# Optimizing Power for Remote Grids with Diesel, Wind, Solar, and Batteries > 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. - **Patent:** US 9985438 - **Original title:** Optimization method for independent micro-grid system - **Owner:** Electric Power Research Institute of State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Co - **Granted:** 2018 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** energy, telecommunications, software, electrical_engineering ## What it does The patent outlines a method for optimizing an independent micro-grid system, which includes diesel generators, wind generators, a photovoltaic array, and an energy storage battery. It works by first gathering device parameters for all these components. Then, a computer system uses a multi-objective genetic algorithm to find the best setup. This algorithm considers three main goals: minimizing total cost over the system's lifetime, reducing the chance of power outages (loss of load capacity), and lowering pollution levels. The method also uses a 'quasi-steady state simulation strategy' with two modes: a 'hard charging strategy' where diesel generators can charge the battery, and a 'power smooth strategy' where the battery only helps when diesel alone isn't enough. For example, it calculates how many diesel generators are needed at any moment, considering the current power demand, available renewable energy, and the battery's charge/discharge limits (Claim 1). ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover optimization methods that use algorithms other than a multi-objective genetic algorithm, specifically one based on NSGA-II. - Does not cover micro-grid systems that rely on different primary energy sources, such as hydropower or geothermal, instead of the specified diesel, wind, and photovoltaic combination. - Does not cover control strategies for energy storage batteries that do not include both a 'hard charging strategy' and a 'power smooth strategy' as defined. - Does not cover systems that fail to account for a 'preset spare capacity' to ensure the micro-grid's stability. - Does not cover optimization models that do not simultaneously consider the three specific objectives: total cost, loss of load capacity, and pollution level. ## The clever bit The clever part is the integrated multi-objective optimization using a genetic algorithm. It simultaneously balances conflicting goals—like saving money, keeping the lights on, and protecting the environment—while also factoring in complex operational details like diesel generator start-up modes and battery charging strategies, along with system stability requirements. ## Real-world examples 1. Remote village power systems in developing countries 2. Island communities relying on local generation 3. Military bases in isolated locations 4. Off-grid industrial facilities 5. Emergency backup power for critical infrastructure ## Why it matters Independent micro-grids are crucial for providing reliable power to remote areas, islands, or military bases where connecting to a large central grid is impractical or too expensive. This patent offers a systematic way to design these systems, ensuring they are not only cost-effective but also reliable and less polluting. By optimizing the mix of renewable sources and traditional generators, it helps make off-grid power solutions more sustainable and widely deployable, especially in regions with limited infrastructure. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Optimizing Power for Remote Grids with Diesel, Wind, Solar, and Batteries cover? 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. ### Who owns patent US 9985438? Electric Power Research Institute of State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Co owns this patent, granted in 2018. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on October 14, 2033, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? Independent micro-grids are crucial for providing reliable power to remote areas, islands, or military bases where connecting to a large central grid is impractical or too expensive. This patent offers a systematic way to design these systems, ensuring they are not only cost-effective but also reliable and less polluting. By optimizing the mix of renewable sources and traditional generators, it helps make off-grid power solutions more sustainable and widely deployable, especially in regions with limited infrastructure. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover optimization methods that use algorithms other than a multi-objective genetic algorithm, specifically one based on NSGA-II. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9985438/optimization-method-for-independent-micro-grid-system **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US9985438 --- _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: - [How an EV Charging Station Manages Power from Batteries and the Grid](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9168838/charging-control-system-and-charging-control-method) — This patent describes a smart charging system for electric vehicles that decides whether to power cars from a local battery or the main electricity grid, and when to recharge that local battery, to help balance power demand. - [How to Measure Stability in Complex Power Grids Using D-Q Impedance](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8044672/method-for-measuring-d-q-impedance-of-polyphase-power-grid-components) — A method for testing how electrical components in a power grid react to disturbances to ensure the grid remains stable and doesn't crash. - [Smart EV Charging to Protect Battery Life During Long Parking](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11235681/curtailing-battery-degradation-of-an-electric-vehicle-during-long-term-parking) — This patent describes a system that intelligently discharges and recharges an electric vehicle's battery while parked for a long time, like at an airport, to prevent battery damage and ensure it's ready when the owner returns, using vehicle-to-grid technology. - [Capturing Carbon Dioxide While Making Electricity with Hydrogen and Solar](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12327854/apparatuses-and-methods-for-carbon-dioxide-capturing-and-electrical-energy-produ) — This patent describes an integrated system that captures carbon dioxide from the air or industrial exhaust while simultaneously generating clean electricity using a hydrogen gas turbine powered by solar-generated hydrogen and oxygen, all without burning fossil fuels. - [How Nuclear Power Plants Reuse Fuel Between Multiple Reactors](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10818403/inter-module-fuel-shuffling) — This patent describes a method for nuclear power plants with several reactors to efficiently reuse partially used fuel by moving it between different reactor cores across multiple operating cycles.