Patent ID: 12206246

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. For consistency, like elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals. In the following detailed description of the present invention, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. In other instances, well-known features to one having ordinary skill in the art are not described to avoid obscuring the description of the present invention.

The embodiments provided herein relate to providing an electrical load “behind the meter” at local stations such that generated power can be directed to the behind-the-meter load instead of onto the grid, typically for intermittent periods of time. “Behind-the-meter” power includes power that is received from a power generation system (for instance, but not limited to, a wind or solar power generation system) prior to the power undergoing step-up transformation to High Voltage class AC power for transmission to the grid. Behind-the-meter power may therefore include power drawn directly from an intermittent grid-scale power generation system (e.g. a wind farm or a solar array) and not from the grid.

The embodiments herein provide an advantage when, for example, the power system conditions exhibit excess local power generation at a local station level, excess local power generation that a grid cannot receive, local power generation that is subject to economic curtailment, local power generation that is subject to reliability curtailment, local power generation that is subject to power factor correction, low local power generation, start up local power generation situations, transient local power generation situations, conditions where the cost for power is economically viable (e.g., low cost for power), or testing local power generation situations where there is an economic advantage to using local behind-the-meter power generation. This is not least because the excess power can be utilized by the behind-the-meter electrical load rather than going to waste. In addition, by providing an electrical load behind-the-meter rather than connected to the grid, electrical transmission losses resulting from transmission of power through the grid can be reduced. In addition, any degradation in the power generation systems which may result from curtailment may be reduced.

Preferably, controlled computing systems that consume electrical power through computational operations can provide a behind-the-meter electrical load that can be granularly ramped up and down quickly under the supervision of control systems that monitor power system conditions and direct the power state and/or computational activity of the computing systems. In one embodiment, the computing systems preferably receive all their power for computational operations from a behind-the-meter power source. In another embodiment, the computing systems may additionally include a connection to grid power for supervisory and communication systems or other ancillary needs. In yet another embodiment, the computing systems can be configured to switch between behind-the-meter power and grid power under the direction of a control system.

Among other benefits, a computing system load with controlled granular ramping allows a local station to avoid negative power market pricing and to respond quickly to grid directives.

Various computing systems can provide granular behind-the-meter ramping. Preferably the computing systems perform computational tasks that are immune to, or not substantially hindered by, frequent interruptions or slow-downs in processing as the computing systems ramp up and down. In one embodiment, control systems can activate or de-activate one or more computing systems in an array of similar or identical computing systems sited behind the meter. For example, one or more blockchain miners, or groups of blockchain miners, in an array may be turned on or off. In another embodiment, control systems can direct time-insensitive computational tasks to computational hardware, such as CPUs and GPUs, sited behind the meter, while other hardware is sited in front of the meter and possibly remote from the behind-the-meter hardware. Any parallel computing processes, such as Monte Carlo simulations, batch processing of financial transactions, graphics rendering, and oil and gas field simulation models are all good candidates for such interruptible computational operations.

In some cases, the local station may generate more power than can be consumed by the computing systems or distributed to the grid, or the computing systems may need to continue computational operations for a limited period of time beyond when a ramp-down condition is met. Therefore, it is advantageous to dynamically route generated power into an energy storage system that can be drawn against later when behind-the-meter power is desired but insufficiently available via generation. Thus, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the system and/or method can employ dynamic power routing to selectively route power based on determined current or expect power system conditions. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, methods and systems for dynamic power delivery to a flexible datacenter use behind-the-meter power sources that includes both generated power and stored behind-the-meter power, each without transmission and distribution costs. A flexible datacenter may be configured to modulate power delivery to at least a portion of the computing systems based on monitored power system conditions or an operational directive. For example, the flexible datacenter may ramp-up to a full capacity status, ramp-down to an off capacity status, or dynamically reduce power consumption, act a load balancer, or adjust the power factor. Each of these activities may be performed using any or all of: behind-the-meter generated power, behind-the-meter stored power, and/or grid power. Advantageously, the flexible datacenter may perform computational operations, such as blockchain hashing operations or simulations using clean and renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted.

FIG.1shows a computing system100in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Computing system100may include one or more central processing units (singular “CPU” or plural “CPUs”)105, host bridge110, input/output (“IO”) bridge115, graphics processing units (singular “GPU” or plural “GPUs”)125, and/or application-specific integrated circuits (singular “ASIC or plural “ASICs”) (not shown) disposed on one or more printed circuit boards (not shown) that are configured to perform computational operations. Each of the one or more CPUs105, GPUs125, or ASICs (not shown) may be a single-core (not independently illustrated) device or a multi-core (not independently illustrated) device. Multi-core devices typically include a plurality of cores (not shown) disposed on the same physical die (not shown) or a plurality of cores (not shown) disposed on multiple die (not shown) that are collectively disposed within the same mechanical package (not shown).

CPU105may be a general purpose computational device typically configured to execute software instructions. CPU105may include an interface108to host bridge110, an interface118to system memory120, and an interface123to one or more IO devices, such as, for example, one or more GPUs125. GPU125may serve as a specialized computational device typically configured to perform graphics functions related to frame buffer manipulation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that GPU125may be used to perform non-graphics related functions that are computationally intensive. In certain embodiments, GPU125may interface123directly with CPU125(and interface118with system memory120through CPU105). In other embodiments, GPU125may interface121with host bridge110(and interface116or118with system memory120through host bridge110or CPU105depending on the application or design). In still other embodiments, GPU125may interface133with IO bridge115(and interface116or118with system memory120through host bridge110or CPU105depending on the application or design). The functionality of GPU125may be integrated, in whole or in part, with CPU105.

Host bridge110may be an interface device configured to interface between the one or more computational devices and IO bridge115and, in some embodiments, system memory120. Host bridge110may include an interface108to CPU105, an interface113to IO bridge115, for embodiments where CPU105does not include an interface118to system memory120, an interface116to system memory120, and for embodiments where CPU105does not include an integrated GPU125or an interface123to GPU125, an interface121to GPU125. The functionality of host bridge110may be integrated, in whole or in part, with CPU105. IO bridge115may be an interface device configured to interface between the one or more computational devices and various IO devices (e.g.,140,145) and IO expansion, or add-on, devices (not independently illustrated). IO bridge115may include an interface113to host bridge110, one or more interfaces133to one or more IO expansion devices135, an interface138to keyboard140, an interface143to mouse145, an interface148to one or more local storage devices150, and an interface153to one or more network interface devices155. The functionality of IO bridge115may be integrated, in whole or in part, with CPU105or host bridge110. Each local storage device150, if any, may be a solid-state memory device, a solid-state memory device array, a hard disk drive, a hard disk drive array, or any other non-transitory computer readable medium. Network interface device155may provide one or more network interfaces including any network protocol suitable to facilitate networked communications.

