Group Control of Distributed Energy Storage Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power grid infrastructure faces challenges due to ageing systems, increasing demand, and intermittent power generation, necessitating more flexible resources, which distributed energy storage units aim to address but require effective group control to optimize their utilization.
Innovation Solution
A software and system for group control of multiple distributed energy storage units, connecting them to function as a virtual large energy storage device through a browser-based portal or network-based protocols, enabling synchronized operation and centralized management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distributed energy storage units are operated independently, then each unit can function autonomously, but the overall system cannot achieve coordinated control and optimized resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distributed energy storage units into a unified virtual power plant system, enabling centralized coordination and control. By merging individual units under a common control platform, the system achieves optimized resource utilization and coordinated operation while maintaining the physical independence of each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to universally manage diverse energy storage units with different capacities, locations, and operational characteristics. The platform provides multi-functional capabilities including real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, automated dispatch, and market participation, making it adaptable to various unit types and operational scenarios.
2Productivity
If distributed energy storage units are aggregated into a virtual power plant, then coordinated control and optimized resource use are achieved, but real-time data communication and synchronization become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops that monitor real-time operational data from each energy storage unit and adjust control commands accordingly. This ensures accurate data synchronization and coordinated operation by constantly comparing actual system state with target operational parameters and making real-time corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized control platform as an intermediary between distributed energy storage units and the grid operator. This intermediary collects, processes, and standardizes data from multiple units, ensuring accurate information aggregation and synchronization while managing communication protocols and data formats.
3Reliability
If energy storage units operate without centralized coordination, then system simplicity is maintained, but grid stability and power quality enhancement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into hierarchical layers: a centralized coordination layer for strategic decision-making and a distributed execution layer for local implementation. This segmentation allows grid stability functions to be coordinated centrally while maintaining operational simplicity at the unit level, reducing overall system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-coordinating energy storage unit schedules and operational parameters before grid events occur. Predictive analytics and automated dispatch plans are prepared in advance, enabling rapid response to grid stability events without requiring complex real-time decision-making during critical moments.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer software and a system are disclosed to provide group control and network operations to/for a multiplicity of distributed energy storage units. The group control software and system can connect multiple individual distributed energy storage units and operate those units in synchronicity to create a large virtual energy storage device. Methods of controlling the distributed energy storage units include: a browser-based online user portal, or network-based, system-to-system protocols by third-party operation controllers.