Distributed Energy Storage for Modular Buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems in modular and 3D-printed buildings are costly due to high upfront capital expenditures and inefficient energy distribution, failing to effectively reduce system costs and environmental footprint while leveraging advanced technologies.
Innovation Solution
A distributed and decoupled energy storage system with strategically placed energy storage devices, utilizing a feedforward control system and integrated energy regulators to optimize energy flow from multiple sources, reducing energy transmission capacity and capital costs, and incorporating energy recovery and CO2 sequestration features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary energy storage systems are integrated into buildings, then power generation and consumption can be decoupled, but total building system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple modular units distributed throughout the building rather than a single centralized system. Each module can independently store and release energy, enabling flexible configuration that reduces overall system cost while maintaining decoupling capability between power generation and consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional centralized energy storage to a distributed three-dimensional network of storage nodes integrated within building structures. This spatial redistribution allows energy to be stored and released at multiple locations simultaneously, reducing transmission requirements and overall system cost while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If high-peak demand energy consumers are served with oversized energy production and transmission equipment, then power supply reliability is ensured, but upfront capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Energy is stored in advance during low-demand periods when production capacity is underutilized, and then released during peak demand periods. This preliminary energy accumulation eliminates the need for oversized transmission equipment, reducing capital costs while ensuring reliable power supply during high-peak demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts energy storage and release parameters based on real-time demand conditions. By changing operational parameters rather than relying on fixed oversized capacity, the system maintains reliability during peak demand while avoiding the capital cost of permanently installed excess capacity.
3Loss of time
If distributed stationary energy storage systems charge and discharge at the same location, then time differential between peak and off-peak rates is realized, but utilization factors increase and distribution line benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from fixed location constraints and distributes storage nodes throughout the building. Energy can be charged at one location during off-peak periods and discharged at different locations during peak periods, realizing time differential benefits while improving overall system utilization and providing additional distribution line relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed energy storage nodes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide time-shifting energy storage, improve local utilization factors, reduce distribution line loads, and enhance overall system flexibility. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system beneficial at multiple levels rather than sacrificing one advantage for another.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for energy distribution leveraging dynamic feedforward allocation of distributed energy storage using multiple energy distribution pathways to maximize load-balancing to accelerate return on investment, reduce system energy consumption, and maximize utilization of existing energy infrastructure particularly for modular construction.