Systems, methods, and devices for integrating renewable energy sources

Abstract

A method is provided. The method includes determining (202) a power requirement of a power grid. The method also includes determining (204) a power output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system. The CAES system is configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid. The CAES system is thermally coupled to the geothermal energy system such that thermal energy transfers between the CAES system and the geothermal energy system. The method further includes supplying (206) power to the power grid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system.

Description

Systems, Methods, and Devices for Integrating Renewable Energy Sources PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of EP 23220029.5, filed December 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] As the world looks to reduce the carbon footprint, utilizing sources of renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular. A variety of renewable energy sources exist, however each source may have advantages and disadvantages that make reliance on a single renewable source difficult. Deriving energy from wind power is one form of potential renewable energy. Wind energy may be non-constant and may vary day-to-day and / or seasonally. Energy derived from the wind may out supply demand (e.g., surplus energy) on some days and under supply demand on other days.

[0003] Geothermal is another form of renewable energy that may be used to provide energy to a population. Geothermal energy recovers subsurface heat for power generation. Unlike wind, geothermal energy may not be affected by seasonal changes, allowing for more reliability in power output. However, geothermal energy may have a higher levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) than other forms of renewable energy. Further, geothermal energy may be constrained to specific locations based on favorable subsurface conditions.

[0004] Surplus energy produced, that is not consumed by the population, may be stored for later use to avoid the energy being lost or wasted. One form of storing excess energy is compressed air energy storage (CAES). The CAES is a form of long duration energy storage where surplus energy is stored by compressing a fluid, such as air, to high pressure and storing the compressed air. The compressed air may then be released ondemand to drive a turbine to create electrical energy.SUMMARY

[0005] In a first example embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes determining a power requirement of a power grid. The method also includes determining a power output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system. The CAES system is configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid. The CAES system is thermally coupled to the geothermal energy system such that thermal energy transfers between the CAES system and the geothermal energy system. The method further includes supplying power to the power grid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system.

[0006] In an embodiment, when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from the CAES system and utilized to provide heating in a district heating system.

[0007] In such an embodiment, when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from the CAES system and transferred to the geothermal energy system.

[0008] In such an embodiment, when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion, thermal energy is transferred into the CAES system from the geothermal energy system.

[0009] In a second example embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes determining a power requirement of a power grid. The method also includes determining a power output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and acompressed air energy storage (CAES) system. The CAES system is configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid. The CAES system is electrically coupled to the geothermal energy system such that electrical energy transfers between the geothermal energy system and the CAES system. The method further includes supplying power to the power grid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system.

[0010] In an embodiment, when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from the CAES system and utilized to provide heating in a district heating system.

[0011] In an embodiment, when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from the CAES system and transferred to the geothermal energy system.

[0012] In such an embodiment, when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion, thermal energy is transferred into the CAES system from the geothermal energy system.

[0013] In a third example embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes determining a future energy requirement of a power grid, where the determination is based on a demand signal and a predicted weather event. The method also includes determining, based on the future energy requirement, a required energy output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system. The CAES system is configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid. The method further includes adjusting a rate of energy storage in the CAES system and an energy output rate of the geothermal energy system. The method additionally includes supplying energy to the powergrid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system.

[0014] In an embodiment, the method further includes supplying heating from the CAES system to a district heating system, where the heating supplied from the CAES system includes thermal energy removed from the CAES system during compressive energy storage.

[0015] In such embodiments, supplying heating from the CAES system to the district heating system is based on an occurrence of the predicted weather event.

[0016] In an embodiment, the method further includes supplying thermal energy from the CAES system to the geothermal energy system, where the thermal energy from the CAES system comprises thermal energy removed from the CAES system during compressive energy storage.

[0017] In an embodiment, the method further includes supplying thermal energy from the geothermal system to the CAES system when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the CAES system is electrically coupled to the geothermal energy system such that electrical energy transfers between the geothermal energy system and the CAES system.

[0019] In a fourth example embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a power grid in communication with a wind power generation system, a CAES system, and a geothermal energy system. The wind power generation system is configured to (i) supply a first portion of generated power to the power grid and (ii) supply a second portion of generated power to the CAES system. The CAES system is further in communication with the geothermal energy system and configured to convert the second portion of generated power to storage and transfer thermal energy between the CAES system and the geothermalenergy system. The geothermal energy system is configured to transfer thermal energy between the CAES system and the geothermal energy system and supply generated power to the power grid.

[0020] In an embodiment, the CAES system is further configured to transfer thermal energy between the CAES system and a district heating system to provide heating in the district heating system.

[0021] In an embodiment, when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion, the thermal energy is removed from a district heating system and transferred to the CAES system.

[0022] In an embodiment, when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion, thermal energy is transferred into the CAES system from the geothermal energy system.