Computing system100may include one or more network-attached storage devices160in addition to, or instead of, one or more local storage devices150. Each network-attached storage device160, if any, may be a solid-state memory device, a solid-state memory device array, a hard disk drive, a hard disk drive array, or any other non-transitory computer readable medium. Network-attached storage device160may or may not be collocated with computing system100and may be accessible to computing system100via one or more network interfaces provided by one or more network interface devices155.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that computing system100may be a conventional computing system or an application-specific computing system. In certain embodiments, an application-specific computing system may include one or more ASICs (not shown) that are configured to perform one or more functions, such as hashing, in a more efficient manner. The one or more ASICs (not shown) may interface directly with CPU105, host bridge110, or GPU125or interface through IO bridge115. Alternatively, in other embodiments, an application-specific computing system may be reduced to only those components necessary to perform a desired function in an effort to reduce one or more of chip count, printed circuit board footprint, thermal design power, and power consumption. The one or more ASICs (not shown) may be used instead of one or more of CPU105, host bridge110, IO bridge115, or GPU125. In such systems, the one or more ASICs may incorporate sufficient functionality to perform certain network and computational functions in a minimal footprint with substantially fewer component devices.

As such, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that CPU105, host bridge110, IO bridge115, GPU125, or ASIC (not shown) or a subset, superset, or combination of functions or features thereof, may be integrated, distributed, or excluded, in whole or in part, based on an application, design, or form factor in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the description of computing system100is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the type, kind, or configuration of component devices that constitute a computing system100suitable for performing computing operations in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that computing system100may be a stand alone, laptop, desktop, server, blade, or rack mountable system and may vary based on an application or design.

FIG.2shows a flexible datacenter200in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Flexible datacenter200may include a mobile container205, a behind-the-meter power input system210, a power distribution system215, a climate control system (e.g.,250,260,270,280, and/or290), a datacenter control system220, and a plurality of computing systems100disposed in one or more racks240. Datacenter control system220may be a computing system (e.g.,100ofFIG.1) configured to dynamically modulate power delivery to one or more computing systems100disposed within flexible datacenter200based on behind-the-meter power availability or an operational directive from a local station control system (not shown), a remote master control system (not shown), or a grid operator (not shown).

In certain embodiments, mobile container205may be a storage trailer disposed on wheels and configured for rapid deployment. In other embodiments, mobile container205may be a storage container (not shown) configured for placement on the ground and potentially stacked in a vertical manner (not shown). In still other embodiments, mobile container205may be an inflatable container, a floating container, or any other type or kind of container suitable for housing a mobile datacenter200. And in still other embodiments, flexible datacenter200might not include a mobile container. For example, flexible datacenter200may be situated within a building or another type of stationary environment.

Flexible datacenter200may be rapidly deployed on site near a source of behind-the-meter power generation. Behind-the-meter power input system210may be configured to input power to flexible datacenter200. Behind-the-meter power input system210may include a first input (not independently illustrated) configured to receive three-phase behind-the-meter alternating current (“AC”) voltage. In certain embodiments, behind-the-meter power input system210may include a supervisory AC-to-AC step-down transformer (not shown) configured to step down three-phase behind-the-meter AC voltage to single-phase supervisory nominal AC voltage or a second input (not independently illustrated) configured to receive single-phase supervisory nominal AC voltage from the local station (not shown) or a metered source (not shown). Behind-the-meter power input system210may provide single-phase supervisory nominal AC voltage to datacenter control system220, which may remain powered at almost all times to control the operation of flexible datacenter200. The first input (not independently illustrated) or a third input (not independently illustrated) of behind-the-meter power input system210may direct three-phase behind-the-meter AC voltage to an operational AC-to-AC step-down transformer (not shown) configured to controllably step down three-phase behind-the-meter AC voltage to three-phase nominal AC voltage. Datacenter control system220may controllably enable or disable generation or provision of three-phase nominal AC voltage by the operational AC-to-AC step-down transformer (not shown).

Behind-the-meter power input system210may provide three phases of three-phase nominal AC voltage to power distribution system215. Power distribution system215may controllably provide a single phase of three-phase nominal AC voltage to each computing system100or group240of computing systems100disposed within flexible datacenter200. Datacenter control system220may controllably select which phase of three-phase nominal AC voltage that power distribution system215provides to each computing system100or group240of computing systems100. In this way, datacenter control system220may modulate power delivery by either ramping-up flexible datacenter200to fully operational status, ramping-down flexible datacenter200to offline status (where only datacenter control system220remains powered), reducing power consumption by withdrawing power delivery from, or reducing power to, one or more computing systems100or groups240of computing systems100, or modulating a power factor correction factor for the local station by controllably adjusting which phases of three-phase nominal AC voltage are used by one or more computing systems100or groups240of computing systems100. In some embodiments, flexible datacenter 20¬0 may receive DC power to power computing systems100.

Flexible datacenter200may include a climate control system (e.g.,250,260,270,280,290) configured to maintain the plurality of computing systems100within their operational temperature range. In certain embodiments, the climate control system may include an air intake250, an evaporative cooling system270, a fan280, and an air outtake260. In other embodiments, the climate control system may include an air intake250, an air conditioner or refrigerant cooling system290, and an air outtake260. In still other embodiments, the climate control system may include a computer room air conditioner system (not shown), a computer room air handler system (not shown), or an immersive cooling system (not shown). One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any suitable heat extraction system (not shown) configured to maintain the operation of the plurality of computing systems100within their operational temperature range may be used in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Flexible datacenter200may include a battery system (not shown) configured to convert three-phase nominal AC voltage to nominal DC voltage and store power in a plurality of storage cells. The battery system (not shown) may include a DC-to-AC inverter configured to convert nominal DC voltage to three-phase nominal AC voltage for flexible datacenter200use. Alternatively, the battery system (not shown) may include a DC-to-AC inverter configured to convert nominal DC voltage to single-phase nominal AC voltage to power datacenter control system220.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a voltage level of three-phase behind-the-meter AC voltage may vary based on an application or design and the type or kind of local power generation. As such, a type, kind, or configuration of the operational AC-to-AC step down transformer (not shown) may vary based on the application or design. In addition, the frequency and voltage level of three-phase nominal AC voltage, single-phase nominal AC voltage, and nominal DC voltage may vary based on the application or design in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG.3shows a three-phase power distribution of a flexible datacenter200in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Flexible datacenter200may include a plurality of racks240, each of which may include one or more computing systems100disposed therein. As discussed above, the behind-the-meter power input system (210ofFIG.2) may provide three phases of three-phase nominal AC voltage to the power distribution system (215ofFIG.2). The power distribution system (215ofFIG.2) may controllably provide a single phase of three-phase nominal AC voltage to each computing system100or group240of computing systems100disposed within flexible datacenter200. For example, a flexible datacenter200may include eighteen racks240, each of which may include eighteen computing systems100. The power distribution system (215ofFIG.2) may control which phase of three-phase nominal AC voltage is provided to one or more computing systems100, a rack240of computing systems100, or a group (e.g.,310,320, or330) of racks240of computing systems100.

