Battery Capacity Allocation for Grid Regulation and UPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery-based systems for providing regulation services in power grids are inefficient due to high capital costs and intermittent usage, which limits their effectiveness and revenue potential.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes part of the capacity of a backup battery system, connected to the grid, for both backup power and grid regulation services, with continuous charging and discharging to monitor performance and health, allowing for additional revenue streams from grid regulation services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large storage batteries are used to provide regulation services, then reliability of regulation service is improved, but capital cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling backup battery systems to perform dual functions: providing traditional backup power for UPS systems and simultaneously delivering regulation services to the electricity grid. This allows existing battery infrastructure to generate additional revenue streams without requiring separate dedicated battery systems for regulation services, thereby improving reliability while controlling capital costs.
2Reliability
If battery capacity is allocated for backup supply only, then reliability of backup supply is improved, but productivity of battery system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the battery capacity into distinct functional segments: a first portion dedicated to backup supply operations and a second portion allocated for regulation services. This segmentation ensures that backup reliability is maintained through dedicated capacity while simultaneously enabling the system to generate revenue through grid regulation, thereby improving overall productivity without compromising backup reliability.
3Device complexity
If conventional UPS systems are used with intermittent battery exercise, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of battery health deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by transitioning from intermittent battery exercise in conventional UPS systems to continuous charging and discharging cycles when providing regulation services. This continuous operation enables ongoing monitoring and assessment of battery performance and health metrics, significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through the use of standard monitoring equipment already present in grid-connected systems.
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 reduces capital costs by utilizing existing infrastructure, enhances battery health monitoring, and generates additional revenue through grid regulation services, while maintaining sufficient reserve capacity for backup power.
Implementation Method 1
a converter from AC to DC for charging the batteries
Implementation Method 2
a inverter from DC to AC for converting the current from discharging the batteries into AC
Implementation Method 3
one or more storage batteries
Implementation Method 4
Transform Electrical Energy to Chemical Energy
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a battery cell system, which provides regulation service to the grid, as well as the battery being used as part of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Part of the capacity of the storage batteries may be used for regulation service, while maintaining a reserve of battery capacity to provide the UPS supply if required. An advantage is that the battery installation can be more effectively monitored as it is more regularly being charged and discharged.