Distributed Energy Storage Grid Frequency Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems are inefficient in controlling energy use at electric load locations, requiring impractical quantities of storage mediums and often leading to energy storage system exhaustion due to over-reaction to demand set-points, and they fail to effectively manage frequency and power fluctuations in electrical grids with the integration of renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
Multiphase distributed energy storage systems operating semi-autonomously with cloud-based optimization engines to monitor and control energy use, discharge during peak demand, and assist in grid frequency stabilization by coordinating with other systems to manage power flow and oscillations across the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple timer-based control or single demand set-point is used to control energy storage systems, then the control method is simple and easy to implement, but an impractical quantity of energy storage capacity is required and the system runs out of energy storage availability due to over-reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the energy storage system continuously monitors actual demand against the demand set-point curve and adjusts its response accordingly. The controller compares the actual power demand with the time-varying set-point and modulates charge/discharge operations to maintain demand below the set-point while preserving energy storage availability. This feedback approach prevents over-reaction and eliminates the need for excessive energy storage capacity compared to simple timer-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic, time-varying demand set-point curve instead of a fixed single set-point or simple timer control. The set-point curve changes over time to match the anticipated demand profile, allowing the energy storage system to operate more efficiently by charging and discharging at optimal times. This dynamic approach enables the system to meet peak demand requirements with significantly reduced energy storage capacity compared to static control methods.
2Device complexity
If a single demand set-point is used to control energy storage systems, then the control system is simple, but the energy storage system runs out of energy storage availability due to over-reaction to the demand set point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the energy storage system continuously monitors actual demand against the demand set-point curve and adjusts its response accordingly. The controller compares the actual power demand with the time-varying set-point and modulates charge/discharge operations to maintain demand below the set-point while preserving energy storage availability. This feedback approach prevents over-reaction and eliminates the need for excessive energy storage capacity compared to simple timer-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a time-varying demand set-point curve that is established in advance based on forecasted or historical demand patterns. This preliminary action allows the control system to anticipate future demand conditions and plan energy storage operations accordingly, avoiding situations where the system runs out of energy storage availability. By preparing the set-point curve beforehand, the system can optimize its charge/discharge schedule to maintain reliability without requiring excessive storage capacity.
3Loss of energy
If distributed energy storage systems are used to reduce peak power demand, then energy costs are lowered, but the systems fail to effectively manage frequency and power fluctuations in electrical grids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional energy storage control system that simultaneously performs demand management and grid frequency stabilization. The control system monitors both local demand conditions and grid frequency, and adjusts energy storage operations to achieve both objectives. During peak demand periods, the system discharges to reduce demand charges, while also responding to frequency deviations by adjusting charge/discharge rates. This universal approach allows the same distributed energy storage systems to provide both economic benefits through demand reduction and reliability benefits through frequency stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the energy storage system continuously monitors actual demand against the demand set-point curve and adjusts its response accordingly. The controller compares the actual power demand with the time-varying set-point and modulates charge/discharge operations to maintain demand below the set-point while preserving energy storage availability. This feedback approach prevents over-reaction and eliminates the need for excessive energy storage capacity compared to simple timer-based control.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include control methods employed in multiphase distributed energy storage systems that are located behind utility meters typically located at, but not limited to, medium and large commercial and industrial locations. These distributed energy storage systems can operate semi-autonomously, and can be configured to develop energy control solutions for an electric load location based on various data inputs and communicate these energy control solutions to the distributed energy storage systems. In some embodiments, one or more distributed energy storage systems may be used to absorb and/or deliver power to the electric grid in an effort to provide assistance to or correct for power transmission and distribution problems found on the electric grid outside of an electric load location. In some cases, two or more distributed energy storage systems are used to form a controlled and coordinated response to the problems seen on the electric grid.