Distributed Energy Dispatch Levelizing Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for scheduling the discharge of distributed energy resources, such as plug-in electric vehicles and power storage devices, are inadequate for managing large quantities and varying discharge capabilities, leading to significant burdens on the electric grid due to peak charging demands and uneven energy storage levels.

Innovation Solution

A computerized method for dispatching energy from distributed resources that levelizes energy storage levels across participating devices, allowing for optimized scheduling and participation in dispatch events, including the use of data networks to manage energy flow and incentivize consumer participation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If distributed power storage devices discharge energy simultaneously during peak demand, then the power requirement is met, but the grid burden increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower requirementVSAvoidgrid burden

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic dispatch events where distributed power storage devices discharge energy in scheduled intervals rather than simultaneously. The control system receives dispatch requests specifying time periods and power requirements, then coordinates staggered discharge cycles across multiple devices. This periodic action meets peak power requirements while distributing the grid burden over time, preventing simultaneous high-load stress on the electrical grid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If individual power storage devices discharge at varying rates, then each device operates at optimal efficiency, but the energy storage levels become uneven across devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge efficiencyVSAvoidenergy storage level uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts discharge parameters (power level, duration, timing) for each device based on its current state and capabilities. The control system modifies operational parameters in real-time to balance individual device efficiency with fleet-wide energy storage uniformity. By changing parameters adaptively rather than applying fixed discharge rates, the system maintains optimal efficiency while preventing excessive depletion of any single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control where the control system monitors energy storage levels across all devices and adjusts subsequent dispatch instructions accordingly. When certain devices approach low storage levels, the system receives feedback and modifies their discharge schedules or assigns them as standby units. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures energy storage levels remain relatively uniform while allowing individual devices to operate efficiently within their capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If all distributed resources participate in every dispatch event, then the available power is maximized, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailable powerVSAvoidscheduling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements selective participation where not all distributed power storage devices are required to participate in every dispatch event. Instead, the control system identifies and activates only the subset of devices needed to meet the current power requirement. This partial action approach maximizes available power by utilizing only necessary resources, thereby reducing communication overhead, coordination complexity, and computational burden compared to mandating universal participation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If dispatch scheduling is done in advance, then the power delivery is reliable, but the ability to respond to changing conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery reliabilityVSAvoidresponse to changing conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic rescheduling capabilities where advance dispatch schedules can be modified in response to changing conditions. The control system receives updated dispatch requests or system state information and adjusts subsequent dispatch timing and power levels accordingly. This dynamic approach maintains reliability by having pre-planned schedules while preserving adaptability through real-time modifications, allowing the system to respond to changing grid conditions, device availability, or load requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8849687B2Method and system for scheduling the discharge of distributed power storage devices and for levelizing dispatch participation

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 GRIDPOINT INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a computerized method for dispatching energy from distributed resources in a discharge event so that the energy stored in individual devices is levelized, or so that an operator request is met. Evaluation of event parameters may be deferred. The method may be utilized to dispatch energy from plug-in electric vehicles. Systems and methods to account for electricity dispatched to or from electric vehicles are disclosed. Systems and methods for incentivizing consumers to participate in a dispatch event or curtail energy use are disclosed.