate node waits for solutions to its directed targets proposed by its children  940 . 
     Once solutions are received from all the children nodes  942  combinations of the solutions are identified that fit the combined targets  944 . When one or more combined solution has been found that meets the assigned goal  946  the solution(s) are ranked  950  based on local goals, ranking of child solutions, and proximity of the solution to the target. If at least one combined solution cannot be found  946  the solution closest to the target is selected and used for further analysis  948 . The solutions are aggregated, unblended and sent back to the parents for evaluation  952 . At this point the intermediate node waits and listens for further direction from the parent as to the determination of which of its proposed solutions will be used  954 . When a particular solution has been selected by its parents  956  each child of the intermediate node is told which proposed solution will be used to achieve the global goal  958 . 
       FIG. 9C  is a flow chart according to one embodiment of the present invention of a decentralized solution determination process of a leaf node. The leaf node solution process begins  960  by listening for targets associated with a new global goal  962 . As with the intermediate node each global goal is associated with a unique identifier. When targets are received from more than one parent a blending function is used to facilitate the combination  966 . Using local goals (asset capabilities), the leaf nodes inform its parents what targets are possible and what targets are impossible  968 . When the targets are directed to be a continuous response, the ability to meet a target range is conveyed back to the parent. If it is not possible for the leaf node, utilizing the assets at its disposal, to meet the directed target, the best possible solution close to the target is offered to the parents. 
     Once the leaf nodes solutions are offered to the parent, the leaf node waits and listens for a selected solution  970 . Upon receiving notification that a solution has been selected  972 , the leaf node determines which global goal identifier the associated selected solution is associated with  974 . With the selected solution identified the leaf node waits for a broadcast execution order or trigger  976 . Once the trigger is received by  978  the leaf node directs the assets at its disposal to implement the selected solution  980  ending the decentralized control process  990   
     To better understand the various embodiments of the present invention and their implications, consider the following example of controlling rapid balance of the grid due to a load variation. Assume that the DER disposed for use of the system includes power generation, loads, transformers, breakers, etc. These DERs and their associated systems are but a portion of an electric power grid, e.g., a micro-grid. The nodal control structure of the present example follows the power distribution grid&#39;s topology, thus each node virtualizes an interconnected portion of the grid that includes the entire DER controlled by its leaf descendants. For example, if the grid were a portion of the distribution grid that can be fed via a single connection to the transmission grid, one representation would be a single root node corresponding to the overall grid, intermediate nodes corresponding to substations, and leaf nodes corresponding to load feeders or individual distributed generation assets. Substation nodes in this example report only aggregate load and generation to the root node (both active and reactive power). 
     With the view toward disconnecting the system from the power distribution grid at large, the rapid grid balancing operational goal (global goal) is to be ready, upon receipt of a trigger, to achieve, very rapidly (e.g., within 2 seconds), a near-zero balance of power between the system and the grid at large, i.e., to reduce to zero both active and reactive power flows at all points of interconnection with the grid at large. Local goals at the root nodes include keeping the load close to generation in order to minimize line losses. Local goals for non-leaf nodes include maintaining the grid within its operating limits (e.g., no line overloads) and to minimize customer outages in case of a rapid disconnection from the grid at large. Local goals for leaf nodes include maintaining its asset within its operating capabilities. 
     Most DER have a ramp rate that is slow compared to the rapid balancing time frame, so control is often limited to a discrete on/off decision. According to one embodiment of the present invention a solution is determined as follows: 
     A target (balancing goal) is set. The root node sets active and reactive power targets for each substation, while attempting to maintain the load close to generation and generation power factor close to present values while accounting for known losses in the sub-transmission system. Since only an on/off control for local assets is possible, substation nodes set targets for its assets to be either on or off. 
     A Solution Proposal is developed. Leaf nodes identify to substations nodes whether their assets can be turned on/off at that time. 
