A control node enables distributed grid control. The control node monitors power generation and power demand at a point of common coupling (PCC) between a utility power grid and all devices downstream from the PCC. The control node can have one or more consumer nodes, which can be or include customer premises, and one or more energy sources connected downstream. The control node monitors and controls the interface via the PCC from the same side of the PCC as the power generation and power demand. The control can include adjusting the interface between the control node and the central grid management via the PCC to maintain compliance with grid regulations at the PCC.

A control node enables distributed grid control. The control node monitors power generation and power demand at a point of common coupling (PCC) between a utility power grid and all devices downstream from the PCC. The control node can have one or more consumer nodes, which can be or include customer premises, and one or more energy sources connected downstream. The control node monitors and controls the interface via the PCC from the same side of the PCC as the power generation and power demand. The control can include adjusting the interface between the control node and the central grid management via the PCC to maintain compliance with grid regulations at the PCC.

A distributed control node enables total harmonic control. The control node measures current drawn by a load, including harmonics of the primary current. A metering device can generate an energy signature unique to the load including recording a complex current vector for the load in operation identifying the primary current with a real power component and a reactive power component, and identifying the harmonics with a real power component, a reactive power component, and an angular displacement relative to the primary current. The control node can control a noise contribution of the load due to the harmonics as seen at a point of common coupling to reduce noise introduced onto the grid network from the load.

A distributed control node enables total harmonic control. The control node measures current drawn by a load, including harmonics of the primary current. A metering device can generate an energy signature unique to the load including recording a complex current vector for the load in operation identifying the primary current with a real power component and a reactive power component, and identifying the harmonics with a real power component, a reactive power component, and an angular displacement relative to the primary current. The control node can control a noise contribution of the load due to the harmonics as seen at a point of common coupling to reduce noise introduced onto the grid network from the load.

Distributed grid intelligence enables grid saturation control. A distributed control node can determine that a segment of the power grid exceeds a saturation threshold. A power grid can be saturated by real power when local power sources at customer premises are connected to the grid. The grid saturation threshold can be a point at which real power generation capacity of local energy sources exceeds a threshold percentage of peak real power demand for the power grid segment where the power generation capacity exists. The control node at a consumer node can dynamically adjust a ratio of real power to reactive power for the segment of the power grid as seen from the grid, and reduce grid saturation.

Distributed grid intelligence enables grid saturation control. A distributed control node can determine that a segment of the power grid exceeds a saturation threshold. A power grid can be saturated by real power when local power sources at customer premises are connected to the grid. The grid saturation threshold can be a point at which real power generation capacity of local energy sources exceeds a threshold percentage of peak real power demand for the power grid segment where the power generation capacity exists. The control node at a consumer node can dynamically adjust a ratio of real power to reactive power for the segment of the power grid as seen from the grid, and reduce grid saturation.

Distributed grid intelligence enables grid saturation control. A distributed control node can determine that a segment of the power grid exceeds a saturation threshold. A power grid can be saturated by real power when local power sources at customer premises are connected to the grid. The grid saturation threshold can be a point at which real power generation capacity of local energy sources exceeds a threshold percentage of peak real power demand for the power grid segment where the power generation capacity exists. The control node at a consumer node can dynamically adjust a ratio of real power to reactive power for the segment of the power grid as seen from the grid, and reduce grid saturation.

Distributed grid intelligence can enable a virtual power grid. Multiple consumer nodes can have local power sources, and be coupled to a same point of common coupling (PCC). The consumer nodes can be controlled by distributed control nodes at the consumer nodes. The control nodes control the distribution of power from the local power sources based on local power demand of each respective consumer node, and also based on distribution of power from the other respective control node. Thus, consumer nodes can share power generated locally, but operate independently without the need for central management or a central power plant.

Distributed grid intelligence can enable a virtual power grid. Multiple consumer nodes can have local power sources, and be coupled to a same point of common coupling (PCC). The consumer nodes can be controlled by distributed control nodes at the consumer nodes. The control nodes control the distribution of power from the local power sources based on local power demand of each respective consumer node, and also based on distribution of power from the other respective control node. Thus, consumer nodes can share power generated locally, but operate independently without the need for central management or a central power plant.

A method of controlling an electricity production station including at least one renewable energy source and an energy accumulation system, allowing an operator to commit, at an electrical distribution network manager, to a power profile P.sub.G that the station will be able to deliver over a forthcoming time period. The declared power profile must, furthermore, comply with constraints imposed by the manager of the electricity distribution network. Non-compliance with this commitment may be subject to penalties. It is then incumbent on the operator to best optimize the method of controlling the electricity production station so as to maximize the electrical power fed into the network, while complying, in so far as possible, over a certain tolerance range, with the power profile commitment P.sub.G.