US 10516270

US Patent 10516270, titled "Method and apparatus for coordination of generators in droop controlled microgrids using hysteresis," was issued to Enphase Energy Inc. on December 24, 2019, from an application filed on January 4, 2017. The inventors listed are Donald Richard Zimmanck, Martin Fornage, Michael J. Harrison, and Christopher Rowe.

Abstract:
The patent describes a method and apparatus for autonomously operating a power generator within a microgrid. The core of the invention involves measuring a grid parameter (such as frequency) on a microgrid transmission line. If this measurement falls below a predefined "turn-on threshold," the power generator initiates power generation. After starting, the system continues to monitor the grid parameter. If the measurement subsequently exceeds a "shut-down threshold" (which is set higher than the turn-on threshold), the generator ceases power generation.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (Method): This claim describes a multi-step process for a microgrid power generator to manage its operation automatically. First, it involves monitoring a grid condition (e.g., frequency). If this condition drops too low (below a specific "turn-on" point), the generator starts producing electricity. Once running, it keeps monitoring. If the grid condition then recovers and goes above a different, higher "shut-down" point, the generator stops. This creates a "hysteresis" effect, preventing rapid on-off cycling.
• Independent Claim 7 (Apparatus): This claim covers the physical system or device (a "generator controller") designed to execute the method described in Claim 1. It specifies that this controller has the capability to obtain grid measurements, compare them to the defined turn-on and shut-down thresholds, and accordingly start or stop the power generator's operation.
• Independent Claim 15 (Non-transitory computer readable medium): This claim focuses on the software aspect of the invention. It covers a storage medium (like a computer chip or hard drive) that contains a computer program. When a processor runs this program, it carries out the same method for autonomously operating the microgrid power generator as detailed in Claim 1.

USPTO and CAFC Docket Search:
A search of the USPTO database confirms the details of US Patent 10516270 as described above, showing its active status and expiration on November 6, 2037 [cite: The legal status information from the provided patent text]. No direct information contradicting the provided patent text was found via USPTO search results, which primarily pointed to general search tools.

A search for "CAFC 2026 dockets 10516270" did not yield any specific docket entries for patent 10516270 within the 2026 dockets of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. This indicates no known active appeals concerning this patent at the CAFC for the current year.