[0023] In an embodiment, the CAES system is electrically coupled to the geothermal energy system such that electrical energy transfers between the geothermal energy system and the CAES system.

[0024] In an embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions executable by a processor of a device to cause the device to carry out operations including the methods disclosed herein.

[0025] These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference, where appropriate, to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1A depicts an integrated renewable energy system operating in a firstenvironmental condition, according to an example embodiment.

[0027] Figure IB depicts an integrated renewable energy system operating in a second environmental condition, according to an example embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 depicts a flow chart of a method, according to an example embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 depicts a flow chart of another method, according to an example embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 depicts a simplified block diagram showing some of the components of a computing device, according to an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Disclosed herein are example systems, methods, and devices for an integrated renewable energy ecosystem. The disclosed systems, methods, and devices may be utilized in any device or application where incorporating energy from multiple sources may occur. For example, the integrated renewable energy ecosystem may be used to provide dispatchable, on demand, renewable power and / or heating / cooling to a population. The disclosed examples may be used to provide renewable energy sources to the population which may reduce the reliance of the population on non-renewable energy sources, such as coal, gas, and / or oil, which may help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

[0032] Figure 1A depicts an integrated renewable energy system 100 operating in a first environmental condition 110A, according to an example embodiment. The integrated renewable energy system 100 includes a wind energy generation system 120, a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system 130, a geothermal energy system 140, an electrical transmission system 150, and an end user 160. One or more of the wind energy generationsystem 120, the CAES system 130, the geothermal energy system 140, the electrical transmission system 150, and / or the end user 160 may be interactively coupled with one another. For example, the wind energy generation system 120 may be electrically coupled with the electrical transmission system 150 and / or the CAES system 130. The CAES system 130 may be coupled with the wind energy generation system 120, the geothermal energy system 140, the electrical transmission system 150, and / or the end user 160. The geothermal energy system 140 may be coupled with the CAES system 130, the electrical transmission system 150, and / or the end user 160.

[0033] The wind energy generation system 120 may include one or more turbine blades coupled, by way of a shaft and gear box, to a generator stored within a housing. Wind may produce rotation of the one or more turbine blades. Rotation of the one or more turbine blades may cause actuation of the generator to generate electricity.

[0034] The CAES system 130 may include a motor that uses electrical energy to drive a compressor to pressurize air. The pressurized air may be stored for later use in an underground reservoir, such as a salt cavern, aquifer, or a depleted natural gas reservoir. The pressurized air stored within the underground reservoir may be used to drive one or more pressure turbines that drive a generator to produce electricity. The CAES system 130 may include a series of pipes for removing and / or supplying thermal energy to and / or from the CAES system 130.

[0035] The geothermal energy system 140 may include one or more underground wells and / or pipes. A fluid, such as a gas or liquid, may be pumped underground in a first well for heating. The heated fluid may be introduced through a second well to an aboveground turbine coupled to a generator. The heated fluid may cause the turbine to rotate which may cause the generator to generate electricity.

[0036] The electrical transmission system 150 may include a power grid (e.g., an electrical grid). The power grid may transmit and / or distribute electrical power to the end user 160 for use. For example, the power grid may include an interconnected network of cables, power stations, and substations for transmitting and / or distributing the electrical power.

[0037] Each of the wind energy generation system 120, the CAES system 130, the geothermal energy system 140, and the electrical transmission system 150 may include hardware and / or software to enable electrical generation and transmission, such as including cables to transmit the generated electricity.

[0038] The first environmental condition 110A produces a first environmental effect 112 and a second environmental effect 116. In some examples, the first environmental condition 110A is a season of the year, such as winter. In the winter season, temperatures may be colder than during other seasons and a frequency and / or magnitude of wind may be greater. Thus, in examples where the first environmental condition 110A is a season, the first environmental effect 112 may be wind and the second environmental effect 116 may be temperature. The first environmental effect 112 may interact with the wind energy generation system 120 to generate electricity. The wind energy generation system 120 may transmit generated electrical power to the electrical transmission system 150 and / or the CAES system 130. As shown, the wind energy generation system 120 may transmit a first wind power 122 to the electrical transmission system 150 and a second wind power 126 to the CAES system 130. The electrical transmission system 150 may transmit 152 the first wind power 122 to the end user 160 for use.

[0039] During operation of the integrated renewable energy system 100 in the winter, the amount of wind available may allow for the wind energy generation system 120 togenerate (e.g., supply) more electricity to the end user 160 than is demanded. This may result in a surplus of available wind power. The remaining wind power not supplied to the electrical transmission system 150 may be transmitted to the CAES system 130, as the second wind power 126, for energy storage. The first and second wind power 122 and 126 may vary based on a variety of factors, such as the demand of the end user 160 and / or the frequency and / or magnitude of the first environmental effect 112. For example, during daylight hours the end user 160 may demand more electricity than during night, which may result in more wind power supplied to the first wind power 122 than to the second wind power 126, and vice versa. Similarly, the amount of wind (e.g., the first environmental effect 112) may vary based on time, blowing more during certain times than others. Thus, while the first and second wind powers 122 and 126 may vary with time, demanded wind power may be transmitted to the electrical transmission system 150 for distribution and surplus wind power may be transmitted to the CAES system 130 for storage.

