Dynamic Switching Between an Energy Source and Stored Energy for a Dominant Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face increased energy risks due to power outages and skyrocketing energy prices, with existing solutions failing to provide effective protection and information about power costs in a heterogeneous power system with diverse energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that dynamically switches a dominant load between an external power source and an energy storage device, such as a battery, based on real-time price and carbon intensity thresholds, using switches and reversing contactors to optimize energy usage and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If consumers connect to external power grids, then they can access energy supply, but they face power outages and skyrocketing energy prices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy storage device as an intermediary between the external power grid and the load. This mediator allows the system to buffer against grid instability, storing energy when prices are low and providing power during outages or high-price periods, thus protecting consumers from both power outages and skyrocketing energy prices while maintaining connection to the external grid
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by storing energy in advance during periods of low energy prices and high availability. The energy storage device is charged when electricity is cheap and the grid is stable, preparing energy reserves before outages or price spikes occur, enabling consumers to switch to stored energy proactively rather than reactively
2Object-affected harmful factors
If consumers use energy storage devices, then they can protect against power outages and high prices, but they lose connection to external power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability that allows the system to adaptively change its configuration based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors energy prices, grid stability, and storage levels, then dynamically switches between grid-connected mode and isolated islanded mode with energy storage, providing both protection during outages and reconnection when external power is reliable and affordable
3Ease of operation
If a single local energy provider is used, then consumers have simplified energy access, but they are locked into unlimited energy costs without notification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors energy prices, consumption patterns, and storage levels. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust its operation, switch between energy sources based on cost, and provide consumers with information about energy costs and usage, transforming the opaque single-provider model into a transparent, controllable system
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing consumers to automatically manage their own energy procurement and cost control. The controller autonomously decides when to draw from the grid, when to use stored energy, and when to switch modes, giving consumers direct control over their energy costs and usage patterns without requiring complex manual management
Data Source
AI summary
Power-management techniques are described. In the power-management techniques, a computer system (such as a cloud-based computer system or a local computer system) dynamically controls an energy source that provides electrical power to a load at a location. Notably, the computer system selectively transitions between use of a (typically external) energy source (such as a power grid associated with a utility or power supplier, hydroelectric, a generator or a solar array) and an energy storage device (such as a battery or a battery array, thermal power storage, a mechanical flywheel, or another type of energy storage device) at the location to provide electrical power to at least a dominant (e.g., highest power-consuming) load at the location. Note that the selective transitions may be based at least in part on a price of electricity and/or carbon intensity of electricity.