Distributed Energy Storage for PV Grid Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
High penetration of photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays causes system capacity issues due to timing mismatches between solar power availability and electricity demand, and power quality disturbances from atmospheric variations, which existing distribution systems struggle to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed energy storage system with local energy storage units coordinated by a HUB controller, using power smoothing and voltage control algorithms to buffer solar output variations, allowing stored energy to be used during peak demand times and maintaining power quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high penetration of PV arrays is deployed to increase renewable energy supply, then energy supply contribution is improved, but system capacity is worsened due to timing mismatch between solar availability and peak demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by charging energy storage systems during periods of high solar generation (when supply exceeds demand) so that energy is预先 stored and available for release during peak demand periods. This temporal decoupling resolves the timing mismatch between solar availability and peak demand, allowing PV arrays to contribute to system capacity when needed most.
2Productivity
If high penetration of PV arrays is deployed to increase renewable energy supply, then energy supply contribution is improved, but power quality is worsened due to atmospheric variations affecting multiple arrays simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distributed energy storage systems into a coordinated network managed by a HUB controller. By combining the buffering capacity of multiple storage units and implementing centralized control with power smoothing algorithms, the system collectively compensates for power quality disturbances caused by atmospheric variations affecting multiple PV arrays simultaneously, preventing widespread flicker issues.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If distributed energy storage systems are implemented to address PV integration issues, then power quality control is improved, but system complexity is worsened due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a HUB controller as an intermediary that centralizes the coordination of multiple distributed energy storage systems. The HUB implements power smoothing algorithms and voltage control strategies, acting as a mediator that simplifies the coordination complexity by providing unified control rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer communication between all storage units. This intermediary structure manages the complexity while achieving power quality improvement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively addresses system capacity and power quality issues by enabling efficient load shifting and reducing the need for additional peak power generation, while avoiding modifications to existing PV systems and regulatory requirements, allowing for incremental deployment and cost-effective utilization of solar power.
Implementation Method 1
a technical solution to address system capacity and system disturbance concerns caused by wide deployment of PV generation capacity is to provide associated with PV sources local energy storage
Data Source
AI summary
Distributed energy storage within the distribution network of an electric power network at least partially supplied by time varying and unpredictable generation sources provides smoothing of energy flow within the distribution network. The distributed energy storage may include a plurality of distributed energy storage units operating under the control of a single controller or regional controllers. The distributed energy storage units may operate as groups of units or as separate units.