Patent ID: 12253898

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 is 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 AC-to-AC step up transformation for transmission to the grid. “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 AC-to-AC 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 economic advantage to local station operators 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 accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, computing systems that consume behind-the-meter power generated by a behind-the-meter power source can be part of a flexible datacenter deployed in association with the behind-the-meter power source (e.g., on site, near the source). Over time, an amount of behind-the-meter power generated by the behind-the-meter power source can vary, and it is desirable for the computing systems that consume the behind-the-meter power to perform computational operations to be able to dynamically adapt to changes in available behind-the-meter power. To facilitate this, the flexible datacenter that includes such computing systems (and thus consumes generated behind-the-meter power) can be configured to modulate power delivery to at least a portion of the computing systems based on monitored power system conditions and/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. As a more particular example, if there is an emergency situation in which there is insufficient behind-the-meter power available and/or an error with one or more components of a behind-the-meter power source (e.g., a fault rendering one or more wind turbines at least temporarily inoperable), the flexible datacenter might need to ramp down its power consumption. Any one or more 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.

In some cases, it may be desirable for flexible datacenters to be able to efficiently and effectively work with a variety of different behind-the-meter power sources and associated local station control systems. In particular, when certain conditions arise, such as emergency situations involving behind-the-meter power generation, the associated local station control systems can engage in communication with the appropriate flexible datacenters and direct those flexible datacenters to perform certain functions. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments of the present invention, methods and systems for a distributed power control system distribute control amongst at least two different control systems including, at a minimum, a datacenter control system associated with the flexible datacenter (e.g., a control system geographically located on site with the flexible datacenter) and a local station control system that is configured to at least partially control the behind-the-meter power source and/or monitor conditions related to the behind-the-meter power source. Thus, when the local station control system determines that the flexible datacenter should modulate power consumption (which could occur for a variety of reasons, some of which could be related to an amount of behind-the-meter power currently being generated or expected to be generated in the future), the local station control system can directly or indirectly (e.g., via another control system) send to the flexible datacenter an operational directive associated with the power consumption ramp-down condition so that the flexible datacenter can respond accordingly, such as by modulating power consumption in a particular way.

Other control systems can be implemented as part of the distributed power control system as well, such as a remote master control system, which can control certain functions of the behind-the-meter power source and/or control certain functions of the datacenter control system. In some embodiments, in addition to or alternative to the local station control system operations noted above, the remote master control system itself can determine that the flexible datacenter should modulate power consumption and can thus send to the flexible datacenter an operational directive associated with the power consumption ramp-down condition so that the flexible datacenter can respond accordingly.

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 unutilized 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 or horizontal 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 unutilized 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 datacenter200may 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 inverter740that 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.

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. In some embodiments, the solar farm700may provide DC power directly to flexible datacenter200without a conversion to AC via the DC-to-AC inverter740.

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.

Operations related to a distributed power control system will now be described in greater detail. In particular, such operations will be described with respect toFIG.10, which shows a distributed power control system1000in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The distributed power control system1000is similar to the control distribution scheme400illustrated inFIG.4, with the addition of a behind-the-meter power source1002, as well as the plurality of computing systems100of the flexible datacenter200described above. Components and aspects illustrated and/or described inFIG.10that are similar or the same as components or aspects illustrated and/or described inFIG.4(or any other Figure in which a component shown inFIG.10is also illustrated) can have the same characteristics as previously illustrated and/or described, or, in some embodiments, could have different characteristics.

The behind-the-meter power source1002can take the form of any one or more components related to behind-the-meter power generation discussed above. For example, the behind-the-meter power source1002can include one or more wind turbines (e.g., wind turbines610) of a wind farm (e.g., wind farm600) and associated collectors or transformers. Other sources of behind-the-meter power are possible as well, such as one or more solar panels710. As shown, the behind-the-meter power source1002can have a connection1004with the local station control system410, a connection1006with the behind-the-meter power input system210of the flexible datacenter200, and a connection1008with the remote master control system420. Any one or more of these connections can be networked connections or hardwired connections. In alternative embodiments, the behind-the-meter power source1002can have more or less connections than those shown inFIG.10. (For example, the behind-the-meter power source1002could have a connection (not shown) with the grid operator440.

Also shown inFIG.10is a connection1010between the computing systems100and the datacenter control system220, as well as a connection1012between the computing systems100and the behind-the-meter power input system210.

Further,FIG.10shows a connection1014between the grid operator440and the remote master control system420, as well as a connection1016between the grid operator440and the datacenter control system220.

More or less connections between any two or more components shown inFIG.10are possible.

Any communication (e.g., electronic signals, power, etc.) described below as being between two or more components of the distributed power control system1000can occur over any one or more of the connections shown inFIG.10. For example, a signal transmitted from the local station control system410to the datacenter control system220could be transmitted directly over connection415. Additionally or alternatively, the same signal could be transmitted via the remote master control system420over connection430and connection425. Other examples are possible as well.