     Intermediate substation nodes execute a bivariate knapsack algorithm to assemble the best combination of active/reactive loads from those assets that can be switched on/off to aggregate totals meeting the targets. 
     The developed proposed solutions are ranked by the closeness of the solutions to the targets while minimizing customer outages. Solutions that would violate equipment thermal limits are discarded. 
     Aggregate data on each acceptable solution is communicated back to the root node. The root node assembles active/reactive loads proposed by substation nodes to form one or more global solution. Solutions are ranked by closeness to a zero grid interchange target and by maximizing ranking of used substation solutions while again discarding any solutions that would violate thermal limits. 
     The root node then selects the highest ranked of the remaining solutions. Thereafter each substation node is informed which of its proposed solutions was used in assembling the selected root solution. Accordingly, each leaf node is informed whether its asset must be turned on/off for the proposed solution and associates the selected on/off action with the uniquely identified plan. 
     At this point, a global broadcast signal can cause all leaf nodes to switch assets on/off in order to achieve near-zero interchange with the grid at large that enables a disconnection from the grid at large with minimal impacts on frequency and voltage in the islanded grid. 
     The previously described control system of the present invention develops and implements a decentralized and distributed control system in which individual nodes develop solutions based on local assets and/or child node capabilities. The determination of those capabilities lies within the present invention&#39;s ability to simulate and evaluate various control inputs prior to their execution. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart of one method embodiment of the present invention for simulating a power system reflective of a portion of an actual power distribution grid (compound-DER). As previously mentioned, one aspect of the present invention includes the capability to simulate a physical power distribution grid and its associated control system so as to determine and validate control inputs prior to actual implementation. The present invention provides the ability to externally simulate the characteristics and capability of a power system in response to a particular set of control inputs prior to actual deployment of those controls. During the deployment phase (shown in more detail with reference to  FIG. 11 ) the controls and simulated power system are validated and modified to achieve a desired result. Finally as the controls are used to operate the power system real-time monitoring of the power system responses enables the present invention to run parallel simulations of the power system at a local level to tune the control inputs to precisely achieve the desired results. The present invention provides the ability to simulate and reflect a current distribution power grid and virtually test various control inputs so as to determine the characteristics and capabilities of the grid both prior to and during implementation of those controls. 
     One aspect of the present invention, as illustrated in the process of  FIG. 11 , is its ability to externally simulate the behavior, response, and characteristics of individual components as well as how a plurality of these components interacts to form a simulated system response. This simulation of power components includes an overlay of local, regional and enterprise control systems. This insight into the capability of a compound-DER can be passed upstream to other control modules which can then use that information as a basis for its own simulation and control process. 
     By using the ability to group power system components into compound-DER and simulate the characteristics, responses and capabilities of this compound-DER locally, the present invention can provide a robust, accurate and real-time simulation of distributed power grid to be used to modify control inputs on a real time basis and achieve a desired objective. Unlike a global simulation of a distributed power grid each simulation occurs locally and is independent of other simulations. However downstream simulations provide information to upstream control modules, and thus their simulation engines, with respect to the capabilities and response characteristics of the downstream compound-DER. To an upstream control module, downstream compound-DER is simply another power system component with specific characteristics. This type of simulation process enables the present invention to scale a simulation of the entire distributed power grid both quickly and accurately. 
     Turning attention back to  FIG. 10 , an internal or external simulation process begins  1005  with the development  1010  of a simulated power system. This simulated power system reflects, in one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the distribution power grid along with its overlying control system. By doing so a compound-DER representation can be presented to the simulation engine which can in turn determine the compound-DER&#39;s capabilities. 
     With the simulated power system developed, a control module is constructed  1020  using local, regional and enterprise controls as required. These control inputs represent the various methodologies used to control the various physical components, their interfaces and their interactions as represented in the simulated topology. The controls inputs used are identical to those which would be used to control the corresponding components in the physical power system. 
