A power control apparatus includes the following elements. A measure measures a value of a current to be supplied from a power supply source to a load set. A switch is disposed on a power supply path from power supply source to a load set. A setter sets a first maximum current value in the case of a normal state in which the load set receives power from a main power supply source and sets a second maximum current value when the load set receives power from the sub power supply source. Control circuitry turns OFF the switch when the value of the measured current exceeds the first maximum current value in the case of the normal state and turns OFF the switch when the load set receives power from the sub power supply source and the value of the measured current exceeds the second maximum current value.

A method for self-registration and/or self-assembly of a plurality of electrical devices, the method including: performing the self-registration of the plurality of electrical devices by sending, from each of the plurality of electrical devices, device information that is stored in each of the plurality of electrical devices to a control device, including a processor, via a network, wherein the device information of each device identifies unique characteristics of the device the device information is stored in; receiving, in the control device, the device information sent from each of the plurality of electrical devices; storing, in a memory of the control device, the device information of each of the plurality of electrical devices; and determining, from the stored device information of each of the plurality of electrical devices that each of the plurality of electrical devices are present and available on the network.

A power supply unit for an IED for LV or MV electric power applications characterized in that it comprises: a power transformer stage, which is operatively coupled to a feeding conductor to harvest electric power from said feeding conductor; a first storage stage, which is electrically connected to said power transformer stage to store electric energy; a first step-down conversion stage, which is electrically connectable/disconnectable to/from said first storage stage; a switching stage adapted to electrically connect/disconnect said first step-down conversion stage with/from said first storage stage; and a second storage stage, which is electrically connected to said first step-down conversion stage to store electric energy.

A micro grid system comprises an adapter, a power controller, and secondary energy source. The adapter is in communication with an electric grid and configured to connect and disconnect a connection between the electric grid and a micro grid. The power controller is in communication with the adapter and configured to receive first AC power from the electric grid via the adapter, obtain grid information, and control the adapter to connect and disconnect the connection between the electric grid and the micro grid. The power controller controls the adapter to disconnect the connection in response to determining that the electric grid is abnormal based on the grid information. The secondary energy source is in communication with the power controller and is configured to generate DC power and to supply the DC power to the power controller.

A load shed module configured to be connected in series between a power supply and a load is disclosed. A separate load shed module is connected in series between each load and the power supply. The load shed module determines the frequency of the Voltage supplied from the power supply. Based on the frequency, the load shed module determines if utility power is connected or if a generator is connected. If the generator is connected and the frequency of the voltage goes outside of a desired operating range for a preset time, the load shed module disconnects the load from the power supply. Each load shed module includes a priority setting and reconnects its corresponding load after a predetermined time corresponding to the priority setting.

An electrical power generating system for providing auxiliary or backup power to a load bus. The system may be used indoors, and generally includes a fuel cell unit comprising a first DC output, an electrical storage unit comprising a DC input coupled to the first DC output of the fuel cell, the electrical storage unit further comprising a second DC output. An inverter coupled to the second DC output receives power, the inverter comprising a first AC output. The system includes a contactor connected between the first AC output and an AC load bus. The AC load bus comprises an AC voltage, and a controller comprising inputs is adapted to sense a phase, a frequency, and a magnitude of the first AC output and the AC voltage and close the contactor when they substantially match.

A micro grid system comprises an adapter, a power controller, and secondary energy source. The adapter is in communication with an electric grid and configured to connect and disconnect a connection between the electric grid and a micro grid. The power controller is in communication with the adapter and configured to receive first AC power from the electric grid via the adapter, obtain grid information, and control the adapter to connect and disconnect the connection between the electric grid and the micro grid. The power controller controls the adapter to disconnect the connection in response to determining that the electric grid is abnormal based on the grid information. The secondary energy source is in communication with the power controller and is configured to generate DC power and to supply the DC power to the power controller.

Methods and systems for control of a power-quality measuring or monitoring device, such as a transfer switch, are provided. An example method includes a transfer-switch controller of a transfer switch receiving an input command from a user. The method further includes, in response to receiving the input command, the transfer-switch controller entering a safe state, wherein in the safe state operational settings of the transfer switch remain unchanged. Still further, the method includes, after entering the safe state, the transfer-switch controller providing, based on operational data specific to the transfer switch, information regarding a feature of the transfer switch.

Systems for providing operating reserves to an electric power grid are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system comprises at least one power consuming device, at least one controllable device, and a client device constructed and configured in network communication. The at least one controllable device is operably coupled to the at least one power consuming device. The at least one controllable device is operable to control a power flow from the electric power grid to the at least one power consuming device responsive to power control instructions from the client device. Each of the at least one power consuming device has an actual value of power reduced and/or to be reduced based on revenue grade metrology, and confirmed by measurement and verification. The actual value of power reduced and/or to be reduced is a curtailment value as supply equivalence and provides operating reserve for the electric power grid.

A grid power configuration may provide a reliable, efficient, inexpensive and environmentally conscious power source to a site, for example, a remote site such as a well services environment. Grid power may be provided for one or more operations at the site by coupling a main breaker to a switchgear unit coupled to one or more loads. The switchgear unit may be coupled to the main breaker via a main power distribution unit and may also be coupled to one or more loads. At least one of a grid power unit and a switchgear unit may be coupled to the main breaker via the main power distribution unit and may also be coupled to one or more additional loads. A control center may be communicatively coupled to the main breaker or any one or more other components to control one or more operations of the grid power configuration.