System and method for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant

By introducing fossil fuel combustion power generation units and power storage equipment into the power plant, the problem of power discontinuity caused by grid power fluctuations has been solved, and the stable operation of the power plant and the protection of the equipment have been achieved.

CN114746626BActive Publication Date: 2025-12-16GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202080083893.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-12-16
Filing Date
2020-12-07
Publication Date
2025-12-16
Estimated Expiration
2040-12-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Steam-based power plants are susceptible to damage or malfunction when the power supply from the grid fluctuates, resulting in power discontinuity.

Method used

Introducing fossil fuel combustion power generation units and power storage devices into power plants allows for the storage of electricity during periods of surplus and the supply of power to the components of the power generation units during periods of shortage, ensuring the continuous operation of the power plant.

Benefits of technology

It effectively maintains the power continuity of the power plant, reduces the impact of power grid fluctuations on the power plant, provides a more stable power supply, and avoids damage to power plant equipment and interruption of normal operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A system for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant is provided. The system includes a fossil fuel-fired power generation unit and a power storage device. The fossil fuel-fired power generation unit is operable to generate power and provide power to a power grid. The power storage device is electrically coupled to the fossil fuel-fired power generation unit and is operable to: receive and store power from the fossil fuel-fired power generation unit during a period of excess power generation by the fossil fuel-fired power generation unit; and provide power to a component of the fossil fuel-fired power generation unit during a period of power shortfall of the power grid.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a fossil fuel combustion, steam-based power plant, and more specifically to systems and methods for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant. Background Technology

[0002] Many steam-based power plants generate electricity via steam turbines driven by steam produced from the combustion of fossil fuels (e.g., coal). Such steam-based power plants are typically connected to a power grid, such as a wide-area power distribution network that usually includes multiple power plants. Typically, coal-fired steam-based power plants use electricity from their connected power grid to drive various components, such as fuel feeders, fuel grinders, heaters, water pumps, air fans, etc., which facilitate the electricity generation operation.

[0003] However, many power grids often suffer from fluctuations in their ability to supply consistent power. For example, a grid may experience periods where demand exceeds supply due to natural events and / or accidents and / or human events and / or accidents. In such cases, the frequency of the power supplied by the grid can decrease by as much as 0.5 Hz or more. As will be understood, such fluctuations can damage various components within steam-based power plants and / or limit / impede normal power generation operations.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved systems and methods for maintaining power continuity in steam-based power plants. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a system for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant is provided. The system includes a fossil fuel combustion power generation unit and an energy storage device. The fossil fuel combustion power generation unit is operable to generate electricity and supply it to the power grid. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit and operable to: receive and store electricity from the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit during periods of excess power generation; and supply electricity to components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit during periods of power shortage in the power grid.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant is provided. The method includes receiving excess power from a fossil fuel combustion power generation unit electrically coupled to a power grid and the power storage device at a power storage device. The method also includes storing the excess power in the power storage device. Furthermore, the method includes supplying the stored excess power from the power storage device to components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit during periods of power shortage in the power grid.

[0007] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions is provided. The stored instructions are adapted to a processor to: instruct a power storage device to receive excess power from a fossil fuel combustion power generation unit electrically coupled to a power grid and the power storage device; instruct the power storage device to store the excess power in the power storage device; and instruct the power storage device to provide the stored excess power to components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit during periods of power shortage in the power grid. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The invention will be better understood by referring to the following description of non-limiting embodiments, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 For the description of the embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 1 A diagram showing the charging and discharging of the system's power storage devices;

[0011] Figure 3 For the description of the embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 1 Another diagram illustrating the charging and discharging of the system's power storage devices; and

[0012] Figure 4 For the description of the embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 1 The network diagram used by the system's controller. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the system of the present invention for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference characters used throughout the drawings refer to the same or similar parts unless otherwise described.

