inverSOL Archives - Council Rock Enterprises, Inc.

Powerful edge computing platforms empowering the performance of modern electric utility grid

Lisa Courtney-Holmes — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 15:36:00 +0000

A new class of Distribution Automation (DA) gateways, based on a powerful edge computing platform, using Private LTE communications

Is empowering the performance and resilience of today’s modern electric utility grid

Author: David Chauncy

The new CBRS band with its 150MHz of spectrum has opened tremendous opportunities for the design and deployment of Intelligent Distribution Automation (DA) gateways. Gateway devices use powerful edge computing capabilities that allow the grid to sense and respond in real-time to localized changes and may also leverage low latency CBRS and Private LTE communications to report the local performance to private cloud analytics to optimize overall grid performance.

Sense and respond in real-time plus report local information to optimize grid performance

Modern utility grids leverage powerful computing capability and communications to improve reliability, resiliency, and stability. However, the computing capability and communications constitute the infrastructure while sense and respond software applications running at the edge of the network, are what make the grid intelligent.

Sense and respond software applications running at the edge leverage artificial intelligence to:

Balance load generation and demand (Automated Demand Response)
Manage distributed energy resources (DER)
Provide power factor correction (Volt VAR Optimization)
Improve reliability and stability (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration)

Grid Input Voltage

The advanced grid control software applications use sensor data and advanced analytics to create a comprehensive view of current and historic grid performance. The analytics then predict what is expected to happen in a given situation and make decisions based on a set of established business rules resulting in:

Improved reliability and resilience through real-time grid control
Shortening response times
Automating disaster recovery

Predictive analytics and decision making must be made at the edge of the network

To create an accurate real-time view of grid performance, a large quantity of sensor data is gathered from grid management devices at the edge of the network, such as:

Remote transmission switches
Automatic re-closers
Capacitor bank controllers
Substation load information monitors
Remote fault indicators
Voltage regulators

However, bandwidth and capacity limitations in the FAN can limit the amount of sensor data that can be transferred to a central control location. Therefore, predictive analytics and decision-making must be made at the edge of the network. Specifically, the communication equipment directly connected to the grid management devices must have sufficient processing power and memory to host these grid control software applications.

A new class of telecommunications equipment is emerging for this purpose integrating communications, routing, security, and powerful computing capabilities into one device. In addition, it includes secure containers for end-user applications.

Control of distributed energy resources (DER)

One example of an edge computing application is the control of distributed energy resources (DER). The wide deployment of alternative energy generating equipment (primarily solar or wind) in private residences can create instability in the grid. This is a direct result of a lack of information the central generating station has about the performance of the DER. An edge computing application that encompasses advanced analytics and artificial intelligence can help to alleviate this problem commonly referred to as the “duck curve”.

Source: The original Duck Curve chart. Source: CAISO

The edge computing application can be programmed to:

Predict energy consumption for the home based on environmental conditions and historical data
Predict energy production based on the weather and historical trends
Formulate an estimate of whether there will be too much or too little energy produced from this DER
Maximize the use of local energy storage if available

The estimate of local production and consumption is then reported to the grid’s central generation control. The predictions reported from all of the DER devices can then be used to create a higher-level estimate of the amount of power that will need to be generated for the upcoming day. Further, the information about energy storage capabilities at the edge of the grid can also be used to initiate peak shaving algorithms in the DER.

A new class of multi-function communications devices includes powerful edge computing capabilities that significantly enhance grid efficiency and resilience

These devices integrate routing, security, protocol translations, along with ample memory and computing power. Utilities can then deploy advanced edge computing applications, based on artificial intelligence and predictive analytics that significantly enhance grid efficiency and resilience. Multi-function communications devices can also be used to simplify the integration of distributed energy resources and home-based energy storage. Learn more about how the innovation behind the TELiG E1500 is recognized for making an “IMPACT” on the Utility Industry.

At the forefront of championing stability in the grid of tomorrow

COUNCIL ROCK is committed to helping Utilities increase efficiency, reach green initiatives, and achieve enhanced energy storage. How do we do this? Through our range of proprietary edge technology, including the TELiG E1500 industrial routers. Versatile, dynamic, and innovative, the TELiG platform is highly scalable. You can apply technology to any production problem. Our engineers build custom software to meet specific needs. Now utilities can count on one reliable device to handle all systems and processes. Contact our experts to learn more about why the TELiG E1500 Industrial Edge Device’s peak load shaving, microgrid communications, backup power monitoring, and control are key to responsible energy consumption.

