Dynamic Turbine Segmentation for Gas Storage Profitability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas storage power plants operate inefficiently due to fixed turbine and compressor configurations, leading to suboptimal energy generation and storage costs, as they are not adaptable to fluctuating electricity prices.
Innovation Solution
A gas storage power plant with independently operable compressors and turbines, where the number and activation of units are dynamically adjusted based on current electricity prices to maximize energy generation during peak demand and minimize charging costs during low-demand periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all turbines are used simultaneously for current generation during discharge cycle, then maximum electrical energy is provided for peak demand times, but the plant cannot adapt to fluctuating electricity prices
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine system is divided into multiple independently controllable turbine units. Instead of operating all turbines simultaneously, the system segments the generation capacity and activates only the necessary number of turbines based on real-time electricity price signals and demand conditions, allowing flexible adaptation while maintaining total generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine operation is made dynamic through continuous adjustment of the number of active turbines based on fluctuating electricity prices and demand. The system transitions from static full-capacity operation to dynamic partial-capacity operation, where turbine activation levels are continuously optimized to match market conditions.
2Quantity of substance
If compressors are operated during charging cycle, then gas reservoir is filled for future energy storage, but charging costs are not minimized due to lack of price-based activation control
Solution Approach 1:
Compressor operation is made dynamic by adjusting the number of active compressors based on real-time electricity prices during charging cycles. The system activates compressors selectively during low-price periods and deactivates them during high-price periods, minimizing charging energy costs while ensuring adequate gas storage capacity is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of compressors based on price signals. Instead of operating compressors at constant capacity, the system varies the number of active compressors and their operating levels according to electricity price fluctuations, optimizing the energy cost parameter for charging operations.
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 operational profitability by optimizing energy generation during peak demand times and reducing storage costs by aligning compressor and turbine activity with market price fluctuations, thereby improving overall efficiency and profit margins.
Implementation Method 1
air or another gas is pumped under relatively high pressure into a reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the gas storage power plant possesses, moreover, a gas reservoir which is discharged via the turbo group in order to generate electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating a gas storage power plant (1) with at least two turbines (3), with at least two compressors (2) and with at least one gas reservoir (4). The compressors (2) are activated for charging the gas reservoir (4) and are at the same time driven by at least one electric motor (7). The turbines (3) are activated for discharging the gas reservoir (4) and at the same time drive at least one generator (12). In order to improve the operating profitability of the gas storage power plant (1), the number of instantaneously activated compressors (2) and/or turbines (3) depends on the current price at the particular time.