Aggregated Thermostatic Loads for Grid Voltage Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of intermittent renewable resources into power grids poses challenges due to their unpredictable nature, leading to voltage fluctuations and peak demand issues, particularly with cooling loads contributing significantly to energy consumption in commercial buildings.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize aggregated thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs), including smart thermostats and thermal storage units, to manage demand on power distribution feeders by sending probability signals to switch their operational status, thereby reducing peak loads, smoothing intermittent renewable energy generation, and storing energy in an energy storage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If intermittent renewable resources are integrated into power grids, then renewable energy penetration increases, but voltage fluctuations and grid stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the control device receives real-time data from smart meters about power consumption and renewable generation, processes this information, and sends control signals back to TCLs to adjust their operation. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to respond dynamically to voltage fluctuations and maintain grid stability while accommodating high renewable penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational status of TCLs based on real-time grid conditions. The control device modulates the switching of TCLs according to varying renewable generation levels and load demands, transforming static thermal loads into dynamic, controllable resources that can adapt to intermittent renewable input and stabilize grid voltage.
2Productivity
If TCLs are controlled to manage peak demand, then load management capability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it aggregates data from smart meters, processes control algorithms, generates control signals, and communicates with TCLs. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional control device, the system achieves sophisticated load management without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
TCLs equipped with smart thermostats autonomously respond to control signals from the control device, adjusting their own operational status without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the control architecture by enabling distributed, autonomous decision-making at the load level while maintaining centralized coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If smart thermostats and thermal storage units are used, then demand-side participation improves, but infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal storage units pre-cool or pre-heat spaces during periods of low demand or high renewable generation, storing thermal energy for later use. This preliminary action shifts demand away from peak periods, enabling demand-side participation without requiring complex real-time control infrastructure, as the thermal inertia naturally provides load management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces peak loads, stabilizes voltage, and adjusts power distribution to counteract intermittent renewable energy sources, enhancing grid stability and efficiency without requiring advanced meter infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The thermostatically controlled loads may be thermal storage units
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an apparatus and method for using aggregated loads from a plurality of distributed energy resources to perform a function at a power distribution feeder. The invention includes a plurality of distributed energy resources, wherein at least one distributed energy resource includes a renewable energy resource, a communication network, a control device, a power distribution feeder coupled to the control device, and an energy storage system coupled to the power distribution feeder. The control device sends a signal to the plurality of distributed energy resources via the communication network. The signal is a request to switch a status of one or more of the distributed energy resources if one or more distributed energy resources is within a predetermined condition. Loads from the one or more of the distributed energy resources that switched status are aggregated to perform a function at the power distribution feeder.