In the figure, for purposes of illustration only, eighteen racks240are divided into a first group of six racks310, a second group of six racks320, and a third group of six racks330, where each rack contains eighteen computing systems100. The power distribution system (215ofFIG.2) may, for example, provide a first phase of three-phase nominal AC voltage to the first group of six racks310, a second phase of three-phase nominal AC voltage to the second group of six racks320, and a third phase of three-phase nominal AC voltage to the third group of six racks330. If the flexible datacenter (200ofFIG.2) receives an operational directive from the local station (not shown) to provide power factor correction, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.2) may direct the power distribution system (215ofFIG.2) to adjust which phase or phases of three-phase nominal AC voltage are used to provide the power factor correction required by the local station (not shown) or grid operator (not shown). One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that, in addition to the power distribution, the load may be varied by adjusting the number of computing systems100operatively powered. As such, the flexible datacenter (200ofFIG.2) may be configured to act as a capacitive or inductive load to provide the appropriate reactance necessary to achieve the power factor correction required by the local station (not shown).

FIG.4shows a control distribution scheme400of a flexible datacenter200in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Datacenter control system220may independently, or cooperatively with one or more of local station control system410, remote master control system420, and grid operator440, modulate power delivery to flexible datacenter200. Specifically, power delivery may be dynamically adjusted based on conditions or operational directives.

Local station control system410may be a computing system (e.g.,100ofFIG.1) that is configured to control various aspects of the local station (not independently illustrated) that generates power and sometimes generates unutilized behind-the-meter power. Local station control system410may communicate with remote master control system420over a networked connection430and with datacenter control system220over a networked or hardwired connection415. Remote master control system420may be a computing system (e.g.,100ofFIG.1) that is located offsite, but connected via a network connection425to datacenter control system220, that is configured to provide supervisory or override control of flexible datacenter200or a fleet (not shown) of flexible datacenters200. Grid operator440may be a computing system (e.g.,100ofFIG.1) that is configured to control various aspects of the grid (not independently illustrated) that receives power from the local station (not independently illustrated). Grid operator440may communicate with local station control system440over a networked or hardwired connection445.

Datacenter control system220may monitor unutilized behind-the-meter power availability at the local station (not independently illustrated) and determine when a datacenter ramp-up condition is met. Unutilized behind-the-meter power availability may include one or more of excess local power generation, excess local power generation that the grid cannot accept, local power generation that is subject to economic curtailment, local power generation that is subject to reliability curtailment, local power generation that is subject to power factor correction, conditions where the cost for power is economically viable (e.g., low cost for power), situations where local power generation is prohibitively low, start up situations, transient situations, or testing situations where there is an economic advantage to using locally generated behind-the-meter power generation, specifically power available at little to no cost and with no associated transmission or distribution losses or costs.

The datacenter ramp-up condition may be met if there is sufficient behind-the-meter power availability and there is no operational directive from local station control system410, remote master control system420, or grid operator440to go offline or reduce power. As such, datacenter control system220may enable435behind-the-meter power input system210to provide three-phase nominal AC voltage to the power distribution system (215ofFIG.2) to power the plurality of computing systems (100ofFIG.2) or a subset thereof. Datacenter control system220may optionally direct one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2) to perform predetermined computational operations. For example, if the one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2) are configured to perform blockchain hashing operations, datacenter control system220may direct them to perform blockchain hashing operations for a specific blockchain application, such as, for example, Bitcoin, Litecoin, or Ethereum. Alternatively, one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2) may be configured to independently receive a computational directive from a network connection (not shown) to a peer-to-peer blockchain network (not shown) such as, for example, a network for a specific blockchain application, to perform predetermined computational operations.

Remote master control system420may specify to datacenter control system220what sufficient behind-the-meter power availability constitutes, or datacenter control system220may be programmed with a predetermined preference or criteria on which to make the determination independently. For example, in certain circumstances, sufficient behind-the-meter power availability may be less than that required to fully power the entire flexible datacenter200. In such circumstances, datacenter control system220may provide power to only a subset of computing systems (100ofFIG.2), or operate the plurality of computing systems (100ofFIG.2) in a lower power mode, that is within the sufficient, but less than full, range of power that is available.

While flexible datacenter200is online and operational, a datacenter ramp-down condition may be met when there is insufficient, or anticipated to be insufficient, behind-the-meter power availability or there is an operational directive from local station control system410, remote master control system420, or grid operator440. Datacenter control system220may monitor and determine when there is insufficient, or anticipated to be insufficient, behind-the-meter power availability. As noted above, sufficiency may be specified by remote master control system420or datacenter control system220may be programmed with a predetermined preference or criteria on which to make the determination independently. An operational directive may be based on current dispatchability, forward looking forecasts for when unutilized behind-the-meter power is, or is expected to be, available, economic considerations, reliability considerations, operational considerations, or the discretion of the local station410, remote master control420, or grid operator440. For example, local station control system410, remote master control system420, or grid operator440may issue an operational directive to flexible datacenter200to go offline and power down. When the datacenter ramp-down condition is met, datacenter control system220may disable power delivery to the plurality of computing systems (100ofFIG.2). Datacenter control system220may disable435behind-the-meter power input system210from providing three-phase nominal AC voltage to the power distribution system (215ofFIG.2) to power down the plurality of computing systems (100ofFIG.2), while datacenter control system220remains powered and is capable of rebooting flexible datacenter200when unutilized behind-the-meter power becomes available again.

While flexible datacenter200is online and operational, changed conditions or an operational directive may cause datacenter control system220to modulate power consumption by flexible datacenter200. Datacenter control system220may determine, or local station control system410, remote master control system420, or grid operator440may communicate, that a change in local conditions may result in less power generation, availability, or economic feasibility, than would be necessary to fully power flexible datacenter200. In such situations, datacenter control system220may take steps to reduce or stop power consumption by flexible datacenter200(other than that required to maintain operation of datacenter control system220). Alternatively, local station control system410, remote master control system420, or grid operator440, may issue an operational directive to reduce power consumption for any reason, the cause of which may be unknown. In response, datacenter control system220may dynamically reduce or withdraw power delivery to one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2) to meet the dictate. Datacenter control system220may controllably provide three-phase nominal AC voltage to a smaller subset of computing systems (100ofFIG.2) to reduce power consumption. Datacenter control system220may dynamically reduce the power consumption of one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2) by reducing their operating frequency or forcing them into a lower power mode through a network directive.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that datacenter control system220may be configured to have a number of different configurations, such as a number or type or kind of computing systems (100ofFIG.2) that may be powered, and in what operating mode, that correspond to a number of different ranges of sufficient and available unutilized behind-the-meter power availability. As such, datacenter control system220may modulate power delivery over a variety of ranges of sufficient and available unutilized behind-the-meter power availability.