In line with the discussion above, the behind-the-meter input system210can receive power from the behind-the-meter power source1002and deliver power to the computing systems100in order to power the computing systems100. Further, the computing systems100can receive instructions, such as those for performing computational operations, from the datacenter control system220. Still further, the datacenter control system220can be configured to control the computing systems100and the behind-the-meter power input system210.

The remote master control system420can manage resources, such as power and data, related to the distributed power control system1000and can manage operations or data associated with any one or more of the components shown inFIG.10, such as the datacenter control system220and/or the behind-the-meter power source1002. The remote master control system420can be located at the site of the flexible datacenter200or at a site associated with an enterprise that controls the remote master control system420. Additionally or alternatively, the remote master control system420can be a cloud-based computing system. Further, the remote master control system420can be configured to issue instructions (e.g., directives) to the flexible datacenter200(e.g., to the datacenter control system220) that affect an amount of behind-the-meter power consumed by the flexible datacenter200.

The local station control system410can be configured to at least partially control the behind-the-meter power source1002. Additionally or alternatively, the behind-the-meter power source1002can be controlled at least in part by the remote master control system420. The local station control system410can be located at the site of the behind-the-meter power source1002or elsewhere. The local station control system410can be operated independently from the remote master control system420. That is, the two control systems can be operated by different entities (e.g., enterprises or individuals). In some embodiments, little or no communication can occur between the local station control system410and the remote master control system420.

As discussed above, there may be scenarios in which it may be desirable for the local station control system410to be able to communicate with the flexible datacenter200. The distributed power control system1000shown inFIG.10can facilitate operations along these lines. The following operations will be discussed primarily with respect to ramp-down power consumption scenarios. However, it should be understood that operations and directives related to ramp-up power consumption or other management of power consumption by the flexible datacenter200are possible as well, in addition to or alternative to ramp-down scenarios.

For any one or more reasons, it may be desirable for the local station control system410to direct the flexible datacenter200to modulate its power consumption (e.g., by ramping down, ramping up, or otherwise making an adjustment affecting power consumption by the flexible datacenter200). For example, if there is insufficient available behind-the-meter power, and/or an emergency related to the behind-the-meter power source1002(e.g., a fire, or a bird flying into or proximate to a wind turbine), the local station control system410can send, to the datacenter control system220, and thus the datacenter control system220can receive—from the local station control system410directly and/or via the remote master control system420—a first operational directive for the flexible datacenter200to ramp-down power consumption. In response to receiving the first operational directive, the datacenter control system220can cause (e.g., issue instructions to) the computing systems100of the flexible datacenter200to perform a first set of predetermined operations correlated with the first operational directive. Particularly, the first set of predetermined operations can include any one or more predetermined operations that result in reduced consumption of the behind-the-meter power by one or more of the computing systems100. Examples of such predetermined operations will be described in more detail below.

Hereinafter, for brevity's sake, reference to actions performed with respect to “the computing systems100,” such as causing the computing systems100to perform the first set of predetermined operations, reducing behind-the-meter power consumption, etc., means that such actions can be performed with respect to any one or more of the computing systems100. For example, the flexible datacenter200can cause one computing system, all of the computing systems100, or any number in between, to perform the first set of predetermined operations, such as reducing power consumption and/or turning off.

To facilitate the act of causing the performance of the first set of predetermined operations, for example, the datacenter control system220(and/or the computing systems100) can have access to memory that stores reference data (e.g., a reference table) that correlates respective conditions with a respective set of predetermined operations. Thus, upon receipt of the first operational directive, the datacenter control system220can refer to the reference data to look up which set of predetermined operations the computing systems100should perform (that is, which set is correlated to the first operational directive that is received), and then responsively instruct the computing systems100to perform the appropriate set of predetermined operations. Additionally or alternatively, the act of instructing the computing systems100in this manner can involve instructing the computing systems100to refer to the reference data in order to determine which set of predetermined operations to perform and then performing that set of predetermined operations.

In the embodiments discussed above or in alternative embodiments, the grid operator440, in addition to or alternative to the local station control system410, could issue the directive to datacenter control system220. For example, the grid operator440can directly send the first operational directive to the datacenter control system220via connection1016. Additionally or alternatively, the grid operator440can send the first operational directive to the remote master control system420via connection1014, which can in turn send the first operational directive to the datacenter control system220.