[0014] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “usually,” and “about” refer to conditions within reasonably achievable manufacturing and assembly tolerances relative to the ideal desired conditions suitable for achieving the functional purpose of a component or assembly. Also as used herein, the term “thermal contact” means that the referenced objects are close to each other, allowing heat / thermal energy to be transferred between them. As used herein, “electrically coupled,” “electrically connected,” and “electrically connected” mean that the referenced elements are directly or indirectly connected, allowing current or other connecting media to flow between them. Connections may include direct conductive connections (i.e., without intervening capacitive, inductive, or active elements), inductive connections, capacitive connections, and / or any other suitable electrical connections. Intervening components may be present. As used herein, the term “real-time” refers to the level of processing responsiveness that is sufficiently and timely perceived by the user or enables the processor to synchronize with external processing. As used herein, the term “steam-based power plant” refers to a building or facility housing one or more fossil fuel combustion power generation units. Also as used herein, “fossil fuel combustion power generation unit” refers to an assembly of equipment including a turbine generator for generating electricity.

[0015] Furthermore, although the embodiments disclosed herein are described primarily with respect to steam-based power plants, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to other types of power plants and / or systems that rely on or benefit from uninterrupted and / or continuous electricity.

[0016] Now for reference Figure 1 This illustration shows a system 10 for maintaining electrical continuity in a steam-based power plant 12 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. System 10 includes one or more fossil fuel combustion (e.g., coal-fired) power generation units 14, 16, and 18, and an electricity storage device / unit 20. In this embodiment, system 10 may also include a controller 22 having at least one processor 24 and a memory device 26. As will be explained in more detail below, the electricity storage unit 20 is operable to: receive and store electricity from one or more fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16, and 18; and supply electricity to one or more components 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40, and / or 42 of the power generation units 14, 16, and 18 during periods of power shortage in the power grid 44 to which the power plant 12 is electrically connected.

[0017] like Figure 1As shown, each of the fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16, and 18 may include a boiler 28, a steam turbine 30, a grinder 32, a classifier 34 (which may be incorporated into the grinder 32), a fan 36, a water pump 38, a heater 40, a plasma igniter 42 (located in the combustion chamber or fuel duct of the boiler or furnace, and typically requiring approximately 100kW-200kW), and / or other devices for generating steam and / or electricity. Furthermore, each of the fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16, and 18 may additionally include an air pollution control system or environmental control system (ECS) 39 for gas purification (e.g., for removing NOx, SOx, Hg, particulate matter, etc.). Although Figure 1 A power plant 12 with three (3) fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16 and 18 is depicted, but it should be understood that other embodiments may include a single fossil fuel combustion power generation unit, two (2) fossil fuel combustion power generation units and / or more than three (3) fossil fuel combustion power generation units.

[0018] An energy storage device 20, which may be located in power plant 12, is electrically connected to each of the fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16, and 18. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the energy storage device 20 may be located outside power plant 12. In embodiments, the energy storage device 20 may be further connected to additional components, such as converters, inverters, transformers, pumps 46, conveyors 48, etc., which are separate from and / or shared with the fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16, and 18. In embodiments, the energy storage device 20 may include one or more batteries 50 connected in parallel or series. The batteries 50 may be based on chemical acids and / or rare earth metals, such as lithium ions.

[0019] As will be understood, the power storage device 20 can be directly connected, i.e., without indirectly transmitting power through the power grid 44, to the steam turbine 30 (or its corresponding generator), so that the battery 50 can be directly charged via the power generated by the power plant 12. As will be further understood, in embodiments, the power storage device 20 can be connected to the power grid 44 and / or charged by the grid. In embodiments, the battery 50 can be electrically connected to the power generation units 14, 16, and 18 via power converters, transformers, and / or other conversion devices.

[0020] In an embodiment, system 10 may further include one or more sensors 52 operable to provide the controller 22 with sensory information about the power storage device 20. In an embodiment, the sensory information may include data about: the voltage level of battery 50; the discharge rate of battery 50; the charging rate of battery 50; the temperature of battery 50; the time period of battery 50 during charging and / or discharging; and / or other information about battery 50 and / or other components of the power storage device 20.