FIG.5shows a control distribution of a fleet500of flexible datacenters200in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The control distribution of a flexible datacenter200shown and described with respect toFIG.4may be extended to a fleet500of flexible datacenters200. For example, a first local station (not independently illustrated), such as, for example, a wind farm (not shown), may include a first plurality510of flexible datacenters200athrough200d, which may be collocated or distributed across the local station (not shown). A second local station (not independently illustrated), such as, for example, another wind farm or a solar farm (not shown), may include a second plurality520of flexible datacenters200ethrough200h, which may be collocated or distributed across the local station (not shown). One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the number of flexible datacenters200deployed at a given station and the number of stations within the fleet may vary based on an application or design in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Remote master control system420may provide supervisory control over fleet500of flexible datacenters200in a similar manner to that shown and described with respect toFIG.4, with the added flexibility to make high level decisions with respect to fleet500that may be counterintuitive to a given station. Remote master control system420may make decisions regarding the issuance of operational directives to a given local station based on, for example, the status of each local station where flexible datacenters200are deployed, the workload distributed across fleet500, and the expected computational demand required for the expected workload. In addition, remote master control system420may shift workloads from a first plurality510of flexible datacenters200to a second plurality520of flexible datacenters200for any reason, including, for example, a loss of unutilized behind-the-meter power availability at one local station and the availability of unutilized behind-the-meter power at another local station.

FIG.6shows a flexible datacenter200powered by one or more wind turbines610in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. A wind farm600typically includes a plurality of wind turbines610, each of which intermittently generates a wind-generated AC voltage. The wind-generated AC voltage may vary based on a type, kind, or configuration of farm600, turbine610, and incident wind speed. The wind-generated AC voltage is typically input into a turbine AC-to-AC step-up transformer (not shown) that is disposed within the nacelle (not independently illustrated) or at the base of the mast (not independently illustrated) of turbine610. The turbine AC-to-AC step up transformer (not shown) outputs three-phase wind-generated AC voltage620. Three-phase wind-generated AC voltage620produced by the plurality of wind turbines610is collected625and provided630to another AC-to-AC step-up transformer640that steps up three-phase wind-generated AC voltage620to three-phase grid AC voltage650suitable for delivery to grid660. Three-phase grid AC voltage650may be stepped down with an AC-to-AC step-down transformer670configured to produce three-phase local station AC voltage680provided to local station690. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the actual voltage levels may vary based on the type, kind, or number of wind turbines610, the configuration or design of wind farm600, and grid660that it feeds into.

The output side of AC-to-AC step-up transformer640that connects to grid660may be metered and is typically subject to transmission and distribution costs. In contrast, power consumed on the input side of AC-to-AC step-up transformer640may be considered behind-the-meter and is typically not subject to transmission and distribution costs. As such, one or more flexible datacenters200may be powered by three-phase wind-generated AC voltage620. Specifically, in wind farm600applications, the three-phase behind-the-meter AC voltage used to power flexible datacenter200may be three-phase wind-generated AC voltage620. As such, flexible datacenter200may reside behind-the-meter, avoid transmission and distribution costs, and may be dynamically powered when unutilized behind-the-meter power is available.

Unutilized behind-the-meter power availability may occur when there is excess local power generation. In high wind conditions, wind farm600may generate more power than, for example, AC-to-AC step-up transformer640is rated for. In such situations, wind farm600may have to take steps to protect its equipment from damage, which may include taking one or more turbines610offline or shunting their voltage to dummy loads or ground. Advantageously, one or more flexible datacenters200may be used to consume power on the input side of AC-to-AC step-up transformer640, thereby allowing wind farm600to operate equipment within operating ranges while flexible datacenter200receives behind-the-meter power without transmission or distribution costs. The local station control system (not independently illustrated) of local station690may issue an operational directive to the one or more flexible datacenters200or to the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) to ramp-up to the desired power consumption level. When the operational directive requires the cooperative action of multiple flexible datacenters200, the remote mater control system (420ofFIG.4) may determine how to power each individual flexible datacenter200in accordance with the operational directive or provide an override to each flexible datacenter200.

Another example of unutilized behind-the-meter power availability is when grid660cannot, for whatever reason, take the power being produced by wind farm600. In such situations, wind farm600may have to take one or more turbines610offline or shunt their voltage to dummy loads or ground. Advantageously, one or more flexible datacenters200may be used to consume power on the input side of AC-to-AC step-up transformer640, thereby allowing wind farm600to either produce power to grid660at a lower level or shut down transformer640entirely while flexible datacenter200receives behind-the-meter power without transmission or distribution costs. The local station control system (not independently illustrated) of local station690or the grid operator (not independently illustrated) of grid660may issue an operational directive to the one or more flexible datacenters200or to the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) to ramp-up to the desired power consumption level. When the operational directive requires the cooperative action of multiple flexible datacenters200, the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) may determine how to power each individual flexible datacenter200in accordance with the operational directive or provide an override to each flexible datacenter200.

Another example of unutilized behind-the-meter power availability is when wind farm600is selling power to grid660at a negative price that is offset by a production tax credit. In certain circumstances, the value of the production tax credit may exceed the price wind farm600would have to pay to grid660to offload their generated power. Advantageously, one or more flexible datacenters200may be used to consume power behind-the-meter, thereby allowing wind farm600to produce and obtain the production tax credit, but sell less power to grid660at the negative price. The local station control system (not independently illustrated) of local station690may issue an operational directive to the one or more flexible datacenters200or to the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) to ramp-up to the desired power consumption level. When the operational directive requires the cooperative action of multiple flexible datacenter200, the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) may determine how to power each individual flexible datacenter200in accordance with the operational directive or provide an override to each flexible datacenter200.

Another example of unutilized behind-the-meter power availability is when wind farm600is selling power to grid660at a negative price because grid660is oversupplied or is instructed to stand down and stop producing altogether. The grid operator (not independently illustrated) may select certain power generation stations to go offline and stop producing power to grid660. Advantageously, one or more flexible datacenters200may be used to consume power behind-the-meter, thereby allowing wind farm600to stop producing power to grid660, but making productive use of the power generated behind-the-meter without transmission or distribution costs. The local station control system (not independently illustrated) of the local station690or the grid operator (not independently illustrated) of grid660may issue an operational directive to the one or more flexible datacenters200or to the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) to ramp-up to the desired power consumption level. When the operational directive requires the cooperative action of multiple flexible datacenters200, the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) may determine how to power each individual flexible datacenter200in accordance with the operational directive or provide an override to each flexible datacenter200.