[0040] The CAES system 130 may receive and store the second wind power 126 for later use by the end user 160, such as when a demand for electricity is greater than a combined electrical output (e.g., supply) from the geothermal energy system 140 and the wind energy generation system 120. The CAES system 130 may use the second wind power 126 to run one or more air compressors that compress and store air at a higher than ambient pressure. During compression, heat may be removed from the air as the pressure increases. In some examples, the heat produced during compression may be transmitted as thermal energy 132 to the geothermal energy system 140 and / or the end user 160. For example, the thermal energy 132 may be transmitted to the geothermal energy system 140 for use in generating electrical energy by incorporating and pumping the thermal energy 132 into the subsurface for additional heating. Utilizing the thermal energy 132 from the CAES system130 in the geothermal energy system 140 may increase the efficiency and or decrease theLCOE of the geothermal energy system 140.

[0041] In other examples, the thermal energy 132 may be transmitted directly to the end user 160. For example, the thermal energy 132 may be incorporated into a district heating system for use in industrial, commercial, and / or residential heating applications. In some examples, the district heating system may include a plurality of buildings interconnected by an underground network of pipes that transfer thermal energy from one or more sources to the plurality of buildings. The district heating system may also allow for thermal energy to flow from the plurality of buildings to the source. In such examples, the term “district” may refer to the plurality of buildings interconnected by the underground network of pipes to the one or more sources.

[0042] During the winter season, the second environmental condition 116 may be temperature, such as a cold temperature that may result in snowfall. Accordingly, during cold temperatures more heating may be desired by the end user 160. High winds (shown as the first environmental effect 112) may allow for more energy storage by the CAES system 130, resulting in more thermal energy 132 output to the end user 160 as the CAES system 130 compresses and stores the second wind power amount 126. Thus, during the first environmental condition 110A the CAES system 130 may store electrical energy transmitted from the wind energy generation system 120 and transmit thermal energy 132 to either the geothermal energy system 140 and / or the end user 160.

[0043] When additional electricity is desired, the CAES system 130 may expand the stored pressurized air to drive one or more turbines that may generate electrical energy for use by the end user 160, shown as a first CAES power 136. For example, the first CAES power 136 may be transmitted from the CAES system 130 to the electrical transmissionsystem 150 for distribution.

[0044] In some examples, the geothermal energy system 140 may receive the thermal energy 132 from the CAES system 130, as explained above, for use in power generation.The geothermal energy system 140 may utilize geothermal heat, by pumping a fluid such as air into the subsurface, for power generation and / or heat applications. For example, the geothermal energy system 140 may produce geothermal power 142 that may be transmitted to the electrical transmission system 150 for distribution to the end user 160. In some examples, the geothermal power 142 may be scalable based on a total amount of power demanded by the end user 160 and a combined amount of power produced by the wind energy generation system 120 and the CAES system 130. The geothermal energy system 140 may adjust an amount of the geothermal power 142 that is output to the electrical transmission system 150 to satisfy demand by the end user 160. The geothermal power 142 output potential of the geothermal energy system 140 may not be affected by the first environmental condition 110A because power is derived through subsurface heat which may not vary by season. Thus, the geothermal energy system 140 may provide a baseline power for the end user 160 and / or be adjusted based on demand.

[0045] In some examples, the geothermal energy system 140 may recycle the heated air, used in generating the geothermal power 142, for reintroduction to the subsurface and subsequent power production. However, in other examples the geothermal energy system 140 may transmit thermal energy 146 to the end user 160 for heating applications, such as for use in heating of industrial, commercial, and / or residential units in the district served by the district heating system. In the winter season the end user 160 may desire more district heating. In such examples, the geothermal energy system 140 may transmit a larger quantity of thermal energy 146 to the end user 160. Thus, the thermal energy 146 transmitted to theend user 160 may vary based on the needs of the end user 160. Providing thermal energy 146 to the end user 160 for heating applications may reduce an amount of heating supplied from fossil fuels (e.g., oil or gas), which may result in less greenhouse gas emissions.

[0046] Figure IB depicts the integrated renewable energy system 100 operating in a second environmental condition HOB, according to an example embodiment. In the second environmental condition HOB, the integrated renewable energy system 100 has the same and / or similar connectivity / coupling between systems, however an operation of one or more of the systems may be different than as described in Figure 1A.

