Smart switch devices, systems, and methods for modifying an existing electrical system to utilize the power state output of a physical switch as an indicator or signal for the operation of a smart home device or system or network of such devices to facilitate interoperability of physical switches with smart devices. The smart switch detects or determines the power state of a circuit and infers the corresponding state of a mechanical switch that operates the circuit. This information is then transmitted to associated smart devices, which may not be physically connected to the circuit controlled by the switch. When the mechanical switch is operated, it can control both electrically attached loads, such as a conventional light or appliance, and wirelessly control unconnected smart devices.

A power adapter configured to apply power to a device is disclosed. The power adapter comprises a switching module having a recess comprising a first set of contacts for receiving control signals, wherein the switching module comprises a switch for selectively applying power to a device based upon the control signals; and a control module removably coupled to the switching module and having a second set of contacts coupled to the first set of contacts of the switching module when the control module is attached to the switching module; wherein the switching module comprises a user interface element.

Methods and apparatus are provided herein. For example, a method for maintaining a power conversion system can include transmitting, to a computing apparatus in operable communication with the power conversion system, an alert message indicating non-working microinverters and which of the non-working microinverters are under warranty and eligible for replacement; receiving, from the computing apparatus, a request for replacement for the non-working microinverters; and transmitting, to the computing apparatus, an acknowledgment message indicating that the request has been successfully received and replacements for the non-working microinverters are being shipped.

A photovoltaic system, including: a plurality of photovoltaic panels having outputs connected in series as a string to provide a string output; a converter coupled to the string to receive the string output as an input and generate a direct current output from the input; a series connection of the string output and the direct current output; and a bus powered at least in part by the series connection of the string output and the direct current output.

This document describes methods, devices, and systems for configuring a smartphone (102) for network connectivity via a charging station (120), in which the smartphone (102) detects a connection or a coupling to the charging station (120). In response to the detection of the connection or coupling to the charging station (120), the smartphone (102) configures a WLAN transceiver (228) as a WLAN access point and forms a mesh WLAN network with one or more other WLAN access points (114). In other aspects, the charging station (120) detects the presence of the smartphone (102) that is connected or coupled to the charging station (120). In response to sensing the presence of the smartphone (102), the charging station (120) configures power and charging circuitry (244) to charge a battery of the smartphone (102) and configures WLAN radio circuitry (232) to relay WLAN communications for the smartphone (102).

Devices, systems, and methods for measurement of parameters of electric power transmission lines can improve electric power usage, while wireless circuitry can provide communication from field-located devices. Connection to draw electrical power from the transmission line can be distinct from connection to sense line parameters.

Methods and systems are disclosed for determining active and/or reactive power flows in a distribution line of a distribution network. The determined power flows may be linear in nature, and they may further be used to determine an overall network power flow for the distribution network. Further, the network power flow can be used to determine a voltage magnitude for any distribution bus in the distribution network. The methods and systems are capable of considering a plurality of sensitivity factors that may affect one or more distribution buses.

A system includes a flexible datacenter and a power generation unit that generates power on an intermittent basis. The flexible datacenter is coupled to both the power generation unit and grid power through a local station. By various methods, a control system may detect a transition of the power generation unit into a stand-down mode and selectively direct grid power delivery to always-on systems in the flexible datacenter.

Aspects relate to an electric vehicle port and methods of use for charging an electric vehicle. An exemplary electric vehicle port includes a housing configured to mate with a connector for charging an electric vehicle, wherein the housing comprises a fastener for removable attachment with the connector; at least a conductor configured to conduct a current; at least a control signal conductor configured to conduct a control signal; at least a ground conductor configured to conduct to a ground; and at least a coolant flow path configured to contain a flow of a coolant, wherein, each of the at least a conductor, the at least a control signal conductor, the at least a ground conductor, and the at least a coolant flow path are configured to make a connection with a mating component on the connector for charging the electric vehicle when the housing is mated with the connector.

A CEMS server manages an amount of demanded electric power of consumer facilities organized into groups. The groups include at least two consumer facilities of which amounts of demanded electric power are correlated with each other. One of the at least two consumer facilities includes an HEMS server that transmits an amount of demanded electric power of the corresponding consumer facility to the CEMS server every first period. The CEMS server stores relationship information indicating a relationship between the amounts of demanded electric power of the at least two consumer facilities. The CEMS server calculates a total amount of demanded electric power of the groups based on the amount of demanded electric power transmitted from the HEMS server and the relationship information and outputs a DR request to the consumer facilities such that the total amount of demanded electric power matches a planned amount of electric power.