Another example of unutilized behind-the-meter power availability is when wind farm600is producing power to grid660that is unstable, out of phase, or at the wrong frequency, or grid660is already unstable, out of phase, or at the wrong frequency for whatever reason. The grid operator (not independently illustrated) may select certain power generation stations to go offline and stop producing power to grid660. Advantageously, one or more flexible datacenters200may be used to consume power behind-the-meter, thereby allowing wind farm600to stop producing power to grid660, but make productive use of the power generated behind-the-meter without transmission or distribution costs. The local station control system (not independently illustrated) of local station690may issue an operational directive to the one or more flexible datacenters200or to the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) to ramp-up to the desired power consumption level. When the operational directive requires the cooperative action of multiple flexible datacenters200, the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) may determine how to power each individual flexible datacenter200in accordance with the operational directive or provide an override to each flexible datacenter200.

Further examples of unutilized behind-the-meter power availability is when wind farm600experiences low wind conditions that make it not economically feasible to power up certain components, such as, for example, the local station (not independently illustrated), but there may be sufficient behind-the-meter power availability to power one or more flexible datacenters200. Similarly, unutilized behind-the-meter power availability may occur when wind farm600is starting up, or testing, one or more turbines610. Turbines610are frequently offline for installation, maintenance, and service and must be tested prior to coming online as part of the array. One or more flexible datacenters200may be powered by one or more turbines610that are offline from farm600. The above-noted examples of when unutilized behind-the-meter power is available are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of what one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize as unutilized behind-the-meter power availability. Unutilized behind-the-meter power availability may occur anytime there is power available and accessible behind-the-meter that is not subject to transmission and distribution costs and there is an economic advantage to using it.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that wind farm600and wind turbine610may vary based on an application or design in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG.7shows a flexible datacenter200powered by one or more solar panels710in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. A solar farm700typically includes a plurality of solar panels710, each of which intermittently generates a solar-generated DC voltage720. Solar-generated DC voltage720may vary based on a type, kind, or configuration of farm700, panel710, and incident sunlight. Solar-generated DC voltage720produced by the plurality of solar panels710is collected725and provided730to a DC-to-AC inverter that converts solar-generated DC voltage into three-phase solar-generated AC voltage750. Three-phase solar-generated AC voltage750is provided to an AC-to-AC step-up transformer760that steps up three-phase solar-generated AC voltage to three-phase grid AC voltage790. Three-phase grid AC voltage790may be stepped down with an AC-to-AC step-down transformer785configured to produce three-phase local station AC voltage777provided to local station775. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the actual voltage levels may vary based on the type, kind, or number of solar panels710, the configuration or design of solar farm700, and grid790that it feeds into. In some embodiments, the solar farm700may provide DC power directly to flexible datacenter200without a conversion to AC via the DC-to-AC inverter740.

The output side of AC-to-AC step-up transformer760that connects to grid790may be metered and is typically subject to transmission and distribution costs. In contrast, power consumed on the input side of AC-to-AC step-up transformer760may be considered behind-the-meter and is typically not subject to transmission and distribution costs. As such, one or more flexible datacenters200may be powered by three-phase solar-generated AC voltage750. Specifically, in solar farm700applications, the three-phase behind-the-meter AC voltage used to power flexible datacenter200may be three-phase solar-generated AC voltage750. As such, flexible datacenter200may reside behind-the-meter, avoid transmission and distribution costs, and may be dynamically powered when unutilized behind-the-meter power is available.

Unutilized behind-the-meter power availability may occur when there is excess local power generation. In high incident sunlight situations, solar farm700may generate more power than, for example, AC-to-AC step-up transformer760is rated for. In such situations, solar farm700may have to take steps to protect its equipment from damage, which may include taking one or more panels710offline or shunting their voltage to dummy loads or ground. Advantageously, one or more flexible datacenters200may be used to consume power on the input side of AC-to-AC step-up transformer760, thereby allowing solar farm700to operate equipment within operating ranges while flexible datacenter200receives behind-the-meter power without transmission or distribution costs. The local station control system (not independently illustrated) of local station775may issue an operational directive to the one or more flexible datacenters200or to the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) to ramp-up to the desired power consumption level. When the operational directive requires the cooperative action of multiple flexible datacenters200, the remote mater control system (420ofFIG.4) may determine how to power each individual flexible datacenter200in accordance with the operational directive or provide an override to each flexible datacenter200.

Another example of unutilized behind-the-meter power availability is when grid790cannot, for whatever reason, take the power being produced by solar farm700. In such situations, solar farm700may have to take one or more panels710offline or shunt their voltage to dummy loads or ground. Advantageously, one or more flexible datacenters200may be used to consume power on the input side of AC-to-AC step-up transformer760, thereby allowing solar farm700to either produce power to grid790at a lower level or shut down transformer760entirely while flexible datacenter200receives behind-the-meter power without transmission or distribution costs. The local station control system (not independently illustrated) of local station775or the grid operator (not independently illustrated) of grid790may issue an operational directive to the one or more flexible datacenters200or to the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) to ramp-up to the desired power consumption level. When the operational directive requires the cooperative action of multiple flexible datacenters200, the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) may determine how to power each individual flexible datacenter200in accordance with the operational directive or provide an override to each flexible datacenter200.

Another example of unutilized behind-the-meter power availability is when solar farm700is selling power to grid790at a negative price that is offset by a production tax credit. In certain circumstances, the value of the production tax credit may exceed the price solar farm700would have to pay to grid790to offload their generated power. Advantageously, one or more flexible datacenters200may be used to consume power behind-the-meter, thereby allowing solar farm700to produce and obtain the production tax credit, but sell less power to grid790at the negative price. The local station control system (not independently illustrated) of local station775may issue an operational directive to the one or more flexible datacenters200or to the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) to ramp-up to the desired power consumption level. When the operational directive requires the cooperative action of multiple flexible datacenter200, the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) may determine how to power each individual flexible datacenter200in accordance with the operational directive or provide an override to each flexible datacenter200.

Another example of unutilized behind-the-meter power availability is when solar farm700is selling power to grid790at a negative price because grid790is oversupplied or is instructed to stand down and stop producing altogether. The grid operator (not independently illustrated) may select certain power generation stations to go offline and stop producing power to grid790. Advantageously, one or more flexible datacenters200may be used to consume power behind-the-meter, thereby allowing solar farm700to stop producing power to grid790, but making productive use of the power generated behind-the-meter without transmission or distribution costs. The local station control system (not independently illustrated) of the local station775or the grid operator (not independently illustrated) of grid790may issue an operational directive to the one or more flexible datacenters200or to the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) to ramp-up to the desired power consumption level. When the operational directive requires the cooperative action of multiple flexible datacenters200, the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) may determine how to power each individual flexible datacenter200in accordance with the operational directive or provide an override to each flexible datacenter200.