     Having the power system represented and the tools to implement changes to that system in place, a simulation can be run based on a local system power objective  1030 . According to one embodiment of the present invention a system objective with respect to the simulated power system is received and forwarded to the simulation engine for evaluation. The simulation engine determines whether the current compound-DER has the capacity and capability to meet the request. 
     To do so the control module iteratively tests  1050  various control inputs sent to each of the components in the simulated power system to identify predictions regarding various control actions. Each time a particular combination of control inputs are forwarded for evaluation, a query takes place asking whether the desired objectives have been met  1060 . When the answer to the query is no, a new iteration takes place with new, revised control inputs. The selection of the control inputs and the iterative process is conducted according to simulation models as would be known to one skilled in the relative art. 
     When a selected control input has been found to achieve the desired result, the controls are deployed  1070  to the physical power system for implementation. There the controls are validated to ensure that the proposed combination of command inputs to the various DER components can operate within the design parameters of each component and of the grid itself to achieve the desired result. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  combine to form a flowchart showing one method embodiment for deploying a simulated set of control inputs to a physical power system. The process begins  1105  with receiving commands developed by an external simulation or similar process. These commands are implemented  1110  on the physical power system via the control module. 
     As the power system receives the commands its response is monitored  1115  and evaluated to determine whether the implemented commands are providing the expected outcome and desired capabilities  1120 . When the commands are producing the desired outcome consistent with the simulation operational control of the compound-DER is established  1125  enabling a user to actively engage with the power system. 
     This select combination of command inputs is thereafter passed upstream  1130  to other control modules and simulation engines that can use this information to perform other simulations, albeit at a higher scale of representation. For example a current simulation involving 4 physical components and two local control systems and a single regional control system can be deemed a single DER in an enterprise level simulation. For the purpose of that enterprise simulation the local simulation engine only considers these components as a single DER with specific characteristics and capabilities as conveyed from below. 
     When the response of the physical power system to the simulated commands is not as expected a determination must be made as to whether the controls themselves or the simulated power system is to blame for the inaccuracy. To make such a determination during the deployment phase the control commands are switched  1140  from the physical power system to the simulated power system. Again the characteristics and response of the now simulated power system is monitored to determine if the control used on the physical power system produce the same, albeit unacceptable, responses. If the responses to the same control inputs observed from the simulated power system do not match those observed from the physical power system it can be concluded that the simulation of the power system itself is inaccurate. Accordingly updates are received  1155  from the physical power system to the simulation engine to modify  1160  the simulated power system characteristics. Then with a new, more accurate, simulated power system in place the control inputs can be again used in the simulation to determine if the results gained from the physical power system match those in the simulation. 
     If the results of the two power systems, simulated and physical, match a conclusion can be reached that the inability of the physical system to respond as desired and anticipated is due to deficiencies in the commands issued by the control module. Accordingly the simulation modifies  1170  the commands issued by the control module and again queries whether the control module information flow (now modified) produces the desired objectives from the simulated power system  1180 . If not new command modification are initiated iteratively until the desired objectives are achieved. Once the objectives are met the control module information flow is switched  1190  from the simulated power system back to the physical power system. Again the controls are implemented on the physical power system with the responses monitored  1115 . If the modifications to the simulated power system and/or commands are sufficient the desired results seen in the simulation will be achieved in the physical power system. Once the commands are validated as producing the desired result operational control of the power system is established  1125  and the capabilities/characteristics of the now implemented compound-DER is conveyed upstream for control module coordination. 
       FIG. 12  presents a flowchart of one embodiment of a methodology for real-time monitoring and command modification of a distributed power system. After a control system has been simulated, deployed and validated it is placed into an operational mode. At this stage a user can interact with the control module as required to gain information about and manage the power system under its control. According to one embodiment of the present invention the commands issued by the control module are constantly monitored and adjusted to ensure the power system under its charge meets its desired objective. In doing so the commands developed under simulation and validated on the power system are implemented  1210  by the control module via an input/output interface or module. 