As noted above, the reason for directing the flexible datacenter200to ramp-down power consumption can be that there has been a reduced generation of behind-the-meter power by the behind-the-meter power source1002, which can occur for any number of reasons such as those described herein. As such, the first operational directive can be associated with a reduced power generation condition of the behind-the-meter power source. The reduced power generation condition can be associated with a current or expected reduction in available behind-the-meter power below a predetermined availability level. For example, if the amount of available behind-the-meter power has dropped below a predetermined availability level (e.g., 10 megawatts (MW)) or is expected (e.g., predicted using any forecasting algorithm or technique employed by the local station control system410or other device) to fall below the predetermined availability level (e.g., currently at 20 MW, and forecasted to drop below 10 MW), the local station control system410can direct the datacenter control system220to ramp-down power consumption by the flexible datacenter200. Additionally or alternatively, a ramp-down condition could be detected if the current or expected extent of reduction of available behind-the-meter power exceeds a predetermined amount (e.g., a drop of 10 MW). Additionally or alternatively, a ramp-down condition could take any of the other forms discussed above.

It should be understood that the reason for directing the flexible datacenter200to ramp-down power consumption can relate to behind-the-meter power availability, but can be a reason different from a current or expected reduction in available behind-the-meter power. Further, it should be understood that other conditions could be taken into consideration in addition to or alternative to conditions related to power availability, such as economic conditions.

As further noted above, performance of the first set of predetermined operations can result in the computing systems100reducing consumption of behind-the-meter power. In some scenarios, it may be desirable for the computing systems100to quickly (e.g., as soon as possible, and/or within a predetermined period of time) stop performing any computational operation that the computing systems100are currently performing, and perhaps also to quickly turn off and disconnect from any network(s) to which the computing systems100can be connected. In these scenarios, the first set of predetermined operations could include turning off the computing systems100, and perhaps also for the computing systems100to disconnect form any network(s) to which the computing systems100are connected. Other predetermined operations are possible as well.

However, in other scenarios, it may be desirable and feasible to more slowly ramp down power consumption. As such, the first set of predetermined operations could include computational operations that can result in a more gradual ramp-down of power consumption by the computing systems100.

For example, the first set of predetermined operations can include reducing a computational speed of the computing systems100. More particularly, the first set of predetermined operations can include reducing a computational speed of the computing systems100to be at a predetermined rate.

Additionally or alternatively, as another example, the first set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100(i) completing one or more computational tasks (e.g., blockchain hashing functions or other data processing related to or unrelated to blockchain) that the computing systems100are currently performing or scheduled to perform and (ii) ramp-down power consumption and enter into a reduced-power state of operation. As a more particular example, the first set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100completing the one or more computational tasks within a period of time (e.g., ten minutes). The period of time can be determined by the datacenter control system220, specified by the local station control system410in the first operational directive, or otherwise conveyed to the datacenter control system220to in turn convey to the computing systems100. Further, the period of time can vary depending on the condition that triggers the first operational directive to be sent. If there is an emergency where the available behind-the-meter power has dropped below a particular threshold or the extent of reduction exceeds a particular extent, the period of time may be shorter (e.g., two minutes) than in other scenarios in which it is feasible to take more time to complete computational tasks.

Additionally or alternatively, as another example, the first set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100completing less than an entirety of any one or more of the one or more computational tasks that the computing systems100are currently performing or scheduled to perform. In particular, the first set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100, before a given computational task has been completed, (i) completing a portion of the computational task, (ii) communicating to the datacenter control system220a result or results of the completed portion of the computational task, and then (iii) ramp-down power consumption and enter into a reduced-power state of operation. In some embodiments, this example predetermined operation can involve the computing systems100determining a point (or reaching a predetermined point specified by the first operational directive or by a command from the datacenter control system220) where the computing systems100can stop performing the computational task and then completing the computational task up to that point. For instance, if the computing systems100has a certain amount of data to process, the computing systems100can stop after half of the data has been processed and send the processed data to the datacenter control system220. Additionally or alternatively, this example predetermined operation can involve the computing systems100communicating, along with the result of the completed portion of the computational task, an indication of the stopping point, so that the computational task can be resumed by the same computing system(s) or different computing system(s) at the stopping point. Other variations of this example predetermined operation are possible as well.

Additionally or alternatively, as another example, the first set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100reducing a load factor or other factor that defines an extent of energy usage by the computing systems100, thereby reducing power consumption. For example, the first set of predetermined operations can include having the computing systems100reduce a load factor to a predetermined load factor, such as reducing to a 50% load.

The first set of predetermined operations can include other operations as well, such as any of the operations described with respect to other Figures herein in relation to ramp-down conditions.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the first set of predetermined operations can be selected based on other power-related decisions. For example, if there are ten computing systems at the flexible datacenter200and a 10% decrease in power consumption is desired, the datacenter control system220can either (i) cause one of the ten computing systems to turn off and stop consuming power or (ii) cause each of the ten computing systems to reduce its respective power consumption by 10%. Thus, performance of the first set of predetermined operations can at times result in one or more (but possibly not all) of the computing systems100being turned off to achieve a desired power consumption reduction, or can result in all of the computing systems100reducing its respective power consumption by a predetermined amount, which could be specified by the first operational directive or dynamically determined by the datacenter control system220in response to receiving the first operational directive.