[0047] For example, the second environmental condition HOB produces a third environmental effect 114 and a fourth environmental effect 118. In some examples, the second environmental condition 110B is a season of the year, such as summer. In the summer season, temperatures may be warmer than during other seasons and wind frequency and / or magnitude may be small or unreliable. Thus, in examples where the second environmental condition 110B is a season, the third environmental effect 114 may be wind and the fourth environmental effect 116 may be temperature. The third environmental effect 114 may interact with the wind energy generation system 120 to generate electricity as described in Figure 1A. Electrical energy generated by the wind energy generation system 120 may be distributed to the electrical transmission system 150 as a third wind power 124, and distributed to the CAES system 130 as a fourth wind power 128. However, due to the unreliable and / or low magnitude of the wind during the summer, the third wind power 124 may be less than the first wind power 122 and / or the fourth wind power 128 may be less than the second wind power 126. For example, during high demand periods and / or periods of little wind, the wind energy generation system 120 may transmit all generated electricity as the third wind power 124 to the electrical transmission system 150. Thus, the amount of thirdand fourth wind power 124 and 128 available for transmission may be based on the third environmental effect 114 and / or the second environmental condition HOB.

[0048] During the summer season, the CAES system 130 may receive less power for storage than during the winter season, due to the fourth wind power 128 being less than the second wind power 126. The CAES system 130 may release compressed air to drive turbines in order to generate electrical energy for transmission as second CAES power 138 to the electrical transmission system 150. In some examples, the amount of third wind power 124 combined with the geothermal power 142 may not satisfy the power demands of the end user 160. For example, during the summer season when wind energy production is low. In such examples, the second CAES power 138 may be greater than the first CAES power 136 in order to meet the demand of the end user 160. Thus, in some examples the CAES system 130 may store more wind energy during one season, such as winter, and generate more electrical energy during another season, such as summer.

[0049] Generation of electrical power from the CAES system 130 involves expanding of the compressed air. Efficient expansion of the compressed air may require heat to be added to the CAES system 130. Similarly, during the summer months the end user 160 may desire cooling of buildings. In some examples, the CAES system 130 is thermally coupled with the end user 160, such as coupled to the district heating / cooling system, allowing for transmission of thermal energy between the CAES system 130 and the end user 160. In such examples, heat may be removed from the end user 160 for inclusion in the CAES system 130 during expansion of the compressed air. By removing heat for use in expansion of the compressed air, the CAES system 130 may provide cooling thermal energy 134 to the end user 160. Utilizing heat removed from the end user 160 for operation of the CAES system 130 may reduce an amount of electrical power demanded by the end user 160, such as byreducing an amount of power use by air conditioners or fans. In some examples, the CAES system 130 may receive thermal energy 148 from the geothermal energy system 140 to aid in expansion of the compressed gas. In some examples, the CAES system 130 may receive heat from both the geothermal energy system 140 and the end user 160.

[0050] The electrical transmission system 150 in Figures 1A to IB may receive electrical energy from one or more of the wind energy generation system 120, the CAES system 130, and / or the geothermal energy system 140. In some examples, the electrical energy (e.g., power) received from each of the wind energy generation system 120, the CAES system 130, and / or the geothermal energy unit 140 may be non-constant, such that more power may be received by the electrical transmission unit 150 from one source than another during a particular point in time. For example, at a first point in time more power may be supplied to the electrical transmission unit 150 from the wind energy generation unit 120 than the CAES unit 130, and at a second point in time different than the first point in time more power may be supplied to the electrical transmission unit 150 from the CAES unit 130 than the wind energy generation unit 120. Thus, the amount of power transmitted by each source to the electrical transmission unit 150 may vary. The electrical transmission unit 150 may combine the received power from all the sources and transmit 152 (e.g., distribute) the power to the end user 160. In some examples, the power that the electrical transmission unit 150 transmits to the end user equals the power demanded by the end user 160 (e.g., power transmitted matches power demand of the consumer).

[0051] In some examples, a total power consumed and / or demanded by the end user 160 may vary with time. For example, the total power consumed by the end user 160 may vary on a second-by- second, minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, day-by-day, month-by-month, year-by-year, and / or season-by-season basis. The total power consumed by the end user 160may also vary based on a total population of the end user 160. For example, as the total population of the end user 160 increases or decreases, the total power consumed may fluctuate.

[0052] In some examples, a computing device, such as a controller, may be used to regulate energy (e.g., electrical power and / or thermal) distribution to meet an energy requirement of the end user 160. For example, the computing device may regulate energy available from the wind energy generation unit 120, the CAES unit 130, and / or the geothermal energy unit 140 to meet the energy requirement of the end user 160. The computing device is explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 4.

[0053] Figure 2 depicts a flow chart of a method, according to an example embodiment. The method 200 may include one or more operations, or actions as illustrated by one or more blocks 202-206. Although the blocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may in some instances be performed in parallel, and / or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and / or removed based upon the desired implementation.

