Buffer Storage Heating for Grid Voltage Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of alternative energy sources like wind and solar power into electrical grids leads to instability due to fluctuating energy generation and consumption, causing voltage fluctuations and inefficiencies, as existing smart meter systems are costly and inefficient in managing energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
A hot water supply device is enhanced to absorb excess electrical energy by measuring the mains voltage and using a control signal from the network operator to activate a heating coil in the buffer storage, allowing for temporary and controlled energy absorption, with communication devices managing the heating process and temperature monitoring to stabilize the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If alternative energy sources (wind and solar power plants) are integrated into the electrical grid, then energy generation capacity is improved, but voltage stability deteriorates due to fluctuating energy generation and consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer storage is pre-charged with electrical energy during periods of excess generation (when voltage is high) and subsequently discharged during periods of high consumption (when voltage drops), anticipating voltage fluctuations before they occur. This preliminary charging/discharging cycle stabilizes the grid voltage by counteracting fluctuations in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the mains voltage and automatically adjusts the buffer storage's charging/discharging operations based on real-time voltage conditions. When voltage exceeds upper limits, the buffer charges; when voltage falls below lower limits, the buffer discharges, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains voltage stability.
2Productivity
If smart meters are deployed to control energy consumption timing, then energy distribution efficiency is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer storage system autonomously monitors mains voltage and self-regulates its charging/discharging operations without requiring external smart meters or complex communication infrastructure. The system serves itself by detecting voltage conditions and automatically adjusting energy flow, eliminating the need for expensive smart meter deployment while achieving efficient energy distribution.
3Stability of the object's composition
If buffer storage is used to absorb excess electrical energy, then voltage stability is improved, but energy loss increases due to thermal dissipation in the heating element
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor through electric heating as a mechanism to absorb excess electrical energy. The heating element converts electrical energy to thermal energy, which is stored in the buffer storage water, providing voltage stabilization while managing energy loss through controlled phase change rather than uncontrolled thermal dissipation.
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 solution enables cost-effective network stabilization by allowing the network operator to manage energy absorption dynamically, reducing voltage fluctuations and enhancing grid stability with a large number of hot water supply devices under remote control, effectively utilizing excess energy and maintaining temperature limits.
Implementation Method 1
a heating rod or a heating coil, the operating mode of which can be set by a network operator
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A warm water supply device has a heating source which acts on a buffer accumulator (13) whose outlet (21a) is connected to the inlet (23a) of a first mixing regulator (25a). The mixing regulator outlet (33a) is connected to a warm water consumer or to a heat consumer (29). The heating source comprises at least one heating rod (11a) or at least one heating coil whose operating mode can be set by a power system operator (3) of an electrical power supply system (1) via a communication device (35). The objective of the arrangement is to stabilize the power supply system of the power system operator by means of control signals (S) generated by said power system operator.