US 11,726,435 B2
Method and apparatus for controlling power based on predicted weather events
Martin Fornage, Petaluma, CA (US); and Benjamin Smith, Petaluma, CA (US)
Assigned to Enphase Energy, Inc., Petaluma, CA (US)
Filed by Enphase Energy, Inc., Petaluma, CA (US)
Filed on Nov. 9, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/522,460.
Application 17/522,460 is a continuation of application No. 17/404,177, filed on Aug. 17, 2021.
Application 17/404,177 is a continuation of application No. 14/505,268, filed on Oct. 2, 2014, abandoned.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/885,737, filed on Oct. 2, 2013.
Prior Publication US 2022/0066400 A1, Mar. 3, 2022
Int. Cl. G05B 13/02 (2006.01); H04L 67/1001 (2022.01)
CPC G05B 13/026 (2013.01) [H04L 67/1001 (2022.05)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for controlling a storage system, comprising:
determining a predicted weather event using information comprising at least one of:
a current energy production from sub-arrays/arrays connected to the storage system;
an expected energy production from the sub-arrays/arrays;
a geographic location relating to areas having fairly stable and predictable weather patterns;
a distance between the sub-arrays/arrays;
or
a previously generated weather prediction map or weather prediction algorithm for predicting shading patterns for geographical locations;
iteratively issuing, by a controller, control commands to inverters in an array of inverters connected to a storage system for controlling a behavior of the storage system in view of the predicted weather event; and
adjusting power production in at least one inverter in the array of inventers so that the at least one inverter remains at full-power operation and provides data to the controller for determining local irradiance and actual power available and determining at least one of whether the predicted weather event actually occurred or whether the predicted weather event resulted in an expected impact on power generation.