     As the commands are conveyed the response of the various components of the power system are monitored  1220  as is the overall characteristics of the power system (compound-DER) as a whole. From the monitored data the control module determines whether the power system under its charge is providing the response and characteristics as expected and desired  1230 . When the power system operates as expected the system simply continues to monitor  1220  performance until a new objective is received. 
     However, during this operational stage, when the performance of the power system under its control does not operate as expected or fails to produce the desired results a local simulation of the control system and power system itself is replicated  1240  in parallel to the operation of the physical power system. As one skilled in the art will appreciated once the control module is placed in an operational mode it cannot be simply switched off to modify the issued commands as during the deployment phase. While a deficiency in the characteristics or response of the power system has been identified it must remain operational. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention the physical power system continues to operate under the existing control module using existing commands while a new simulated control module and simulated power system is used to explore minor changes in the commands so as to fine tune the response of the power system components and the compound-DER in general. While the physical power system continues to operate the simulated power system modifies  1250  its structure to more accurately match that of the physical system. These modifications are based on observed variances in the characteristics of the physical system as compared to the simulated system. These variances can occur on a real time basis and may have not been anticipated by the prior simulations. Nonetheless the variances are incorporated into the simulated power system model on a real time basis to make the simulation as accurate as possible. 
     With the power system accurately simulated and updated on a real time basis the controls issued by the control modules are modified  1260  to achieve the desired compound DER response. With each modification to the controls, a query  1270  occurs to determine whether the response meets the desired objective. When the response falls short of the objective other modifications  1260  occur iteratively each followed by another inquiry until the objective is satisfied. Once the objective has been satisfied, the new set of commands from the simulated control module is used as the basis to modify  1280  the commands on the physical control module. Thereafter the physical control module implements  1210  the revised commands and the response of the physical power system monitored  1220 . 
     The operational monitoring of the physical system as well as replication and simulation of both the control module and compound-DER continues concurrently so that as minor changes to the physical system occur, or as inaccuracies in the previous command set are identified, corrective action can be identified and taken immediately. By doing so the control of the compound-DER is fine tuned as is the ability to report upstream an accurate depiction of the capability and characteristics of the compound-DER under its charge. 
     To better understand how the simulation processes assists in developing a robust, scalable and accurate control system, consider the following example.  FIG. 13  shows a high level abstract view of a control module  1310  as would be part of either a local, regional or enterprise control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As previously described, each control module  1310  includes a control engine  1320  and a simulation engine  1330 . 
     For the present example assume that the physical network  1340  of a region of interest includes a wind power turbine farm, a coal fire power generation plant, and a factory which acts as a load on the regional bus. Also associated with these components are various substations, transformers and transmission lines. These three DER components are grouped together and overlaid with a local control system that communicates with the regional control module to form a compound-DER. Each component also has an individual control and monitoring unit specific for that component. For example each wind turbine would possess a control unit that can issue commands and provide data with respect to that individual wind turbine as well as an overall control and monitoring unit for the farm itself. Likewise the power generation plant possesses controls for running the generators within the plant. And undoubtedly the load possesses certain characteristics with respect to power usage. On top of these component control units is an integrated control module that integrates each of these components into a single power system. These systems, the components, transmission lines, substations and control infrastructure join to form, for the purpose of this simulation a single compound-DER system. 
     To develop the controls necessary to control such a system as described above the entire physical power system is simulated by the simulation engine  1330  to form a simulated network  1350 . This simulated network is a virtual representation of the joint characteristics of each individual component merged with the characteristics of the grid and its control infrastructure. The control engine  1320  possesses the control inputs which it can utilize to modify/control the behavior of each component within the system and thus control the compound-DER itself. 