Another example of unutilized behind-the-meter power availability is when solar farm700is producing power to grid790that is unstable, out of phase, or at the wrong frequency, or grid790is already unstable, out of phase, or at the wrong frequency for whatever reason. The grid operator (not independently illustrated) may select certain power generation stations to go offline and stop producing power to grid790. Advantageously, one or more flexible datacenters200may be used to consume power behind-the-meter, thereby allowing solar farm700to stop producing power to grid790, but make productive use of the power generated behind-the-meter without transmission or distribution costs. The local station control system (not independently illustrated) of local station775may issue an operational directive to the one or more flexible datacenters200or to the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) to ramp-up to the desired power consumption level. When the operational directive requires the cooperative action of multiple flexible datacenters200, the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) may determine how to power each individual flexible datacenter200in accordance with the operational directive or provide an override to each flexible datacenter200.

Further examples of unutilized behind-the-meter power availability is when solar farm700experiences intermittent cloud cover such that it is not economically feasible to power up certain components, such as, for example local station775, but there may be sufficient behind-the-meter power availability to power one or more flexible datacenters200. Similarly, unutilized behind-the-meter power availability may occur when solar farm700is starting up, or testing, one or more panels710. Panels710are frequently offline for installation, maintenance, and service and must be tested prior to coming online as part of the array. One or more flexible datacenters200may be powered by one or more panels710that are offline from farm700. The above-noted examples of when unutilized behind-the-meter power is available are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of what one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize as unutilized behind-the-meter power availability. Behind-the-meter power availability may occur anytime there is power available and accessible behind-the-meter that is not subject to transmission and distribution costs and there is an economic advantage to using it.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that solar farm700and solar panel710may vary based on an application or design in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG.8shows a flexible datacenter200powered by flare gas800in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Flare gas800is combustible gas produced as a product or by-product of petroleum refineries, chemical plants, natural gas processing plants, oil and gas drilling rigs, and oil and gas production facilities. Flare gas800is typically burned off through a flare stack (not shown) or vented into the air. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, flare gas800may be diverted812to a gas-powered generator that produces three-phase gas-generated AC voltage822. This power may be considered behind-the-meter and is not subject to transmission and distribution costs. As such, one or more flexible datacenters200may be powered by three-phase gas-generated AC voltage. Specifically, the three-phase behind-the-meter AC voltage used to power flexible datacenter200may be three-phase gas-generated AC voltage822. Accordingly, flexible datacenter200may reside behind-the-meter, avoid transmission and distribution costs, and may be dynamically powered when unutilized behind-the-meter power is available.

FIG.9Ashows a method of dynamic power delivery to a flexible datacenter (200ofFIG.2) using behind-the-meter power900in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In step910, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4), or the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4), may monitor behind-the-meter power availability. In certain embodiments, monitoring may include receiving information or an operational directive from the local station control system (410ofFIG.4) or the grid operator (440ofFIG.4) corresponding to behind-the-meter power availability.

In step920, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4), or the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4), may determine when a datacenter ramp-up condition is met. In certain embodiments, the datacenter ramp-up condition may be met when there is sufficient behind-the-meter power availability and there is no operational directive from the local station to go offline or reduce power. In step930, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4) may enable behind-the-meter power delivery to one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2). In step940, once ramped-up, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4) or the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) may direct one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2) to perform predetermined computational operations. In certain embodiments, the predetermined computational operations may include the execution of one or more hashing functions.

While operational, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4), or the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4), may receive an operational directive to modulate power consumption. In certain embodiments, the operational directive may be a directive to reduce power consumption. In such embodiments, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4) or the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) may dynamically reduce power delivery to one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2) or dynamically reduce power consumption of one or more computing systems. In other embodiments, the operational directive may be a directive to provide a power factor correction factor. In such embodiments, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4) or the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) may dynamically adjust power delivery to one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2) to achieve a desired power factor correction factor. In still other embodiments, the operational directive may be a directive to go offline or power down. In such embodiments, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4) may disable power delivery to one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2).

As such,FIG.9Bshows a method of dynamic power delivery to a flexible datacenter (200ofFIG.2) using behind-the-meter power950in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In step960, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4), or the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4), may monitor behind-the-meter power availability. In certain embodiments, monitoring may include receiving information or an operational directive from the local station control system (410ofFIG.4) or the grid operator (440ofFIG.4) corresponding to behind-the-meter power availability.

In step970, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4), or the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4), may determine when a datacenter ramp-down condition is met. In certain embodiments, the datacenter ramp-down condition may be met when there is insufficient behind-the-meter power availability or anticipated to be insufficient behind-the-meter power availability or there is an operational directive from the local station to go offline or reduce power. In step980, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4) may disable behind-the-meter power delivery to one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2). In step990, once ramped-down, the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4) remains powered and in communication with the remote master control system (420ofFIG.4) so that it may dynamically power the flexible datacenter (200ofFIG.2) when conditions change.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4) may dynamically modulate power delivery to one or more computing systems (100ofFIG.2) of a flexible datacenter (200ofFIG.2) based on behind-the-meter power availability or an operational directive. The flexible datacenter (200ofFIG.2) may transition between a fully powered down state (while the datacenter control system remains powered), a fully powered up state, and various intermediate states in between. In addition, flexible datacenter (200ofFIG.2) may have a blackout state, where all power consumption, including that of the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4) is halted. However, once the flexible datacenter (200ofFIG.2) enters the blackout state, it will have to be manually rebooted to restore power to datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4). Local station conditions or operational directives may cause flexible datacenter (200ofFIG.2) to ramp-up, reduce power consumption, change power factor, or ramp-down.

FIG.10shows a power distribution scheme1000with a flexible datacenter (200ofFIG.2) and an energy storage unit1010in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The power distribution scheme1000is similar to the schemes illustrated inFIG.6andFIG.7, with the addition of energy storage unit1010and AC voltage1090. Components and aspects illustrated and/or described inFIG.10that are similar or the same as components or aspects illustrated and/or described inFIG.6andFIG.7should be considered to have the same characteristics as previously illustrated and/or described.

