Hybrid generator system and method of operation and control

1. A stand-alone energy storage module (ESM) that is configured to anticipate and preemptively respond to power loading and power unloading events, wherein the stand-alone ESM comprises:

an enclosure that houses internal components, wherein the internal components comprise:

batteries for receiving, storing, and distributing electrical power;

a bi-directional inverter that is in communication with the batteries and that is operable to convert direct current to alternating current and to convert alternating current to direct current; and

an ESM controller in communication with the bi-directional inverter and at least one of the batteries;

a panel that forms a portion of the enclosure, wherein the panel is configured to allow access to the internal components housed in the enclosure; and

electrical connections provided on an external surface of the enclosure, wherein the electrical connections comprise:

alternating current (AC) power inputs in communication with the bi-directional inverter and configured to provide power to the batteries;

wherein the AC power inputs are adapted to be connected to one or more energy sources, the one or more energy sources comprising at least one of:

an engine-driven generator;

a renewable energy source; and

a utility grid;

wherein the AC power inputs are configured to connect to the one or more energy sources in each of a first, second, third, and fourth configuration such that the ESM is a deployable self-forming microgrid;

wherein, when in the first configuration, the AC power inputs are connected to the engine-driven generator and the utility grid;

wherein, when in the second configuration, the AC power inputs are connected to the engine-driven generator and the renewable energy source;

wherein, when in the third configuration, the AC power inputs are connected to the utility grid and the renewable energy source; and

wherein, when in the fourth configuration, the AC power inputs are connected to the engine-driven generator, the renewable energy source, and the utility grid; and

an AC power output in communication with the bi-directional inverter and configured to provide power to an external load;

wherein the ESM controller is configured to be in communication with one or more controllers associated with the one or more energy sources;

wherein the ESM controller is further configured to:

signal a demand to the one or more energy sources for an increase in power;

monitor a response from the one or more energy source in response to the signaled demand;

wherein the response from the one or more energy source comprises at least one of a voltage, a current, and a frequency, or at least one of a rate of change of the voltage, the current, and the frequency, of the one or more energy sources as a result of the demand for additional power;

determine which of the one or more energy sources is connected to the stand-alone ESM and responded to the demand for additional power, wherein:

when the response from the one or more energy sources is a steady output response without a droop curve, the one or more energy sources is identified as the renewable energy source;

when the response from the one or more energy sources is a non-steady output response that includes a droop curve, the one or more energy sources is identified as the engine-driven generator; and

when the response from the one or more energy sources includes a non-steady output response without a droop curve, then the one or more energy sources is identified as the utility grid or a multi-MW generating device; and

wherein the ESM controller is further configured to:

receive and transmit information to and from the batteries, the bi-directional inverter, and the one or more controllers associated with the one or more energy sources;

monitor power loading and unloading events associated with the external load;

record the power loading and unloading events associated with the external load;

anticipate, based on the recorded power loading and unloading events, predicted power loading and unloading events; and

preemptively respond to the predicted power loading or unloading events by controlling power output of at least one of the one or more energy sources and the batteries of the ESM.

2. The stand-alone energy storage module of claim 1 , wherein the ESM controller is further configured to:

monitor the AC power inputs;

record AC input responses to each significant power loading or unloading event; and

auto-correct operation of the bi-directional inverter to continuously optimize tuning, based on the recorded AC input responses, as the AC input varies.

3. The stand-alone energy storage module of claim 1 , wherein the ESM controller is further configured to:

monitor the AC power inputs;

record AC input responses to each significant power loading or unloading event; and

auto-correct operation of the bi-directional inverter to continuously optimize tuning, based on the recorded AC input responses, as the AC input varies to allow for the deployable self-forming microgrid to adjust to variability in the one or more energy sources.

4. The stand-alone energy storage module of claim 1 , wherein the ESM controller is further configured to:

monitor AC input characteristics; and

optimize inverter tuning to match the AC input characteristics, wherein when the one or more energy sources comprises the engine-driven generator, the optimized inverter tuning comprises a defined frequency output range in which the frequency output of the engine-driven generator is maintained.

5. The stand-alone energy storage module of claim 1 ,

wherein the one or more energy sources comprises the engine-driven generator and the one or more controllers associated with the one or more energy sources includes a generator controller;

wherein tuning parameters associated with the engine-driven generator are stored in the engine-driven controller but inaccessible to the ESM controller; and

wherein the ESM controller is further configured to:

command the engine-driven generator via the engine-driven controller to respond to predetermined load steps;

monitor the response of the engine-driven generator to the command; and

determine, based on the response to the command, the tuning parameters associated with the engine-driven generator.

6. The stand-alone energy storage module of claim 5 ,

wherein tuning parameters associated with the ESM are stored in the ESM controller;

wherein the ESM controller is further configured to adjust the tuning parameters associated with the ESM based on the tuning parameters associated with the engine-driven generator; and

wherein the tuning parameters associated with the ESM comprises a specific frequency output range in which the frequency output of the engine-driven generator is maintained.