In some embodiments, the datacenter control system220can perform other operations in response to receiving the first operational directive. For example, the datacenter control system220can cause the behind-the-meter power input system210to reduce the power delivered to the computing systems100. This reduction by the behind-the-meter power input system210can be performed before performance, during performance, or after performance of the first set of predetermined operations by the computing systems100. Thus, two different forms of power control can be advantageously employed: controlling the computing systems100to reduce the amount of power that the computing systems100pull, and controlling the behind-the-meter power input system210to push less power to the computing systems100.

At some point before, during, or after the datacenter control system220receives the first operational directive and causes the computing systems100to perform the first set of predetermined operations, the datacenter control system220can receive—from the local station control system410directly and/or via the remote master control system420—a second operational directive. The second operational directive can be in some way associated with an existing or anticipated situation in which ramping up power consumption by the flexible datacenter200would be desirable or would not likely have a negative impact. In some embodiments, the second operational directive can be associated with a non-reduced power generation condition of the behind-the-meter power source1002. For example, the non-reduced power generation condition could indicate that there is a current or expected increase in available behind-the-meter power above a predetermined availability level. The non-reduced power generation condition could take additional or alternative forms as well. (For instance, the flexible datacenter200might not ramp-up power consumption even if there is an increase or an excess of available behind-the-meter power.) Additionally or alternatively, conditions other than non-reduced power conditions could in some way contribute to the second operational directive being sent to the datacenter control system220.

In any event, the second operational directive can be an operational directive that indicates to the flexible datacenter200that the flexible datacenter200is permitted to ramp-up power consumption. In some embodiments, the flexible datacenter200might be configured such that it cannot ramp-up power consumption by the computing systems100the flexible datacenter200without permission from the local station control system410, although in other embodiments, the flexible datacenter200might not be configured in this way.

Furthermore, the datacenter control system220can be configured such that, upon or after receipt of the second operational directive (and, in some embodiments, in response to the received second operational directive indicating that permission is granted to ramp-up power consumption), the datacenter control system220can determine whether a ramp-up condition exists and, in response to determining that the ramp-up condition exists, the datacenter control system220can cause the computing systems100to perform a second set of predetermined operations correlated with the second operational directive.

The reason(s) for directing the flexible datacenter200to ramp-up power consumption can vary, and thus the ramp-up condition could take various forms, such as any of the ramp-up conditions discussed above (e.g., when there is an excess of available behind-the-meter power). In some scenarios, however, the reason for directing the flexible datacenter200to ramp-up power consumption can be something other than there being an excess of available behind-the-meter power. For instance, there could be one or more economic-driven reasons for doing so, and in that scenario, the local station control system410and/or the remote master control system420could direct the flexible datacenter to ramp-up power consumption, or at least notify the flexible datacenter200that ramping up power consumption is permitted.

In some embodiments, the datacenter control system220causing the computing systems100to perform the second set of predetermined operations can result in increased consumption of the behind-the-meter power by the computing systems100.

For example, the second set of predetermined operations can include increasing the computational speed of the computing systems100. More particularly, the second set of predetermined operations can include increasing a computational speed of the computing systems100to be at a predetermined rate.

As another example, the second set of predetermined operations can include turning on the computing systems100, connecting to a server or servers, resuming one or more computational tasks (e.g., at a previously-identified stopping point), beginning performance of one or more computational tasks, and/or other possible operations including, but not limited to, any of the operations described with respect to other Figures herein in relation to ramp-up conditions.

In some scenarios, despite some conditions being present where ramping up power consumption could be appropriate, it might not be desirable to ramp up power consumption even if those conditions are present. For example, the local station control system410(and/or the remote master control system420) could determine that, over a recent period of time, there have been fluctuations in available behind-the-meter power (e.g., fluctuations that exceed a predetermined threshold) and/or a combination of ramp-up and ramp-down operations that were performed by the computing systems100. As such, the second set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100continuing performance of operations in which the computing systems100are currently engaged. In alternative embodiments, the datacenter control system220could determine that the flexible datacenter200should not ramp up power consumption and, instead of causing the computing systems100to perform operations, responsively take no special action with respect to the computing systems100.

In some embodiments, the datacenter control system220can perform other operations in response to receiving the second operational directive. For example, the datacenter control system220can cause the behind-the-meter power input system210to increase the power delivered to the computing systems100. This increase by the behind-the-meter power input system210can be performed before performance, during performance, or after performance of the second set of predetermined operations by the computing systems100.

Embodiments discussed above primarily relate to the local station control system410issuing directives to the flexible datacenter200to modulate the flexible datacenter's power consumption. Additionally or alternatively, in some scenarios, it could be desirable for the remote master control system420itself to be able to monitor for the presence of any one or more of a variety of conditions and responsively issue such directives to the flexible datacenter200. One reason as to why this can be desirable is due to how the local station control system410and the remote master control system420can be operated independently by different entities. Thus, for the purposes of power control, configuring a component of the distributed power control system1000that is operated by or otherwise associated with one entity (e.g., an enterprise), such as the remote master control system420, to monitor conditions and issue directives to the flexible datacenter200can reduce or eliminate a dependence on components that are operated by or otherwise associated with another entity (e.g., a different enterprise).

