Dynamic Energy Storage Mode Control for Backup Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current backup power systems face challenges in efficiently managing energy storage and distribution to maintain continuity of service during outages, particularly in regulating peak and off-peak usage periods, while also adhering to regulatory mandates and minimizing operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes an energy storage system and a controller to dynamically adjust energy storage modes based on usage rates, capacity, and outage forecasts, allowing for energy arbitrage by charging during off-peak hours and discharging during peak hours to maintain a power reserve and reduce energy costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If energy storage capacity is increased to maintain backup power during outages, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup power continuityVSAvoidenergy storage system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of energy storage capacity based on real-time usage patterns and predictive analytics. The system transitions from static to dynamic capacity management, adjusting storage levels according to forecasted demand and actual consumption rates, thereby maintaining reliability while optimizing resource utilization and reducing unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting energy storage capacity dynamically rather than maintaining fixed high capacity. By monitoring usage rates and predicting future demand, the system optimizes storage levels to provide adequate backup power while avoiding excessive complexity associated with always-maximum capacity configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If energy storage capacity is increased to cover peak usage periods, then duration of action is improved, but loss of energy increases due to charging during off-peak periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup power durationVSAvoidenergy loss during charging
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by charging energy storage during off-peak periods when energy is more efficiently available and less costly. This advance charging prepares the system for peak usage periods without requiring excessive storage capacity, thereby reducing energy losses while maintaining adequate backup duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of energy storage capacity based on real-time usage patterns and predictive analytics. The system transitions from static to dynamic capacity management, adjusting storage levels according to forecasted demand and actual consumption rates, thereby maintaining reliability while optimizing resource utilization and reducing unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If dynamic energy adjustment is implemented to reduce costs, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor energy usage patterns, storage levels, and demand forecasts to dynamically adjust charging and discharging operations. This feedback-driven approach optimizes energy efficiency and reduces costs while managing control system complexity through automated decision-making algorithms that respond to real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by using its own monitoring and control capabilities to automatically adjust energy storage operations. The predictive analytics and usage pattern recognition enable the system to make autonomous decisions about charging and discharging, improving productivity while minimizing the need for external complex control infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of energy storage systems by optimizing energy usage and reducing operational costs, ensuring a reliable power supply during outages while maintaining a high uptime level.

Implementation Method 1

an energy storage system capable of receiving electrical energy from an energy source and further capable of supplying electrical energy to a first load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Accumulator (energy)

Data Source

PatentUS8471406B2Controllable energy utilization system and associated method
Publication Date: 2013.06.25 GE GRID SOLUTIONS LLC
  • US8471406B2 patent drawing
  • US8471406B2 patent drawing
  • US8471406B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system includes an energy storage system capable of receiving electrical energy from an energy source and can supply electrical energy to a first load during a first period and to the first load during a second period. The first load differs in usage rate from the first period relative to the second period. A system controller maintains the energy storage system such that the energy storage system maintains a first amount of stored electrical energy during a first mode, and a second amount of electrical energy during a second mode. The system controller maintains the energy storage system in the first mode during a first portion of the first period, and in the second mode during a second portion of the first period.