Robert M Mchenry

US Patent:

20150127425, May 7, 2015

Filed:

Nov 7, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/074571

Inventors:

- Palo Alto CA, US
Robert S. McHenry - Burlingame CA, US
Bhaskar Saha - Redwood City CA, US
Sylvia J. Smullin - Menlo Park CA, US
David E. Schwartz - San Carlos CA, US
Sean R. Garner - San Francisco CA, US

Assignee:

Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G06Q 30/02
G06Q 50/06

US Classification:

705 731

Abstract:

One embodiment of the present invention provides an energy-asset control system for utilizing an energy asset to provide one of more modes of operation services. The system includes an economic optimizer configured to identify at least one mode of operation opportunity based on current and/or future market conditions; a prognostics module configured to perform a prognostic analysis associated with the mode of operation opportunity for the energy asset using an existing model, and determine a confidence level associated with the prognostic analysis; and an operation controller. The economic optimizer is further to configured to, in response to the prognostics module determining the confidence level exceeding a predetermined threshold, determine an expected profit of the mode of operation opportunity based on outcomes of the prognostic analysis; and optimize, over a predetermined time period, a usage of the energy asset based on the expected profit of the mode of operation opportunity.

US Patent:

20150118523, Apr 30, 2015

Filed:

Oct 29, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/066639

Inventors:

- Palo Alto CA, US
Robert Sean McHenry - Burlingame CA, US

Assignee:

Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

H01M 10/42

US Classification:

429 50, 429 61

Abstract:

An Adaptive Current-collector Electrochemical (ACE) system utilizes an array of contact pads and associated current control transistors to control localized current generation in discrete regions of a battery. Each contact pad is formed on a battery electrode (anode or cathode) and coupled to an associated discrete battery region, and is connected by an associated transistor to a current collection plate. Sensors are used to monitor operating parameters (e.g., localized current flow and operating temperature) of each discrete battery region, and a control circuit uses the sensor data to control the operating state of the transistors, whereby localized current flow through each transistor is increased, decreased or turned off according to measured local operating parameters. The control circuit utilizes local control circuits that process local sensor data using “stand-alone” control logic, or a central controller that processes all sensor data and coordinates transistor operations.