# 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

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._