As an example, there could be a scenario in which the remote master control system420is configured in such a manner in which it detects that the behind-the-meter power source1002is experiencing a reduced power generation condition, unfavorable economic condition, or another type of monitored condition (such as any of those discussed above) requiring a ramp-down in power consumption by the flexible datacenter200before the local station control system410detects the condition. Thus, the remote master control system420can quickly take responsive action and issue a directive (e.g., the first operational directive) to the flexible datacenter200to cause the flexible datacenter200to ramp down. Additionally or alternatively, the remote master control system420might be configured use a predictive algorithm of other technique to predict when ramping down would be required in the future and can preemptively direct the flexible datacenter200to ramp down immediately or at a scheduled time. (It should be understood, however, that conversely, in some situations, the local station control system410might be able to react more quickly than a remote master control system420in directing a ramp-down. One example reason for this is that actions by the local station control system410might not require any routing through a remote master control system420, and thus might not be limited by a potential delay or blocking action by the remote master control system420. Thus, in such situations, it might be desirable to have the local station control system410issue directives to the flexible datacenter200.)

For any one or more reasons, it may be desirable for the remote master control system420to direct the flexible datacenter200to modulate its power consumption (e.g., by ramping down, ramping up, or otherwise making an adjustment affecting power consumption by the flexible datacenter200), such as if there is insufficient available behind-the-meter power, and/or an emergency related to the behind-the-meter power source1002. The following operations will be discussed primarily with respect to ramp-down power consumption scenarios. However, it should be understood that operations and directives related to ramp-up power consumption or other management of power consumption by the flexible datacenter200are possible as well, in addition to or alternative to ramp-down scenarios.

In an example embodiment, the remote master control system420can determine that a reduced power generation condition has been met. In response to determining that the reduced power generation condition has been met, the remote master control system420can generate and send, to the datacenter control system220(and thus the datacenter control system220can receive from the remote master control system420), a first operational directive for the flexible datacenter200to ramp-down power consumption. In response to receiving the first operational directive, the datacenter control system220can cause (e.g., issue instructions to) the computing systems100of the flexible datacenter200to perform a first set of predetermined operations correlated with the first operational directive. Particularly, the first set of predetermined operations can include any one or more predetermined operations that result in reduced consumption of the behind-the-meter power by one or more of the computing systems100. Examples of such predetermined operations will be described in more detail below.

As noted above, the reason for the remote master control system420directing the flexible datacenter200to ramp-down power consumption can be that there has been a reduced generation of behind-the-meter power by the behind-the-meter power source1002, which can occur for any number of reasons such as those described herein. As such, the first operational directive can be associated with a reduced power generation condition of the behind-the-meter power source. The reduced power generation condition can be associated with a current or expected reduction in available behind-the-meter power below a predetermined availability level. For example, if the amount of available behind-the-meter power has dropped below a predetermined availability level (e.g., 10 MW) or is expected (e.g., predicted using any forecasting algorithm or technique employed by the remote master control system420) to fall below the predetermined availability level (e.g., currently at 20 MW, and forecasted to drop below 10 MW), the remote master control system420can direct the datacenter control system220to ramp-down power consumption by the flexible datacenter200. Additionally or alternatively, a ramp-down condition could be detected if the current or expected extent of reduction of available behind-the-meter power exceeds a predetermined amount (e.g., a drop of 10 MW). Additionally or alternatively, a ramp-down condition could take any of the other forms discussed above.

It should be understood that the reason for directing the flexible datacenter200to ramp-down power consumption can relate to behind-the-meter power availability, but can be a reason different from a current or expected reduction in available behind-the-meter power. Further, it should be understood that other conditions could be taken into consideration in addition to or alternative to conditions related to power availability, such as economic conditions. (However, in some embodiments, the remote master control system420might only monitor behind-the-meter power availability conditions.)

As further noted above, performance of the first set of predetermined operations can result in the computing systems100reducing consumption of behind-the-meter power. In some scenarios, it may be desirable for the computing systems100to quickly (e.g., as soon as possible, and/or within a predetermined period of time) stop performing any computational operation that the computing systems100are currently performing, and perhaps also to quickly turn off and disconnect from any network(s) to which the computing systems100can be connected. In these scenarios, the first set of predetermined operations could include turning off the computing systems100, and perhaps also for the computing systems100to disconnect form any network(s) to which the computing systems100are connected. Other predetermined operations are possible as well.

However, in other scenarios, it may be desirable and feasible to more slowly ramp down power consumption. As such, the first set of predetermined operations could include computational operations that can result in a more gradual ramp-down of power consumption by the computing systems100.

