Distributed Energy Storage Layout for Peak and Base Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems often fail to optimally match energy generation and consumption patterns, leading to inefficiencies and energy losses due to the use of single battery technologies that may not be suited for peak load requirements or rapid energy storage needs.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized energy storage system combining different storage technologies, such as saltwater batteries for base-load storage and lithium-ion batteries for peak-load storage, with a control unit to manage charging and discharging cycles, and a separate supply line for energy transfer between them, allowing for efficient energy distribution and storage tailored to specific requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single battery technology is used for energy storage, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot meet both peak load requirements and base load storage requirements optimally
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into multiple independent storage devices, each optimized for specific functions: peak load storage devices for rapid energy delivery and base load storage devices for long-term energy retention. This segmentation allows each component to be tailored to its specific operational requirements while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions by managing charging and discharging cycles across different storage devices, coordinating between peak load and base load storage, and adapting to various energy generation and consumption patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized controllers for each storage type.
2Speed
If peak load storage devices with high C-rate are used, then rapid energy delivery is achieved, but energy losses increase due to insufficient base load storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Base load storage devices pre-store energy during periods of low demand or excess generation, preparing energy reserves in advance. This preliminary action allows peak load storage devices to discharge rapidly during high-demand periods without depleting their capacity too quickly, reducing the need for frequent high-rate charging that causes energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The base load storage devices act as intermediaries between the energy generation source and the peak load storage devices. They buffer energy fluctuations, absorbing excess energy when available and supplying energy during peak periods, thereby reducing the charging/discharging cycles and associated energy losses in the peak load storage system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If energy is transported over long distances within the grid, then energy distribution flexibility is improved, but line losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
Energy storage devices are distributed at different locations within the energy grid, with peak load storage devices positioned near high-demand areas and base load storage devices near energy generation sources. This local distribution reduces the distance energy must be transported, minimizing line losses while maintaining flexibility in energy distribution across the grid.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a decentralized energy storage system (12) for a self-sufficient or grid-connected energy network (14), comprising at least one first peak load storage unit (36) located at a first storage location, at least one second peak load storage unit (38) located at a second storage location, and at least one base load storage unit (40), wherein at least the base load storage unit (40) and the first peak load storage unit (36) are located at a consumer (28) of the energy network (14), wherein the base load storage unit (40) is based on a different storage technology than the peak load storage units (36, 38), wherein the decentralized energy storage system (12) comprises a control unit (46) configured to control charging and/or discharging cycles of the peak load storage units (36, 38) and the at least one base load storage unit (40), wherein the peak load storage units (36,38) and the at least one base load storage device (40) are electrically connected to each other, wherein at least the first storage location and the second storage location are spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to a decentralized energy supply system (10).