Demand Response Load Balancing for Variable Renewable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems rely on fossil-fuel fired generators for balancing load and generation fluctuations, leading to inefficiencies and high emissions, as they need to be on standby or operate at part-load conditions, making them unsuitable for quick response and clean energy integration.
Innovation Solution
A system that directly associates a load demand with a variable power generation module, bypassing traditional power transmission and distribution grids, using a sensor to determine output power capability and a response device to adjust load demand, allowing for efficient integration of renewable energy sources like solar power, and enabling Demand Response providers to manage ancillary services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fossil-fuel fired generators are used to balance load and generation fluctuations, then reliability is improved, but emissions increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load balancing function from traditional fossil-fuel generators and assigns it to demand response resources. By taking out the ancillary service function from the generation side and placing it on the demand side, the system eliminates emissions from standby generators while maintaining reliability through demand-side management resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct communication link between variable power generation modules and load demand modules as an intermediary mechanism. This direct association enables real-time load balancing without requiring fossil-fuel generators, using instead a coordinated system of sensors, response devices, and communication protocols that match demand to renewable supply.
2Reliability
If fossil-fuel generators operate on hot standby or spinning conditions, then reliability is improved, but energy efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables demand response resources to self-manage their operation based on real-time signals from variable power generation modules. Instead of requiring standby generators to maintain readiness, the system uses automated response devices at demand sites that can quickly adjust load based on renewable generation availability, eliminating the need for continuous fuel consumption to maintain standby capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static standby mode of traditional generators into a dynamic demand response system. Load balancing becomes a flexible, real-time process where demand response resources adjust their operation dynamically based on signals from variable power generation, allowing the system to respond quickly without maintaining constant fuel consumption.
3Reliability
If peaker units are used for load balancing, then reliability is improved, but efficiency decreases and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by instead of adjusting generation to match demand, adjusting demand to match renewable generation. This inversion eliminates the need for inefficient peaker units entirely, as demand response resources can be modulated to align with variable renewable supply, achieving load balancing without sacrificing generation efficiency.
4Use of energy by moving object
If combined-cycle gas turbines are used, then efficiency is improved, but adaptability to quick response requirements worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces direct communication links and automated response devices as intermediaries between variable power generation and load demand. This intermediary system enables rapid response by directly signaling demand response resources to adjust load based on real-time generation conditions, bypassing the slow thermal response characteristics of combined-cycle gas turbines while maintaining high efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. For example, a method of providing power from a renewable resource includes receiving a signal including an output capability value for a renewable variable power generation module. An input power demand value is calculated for a load demand module based on the output capability value of the received signal. A customer load is controlled on a power transmission and distribution grid based on the calculated input power demand value.