For example, the first set of predetermined operations can include reducing a computational speed of the computing systems100. More particularly, the first set of predetermined operations can include reducing a computational speed of the computing systems100to be at a predetermined rate.

Additionally or alternatively, as another example, the first set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100(i) completing one or more computational tasks (e.g., blockchain hashing functions or other data processing related to or unrelated to blockchain) that the computing systems100are currently performing or scheduled to perform and (ii) ramp-down power consumption and enter into a reduced-power state of operation. As a more particular example, the first set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100completing the one or more computational tasks within a period of time (e.g., ten minutes). The period of time can be determined by the datacenter control system220, specified by the remote master control system420in the first operational directive, or otherwise conveyed to the datacenter control system220to in turn convey to the computing systems100. Further, the period of time can vary depending on the condition that triggers the first operational directive to be sent. If there is an emergency where the available behind-the-meter power has dropped below a particular threshold or the extent of reduction exceeds a particular extent, the period of time may be shorter (e.g., two minutes) than in other scenarios in which it is feasible to take more time to complete computational tasks.

Additionally or alternatively, as another example, the first set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100completing less than an entirety of any one or more of the one or more computational tasks that the computing systems100are currently performing or scheduled to perform. In particular, the first set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100, before a given computational task has been completed, (i) completing a portion of the computational task, (ii) communicating to the datacenter control system220a result or results of the completed portion of the computational task, and then (iii) ramp-down power consumption and enter into a reduced-power state of operation. In some embodiments, this example predetermined operation can involve the computing systems100determining a point (or reaching a predetermined point specified by the first operational directive or by a command from the datacenter control system220) where the computing systems100can stop performing the computational task and then completing the computational task up to that point. For instance, if the computing systems100has a certain amount of data to process, the computing systems100can stop after half of the data has been processed and send the processed data to the datacenter control system220. Additionally or alternatively, this example predetermined operation can involve the computing systems100communicating, along with the result of the completed portion of the computational task, an indication of the stopping point, so that the computational task can be resumed by the same computing system(s) or different computing system(s) at the stopping point. Other variations of this example predetermined operation are possible as well.

Additionally or alternatively, as another example, the first set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100reducing a load factor or other factor that defines an extent of energy usage by the computing systems100, thereby reducing power consumption. For example, the first set of predetermined operations can include having the computing systems100reduce a load factor to a predetermined load factor, such as reducing to a 50% load.

In some embodiments, the first set of predetermined operations can be selected based on other power-related decisions. For example, if there are ten computing systems at the flexible datacenter200and a 10% decrease in power consumption is desired, the datacenter control system220can either (i) cause one of the ten computing systems to turn off and stop consuming power or (ii) cause each of the ten computing systems to reduce its respective power consumption by 10%. Thus, performance of the first set of predetermined operations can at times result in one or more, but not all, of the computing systems100being turned off, or can result in all of the computing systems100reducing its respective power consumption by a predetermined amount, which could be specified by the first operational directive or dynamically determined by the datacenter control system220in response to receiving the first operational directive.

The first set of predetermined operations can include other operations as well, such as any of the operations described with respect to other Figures herein in relation to ramp-down conditions.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the first set of predetermined operations can be selected based on other power-related decisions. For example, if there are ten computing systems at the flexible datacenter200and a 10% decrease in power consumption is desired, the datacenter control system220can either (i) cause one of the ten computing systems to turn off and stop consuming power or (ii) cause each of the ten computing systems to reduce its respective power consumption by 10%. Thus, performance of the first set of predetermined operations can at times result in one or more (but possibly not all) of the computing systems100being turned off to achieve a desired power consumption reduction, or can result in all of the computing systems100reducing its respective power consumption by a predetermined amount, which could be specified by the first operational directive or dynamically determined by the datacenter control system220in response to receiving the first operational directive.

The remote master control system420can monitor and maintain (or otherwise have access to) performance data and/or other data related to the computing systems100to which other systems (e.g., the local station control system410) might not have access. Because the remote master control system420might have more intimate knowledge of what each of the computing systems100are capable of and/or the types of computational tasks that each of the computing systems100are performing (e.g., whether some computing systems are carrying out more critical or computationally-intensive tasks than others), it can be advantageous to have the remote master control system420determine and send the first operational directive.

In some embodiments, the datacenter control system220can perform other operations in response to receiving the first operational directive. For example, the datacenter control system220can cause the behind-the-meter power input system210to reduce the power delivered to the computing systems100. This reduction by the behind-the-meter power input system210can be performed before performance, during performance, or after performance of the first set of predetermined operations by the computing systems100. Thus, two different forms of power control can be advantageously employed: controlling the computing systems100to reduce the amount of power that the computing systems100pull, and controlling the behind-the-meter power input system210to push less power to the computing systems100.