Power generation unit1002generates behind-the-meter power and may include, for example, one or more wind turbines (610ofFIG.6) with three-phase wind-generated AC voltage (620ofFIG.6) collected at (625ofFIG.6). As another example, power generation unit1002may include all of the following: one or more solar panels (710ofFIG.7) with DC voltage (720ofFIG.7) collected at725(ofFIG.6) and provided (730ofFIG.7) to a DC-AC inverter (740ofFIG.7). The power generation unit1002supplies behind-the-meter AC voltage1020, such as three-phase AC (630ofFIG.6or750ofFIG.7), to an AC-AC-step up transformer1030. The AC-AC-step up transformer1030supplies high voltage AC power1040out to the grid1050and power derived from this source may be considered grid- or metered-power. As inFIG.6andFIG.7, three-phase grid AC voltage1040may be stepped down with an AC-to-AC step-down transformer1060configured to produce three-phase local station AC voltage1070provided to local station1080. In cases of renewable power generation, power generation unit1002will typically generate power on an intermittent basis.

Grid power may be routed back to the flexible datacenter200as AC voltage1090and used to power the datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4) and/or the plurality of computing systems (100ofFIG.3). As described with respect toFIG.6andFIG.7, flexible datacenter200may be connected to, and configured to receive, behind-the-meter AC voltage1020.

Also within the behind-the-meter envelope1005is energy storage unit1010. Energy storage unit1010is a grid-scale power storage system and may take numerous forms. For example, energy storage unit1010may be a battery system, a kinetic storage system (e.g., flywheels), a compressed gas storage system, a thermodynamic storage system, or any other system that can accept and return behind-the-meter AC voltage1020and can supply AC voltage to flexible datacenter200. Energy storage unit1010may include one or more individual storage systems, which together form energy storage unit1010.

Energy storage unit1010is connected to behind-the-meter AC voltage1020such that it can store energy from the power generation unit1002and/or dispense stored power to the grid1050and/or the flexible datacenter200.

The datacenter control system (220ofFIG.4) of flexible datacenter200may be configured to selectively deliver power to the behind-the-meter power input system (210ofFIG.4) from any of the power generation unit1002, the energy storage unit1010, and/or the local station1080, alone or in combination simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, the remote master control system (420ofFIG.5) may be configured to selectively direct power to the behind-the-meter power input system (210ofFIG.4) from any of the power generation unit1002, the energy storage unit1010, and/or the local station1080, alone or in combination simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, an energy storage control system (1160ofFIG.11) may be configured to selectively direct power to the behind-the-meter power input system (210ofFIG.4) from any of the power generation unit1002, the energy storage unit1010, and/or the local station1080, alone or in combination simultaneously. Additionally, the energy control system (1160ofFIG.11) may be configured to selectively direct power to the grid1050from the energy storage unit1010. In any case, power from the power generation unit1002and energy storage unit1010are considered behind-the-meter and power from local station1080is considered grid power (i.e., metered power).

FIG.11shows a control distribution scheme with a flexible datacenter and energy storage unit in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The control distribution scheme1100is similar to the scheme illustrated inFIG.4, with the addition of energy storage control system1160and additional communication connections1120,1130,1140, and1150. Components and aspects illustrated and/or described inFIG.11that are similar or the same as components or aspects illustrated and/or described inFIG.4should be considered to have the same characteristics as previously illustrated and/or described.

As illustrated inFIG.11, and previously described with respect toFIG.4, datacenter control system220may operate independently, or cooperatively with one or more of local station control system410, remote master control system420, and grid operator440, to modulate power delivery to flexible datacenter200. Specifically, power delivery may be dynamically adjusted based on conditions or operational directives.

Energy storage control system1160may communicate with datacenter control system220, remote master control system420, and/or local station control system410over respective networked or hardwired connections1130,1120, and1110.

In one embodiment, datacenter control system220may independently, or cooperatively with one or more of local station control system410, remote master control system420, and energy storage control system1160, modulate power delivery to flexible datacenter200. Specifically, datacenter control system220may selectively direct power delivery to the behind-the-meter power input system (210fromFIG.4) from: (i) the power generation unit1002alone, (ii) the energy storage unit alone1010, or (iii) both the power generation unit1002and the energy storage unit1010simultaneously. In another embodiment, datacenter control system220may selectively direct power delivery to the behind-the-meter power input system (210fromFIG.4) from: (i) the power generation unit1002alone, (ii) the energy storage unit1010alone, (iii) the local station1080alone, or (iv) a simultaneous combination of at least two of those sources. In any or all cases, the datacenter control system220may act through the other identified control systems by issuing directives that instruct the control systems to direct power accordingly.

In another embodiment, the remote master control system420may independently, or cooperatively with one or more of local station control system410, datacenter control system220, and energy storage control system1160, modulate power delivery to flexible datacenter200. Specifically, remote master control system420may selectively direct power delivery to the behind-the-meter power input system (210fromFIG.4) from: (i) the power generation unit1002alone, (ii) the energy storage unit alone1010, or (iii) both the power generation unit1002and the energy storage unit1010simultaneously. In another embodiment, remote master control system420may selectively direct power delivery to the behind-the-meter power input system (210fromFIG.4) from: (i) the power generation unit1002alone, (ii) the energy storage unit1010alone, (iii) the local station1080alone, or (iv) a simultaneous combination of at least two of those sources. In any or all cases, the remote master control system420may act through the other identified control systems by issuing directives that instruct the control systems to direct power accordingly.

In another embodiment, the energy storage control system1160may independently, or cooperatively with one or more of local station control system410, datacenter control system220, and remote master control system420, modulate power delivery to flexible datacenter200. Specifically, energy storage control system1160may selectively direct power delivery to the behind-the-meter power input system from: (i) the power generation unit1002alone, (ii) the energy storage unit alone1010, or (iii) both the power generation unit1002and the energy storage unit1010simultaneously. In another embodiment, energy storage control system1160may selectively direct power delivery to the behind-the-meter power input system (210fromFIG.4) from: (i) the power generation unit1002alone, (ii) the energy storage unit1010alone, (iii) the local station1080alone, or (iv) a simultaneous combination of at least two of those sources. In any or all cases, the energy storage control system1160may act through the other identified control systems by issuing directives that instruct the control systems to direct power accordingly.

In another embodiment, energy storage control system1160may selectively enable delivery of power from the power generation unit1002to the energy storage unit1010, and (ii) selectively enable delivery of power from the energy storage unit1010to the flexible datacenter200. Additionally, energy storage control system1160may selectively enable delivery of power from the energy storage unit1010to the electrical grid1050.

In some embodiments, additional network or hardwired communication connections1140and1150may be present to enable direct communication between the grid operator440and the datacenter control system220and remote master control system420, respectively. This provides additional direct communication connections for command and control functions, as well as for communicating information regarding monitored power system conditions. Alternatively, information and directives may still be passed between control systems indirectly. For example, the grid operator440may send a signal to the remote master control system420via the local station control system410.

