A node within a wireless mesh network is configured to record a zero crossing of alternating current or alternating voltage drawn by a single-phase power consumer and a precise timestamp when the zero crossing occurred, thereby generating timestamped zero crossing data. The node receives similar zero crossing data from a neighboring node. The node then compares the timestamped zero crossing data with the received zero crossing data to determine whether the phase associated with the node is equivalent to, leads, or lags the phase associated with the neighboring node. The node then acquires a positive phase identification associated with the neighboring node. Based on the phase identification, and based on the phase difference between the two nodes, the node infers the phase associated with the single-phase power consumer. That phase indicates the specific power line within a three-phase power distribution network to which the single-phase power consumer is coupled.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a coupling device includes a circuit that receives a signal. At least one passive electrical circuit element generates an electromagnetic field in response to the signal. A portion of the electromagnetic field is guided by a surface of a transmission medium to propagate as a guided electromagnetic wave longitudinally along the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.

A management device includes at least one processor communicatively coupled to at least one energy resource controller controlling at least one energy resource and to at least one deferrable load controller controlling power to at least one deferrable load. The is configured to receive an indication, determined based on a frequency value of an electrical network and a nominal frequency value, that a frequency anomaly event has occurred. Responsive to receiving the indication that the frequency anomaly event has occurred, the processor is also configured to determine, for at least one of the energy resource and the deferrable load, based on the frequency value, the nominal frequency value, and a power value of the electrical network, a respective power command, and cause at least one of the at least one energy resource and the at least one deferrable load to modify operation based on the respective power command.

A modular direct current power distribution network includes a first power distribution block including a first housing, a first main power storage device enclosed within the housing, a first plurality of device connection ports in the housing, and at least one first transistor controlling the connection from the first main power storage device to the first plurality of device connection ports, at least one external device, the at least one external device having a power exchange port electrically connected to a device connection port of the first plurality of device connection ports and an individual power storage device electrically connected to the power exchange port, and a first controller configured to sense a load sharing threshold event matching a load sharing threshold, and to modify the state of the at least one first transistor in response to the load sharing threshold condition.

A universal smart energy transformer module (USETM) that uses an array of sensors to monitor and measure characteristics of the electrical power delivered and utilized at a location, along with other conditions in the area surrounding the location. The invention then uses the data from these sensors to determine the condition and performance of the transformer (for example, its input and output, power quality etc.) and also to identify any anomalies detected within the local power system that could threaten reliable electric supply on the electric grid, or pose a danger to people. A notification of such condition may be distributed using the secure, uninterruptible communications system.

Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide power supply voltages in a safe and reliable manner that meets safety and regulatory concerns and does not exceed physical limitations of cables and other circuits and components used to provide the power supply voltages. One example may provide a cable having a sufficient number of conductors to provide power without exceeding a maximum current density for the conductors. Another example may provide a cable having more than the sufficient number of conductors in order to provide an amount of redundancy. Current sense circuits may be included for one or more conductors. When an excess current is sensed, a power source in the power supply may be shut down, the power source may be disconnected from one or more conductors, or both events may occur.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a coupling device including a receiving portion that receives a radio frequency signal conveying data from a transmitting device. A magnetic coupler magnetically couples the radio frequency signal to a transmission medium as a guided electromagnetic wave that is bound by an outer surface of the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.

A device and method are provided for monitoring quality and performance parameters of an electricity distribution component in an electricity distribution network and detecting any deviation of operating parameters from the specified regulatory set and enforced limits. The critical and increasing problem is mitigated for the myriad of private domestic and commercial DEG devices being installed and connected to the distribution networks which were not initially designed for, or even not anticipated with, the recent DEG evolution, and the increasing complex electrical components with changing loads and power factors across the distribution network.

Systems, methods, and messages of the present invention provides IP-based messages associated with the grid elements, wherein each IP-based message includes an internet protocol (IP) packet that is generated autonomously and/or automatically by the grid elements, intelligent messaging hardware associated with the grid elements, at least one coordinator, and/or a server associated with the electric power grid and its operation, energy settlement, and/or financial settlement for electricity provided or consumed, transmitted, and/or curtailed or reduced. The IP packet preferably includes a content including raw data and/or transformed data, a priority associated with the IP-based message, a security associated with the IP packet, and/or a transport route for communicating the IP-based message via the network.

Methods and systems for controlling electrical distribution grids. The method includes determining premises in an electrical distribution grid that include an energy resource. The method further includes determining a configuration of the electrical distribution grid including a micro-grid, the micro-grid including the one or more premises. The method further includes electrically isolating, monitoring and controlling the micro-grid from the electrical distribution grid through the use of a micro-grid manager.