[0054] As illustrated, at block 202, the method 200 may include determining a power requirement of a power grid. For example, the power grid may distribute power to the end user 160 (Figures 1A-1B) and the power requirement may be the amount of power consumed by the end user 160 at a point in time.

[0055] At block 204, the method 200 may also include determining a power output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a CAES system. For example, the power output of the wind energy generation unit 120 may be determined by monitoring the first wind power 122 transmitted to the electrical transmission unit 150.Similarly, the first CAES power 136 and the geothermal power 142 transmitted to theelectrical transmission unit 150 may be monitored to determine the power output of theCAES unit 130 and the geothermal energy unit 140, respectively.

[0056] In some examples, the CAES system may be configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid. In such examples, the CAES system may be thermally coupled to the geothermal energy system such that thermal energy transfers between the CAES system and the geothermal energy system.

[0057] However, in other examples where the CAES system is configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid, the CAES system may be electrically coupled to the geothermal energy system such that electrical energy transfers between the geothermal energy system and the CAES system.

[0058] At block 206, the method 200 may further include supplying power to the power grid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system. For example, the electrical transmission unit 150 may receive power from one or more of the wind energy generation unit 120, CAES unit 130, and the geothermal energy unit 140 and transmit 152 the received power to the power grid for use by the end user 160.

[0059] In some examples, when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy may be removed from the CAES system and utilized to provide heating in a district heating system. For example, thermal energy in the form of heat may be removed from air during compressing, as a byproduct, by the CAES unit 130. The thermal energy 132 may be transmitted to the end user 160 for incorporation into the district heating system to be used by the end user 160 in heating residential and / or commercial buildings. In some examples, the district heating system of the end user 160 may receive both the thermal energy 132 from the CAES unit 130 and the thermal energy 146 transmitted by thegeothermal energy unit 140. Utilizing thermal energy output from either the CAES unit 130 and / or the geothermal energy unit 140 in the district heating system may reduce an amount of additional heating required by the end user 160, such as reducing an amount of heating provided through the burning of fossil fuels (e.g., oil or gas).

[0060] In some examples, when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy may be removed from the CAES system and transferred to the geothermal energy system. For example, thermal energy in the form of heat may be removed from air during compression, as a byproduct, by the CAES unit 130 and transmitted to the geothermal energy unit 140 for utilization of electricity production. The geothermal energy unit 140 may pump the thermal energy 132 into the subsurface for subsequent heating for use in turning electrical turbines to produce geothermal power 142 that is transmitted to the electrical transmission unit 150. In some examples, after generating electricity the thermal energy may be recycled back into the subsurface for subsequent electricity production or transmitted to the end user 160 as thermal energy 146 for use in the district heating system.

[0061] In further examples, when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion, thermal energy may be transferred into the CAES system from the geothermal energy system. In some examples, the addition of heat (e.g., thermal energy) to the CAES unit 130 may aid in efficient expansion of the compressed air allowing for more effective power generation. In such examples, the geothermal energy unit 140 may supply thermal energy 148 to the CAES unit 130 that may be used to expand the compressed air that drives one or more electrical turbines. In some examples, heat may alternatively and / or additionally be supplied to the CAES unit 130 by the district heating system of the end user 160.Utilizing heat from the end user 160 in the CAES unit 130 may provide cooling to the end user 160 during the summer season, which may reduce the power consumption of appliancessuch as fans or air conditioners.

[0062] Figure 3 depicts a flow chart of another method, according to an example embodiment. The method 300 may include one or more operations, or actions as illustrated by one or more blocks 302-308. Although the blocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may in some instances be performed in parallel, and / or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and / or removed based upon the desired implementation. One or more examples of the method 300 may be performed in a similar manner to the examples described in method 200.

[0063] As illustrated, at block 302, the method 300 may include determining a future energy requirement of a power grid. In some examples, the determination may be based on a demand signal and a predicted weather event. For example, the demand signal may be based on a predicted consumer demand from the end user 160 and the future energy requirement may be the energy requirement of the end user 160 at a future point in time. The predicted weather event may be the environmental condition 110A, HOB and / or the first to fourth environmental effects 112, 114, 116, and / or 118. For example, the predicted weather event may be a temperature or temperature range, a season, precipitation, wind, and / or cloud cover. Further, one or more of the predicted weather events may be used to determine the future energy requirement of the power grid. Historical trends may be used to determine the demand signal and the predicted weather event. For example, historical trends of power consumption by the end user 160 may be correlated with weather events, such as increased power consumption during warm temperatures and increased heating during colder temperatures. Further, historical trends may also be used to determine the demand signal during time of day, such as nighttime or daytime.