     Consider in this example that the wind turbine farm has the capacity to output up to 10 MW of power during the afternoon hours when wind is prevalent but realistically can only reliably produce 3 MW from 6 AM to Noon. The power generation plant can generate 15 MW of power but power generation above 10 MW is costly and requires significant advance notice to spin up additional generators. Finally the load various throughout the work day from 2-5 MW, peaking during the afternoon hours. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention and in consideration of the present example, a request arrives that the interface  1380  between the current and an upstream control module seeking 10 MW of power from the downstream power system between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. Before issuing a response to the requesting control module with respect to its ability to deliver on such a request and before issuing commands to the physical components in an attempt to produce power for such a demand, the control module  1310  directs the simulation engine  1330  to determine whether meeting such a request is feasible and if so, what commands must be issued to the physical components to produce such excess power. 
     The simulation engine  1310  using the developed simulated power system  1150 , known characteristics of the components, and commands available from the control engine  1320 , conducts an external simulation by running iterations of various control inputs and environmental constraints to determine whether the compound-DER under its charge can produce an excess 10 MW of power within the required standards from the hours of 10 AM to Noon. The simulated power system of the compound-DER may, in this case, normally only produce an excess of 8 MW during the hours of 10 AM to Noon. And to provide to an upstream control module 10 MW of power during the hours requested specific commands would have to be issued to generate additional power and possibly limit the load. For example an extra generator at the power plant may have to be initiated as well as additional wind turbines brought on line. 
     The ability of the power system to meet the demand can then be conveyed back to the requesting control module. When it is deemed that the commands and simulation are valid and acceptable the control engine can then deploy the exact and validated commands to direct the physical network  1350  to produce an excess of 10 MW of power as requested. During deployment the commands are implemented and the physical power system characteristics monitored to validate both the simulation of the power system and the developed commands. If necessary modifications are made to both the commands and the simulation. 
     Upon operational implementation the control module monitors the actual conditions and notes, perhaps, that less power than normal is being produced by the wind turbines, a new simulation can be run in parallel to determine what new commands must be issued or existing commands modified to maintain the power to the upstream control module as requested. Should the simulation determine that it can no longer produce 10 MW of excess power; a message can be conveyed to the upstream control module of that deficit. The present invention thus considers, simulates and controls not only the individual components of a distributed power grid but how these components interact. 
     One aspect of the present invention is its ability to scale the simulation process from a local power system environment to the entire distributed power grid. As a power system is simulated and commands are developed for its control, as illustrated in the example above, information is gained with respect to that power system&#39;s ability to provide a certain capacity. The characteristics of the power system as a whole are determined and from the perspective of an upstream control module a downstream compound-DER comprised of several different components, transmission lines, substations and other infrastructure, is but a single component with specific characteristics. That upstream command module can then use that information to characterize the power system as but one component: a compound-DER. That upstream simulation and command system development occurs in the same manner and, like in the downstream module, can be modified in real time. Thus as the characteristics of one of its components change (the downstream compound-DER) the upstream power system control module and simulation can be modified. This form of distributed simulation and real time modification on a local basis enables the present invention to accurately and effectively control the numerous permutation of a vast distributed power grid on a real time basis. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are operable to dynamically manage and control a distributed power grid having a plurality of power production resources. A plurality of local, regional and enterprise level cells within a distributed power grid are autonomously managed using control modules operating in conjunction with a multilayered network operating system. Each local control module is connectively coupled to a regional control module and in turn to an enterprise control module which interfaces with various management and control applications overseeing the distributed power grid. Power production and power consumption are continuously monitored and analyzed as is the system in which they operate. In one embodiment of the present invention, upon the determination that a region&#39;s power consumption exceeds its power producing capability, management applications, operating through the enterprise control module, dynamically reallocates power production resources throughout the grid. This reallocation of power production and distribution is continuously monitored and adjusted to ensure that the grid remains stable, reliable and safe. When such reallocation is not possible or does not occur in time, the appropriate regional control module will take corrective action to match load to generation either by shedding loads, tapping stored energy, or bringing on emergency generators. 
