Distributed Energy Resource Control for Grid Voltage and Reactive Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional centralized power grid architecture is strained by the increased use of renewable energy sources and reactive power demands, leading to instability and inefficiencies, necessitating additional infrastructure and limiting the connection of renewable energy due to issues with grid voltage control and reactive power.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent grid operating system (iGOS) distributes intelligence throughout the grid, enabling distributed energy resources (DERs) to generate both real and reactive power in real-time, adjusting their operation to align voltage and current waveforms, and providing dynamic control over power demand and generation, allowing for efficient energy management and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed energy resources (DERs) are connected to generate real power, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but grid voltage control and reactive power stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of DERs by enabling them to switch between generating real power and reactive power based on real-time grid conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the operation mode of each DER to maintain grid stability while maximizing renewable energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual power plant that aggregates multiple DERs and presents them as a single controllable resource to the utility grid. This virtual aggregation allows coordinated control of reactive power while maintaining the benefits of distributed real power generation.
2Device complexity
If traditional centralized grid architecture is used, then infrastructure control is simplified, but additional infrastructure is required and renewable energy connection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the grid into multiple zones with local control capabilities. Each DER can independently control its output based on local grid conditions, eliminating the need for centralized control infrastructure while enabling widespread renewable energy connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary between DERs and the utility grid, enabling coordinated control without requiring additional physical infrastructure. The communication system allows DERs to exchange information and coordinate their operation.
3Reliability
If reactive power is controlled by utility central management, then grid stability is maintained, but efficiency of energy transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables DERs to self-regulate their reactive power output based on local grid conditions detected through communication networks. Each DER autonomously adjusts its operation to provide voltage support and reactive power where needed, eliminating the need for long-distance reactive power transmission from centralized sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where DERs continuously monitor grid conditions through communication networks and adjust their real and reactive power output accordingly. This closed-loop control maintains grid stability while optimizing energy transmission efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A grid distribution system aggregates energy resources of multiple distributed energy resources (DERs) and provides service to one or more energy markets with the DERs as a single market resource. The DERs can create data to indicate realtime local demand and local energy capacity of the DERs. Based on DER information and realtime market information, the system can compute how to provide one or more services to the power grid based on an aggregation of DER energy capacity.