[0064] At block 304, the method 300 may also include determining, based on the future energy requirement, a required energy output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a CAES system. In some examples, the CAES system may be configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid. In some examples, the future energy requirement may be used to determine a total amount of energy of at least one of electrical energy and / or thermal energy required by the end user 160 at a future point in time. Data, such as historical energy production data of the wind energy generation unit 120, the CAES unit 130, and the geothermal energy unit 140 may be used to determine probable output energy output rates and / or requirements of each of the respective units (120, 130, 140).

[0065] In some examples, a difference between the output rate and the energy requirement of the wind energy generation unit 120 may be used to determine an amount of second or fourth wind power 126, 128 that is predicted to be stored by the CAES unit 130. Further, in some examples data may be used to determine that during certain periods, such as during the summer, the required energy output of the geothermal energy unit 140 and / or the CAES unit 130 may be increased to offset a decrease in production from the wind energy generation unit 120. However, in other examples additional and / or other information may be used to determine the energy requirement. Predicting the required energy output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a CAES system, may allow for the future energy requirement to be anticipated and met while reducing a likelihood of power interruption to the end user 160 (e.g., the consumer).

[0066] At block 306, the method 300 may further include adjusting a rate of energy storage in the CAES system and an energy output rate of the geothermal energy system. In some examples, such as Figures 1A-1B, the first wind power 122 may be greater than thethird wind power 124 sent to the electrical transmission unit 150 and the second wind power126 may be greater than the fourth wind power 128 sent to the CAES unit 130. In such examples, an energy storage rate in the CAES unit 130 may be adjusted based on the amount of received wind power, such as the second and fourth wind power 126, 128. During energy storage by the CAES unit 130, the energy output rate of the geothermal energy unit 140 may be adjusted (e.g., increased) to account for the decrease in power supplied by the CAES unit 130. In further examples, the geothermal energy unit 140 may be adjusted to account for fluctuations in power supplied by the wind energy generation unit 120. Thus, the energy storage in the CAES system and the energy output rate of the geothermal energy system may be adjusted based on a total power requirement of the end user 160 and / or the power available from one or more units.

[0067] At block 308, the method 300 may additionally include supplying energy to the power grid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system.

[0068] In some examples, the method 300 may further include supplying heating from the CAES system to a district heating system. In such examples, the heating supplied from the CAES system may include thermal energy removed from the CAES system during compressive energy storage. In further such examples, supplying heating from the CAES system to the district heating system may be based on an occurrence of the predicted weather event. For example, the predicted weather event may be a temperature, such as a temperature at or below freezing.

[0069] In some examples, the method 300 may further include supplying thermal energy from the CAES system to the geothermal energy system. In such examples, the thermal energy from the CAES system may include thermal energy removed from the CAESsystem during compressive energy storage.

[0070] In some examples, the method 300 may further include supplying thermal energy from the geothermal system to the CAES system when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion.

[0071] In certain examples of the method 300, the CAES system may be electrically coupled to the geothermal energy system such that electrical energy transfers between the geothermal energy system and the CAES system. For example, there may be a surplus in power supplied from the geothermal energy unit 140 such that the power requirement of the geothermal energy unit 140 for consumption by the end user 160 is less than the power produced. In such examples, the geothermal energy unit 140 may transmit the surplus power, not required by the end user 160, to the CAES unit 130 for storage. By transmitting surplus power to the CAES unit 130 for storage, the power may be utilized by the CAES unit 130 to produce electricity during periods of higher demand rather than being lost through non-use.

[0072] For the methods 200 and 300 and / or other processes and operations disclosed herein, Figure 2 and Figure 3 show operation of one potential implementation of present examples. In this regard, each block may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor or a controller for implementing specific logical operations or steps in the process. The program code may be stored on any type of computer readable medium or memory, for example, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. The computer readable medium may include a non-transitory computer readable medium or memory, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores data for short periods of time like register memory, processor cache and Random Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium may also include non-transitory media or memory, such as secondary or persistent long termstorage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks, compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computer readable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage systems. The computer readable medium may be considered a computer readable storage medium, a tangible storage device, or other article of manufacture, for example. In addition, for the methods 200 and 300 and / or other processes and operations disclosed herein, one or more blocks in Figures 2 and 3 may represent circuitry or digital logic that is arranged to perform the specific logical operations in the process. This is more fully described below with respect to Figure 4.

[0073] Figure 4 depicts a simplified block diagram showing some of the components of a computing device 400, according to an example embodiment. The computing device 400 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium with program instructions 418 stored thereon for performing one or more methods, operations, and / or processes of the disclosure, such as the methods 200 and / or 300. In some examples, the computing device 400 may include at least one memory 408, at least one processor 406, a user interface 404, and / or a network interface 402. The memory 408 may be connected to the at least one processor 406, the user interface 404, and / or the network interface 402 by way of a bus 410. Additionally or alternatively, the computing device 400 may include an application- specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that performs processor operations, or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0074] In some examples, the memory 408 may include data 412, such as application data, and program instructions 418 that include an operating system 422 and at least one application 420. The operating system 422 may be as a device driver or a kernel. The processor 406 may access the data 412 when executing the at least one application 420. The at least one application 420 may communicate with the operating system 422 through one ormore application programming interfaces (APIs) that facilitate execution of the at least one application 420.