In various embodiments, the operational directives and/or power system conditions may be passed between and among the control systems, such as energy storage control system1160, local station control system410, datacenter control system220, and remote master control system420. The operational directives and/or power system conditions may also be passed between and among the grid operator440and the local station control system410, datacenter control system220, and remote master control system420. Operational directives may include, but are not limited to, a local station directive, a remote master control directive, a grid directive, a dispatchability directive, a forecast directive, a workload directive based on actual behind-the-meter power availability or projected behind-the-meter power availability. Power system conditions, which may be monitored by one or more of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160may include, but are not limited to, excess local power generation at a local station level, excess local power generation that a grid cannot receive, local power generation subject to economic curtailment, local power generation subject to reliability curtailment, local power generation subject to power factor correction, low local power generation, start up local power generation situations, transient local power generation situations, or testing local power generation situations where there is an economic advantage to using local behind-the-meter power generation.

FIG.12shows a method of dynamic power delivery to a flexible datacenter using behind-the-meter power in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. At step1210, one or more control systems, such as energy storage control system1160, local station control system410, datacenter control system220, and/or remote master control system420may monitor one or more power system conditions, such as those described above. Information regarding the power system conditions may be available from, requested from, or sent from the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160, the grid operator440, or from other sources such as sensors or market place information services. Additionally, one more of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160may determine one or more power system conditions by aggregating information and/or calculating, determining, inferring, or predicting a power system condition.

At step1220, one or more control systems220,420,410, and/or1160may determine, based on one more monitored power system conditions and/or an operational directive from another control system220,420,410, and/or1160or the grid operator440that a flexible datacenter ramp condition exists. This may be a ramp-up condition which would result in increased power utilization by the datacenter200or a ramp-down condition which would result in decreased power utilization by the datacenter200.

In a ramp-up condition, one or more of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160will act independently or in conjunction with another of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160to select one or more energy sources, such as power generation unit1002, energy storage unit1010, or local station1080, to supply power or additional power to the computing systems100of flexible datacenter200. The selection may be based on, but is not limited to, power availability at one or more of the energy sources, economic indicators, one or more operational directives, and/or power system conditions. Energy selected from power generation unit1002or energy storage unit1010is considered behind-the-meter power and energy selected from local station1080is considered grid (i.e., metered) power. As previously described, selecting behind-the-meter power is preferable to selecting grid power due to the reduced cost associated with the power and/or other factors such as the ability to accomplish power factor correction and to reduce grid congestion.

After selecting one or more energy sources, one or more of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160will act independently or in conjunction with another of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160to direct power from the energy source(s) to the one or more computing systems100of flexible datacenter200, as illustrated in steps1240,1250, and/or1260. Preferably control systems220and/or420, but potentially control systems1160and/or410, will then direct one or more of the computing systems100of flexible datacenter200to perform computational operations, as illustrated in step1270.

One or more of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160may then act independently or in conjunction with another of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160to intermittently, periodically, or continuously monitor the energy sources at step1275. In response to information obtained during the monitoring or an operational directive, one or more of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160may act independently or in conjunction with another of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160to select a new energy source or combination of energy sources as the computing system100continue to perform computational operations.

As one example, the energy storage control system1160may select the energy storage unit1010for power supply and the datacenter control system220alone or in conjunction with the energy storage control system1160may enable and direct behind-the-meter power from the energy storage unit1010to the behind-the-meter power input system210, where the power will be delivered to the one or more computing systems100. When the energy storage unit1010becomes depleted, the energy storage control system1160, alone or in conjunction with the datacenter control system220may switch to power delivery from the power generation unit1002or the local station1080. Other combinations are possible as well.

Concurrently with any monitoring of energy sources, one more of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160may continue to monitor power system conditions at1210. Looking again at step1220, one or more control systems220,420,410, and/or1160may determine, based on one more monitored power system conditions and/or an operational directive from another control system220,420,410, and/or1160or the grid operator440that a flexible datacenter ramp-down condition exists. In the ramp-down condition, at step1280one or more of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160will act independently or in conjunction with another of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160to direct one or more of the computing systems100to stop computation operations, or alternatively to slow computational operations in order to reduce power. At step1290, one or more of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160may then act independently or in conjunction with another of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160to disable power delivery from the one or more energy sources to the one or more computing systems100.

Concurrently with, or in between, other steps of the method, one or more of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160may act independently or in conjunction with another of the control systems220,420,410, and/or1160to determine an energy storage condition at step1215. The energy storage condition may be based on the power availability from the power generation unit1002, the energy level in the energy storage unit1010, power system conditions, and operational directive, or any combination of the foregoing. The energy storage control system1160, alone or in conjunction with other control systems220,420,410may determine that behind-the-meter power from the power generation unit1002should be stored or not stored in the energy storage unit1010. The energy storage control system1160, alone or in conjunction with other control systems220,420,410may then enable or disable behind-the-meter power delivery to the energy storage unit at steps1225or1235, as appropriate.

Advantages of one or more embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the following:

One or more embodiments of the present invention provides a green solution to two prominent problems: the exponential increase in power required for growing blockchain operations and the unutilized and typically wasted energy generated from renewable energy sources.

One or more embodiments of the present invention allows for the rapid deployment of mobile datacenters to local stations. The mobile datacenters may be deployed on site, near the source of power generation, and receive unutilized behind-the-meter power when it is available.

One or more embodiments of the present invention allows for the power delivery to the datacenter to be modulated based on conditions or an operational directive received from the local station or the grid operator.

One or more embodiments of the present invention may dynamically adjust power consumption by ramping-up, ramping-down, or adjusting the power consumption of one or more computing systems within the flexible datacenter.

One or more embodiments of the present invention may be powered by behind-the-meter power that is free from transmission and distribution costs. As such, the flexible datacenter may perform computational operations, such as hashing function operations, with little to no energy cost.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provides a number of benefits to the hosting local station. The local station may use the flexible datacenter to adjust a load, provide a power factor correction, to offload power, or operate in a manner that invokes a production tax credit and/or generates incremental revenue

One or more embodiments of the present invention allows for continued shunting of behind-the-meter power into a storage solution when a flexible datacenter cannot fully utilize excess generated behind-the-meter power.

One or more embodiments of the present invention allows for continued use of stored behind-the-meter power when a flexible datacenter can be operational but there is not an excess of generated behind-the-meter power.

It will also be recognized by the skilled worker that, in addition to improved efficiencies in controlling power delivery from intermittent generation sources, such as wind farms and solar panel arrays, to regulated power grids, the invention provides more economically efficient control and stability of such power grids in the implementation of the technical features as set forth herein.

While the present invention has been described with respect to the above-noted embodiments, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will recognize that other embodiments may be devised that are within the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.