At some point before, during, or after the datacenter control system220receives the first operational directive and causes the computing systems100to perform the first set of predetermined operations, the datacenter control system220can receive from the remote master control system420a second operational directive generated by the remote master control system420. The second operational directive can be in some way associated with an existing or anticipated situation in which ramping up power consumption by the flexible datacenter200would be desirable or would not likely have a negative impact. In some embodiments, the second operational directive can be associated with a non-reduced power generation condition of the behind-the-meter power source1002. For example, the non-reduced power generation condition could indicate that there is a current or expected increase in available behind-the-meter power above a predetermined availability level. The non-reduced power generation condition could take additional or alternative forms as well. (For instance, the flexible datacenter200might not ramp-up power consumption even if there is an increase or an excess of available behind-the-meter power.) Additionally or alternatively, conditions other than non-reduced power conditions could in some way contribute to the second operational directive being sent to the datacenter control system220.

In any event, the second operational directive can be an operational directive that indicates to the flexible datacenter200that the flexible datacenter200is permitted to ramp-up power consumption. In some embodiments, the flexible datacenter200might be configured such that it cannot ramp-up power consumption by the computing systems100the flexible datacenter200without permission from the remote master control system420(and/or from the local station control system410), although in other embodiments, the flexible datacenter200might not be configured in this way.

Furthermore, the datacenter control system220can be configured such that, upon or after receipt of the second operational directive (and, in some embodiments, in response to the received second operational directive indicating that permission is granted to ramp-up power consumption), the datacenter control system220can determine whether a ramp-up condition exists and, in response to determining that the ramp-up condition exists, the datacenter control system220can cause the computing systems100to perform a second set of predetermined operations correlated with the second operational directive.

The reason(s) for directing the flexible datacenter200to ramp-up power consumption can vary, and thus the ramp-up condition could take various forms, such as any of the ramp-up conditions discussed above (e.g., when there is an excess of available behind-the-meter power). In some scenarios, however, the reason for directing the flexible datacenter200to ramp-up power consumption can be something other than there being an excess of available behind-the-meter power. For instance, there could be one or more economic-driven reasons for doing so, and the remote master control system420could, in that scenario, direct the flexible datacenter to ramp-up power consumption, or at least notify the flexible datacenter200that ramping up power consumption is permitted.

In some embodiments, the datacenter control system220causing the computing systems100to perform the second set of predetermined operations can result in increased consumption of the behind-the-meter power by the computing systems100.

For example, the second set of predetermined operations can include increasing the computational speed of the computing systems100. More particularly, the second set of predetermined operations can include increasing a computational speed of the computing systems100to be at a predetermined rate.

As another example, the second set of predetermined operations can include turning on the computing systems100, connecting to a server or servers, resuming one or more computational tasks (e.g., at a previously-identified stopping point), beginning performance of one or more computational tasks, and/or other possible operations including, but not limited to, any of the operations described with respect to other Figures herein in relation to ramp-up conditions.

In some scenarios, despite some conditions being present where ramping up power consumption could be appropriate, it might not be desirable to ramp up power consumption even if those conditions are present. For example, the remote master control system420could determine that, over a recent period of time, there have been fluctuations in available behind-the-meter power (e.g., fluctuations that exceed a predetermined threshold) and/or a combination of ramp-up and ramp-down operations that were performed by the computing systems100. As such, the second set of predetermined operations can include the computing systems100continuing performance of operations in which the computing systems100are currently engaged. In alternative embodiments, the datacenter control system220could determine that the flexible datacenter200should not ramp up power consumption and, instead of causing the computing systems100to perform operations, responsively take no special action with respect to the computing systems100.

In some embodiments, the datacenter control system220can perform other operations in response to receiving the second operational directive. For example, the datacenter control system220can cause the behind-the-meter power input system210to increase the power delivered to the computing systems100. This increase by the behind-the-meter power input system210can be performed before performance, during performance, or after performance of the second set of predetermined operations by the computing systems100.

FIG.11shows a flowchart for the operation of the distributed power control system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG.11relates to one or more embodiments in which a local station control system sends a directive for ramping down power consumption. The process illustrated byFIG.11can be carried out by a datacenter control system, such as the datacenter control system220of the flexible datacenter200described above, in an environment such as the distributed power control system1000shown inFIG.10. However, the process can be carried out by other types of computing devices or combinations of computing devices, and can be carried out in other environments.

Further, the embodiment ofFIG.11can be simplified by the removal of any one or more of the features shown therein. Further, this embodiment can be combined with features, aspects, and/or implementations of any of the previous figures or otherwise described herein.

At block1100, the datacenter control system220receives a first operational directive from a local station control system (e.g., local station control system410). As discussed above, the local station control system can be configured to at least partially control the behind-the-meter power source (e.g., behind-the-meter power source1002), and the first operational directive can be an operational directive for the flexible datacenter to ramp-down power consumption.

At block1102, in response to receiving the first operational directive, the datacenter control system220causes the plurality of computing systems (e.g., computing systems100) of the flexible datacenter to perform a first set of predetermined operations correlated with the first operational directive.