[0021] Go to Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a possible generalized scenario depicting the flow of electricity into and out of the energy storage device 20, i.e., the charging and discharging of the energy storage device 20. It can be seen that at t = 0, the charge (represented by line 54) is zero (0). The time period from t = 0 to t ≈ 9 to the left of the dashed line represents a situation where the power plant 12 and / or fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16 and / or 18 generate more electricity than required by the grid 44, i.e., a period of low electricity demand and surplus electricity generation, where the surplus electricity is used to charge the energy storage device 20. The shaded area to the left of the dashed line indicates the energy storage of the energy storage device 20. The time period from t = 9 to t ≈ 24 represents a situation where the grid 44 cannot provide sufficient power flow to the fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16 and / or 18, i.e., a period of high electricity demand and shortage experienced by the grid 44, and therefore, the energy storage device 20 discharges / provides previously stored electricity to the fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16 and / or 18. The shaded area to the right of the dashed line indicates the energy release from the energy storage device 20. In other words, the energy storage device 20 replenishes or replaces the electricity previously supplied by the grid 44 to the fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16 and / or 18, which in turn allows the fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16 and / or 18 to continue operating in order to generate electricity for the grid 44, thereby maintaining the power continuity of the power plant 12 and / or the fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16 and / or 18.

[0022] Figure 3The diagram illustrates another possible generalized scenario depicting the flow of electricity into and out of the power storage device 20 during a change in the maximum continuous rated output (“MCR”) of the power plant 12. As will be understood, the power storage device 20 can function as a charging (indicated as the area above the curve of line 54 relative to line 55) and / or discharging (indicated as the area below the curve of line 54 relative to line 55) of the power plant 12 and / or fossil fuel combustion power generation units 14, 16, and 18: operating at 50% MCR (generally indicated by arrow 56); ramping up (generally indicated by arrow 58); operating at 100% MCR (generally indicated by arrow 60); ramping down (generally indicated by arrow 62); and operating at 35% or lower MCR (generally indicated by arrow 64) (or even 25% or lower MCR).

[0023] Return to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence application may be stored in memory device 26 and loaded into processor 24 for the purpose of monitoring the power flux into and out of power storage device 20. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence application may include a neural network that receives input from one or more sensors 52. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence application may provide management of power storage device 20, such as distributing available stored power to various power generation units 14, 16, 18 and / or components therein. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence application may manage power storage device 20 to maximize the charging availability of power storage device 20 (i.e., storing electricity / energy). The artificial intelligence application may also monitor the status and / or performance of DC / AC and / or AC / DC conversion modules within power plant 12 and / or monitor and / or regulate the temperature of one or more components of power plant 12 and / or power generation units 14, 16, and 18. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence application may include machine learning capabilities (e.g., may include a machine learning module).

[0024] As will be understood, the capacity and / or density of battery 50 are typically limited. Therefore, scheduling and / or real-time control of battery 50 operation can provide improved reliability of the power storage device 20. Thus, in one embodiment, an artificial intelligence application can provide lifetime monitoring of the power storage device 20, i.e., the AI ​​application can determine (or predict when) the power storage device 20 cannot effectively charge and / or discharge. In one embodiment, the AI ​​application can adjust the distribution of stored power from the power storage device 20 to the power generation units 14, 16, and 18 and / or components therein to compensate for load control, so as to smooth the load on each of the power generation units 14, 16, and 18. In one embodiment, the AI ​​application can provide or schedule predictive and / or preventative maintenance for battery 50. In one embodiment, the AI ​​application can provide recommendations for maintenance and / or component replacement of the power storage unit 20.

[0025] For example, in the implementation plan, the artificial intelligence application can employ dynamic optimization methods based on mathematical models, such as:

[0026] Maximizing profit (t) = Revenue from serving the grid (capacity revenue, spinning reserve, ...)

