Coordinated Energy Dispatching for Remote Microgrids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional microgrids, particularly those used in oil and gas operations, face challenges such as large geographical footprints, high costs, unreliability, and inefficiency due to the use of large turbine generators, which result in wasted energy and complexity, especially in applications requiring fluctuating power demands.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated energy dispatching system incorporating a central power plant with reciprocating generators, electrical storage systems, and an oversized bus bar in switchgear trailers, allowing for flexible and efficient power distribution between multiple sites, enabling rapid deployment and adaptation to changing load demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large turbine generators are used for power generation, then power output capacity is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single large generator function into multiple smaller reciprocating generators (e.g., three 10 MW generators instead of one 30 MW generator). Each generator is independently controllable and can be connected or disconnected from the grid as needed, reducing individual unit complexity while maintaining total power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic configuration where generators can be selectively connected or disconnected based on load requirements. The switchgear system allows rapid reconfiguration of the power generation fleet, transitioning from static full-capacity operation to dynamic load-matching operation.
2Power
If turbine generators operate at full load, then power output is improved, but energy waste increases due to inability to match fluctuating demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static full-load operation to dynamic load-matching operation. Multiple reciprocating generators can be selectively activated or deactivated based on real-time power demand, allowing the system to operate efficiently across varying load conditions without wasting energy on unnecessary generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters from fixed full-load operation to variable load operation. By controlling the number and output level of active generators based on demand signals, the system optimizes the match between power supplied and power required, minimizing energy waste.
3Reliability
If multiple large turbine generators are deployed for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple smaller reciprocating generators instead of fewer large turbine generators. This segmentation provides redundancy through distributed smaller units that are individually less complex and can be independently maintained or replaced without shutting down the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs smaller, simpler reciprocating generators that are less expensive and less complex than large turbine generators. These units can be more easily replaced or maintained, providing reliability through economic and operational simplicity rather than through the complexity of large, expensive turbine systems.
4Stability of the object's composition
If microgrids are designed for permanent installation, then stability is improved, but adaptability to temporary operations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing it to transition between permanent and temporary operational modes. The switchgear and control systems enable rapid connection and disconnection of generators and loads, providing the stability of a permanent installation when needed while maintaining the adaptability to be quickly dismantled or reconfigured for temporary operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A coordinated energy dispatching system includes a central power plant, a first and second work site, and a power distribution network. The central power plant includes a reciprocating generator and a central switch gear. The central switch gear includes a plurality of inputs and a power distribution output. Each work site includes an energy source, an electric powered assembly, and a work site switchgear. The work site switch gear includes a plurality of inputs, an assembly output, and a power distribution input-output. A power distribution network is electrically connected to the power distribution output of the central switchgear of the central power plant and the power distribution input-output of the work site switchgear of the first and second work site.