# How to Smartly Manage Power in Small Grids with Renewable Energy > This patent describes a method for quickly and efficiently planning how different energy sources (like solar, wind, and batteries) work together in a small, local power grid, especially when renewable energy output changes unexpectedly. - **Patent:** US 11095127 - **Original title:** Method for real-time scheduling of multi-energy complementary micro-grids based on rollout algorithm - **Owner:** Southeast University - **Granted:** 2021 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** energy, software, ai_ml, telecommunications ## What it does The patent outlines a four-step method (Claim 1) for real-time scheduling of "multi-energy complementary micro-grids." First, it sets up a "moving-horizon Markov decision process model" to represent the micro-grid's scheduling problem, considering unpredictable "new-energy outputs" and defining various "constraint conditions" like battery limits and power exchange with the main grid. Second, it establishes a "target function" to minimize the micro-grid's operating cost. Third, it divides the scheduling into smaller intervals and finds an initial, basic plan using a "greedy algorithm." Finally, it refines this basic plan using a "Rollout algorithm" to achieve a high-speed, efficient real-time schedule. For example, in a small community micro-grid with solar panels, wind turbines, and a battery, this method could instantly decide whether to use solar power, charge the battery with wind, or buy/sell electricity from the main grid, all while keeping costs low and adapting to sudden changes in weather. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover scheduling methods that do not use a "moving-horizon Markov decision process model" for the micro-grid. - Does not cover scheduling methods that do not establish a "target function" specifically aiming for minimum operating cost. - Does not cover scheduling methods that do not use a "greedy algorithm" to find an initial basic feasible solution. - Does not cover scheduling methods that do not use a "Rollout algorithm" to find the final solution based on the basic feasible solution. - Does not cover micro-grid scheduling that ignores specific constraints like battery operating limits or power exchange limits with the main grid. ## The clever bit The clever bit is combining a "greedy algorithm" for an initial feasible solution with a "Rollout algorithm" to quickly refine it within a "moving-horizon Markov decision process model." This approach allows for high-speed, efficient real-time scheduling of complex micro-grids, even when new energy sources fluctuate unpredictably, overcoming the slowness of traditional methods. ## Real-world examples 1. University campus micro-grids 2. Military base micro-grids 3. Remote island power systems 4. Industrial park micro-grids 5. Community energy projects with renewables and storage ## Why it matters The patent addresses a crucial challenge in integrating renewable energy: its unpredictable nature. By offering a faster and more efficient scheduling method, it helps micro-grids manage fluctuating wind and solar power more effectively. This is important for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving grid stability in local energy systems. Efficient real-time scheduling can lower operational costs for micro-grids, making them more economically viable for communities and businesses. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How to Smartly Manage Power in Small Grids with Renewable Energy cover? This patent describes a method for quickly and efficiently planning how different energy sources (like solar, wind, and batteries) work together in a small, local power grid, especially when renewable energy output changes unexpectedly. ### Who owns patent US 11095127? Southeast University owns this patent, granted in 2021. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on November 8, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? The patent addresses a crucial challenge in integrating renewable energy: its unpredictable nature. By offering a faster and more efficient scheduling method, it helps micro-grids manage fluctuating wind and solar power more effectively. This is important for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving grid stability in local energy systems. Efficient real-time scheduling can lower operational costs for micro-grids, making them more economically viable for communities and businesses. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover scheduling methods that do not use a "moving-horizon Markov decision process model" for the micro-grid. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11095127/method-for-real-time-scheduling-of-multi-energy-complementary-micro-grids-based- **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US11095127 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Optimizing Power for Remote Grids with Diesel, Wind, Solar, and Batteries](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9985438/optimization-method-for-independent-micro-grid-system) — This patent describes a computer-based method for designing and operating independent power systems, called micro-grids, to balance cost, reliability, and environmental impact using a mix of diesel generators, wind turbines, solar panels, and energy storage batteries. - [Optimizing Hybrid Batteries for Grid-Connected Wind Power Systems](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11862969/optimal-configuration-method-for-hybrid-energy-storage-of-grid-connected-wind-st) — This patent describes a detailed method to figure out the best size and type of hybrid energy storage systems for wind farms connected to the power grid, aiming to cut costs and reliably deliver power. - [Optimizing Network Resources with Real-time Environmental Awareness](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12739647/system-method-and-apparatus-for-providing-optimized-network-resources) — This patent describes a system that watches the invisible electromagnetic signals around it to figure out the best way to manage internet and phone networks for users. - [Managing Power with Different Types of Batteries in an Energy Storage System](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10756544/energy-storage-system-and-management-method-thereof) — This patent describes an energy storage system that uses multiple types of batteries, each with different charging and discharging speeds, to efficiently manage power from various sources like solar panels or the main power grid for different electricity needs. - [Using AI to Manage Wireless Network Resources Smarter](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12245052/reinforcement-learning-rl-and-graph-neural-network-gnn-based-resource-management) — Intel's 2025 patent on using a hierarchy of AI models to manage wireless network resources, making them more efficient by learning from network measurements and rewards.