[0027] (SPS power generation cost + battery charging cost + battery discharging cost)

[0028] Received by:

[0029] a) Charging or discharging rate (battery density);

[0030] b) Capacity availability;

[0031] c) Steam power generation capacity;

[0032] d) Power consumption rate of steam-electric auxiliary equipment;

[0033] e) Minimum load of the steam power generation unit;

[0034] f) Limits from DC / AC and AC / DC conversion systems;

[0035] g) Limits derived from the start-up time of the steam power generation unit;

[0036] h) A process dynamic model (discretized in an appropriate manner); and / or

[0037] i) Other suitable constraints.

[0038] In implementations, the AI ​​application can be combined with advanced model-based estimation, detection, and / or control methods / subsystems that can provide enhanced flexibility compared to traditional power backup systems (e.g., gas generators). For example, in one implementation, the AI ​​application is operable to retrieve operational data and / or commands from conventional distributed control systems (“DCS”) and / or integrated control systems. In such implementations, the AI ​​application can utilize predefined analytics modules to process real-time (and / or historical) data to generate new operational guidelines and / or operational configurations. In another implementation, the AI ​​application can summarize the operational experience of power plant 12, such as successes and / or failures, and publish unstructured data, such as new knowledge gained from power storage devices 20 via neural networks, for use as source data by other AI systems, such as big data integrating “stacked benefits” in local and / or regional power grids.

[0039] Now go to Figure 4 In one implementation, the artificial intelligence application is operable to be electrically connected to at least one other processor 100, 102, 104 located outside the same power plant 12 in which the power storage device 20 is located. For example, the artificial intelligence application can electrically communicate via network 106 with a database and / or data center 106, another power plant 108, and / or another type of facility 112, which can handle, process, and / or otherwise benefit from data collected by sensor 52 and / or predictions made by the artificial intelligence application. In one implementation, the artificial intelligence application software is configured to support the operation of an integrated steam power generation system 10 with a battery energy storage system.

[0040] Finally, it should be understood that system 10 may include necessary electronics, software, memory, storage devices, databases, firmware, logic / state machines, microprocessors, communication links, displays or other visual or audio user interfaces, printing devices, and any other input / output interfaces for performing the functions described herein and / or achieving the results described herein. For example, system 10 may include at least one processor (e.g., processor 24) and a system memory / data storage structure (e.g., memory 26), which may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The at least one processor of system 10 may include one or more conventional microprocessors and one or more supplementary coprocessors, such as math coprocessors. The data storage structures discussed herein may include suitable combinations of magnetic, optical, and / or semiconductor memories, and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, flash drives, optical disks such as compact disks, and / or hard disks or drives.

[0041] Additionally, a software application that adapts the controller (i.e., at least one processor) to perform the methods disclosed herein may be read from a computer-readable medium into the main memory of at least one processor. As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium that provides or participates in providing instructions for execution to at least one processor of System 10 (or any other processor of the apparatus described herein). Such media may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical, magnetic, or optomagnetic disks, such as memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory ("DRAM"), which typically constitutes main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, RAM, PROMs, EPROMs or EEPROMs (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), FLASH-EEPROMs, any other memory chips or cartridges, or any other computer-readable medium.

[0042] Although in the embodiments, execution of a sequence of instructions in a software application causes at least one processor to perform the methods / processes described herein, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with the software instructions used to implement the methods / processes of this disclosure. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to any particular combination of hardware and / or software.

[0043] It should also be understood that the above description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0044] For example, in one embodiment, a system for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant is provided. The system includes a fossil fuel combustion power generation unit and an energy storage device. The fossil fuel combustion power generation unit is operable to generate electricity and supply it to the power grid. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit and operable to: receive and store electricity from the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit during periods of excess power generation; and supply electricity to components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit during periods of power shortage in the power grid. In some embodiments, the energy storage device and the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit are located within the steam-based power plant. In some embodiments, the energy storage device is electrically coupled to another fossil fuel combustion power generation unit. In some embodiments, the components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit are at least one of: a coal pulverizer; a fuel sorter; a fan; a water pump; a heater; and a plasma igniter. In some embodiments, periods of power shortage include at least one of: a ramp-up of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit; peak demand periods of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit; and power outages in the power grid.