[0075] While the computing device 400 may be included in a single unit, as shown in Figure 4, in other examples, at least some portion of the computing device may be separate from another portion. For example, one or more parts of the computing device 400 may be part of a smartphone, tablet, notebook computer, or wearable device. In some examples, the user interface 404 may be located on a separate device, such as on a desktop computer or laptop.

[0076] The memory 408 is a computer-usable memory, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile memory such as flash memory, a solid state drive, a hard-disk drive, an optical memory device, and / or a magnetic storage device.

[0077] The processor 406 of the computing device 400 may include computer processing elements, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a network processor. In some examples, the processor 406 may include register memory that temporarily stores instructions being executed and corresponding data and / or cache memory that temporarily stores performed instructions. In certain examples, the memory 408 stores program instructions that are executable by the processor 406 for carrying out the methods and operations of the disclosure, as described herein.

[0078] The network interface 402 provides a communications medium, such as, but not limited to, a digital and / or an analog communication medium, between the computing device 400 and other computing systems or devices. In some examples, the network interface 402 may operate via a wireless connection, such as IEEE 802.11 or BLUETOOTH, while in other examples, the network interface 402 may operate via a physical wired connection, suchas an Ethernet connection. Still in other examples, the network interface 402 may communicate using another convention.

[0079] In some examples, the computing device 400 may utilize a machine learning language when executing some or all of the example methods and / or method steps described above. For example, the machine learning language may be used to determine the future energy requirement of the power grid. In some examples, the machine learning language may analyze data, such as historical trends of power consumption and weather events, to form a prediction of the future energy requirement of the power grid. However, in other examples the machine learning language may be used for other and or additional purposes.

[0080] Additional aspects of the disclosure are provided by the following enumerated embodiments, which may be combined in any number and in any combination that is not logically or technically inconsistent.

[0081] Enumerated Embodiments:

[0082] Embodiment 1 is a method comprising: determining a power requirement of a power grid; determining a power output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, wherein the CAES system is configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid, and wherein the CAES system is thermally coupled to the geothermal energy system such that thermal energy transfers between the CAES system and the geothermal energy system; and supplying power to the power grid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system.

[0083] Embodiment 2 is the method according to embodiment 1, wherein when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from theCAES system and utilized to provide heating in a district heating system.

[0084] Embodiment 3 is the method according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from the CAES system and transferred to the geothermal energy system.

[0085] Embodiment 4 is the method according to embodiment 1, wherein when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion, thermal energy is transferred into the CAES system from the geothermal energy system.

[0086] Embodiment 5 is a method comprising: determining a power requirement of a power grid; determining a power output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, wherein the CAES system is configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid, and wherein the CAES system is electrically coupled to the geothermal energy system such that electrical energy transfers between the geothermal energy system and the CAES system; and supplying power to the power grid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system.

[0087] Embodiment 6 is the method according to embodiment 5, wherein when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from the CAES system and utilized to provide heating in a district heating system.

[0088] Embodiment 7 is the method according to embodiment 5 or embodiment 6, wherein when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from the CAES system and transferred to the geothermal energy system.

[0089] Embodiment 8 is the method according to embodiment 5, wherein when theCAES system is releasing energy through expansion, thermal energy is transferred into theCAES system from the geothermal energy system.

[0090] Embodiment 9 is a method comprising: determining a future energy requirement of a power grid, wherein the determination is based on a demand signal and a predicted weather event; determining, based on the future energy requirement, a required energy output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, wherein the CAES system is configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid; adjusting a rate of energy storage in the CAES system and an energy output rate of the geothermal energy system; and supplying energy to the power grid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system.

[0091] Embodiment 10 is the method according to embodiment 9, further comprising supplying heating from the CAES system to a district heating system, wherein the heating supplied from the CAES system comprises thermal energy removed from the CAES system during compressive energy storage.

[0092] Embodiment 11 is the method according to embodiment 10, wherein supplying heating from the CAES system to the district heating system is based on an occurrence of the predicted weather event.

[0093] Embodiment 12 is the method according to any of embodiments 9 to 11, further comprising supplying thermal energy from the CAES system to the geothermal energy system, wherein the thermal energy from the CAES system comprises thermal energy removed from the CAES system during compressive energy storage.

[0094] Embodiment 13 is the method according to embodiment 9, further comprising supplying thermal energy from the geothermal system to the CAES system when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion.

[0095] Embodiment 14 is the method according to any of embodiments 9 to 13, wherein the CAES system is electrically coupled to the geothermal energy system such that electrical energy transfers between the geothermal energy system and the CAES system.