     While the present invention has been described by way of power grid management it is equally applicable and capable of distributed power management within commercial facilities, campuses, or anywhere there are distribution lines that carry power between rooms, buildings, renewable power sources, load management systems, electric vehicles and the like. This is true for larger commercial campuses, military bases, remote off-grid villages and the like. The present invention dynamically forms and manages distributed power systems using distributed resources, reconfigurable networks, and heterogeneous communication networks, distinguishing it from staticmicrogrids at a facility or remote location where generators and a few other resources are designed and configured to follow local loads. This dynamic ability of the distributed control system of the current invention to adapt to resource, network topology, and communication availability, variability, additions and deletions is a distinguishing feature of this invention. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant art, portions of the present invention can be implemented on a conventional or general-purpose computer system such as a main-frame computer, a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a handheld or pocket computer, embedded computer, and/or a server computer. A typical system comprises a central processing unit(s) (CPU) or processor(s) coupled to a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a keyboard, a printer, a pointing device, a display or video adapter connected to a display device, a removable (mass) storage device (e.g., floppy disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, or the like), a fixed (mass) storage device (e.g., hard disk), a communication (COMM) port(s) or interface(s), and a network interface card (MC) or controller (e.g., Ethernet). Although not shown separately, a real-time system clock is included with the system in a conventional manner 
     The CPU comprises a suitable processor for implementing the present invention. The CPU communicates with other components of the system via a bidirectional system bus (including any necessary input/output (I/O) controller circuitry and other “glue” logic). The bus, which includes address lines for addressing system memory, provides data transfer between and among the various components. RAM serves as the working memory for the CPU. The ROM contains the basic input/output system code (BIOS), a set of low-level routines in the ROM that application programs and the operating systems can use to interact with the hardware, including reading characters from the keyboard, outputting characters to printers, and so forth. 
     Mass storage devices provide persistent storage on fixed and removable media such as magnetic, optical, or magnetic-optical storage systems, flash memory, or any other available mass storage technology. The mass storage may be shared on a network, or it may be a dedicated mass storage. Typically a fixed storage stores code and data for directing the operation of the computer system including an operating system, user application programs, driver and other support files, as well as other data files of all sorts. Typically, the fixed storage serves as the main hard disk for the system. 
     In basic operation, program logic (including that which implements the methodology of the present invention) is loaded from the removable storage or fixed storage into the main (RAM) memory for execution by the CPU. During operation of the program logic, the system accepts user input from a keyboard and pointing device, as well as speech-based input from a voice recognition system (not shown). The keyboard permits selection of application programs, entry of keyboard-based input or data, and selection and manipulation of individual data objects displayed on the screen or display device. Likewise, the pointing device, such as a mouse, track ball, pen device, or the like, permits selection and manipulation of objects on the display device. In this manner, these input devices support manual user input for any process running on the system. 
     The computer system displays text and/or graphic images and other data on the display device. The video adapter, which is interposed between the display and the system&#39;s bus, drives the display device. The video adapter, which includes video memory accessible to the CPU, provides circuitry that converts pixel data stored in the video memory to a raster signal suitable for use by a cathode ray tube (CRT) raster or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor. A hard copy of the displayed information, or other information within the system, may be obtained from the printer or other output device. 
     The system itself communicates with other devices (e.g., other computers) via the NIC connected to a network (e.g., Ethernet network, Bluetooth wireless network, or the like). The system may also communicate with local occasionally-connected devices (e.g., serial cable-linked devices) via the COMM interface, which may include a RS-232 serial port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or the like. Devices that will be commonly connected locally to the interface include laptop computers, handheld organizers, digital cameras, and the like. 