[0045] In some embodiments, the system further includes a memory device storing an artificial intelligence application; and at least one processor operable to execute the artificial intelligence application. In such embodiments, the artificial intelligence application is operable to: monitor the power flux rate of the power storage device; and predict future periods of excess power generation from the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit and / or future periods of power shortages in the power grid. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence application includes a neural network. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence application is further operable to be electrically connected to at least one other processor located outside the same power plant where the power storage device is located. In some embodiments, the power storage device directly supplies power to components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit.

[0046] Another embodiment provides a method for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant. The method includes receiving excess power from a fossil fuel combustion power generation unit electrically coupled to a power grid and the power storage device at a power storage device. The method also includes storing the excess power in the power storage device. Furthermore, the method includes supplying the stored excess power to components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit during periods of power shortage in the power grid.

[0047] In some embodiments, the energy storage device and the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit are located within a steam-based power plant. In some embodiments, the energy storage device is electrically coupled to another fossil fuel combustion power generation unit. In some embodiments, the components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit are at least one of the following: a coal pulverizer; a fuel sorter; a fan; a water pump; a heater; and a plasma igniter. In some embodiments, periods of power shortage include at least one of the following: ramp-up of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit; peak demand periods of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit; and power outages in the power grid.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method further includes: monitoring the power flux rate of the power storage device via an artificial intelligence application executing on at least one processor; and predicting future periods of excess power generation from the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit and / or future periods of power shortage in the power grid via the artificial intelligence application. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence application includes a neural network. In some embodiments, the method further includes electrical communication via the artificial intelligence application with at least one other processor located outside the same power plant where the power storage device is located. In some embodiments, the power storage device directly supplies power to components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit.

[0049] Another embodiment provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions. The stored instructions are adapted to a processor to: instruct an energy storage device to receive excess power from a fossil fuel combustion power generation unit electrically coupled to a power grid and the energy storage device; store the excess power in the energy storage device; and provide the stored excess power to components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit during periods of power shortage in the power grid.

[0050] In some embodiments, the power storage device is located within the same steam-based power plant as the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit. In some embodiments, the power storage device is electrically coupled to another fossil fuel combustion power generation unit. In some embodiments, the components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit are at least one of the following: a coal pulverizer; a fuel sorter; a fan; a water pump; a heater; and a plasma igniter. In some embodiments, periods of power shortage include at least one of the following: a surge in demand from the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit; peak demand periods of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit; and power failures in the power grid electrically coupled to the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit.

[0051] In some embodiments, the stored instructions are further adapted to a processor to execute an artificial intelligence application. In such embodiments, the AI ​​application is operable to: monitor the power flux rate of the power storage device; and predict future periods of excess power generation from the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit and / or future periods of power shortages in the power grid. In some embodiments, the AI ​​application includes a neural network. In some embodiments, the AI ​​application is further operable to be electrically connected to at least one other processor located outside the same power plant where the power storage device is located. In some embodiments, the power storage device directly supplies power to components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit.

[0052] Therefore, by providing power storage devices at and / or near the location of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit, some embodiments of this disclosure can mitigate and / or eliminate power continuity problems caused by power fluctuations provided by the power grid to which the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit is connected.

[0053] It should also be understood that, by providing power storage solutions, some embodiments of this disclosure offer a more environmentally friendly backup power source for power plants and / or fossil fuel combustion power generation units, in contrast to gas-powered backup generators.

[0054] In addition, some implementations of System 10 can provide power storage devices for the retrofitting of existing power plants and / or fossil fuel combustion power generation units.

