FRACTALGRID; Bringing Powerful Machine Learning to Assist Utility Grids' Transition to Green Power and Energy Storage
San Diego, CA. (Nov, 20, 2018) -- A patent for the Fractalgrid was awarded to CleanSpark in April 2018. The Fractalgrid is an information technology construct with the ability to spread intelligence and adaptability throughout a utility grid. The hybrid-cloud-based architecture can support innumerable instances of software, each with the exact same capability as the other. We call each instance a Fractalgrid, similar in behavior to the mathematical fractal. Each Fractalgrid is a functional microgrid unit managing distinct Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and has self similar attributes that enable interoperability with other Fractalgrids within the cloud to cover an entire Utility Grid.
A Fractalgrid will simplify management of each local DER with ease, which allows information to be shared with ease as well. For example, cybersecurity information may be shared between each Fractalgrid at all levels throughout, with similar patterns propagating similar behaviors. More importantly, all pertinent data is instantly shared between multiple Fractalgrids, creating an intelligent "fabric" that confers a powerful intelligence to other regional distributed energy systems for orchestrated grid outcomes. This amplifies the effectiveness of the cloud-based machine learning, where preprogrammed rules, forecasts, and historical data will be processed, spreading that learning throughout the utility grid. This can allow a more reliable and cost efficient source of electrical generation as each Fractalgrid can either use localized renewable resources for energy generation and storage, as well as integrate that renewable energy throughout the entire utility grid.
Each Fractalgrid has the ability to use semi-autonomous controls that may enhance the ability to maintain energy delivery during outage events. Fractalgrids can provide peak shave, load shift and load leveling. Individual Fractalgrid can enable components of Distributed Energy Resources to communicate with each other and share power with other components of the system. CleanSpark's Fractalgrid architecture enables better response to changing usage and weather patterns, because it "sees" the activity of the entire grid and can respond faster than any human, based on seamless data-sharing. Utilities adopting DER management will need this functionality and flexibility to cost effectively manage their distributed energy infrastructure and energy storage in preparation for the coming deluge of Wind and Solar energy.
About CleanSpark
CleanSpark has proven smart-grid technology and has sold Microgrid, DER solutions and services to the US Marine Corp, US Consulate in Lebanon, REITs, factories and consulates worldwide. CleanSpark's DER and microgrid systems are optimized via its mPulse software and controls package to collect, archive, and analyze data in real-time. CleanSpark achieved top 10 in Navigant's Microgrid controls leaderboard, beating out GE, ABB, Eaton (ETN) and Lockheed Martin (LMT).
Cleanspark can provide a complete solution, integrating electrical switch gear from Pioneer Custom Electric Product (PCEP; acquisition pending) with their cloud-based software. Leveraging machine learning to anticipate usage patterns by instructing PCEP electrical switches via their advanced microcontrollers to manage potentially scores of inputs and outputs, including bidirectional charge and discharge of multiple battery arrays. Such a compelling integrated solution should appeal to utilities by providing a brand neutral/universal battery/energy storage "on-ramp" combined with autonomous fast acting switches while reducing risk of battery technology lock in. The jury is still out on whether Lithium Ion is the solution, or if Zinc-air or Flow batteries attain primacy. In fact, there could be any combination of the above, including physical storage schemes. Being vendor- and power-source-agnostic, CleanSpark's patented Fractalgrid and PCEP can create a heterogeneous solution to best serve each utility's different geographies, resources and capabilities.