Furthermore, as discussed above, in the same embodiment or a different embodiment, the datacenter control system220can receive a second operational directive from the local station control system. In response to receiving the second operational directive, the datacenter control system220can determine whether a ramp-up condition exists and, in response to determining that the ramp-up condition exists, can cause the plurality of computing systems of the flexible datacenter to perform a second set of predetermined operations correlated with the second operational directive.

FIG.12shows another flowchart for the operation of the distributed power control system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG.12relates to one or more embodiments in which a remote master control system sends a directive for ramping down power consumption. The process illustrated byFIG.12can be carried out by a datacenter control system, such as the datacenter control system220of the flexible datacenter200described above, in an environment such as the distributed power control system1000shown inFIG.10. However, the process can be carried out by other types of computing devices or combinations of computing devices, and can be carried out in other environments.

Further, the embodiment ofFIG.12can be simplified by the removal of any one or more of the features shown therein. Further, this embodiment can be combined with features, aspects, and/or implementations of any of the previous figures or otherwise described herein.

At block1200, the datacenter control system220receives a first operational directive from a remote master control system (e.g., remote master control system420). As discussed above, the first operational directive can be an operational directive for the flexible datacenter to ramp-down power consumption.

At block1202, in response to receiving the first operational directive, the datacenter control system220causes the plurality of computing systems (e.g., computing systems100) of the flexible datacenter to perform a first set of predetermined operations correlated with the first operational directive.

Furthermore, as discussed above, in the same embodiment or a different embodiment, the datacenter control system220can receive a second operational directive from the remote master control system. In response to receiving the second operational directive, the datacenter control system220can determine whether a ramp-up condition exists and, in response to determining that the ramp-up condition exists, can cause the plurality of computing systems of the flexible datacenter to perform a second set of predetermined operations correlated with the second operational directive.

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

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method and system for distributed power control allows for a datacenter control system of a flexible datacenter to be in communication with a local station control system, which in turn allows the local station control system to issue directives to the flexible datacenter based on various conditions associated with a behind-the-meter power source. Thus, the method and system for distributed power control allows for power consumption by the flexible datacenter to be modulated based on ramp-down and/or ramp-up directives received from the local station control system.

In some scenarios, a local station control system might be able to act more quickly than a remote master control system in directing a flexible datacenter to modulate its power consumption. In these and other scenarios, actions by the local station control system would not require communications (e.g., directives, or power availability information) to be routed through the remote master control system, and thus, such communications would not be blocked or delayed by the remote master control system.

Conversely, the remote master control system can act on information that is not available to the local station control system, such as performance data or other data related to the flexible datacenter and the computing systems thereof, as discussed above. For at least this reason, it could be advantageous in some scenarios to have the remote master control system direct the flexible datacenter in addition to or instead of the local station control system. (One of the reasons for why the local station control system might not have access to this type of information is that the flexible datacenter and the remote master control system are operated by or otherwise associated with the same entity, whereas the local station control system is operated by a different entity.) Thus, in one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method and system for distributed power control allows for a datacenter control system of a flexible datacenter to be in communication with a remote master control system, which in turn allows the remote master control system to issue directives to the flexible datacenter based on various conditions associated with a behind-the-meter power source. Thus, the method and system for distributed power control allows for power consumption by the flexible datacenter to be modulated based on ramp-down and/or ramp-up directives received from the remote master control system.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method and system for distributed power control allows for a datacenter control system of a flexible datacenter to be in communication with a remote master control system, which in turn allows the remote master control system to issue directives to the flexible datacenter based on various conditions associated with a behind-the-meter power source. Thus, the method and system for distributed power control allows for power consumption by the flexible datacenter to be modulated based on ramp-down and/or ramp-up directives received from the remote master control system. As discussed above, this can be further advantageous because the flexible datacenter and the remote master control system can be operated by or otherwise associated with the same entity.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method and system for distributed power control allows for reduction in power consumption by the flexible datacenter without necessarily having to abruptly turn off computing systems or disconnect from servers/networks. Rather, computing systems of the flexible datacenter can be directed to reduce power consumption in a smooth and more gradual manner that allows for the computing systems to finish at least a portion of the computational tasks assigned to them.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method and system for distributed power control may be powered by unutilized 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 also involve dynamic power delivery to the flexible datacenter using unutilized energy sources. Dynamic power delivery in this manner provides a green solution to two prominent problems: the exponential increase in power required for growing distributed computing operations (e.g., blockchain) and the unutilized and potentially wasted energy generated from renewable energy sources.

Dynamic power delivery in this manner also allows for the rapid deployment of datacenters to local stations. The datacenters may be deployed on site, near the source of power generation, and receive unutilized behind-the-meter power when it is available.

Dynamic power delivery in this manner also 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.

Dynamic power delivery in this manner also 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.

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.