[0055] In addition, by providing an energy storage system (electricity storage device) that is locally connected to the power plant auxiliary system, electricity can be discharged from the energy storage system (e.g., a battery) with optimal density and duration to support the operation of locally electrically driven equipment, such as pumps, fans / blowers, crushers, electric heating elements and / or electric cooling elements.

[0056] While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are not limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims and their equivalents. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as their pure English equivalents to the corresponding terms “comprising” and “wherein”. Furthermore, in the following claims, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” “top,” etc., are used merely as illustrative and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. Moreover, the limitations of the following claims are not written in an average-plus-function format and are not intended to be construed as such limitations unless, and until such limitations are explicitly stated using the phrase “in a manner for…” after the description of the gap function of other structures.

[0057] This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are contemplated within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

[0058] As used herein, elements or steps listed in the singular and beginning with the words "an" or "a" should be understood to not exclude multiple said elements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "an embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also include the listed features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise," "contain," or "have" one or more elements having a particular attribute may include other such elements that do not have that attribute.

[0059] Since certain changes may be made to the above-described invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as contained herein, all the subjects described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are intended to be interpreted only as examples illustrating the inventive concept and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Claims

1. A system for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant, the system comprising: A fossil fuel combustion power generation unit, which operates to generate electricity and supply the electricity to the power grid; An energy storage device, electrically coupled to the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit and operated to: Receive and store electricity from the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit during the period when excess electricity is generated; as well as Power is supplied to the components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit during periods of power shortage in the power grid; A controller includes a memory device for storing an artificial intelligence application and at least one processor that operates to execute the artificial intelligence application, wherein the artificial intelligence application operates to: Monitor the power throughput rate of the power storage device; The charging and discharging of the power storage device are managed based on the monitoring of the power flux rate; as well as The distribution of stored electricity from the power storage device to the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit is adjusted to compensate for load control, so as to smooth the load on the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the power storage device and the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit are located within the steam-based power plant.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the power storage device is electrically coupled to another fossil fuel combustion power generation unit.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the component of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit is at least one of the following: Coal crusher; Fuel classifier; fan; Water pump; heater; and Plasma igniter.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the period of power shortage includes at least one of the following: The inclined plane of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit; The peak demand period of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit; and The power grid experienced a power outage.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the artificial intelligence application further operates to: Predict the future time period of excess power generation from the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit and / or the future time period of power shortage from the power grid.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the artificial intelligence application includes a neural network.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the artificial intelligence application is further operated to be electrically connected to at least one other processor located outside the steam-based power plant in which the power storage device is disposed.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the power storage device directly supplies power to the components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit.

10. A method for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant, the method comprising: The excess power is received at the power storage device from the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit that is electrically coupled to the power grid and the power storage device; The excess electricity is stored in the power storage device; During periods of power shortage in the power grid, the power storage device supplies the stored excess power to the components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit; The power throughput rate of the power storage device is monitored via an artificial intelligence application running on at least one processor; The charging and discharging of the power storage device are managed via the artificial intelligence application based on the monitoring of the power flux rate; as well as The distribution of stored electricity from the power storage device to the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit is adjusted via the artificial intelligence application to compensate for load control, so as to smooth the load on the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the power storage device and the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit are disposed within the steam-based power plant.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the power storage device is electrically coupled to another fossil fuel combustion power generation unit.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the component of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit is at least one of the following: Coal crusher; Fuel classifier; fan; Water pump; heater; and Plasma igniter.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the period of power shortage includes at least one of the following: The inclined plane of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit; The peak demand period of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit; and The power grid experienced a power outage.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The artificial intelligence application predicts the future time periods of excess power generation from the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit and / or the future time periods of power shortage from the power grid.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the artificial intelligence application comprises at least one of a neural network and / or a machine learning module or engine.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The artificial intelligence application is electrically connected to at least one other processor located outside the steam-based power plant, in which the power storage device is located.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the power storage device directly supplies power to the components of the fossil fuel combustion power generation unit.

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