About the Author: David Chauncy, VP Products

David is responsible for all aspects of the design, development, and delivery of COUNCIL ROCK’s products. He is a technology innovator, holds numerous patents around wireless technology, and is a Distinguished Engineer from the Rochester Institute of Technology. LinkedIn

Joint projects promoting and contributing to sustainable, environmental, and socioeconomic development

Through its clean technology division, InverSOL, COUNCIL ROCK has established numerous joint projects with various communities. Learn more about how inverSOL donated a Lumen system–powered by the TELiG E1500 Industrial Edge Device–to a women’s community in Culebra, Puerto Rico to transform the entire island into a solar-powered municipality.

The post Powerful edge computing platforms empowering the performance of modern electric utility grid appeared first on Council Rock Enterprises, Inc..

Council Rock’s inverSOL, Building Solar Generators in Puerto Rico, Partners with PathStone

lacholmes — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:26:06 +0000

Start-up Building Affordable Solar Generators in Puerto Rico, Partners with Rochester Non-Profit, PathStone

Council Rock Enterprises LLC has launched a subsidiary brand, inverSOL to address the energy crisis faced by Puerto Rican residents following Hurricane Maria. inverSOL’s product line focuses on portable solar generators at affordable prices—every purchase includes complimentary delivery and training by local, Puerto Rican technicians.

David Rodriguez, President & CEO of Council Rock, is of Puerto Rican descent and regularly visits his family living on the island. He was shocked by how many people were still relying on gasoline generators to power basic appliances when he returned in December 2017.

“This project comes from a personal experience. After Hurricane Maria, I was on the Island to see my family and help them as much as I could. I was very concerned to see how my uncle – an older man – had a generator inside his home because he was afraid it might get stolen. It was not only the danger of the gases, but the concern that he was handling fuel, and where he could store it safely.”
–David Rodriguez, Council Rock Enterprises, LLC. President & CEO

inverSOL units are the safe, environmentally-friendly alternative to gas-powered generators. They provide residential homes with enough electricity to power basic appliances in emergency situations. The main competitive advantage is that inverSOL’s sales, manufacturing, and customer service will be handled locally in Puerto Rico. Local production will create jobs and help support the Puerto Rican economy, which has been devastated by Hurricane Maria. Furthermore, manufacturing the units in Puerto Rico eliminates international shipping fees charged by market competitors.

inverSOL is partnering with PathStone, a Rochester, New York non-profit with “boots on the ground” in Puerto Rico for over 25 years. PathStone will provide loan capital financing assistance through their PathStone Enterprise Center which is a CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) as well as job training and placement services for approximately 40 employees who will be hired by inverSOL. These jobs will be filled by unemployed farmworkers living in communities served by PathStone. In addition, PathStone and InverSOL are launching a fundraising campaign to solicit individual and corporate donations to provide assistance to reduce the cost (more information on inverSOL units) of the solar generators for eligible families who cannot afford the full price. Charitable donations to the fund can be made online through PathStone.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this partnership with David and his team at Council Rock/inverSOL. David is all in with his extraordinary expertise in the alternative energy arena, his risk-taking entrepreneurial spirit and his insatiable love for the people of Puerto Rico. inverSol and PathStone share a common goal of bringing a much-needed, affordable and safe energy resource to low income families struggling to recover from the hurricane.”
– Stuart J Mitchell, PathStone President & CEO

The vision of inverSOL is to bring power back to the people, both literally and metaphorically. Building a manufacturing facility in Puerto Rico staffed by Puerto Ricans will allow those people whose livelihood was destroyed by the hurricane to earn incomes again.

Learn more about inverSOL, shop for units, and make a donation.

A recent New York Times article mentioned inverSOL, excerpt below.

“The power failure interrupted a meeting that David Rodriguez was having in Caguas to discuss plans for a new business involving the sale of solar-powered generators.

Mr. Rodriguez, who was born in Puerto Rico and runs a telecommunications engineering firm in Rochester, N.Y., returned to the island in December to visit family. He was alarmed to find his uncle living with a gasoline-powered generator running inside the house — a serious health risk. His uncle said he was keeping the generator indoors because he was afraid it might be stolen if it was outside.

That experience led Mr. Rodriguez to start a company, InverSol, to make small solar generators that can be installed on roofs and provide at least some power during blackouts. The company eventually could employ up to 70 people and produce up to 7,000 generators a year for $2,000 each.

“We want to get some basic humanity back,” Mr. Rodriguez said.

One challenge, however, has been finding an undamaged location that can be quickly converted into a factory. He is working with PathStone to hire former farmworkers who have experience using heavy equipment.”
New York Times

Manuel Ochoa

VP Engineering Services and Systems Integration. Manuel holds an undergraduate degree in Physics, an MBA from the Simon School at the University of Rochester, and a Masters in Electrical Engineering from RIT.

The post Council Rock’s inverSOL, Building Solar Generators in Puerto Rico, Partners with PathStone appeared first on Council Rock Enterprises, Inc..