Distributed Energy Resource Feedback Control for Grid Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

As renewable energy sources become more prevalent, power grids face challenges in managing distributed energy resources, including preventing network overload and ensuring engineering limits are met, particularly in integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems and wind turbines into the grid.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that uses processors to manage distributed energy resources by determining voltage and power constraints, allowing energy resources to modify their output based on calculated coefficients, thereby providing automatic generation control and regulation services, ensuring efficient operation and compliance with engineering limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If distributed energy resources are integrated into the power grid to increase renewable energy usage, then the proportion of renewable energy in the power system is improved, but the risk of network overload and violation of engineering limits worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproportion of renewable energyVSAvoidnetwork overload risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a real-time feedback control system that continuously monitors voltage and power values at multiple nodes in the distribution network. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the output of distributed energy resources to prevent network overload while maximizing renewable energy utilization. The feedback loop ensures that engineering limits are maintained even as renewable energy penetration increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of distributed energy resources in real-time based on current grid conditions. By making the system adaptive rather than static, it can respond to changing load demands and renewable generation patterns, preventing overload conditions while maintaining high renewable energy integration levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If distributed energy resources are allowed to operate independently to meet economic objectives, then the economic efficiency is improved, but the ability to maintain voltage and power constraints worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeconomic efficiencyVSAvoidconstraint satisfaction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a distribution management system as an intermediary between distributed energy resources and the main power grid. This intermediary coordinates the operation of distributed resources, ensuring they meet both economic objectives and engineering constraints. The management system acts as a mediator that balances local economic interests with overall grid reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If real-time monitoring and control of multiple voltage nodes is implemented to prevent network overload, then the network reliability is improved, but the system complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork overload preventionVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the distribution network into multiple monitored voltage nodes, with each node having its own voltage-constraint coefficients. This segmentation allows the complex monitoring task to be broken down into manageable local components, where each node is controlled independently based on its specific conditions, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If distributed energy resources adjust their output frequently to maintain voltage constraints, then the voltage stability is improved, but the wear on energy resource equipment worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidequipment lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial adjustment actions to distributed energy resources, using small incremental changes in output rather than large frequent adjustments. By using small step changes based on voltage-constraint coefficients, the system maintains voltage stability while reducing the mechanical and electrical stress on equipment, thereby extending component lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11799295B2Real time feedback-based optimization of distributed energy resources

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 ALLIANCE FOR ENERGY INNOVATION LLC

AI summary

An example device includes a processor configured to receive a plurality of voltage values representing respective voltage magnitudes at voltage nodes in a first portion of a power system and determine, for each voltage node, a respective value of first and second voltage-constraint coefficients. The processor is also configured to receive a power value corresponding to a connection point of the first portion of the power system with a second portion of the power system and determine for the connection point, a respective value of first and second power-constraint coefficients. The processor is also configured to cause at least one energy resource connected to the first portion of the power system to modify an output power of the at least one energy resource based on the value of the first and second voltage-constraint coefficients for each voltage node and the value of the first and second power-constraint coefficients.