Distributed Power Switching Using Price-Responsive Stored Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The smart grid electrical network faces challenges in managing demand and supply due to high time-varying demand, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, particularly with the integration of renewable energy sources like wind power, which causes market volatility and uneconomic operation of traditional generators.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling the transfer of electrical power between two networks, allowing real-time adjustments based on pricing information and demand characteristics, using on-site stored energy such as combustible gas to generate electricity and switch between grid-supplied and self-generated power to minimize costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional utility-scale generation plants are used to meet high time-varying demand, then electrical power supply reliability is maintained, but market volatility increases and traditional generators operate uneconomically during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical power supply system into multiple independent distributed generating units at different locations, each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy while improving economic efficiency by activating only the necessary units based on local demand conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables end-users to generate their own electrical power through distributed generating units located at or near their premises. This self-service approach eliminates the need for traditional generators to operate at uneconomical low-load conditions, as each unit operates independently to meet its own demand or local demand, thereby improving overall economic efficiency while maintaining supply reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If large scale storage and buffering of electricity is implemented to balance demand and supply, then grid stability is improved, but the system becomes economically unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from centralized utility-scale plants and distributes it to multiple independent generating units located at or near end-users. This eliminates the need for large-scale electrical storage and buffering infrastructure, as each distributed unit can independently adjust its output to match local demand in real-time, thereby maintaining grid stability without the economic burden of large storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables distributed generating units to anticipate and respond to demand fluctuations proactively by adjusting their output in real-time based on local conditions. This preliminary action approach allows the system to balance supply and demand without requiring large-scale storage infrastructure, improving both grid stability and economic feasibility.
3Power
If centralized utility-scale generation is used to meet peak demand, then power supply capacity is sufficient, but the cost of supplying electricity to end-users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements distributed generating units with different capacities and characteristics at various locations based on local demand patterns and resource availability. This local quality approach ensures that each area has sufficient power supply capacity tailored to its specific needs, eliminating the need for expensive centralized peak-capacity infrastructure while reducing overall electricity costs for end-users.
4Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources like wind power are integrated into the grid, then sustainability is improved, but market volatility increases and traditional generators become uneconomic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where distributed generating units can independently adjust their output in real-time based on local conditions, renewable energy availability, and demand patterns. This dynamic approach allows for high renewable energy integration while maintaining market stability, as each unit responds flexibly to changing conditions without causing the volatility associated with centralized renewable integration.
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 approach reduces the end-user's exposure to price volatility, improves the efficiency of the electrical power supply network, and allows for cost-effective management of demand, thereby lowering overall costs and enhancing the stability of the electrical market.
Implementation Method 1
an on-site stored energy-to-electricity converter (574) having a fuel source in the form of stored combustible gas
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of controlling the time dependent transfer of electrical power between a first electrical network and a second electrical network is disclosed. The first electrical network is operable to provide instantaneous electrical power to the second electrical network located at a location, the second electrical network includes electrical generating capacity at the location based on stored energy accessible at the location. The method and system involves receiving at the second electrical network pricing information from the first electrical network, the pricing information associated with the future supply of electrical power by the first electrical network to the second electrical network and then modifying substantially in real time the transfer of electrical power between the first and second electrical networks in accordance with the pricing information and the electricity demand characteristics of the location.