     As previously described, the present invention can also be employed in a network setting such as a local area network or wide area network and the like. Such networks may also include mainframe computers or servers, such as a gateway computer or application server (which may access a data repository or other memory source). A gateway computer serves as a point of entry into each network. The gateway may be coupled to another network by means of a communication link. Further, the gateway computer may be indirectly coupled to one or more devices. The gateway computer may also be coupled to a storage device (such as a data repository). The gateway computer may be implemented utilizing a variety of architectures. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the gateway computer may be located a great geographic distance from the network, and similarly, the devices may be located a substantial distance from the networks as well. For example, the network may be located in California while the gateway may be located in Texas, and one or more of the devices may be located in New York. The devices may connect to the wireless network using a networking protocol such as the TCP/IP over a number of alternative connection media such as cellular phone, radio frequency networks, satellite networks, etc. The wireless network preferably connects to the gateway using a network connection such as TCP or UDP (User Datagram Protocol) over IP, X.25, Frame Relay, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), etc. The devices may alternatively connect directly to the gateway using dial connection. Further, the wireless network may connect to one or more other networks (not shown) in an analogous manner 
     In preferred embodiments, portions of the present invention can be implemented in software. Software programming code that embodies the present invention is typically accessed by the microprocessor from long-term storage media of some type, such as a hard drive. The software programming code may be embodied on any of a variety of known media for use with a data processing system such as a hard drive or CD-ROM. The code may be distributed on such media, or may be distributed from the memory or storage of one computer system over a network of some type to other computer systems for use by such other systems. Alternatively, the programming code may be embodied in the memory and accessed by the microprocessor using the bus. The techniques and methods for embodying software programming code in memory, on physical media, and/or distributing software code via networks are well known and will not be further discussed herein. 
     An implementation of the present invention can be executed in a Web environment, where software installation packages are downloaded using a protocol such as the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) from a Web server to one or more target computers which are connected through the Internet. Alternatively, an implementation of the present invention may be executed in other non-Web networking environments (using the Internet, a corporate intranet or extranet, or any other network) where software packages are distributed for installation using techniques such as Remote Method Invocation (RMI), OPC or Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA). Configurations for the environment include a client/server network as well as a multi-tier environment. Or, as stated above, the present invention may be used in a stand-alone environment, such as by an installer who wishes to install a software package from a locally-available installation media rather than across a network connection. Furthermore, it may happen that the client and server of a particular installation both reside in the same physical device, in which case a network connection is not required. Thus, a potential target system being interrogated may be the local device on which an implementation of the present invention is implemented. A software developer or software installer who prepares a software package for installation using the present invention may use a network-connected workstation, a stand-alone workstation, or any other similar computing device. These environments and configurations are well known in the art. 
     As will be understood by those familiar with the art, portions of the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Likewise, the particular naming and division of the modules, managers, functions, systems, engines, layers, features, attributes, methodologies, and other aspects are not mandatory or significant, and the mechanisms that implement the invention or its features may have different names, divisions, and/or formats. Furthermore, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, the modules, managers, functions, systems, engines, layers, features, attributes, methodologies, and other aspects of the invention can be implemented as software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of the three. Of course, wherever a component or portion of the present invention is implemented as software, the component can be implemented as a script, as a standalone program, as part of a larger program, as a plurality of separate scripts, and/or programs, as a statically or dynamically linked library, as a kernel loadable module, as a device driver, and/or in every and any other way known now or in the future to those of skill in the art of computer programming. Additionally, the present invention is in no way limited to implementation in any specific programming language or for any specific operation system or environment. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative but not limiting of the scope of the invention which is set forth in the following claims. While there have been described above the principles of the present invention in conjunction with the electrical distribution grid, it is to be clearly understood that the foregoing description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the invention. Particularly, it is recognized that the teachings of the foregoing disclosure will suggest other modifications to those persons skilled in the relevant art. Such modifications may involve other features that are already known per se and which may be used instead of or in addition to features that are already described herein. Although claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure herein also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization or modification thereof which would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art, whether or not such relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as confronted by the present invention. The Applicant hereby reserves the right to formulate new claims to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived wherefrom.