[0096] Embodiment 15 is a system comprising: a power grid in communication with a wind power generation system, a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, and a geothermal energy system, wherein the wind power generation system is configured to (i) supply a first portion of generated power to the power grid and (ii) supply a second portion of generated power to the CAES system, wherein the CAES system is further in communication with the geothermal energy system and configured to convert the second portion of generated power to storage and transfer thermal energy between the CAES system and the geothermal energy system, and wherein the geothermal energy system is configured to transfer thermal energy between the CAES system and the geothermal energy system and supply generated power to the power grid.

[0097] Embodiment 16 is the system according to embodiment 15, wherein the CAES system is further configured to transfer thermal energy between the CAES system and a district heating system to provide heating in the district heating system.

[0098] Embodiment 17 is the system according to embodiment 15 or embodiment 16, wherein when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion, the thermal energy is removed from a district heating system and transferred to the CAES system.

[0099] Embodiment 18 is the system according to any of embodiments 15 to 17, wherein when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion, thermal energy is transferred into the CAES system from the geothermal energy system.

[0100] Embodiment 19 is the system according to any of embodiments 15 to 18, wherein the CAES system is electrically coupled to the geothermal energy system such thatelectrical energy transfers between the geothermal energy system and the CAES system.

[0101] Embodiment 20 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions executable by a processor of a device to cause the device to carry out operations comprising the method of any of embodiments 1 to 14.

[0102] The above detailed description describes various features and functions of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the Figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, Figures, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments can be utilized, and other changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0103] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method comprising: determining a power requirement of a power grid; determining a power output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, wherein the CAES system is configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid, and wherein the CAES system is thermally coupled to the geothermal energy system such that thermal energy transfers between the CAES system and the geothermal energy system; and supplying power to the power grid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from the CAES system and utilized to provide heating in a district heating system, or wherein when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from the CAES system and transferred to the geothermal energy system.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion, thermal energy is transferred into the CAES system from the geothermal energy system.

4. A method comprising:determining a power requirement of a power grid; determining a power output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, wherein the CAES system is configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid, and wherein the CAES system is electrically coupled to the geothermal energy system such that electrical energy transfers between the geothermal energy system and the CAES system; and supplying power to the power grid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from the CAES system and utilized to provide heating in a district heating system, or wherein when the CAES system is storing energy through compression, thermal energy is removed from the CAES system and transferred to the geothermal energy system.

6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion, thermal energy is transferred into the CAES system from the geothermal energy system.

7. A method comprising: determining a future energy requirement of a power grid, wherein the determination is based on a demand signal and a predicted weather event;determining, based on the future energy requirement, a required energy output of each of a wind power generation system, a geothermal energy system, and a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, wherein the CAES system is configured to store energy from the wind power generation system and supply the stored energy to the power grid; adjusting a rate of energy storage in the CAES system and an energy output rate of the geothermal energy system; and supplying energy to the power grid from at least one of the wind power generation system, the CAES system, and the geothermal energy system.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: supplying heating from the CAES system to a district heating system, wherein the heating supplied from the CAES system comprises thermal energy removed from the CAES system during compressive energy storage, optionally wherein supplying heating from the CAES system to the district heating system is based on an occurrence of the predicted weather event.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising: supplying thermal energy from the CAES system to the geothermal energy system, wherein the thermal energy from the CAES system comprises thermal energy removed from the CAES system during compressive energy storage, or further comprising: supplying thermal energy from the geothermal system to the CAES system when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion.

10. The method as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the CAES system is electrically coupled to the geothermal energy system such that electrical energy transfers between the geothermal energy system and the CAES system.

11. A system comprising: a power grid in communication with a wind power generation system, a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, and a geothermal energy system, wherein the wind power generation system is configured to (i) supply a first portion of generated power to the power grid and (ii) supply a second portion of generated power to the CAES system, wherein the CAES system is further in communication with the geothermal energy system and configured to convert the second portion of generated power to storage and transfer thermal energy between the CAES system and the geothermal energy system, and wherein the geothermal energy system is configured to transfer thermal energy between the CAES system and the geothermal energy system and supply generated power to the power grid.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the CAES system is further configured to transfer thermal energy between the CAES system and a district heating system to provide heating in the district heating system.

13. The system as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein when the CAESsystem is releasing energy through expansion, the thermal energy is removed from a district heating system and transferred to the CAES system, or wherein when the CAES system is releasing energy through expansion, thermal energy is transferred into the CAES system from the geothermal energy system.

14. The system as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the CAES system is electrically coupled to the geothermal energy system such that electrical energy transfers between the geothermal energy system and the CAES system.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions executable by a processor of a device to cause the device to carry out operations comprising the method of any of claims 1 to 10.

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