Patent Document ID: 7567859
Application ID: 11001221
Patent Flag: 1

Claim One:
1. A controller for controlling the source of electric power for a cogeneration system, the cogeneration system including a local generator for generating local electric power, a fuel source, connections to an external electric power source for receiving externally generated power, and a number of operational components including heating and/or cooling devices, the controller configured to perform the steps of: estimating future load conditions for thermal and electric power loads; performing a first analysis using a first operational strategy to generate a first future cost figure for the cost of operating the cogeneration system, wherein the first operational strategy includes generating at least some local electric power for powering the cogeneration system; performing a second analysis using a second operational strategy to generate a second future cost figure for the cost of operating the cogeneration system, wherein the second operational strategy includes receiving at least some externally generated electric power for powering the cogeneration system; comparing the first future cost figure to the second future cost figure; and when the first future cost figure is different than the second future cost figure, selecting the operational strategy corresponding to a lesser of the first future cost figure and the second future cost figure.