Energy Management System for Microgrid Dispatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in managing their electrical usage due to the complexity of electricity markets and the integration of various entities, including utility providers and distributed energy resources (DER), making it difficult to optimize energy consumption and generation effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system for energy management that includes a processor, memory, and communication interface, which receives configuration information and dispatch commands to generate a dispatch profile controlling distributed energy resources (DER) such as solar PV systems and electric vehicle (EV) batteries, enabling efficient energy distribution and utilization based on user preferences, time of use rates, and grid conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a system integrates multiple distributed energy resources and utility providers to optimize energy management, then energy optimization capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy management system as an intermediary layer between distributed energy resources and utility providers. This system receives configuration information from multiple entities, processes it centrally, and generates coordinated dispatch profiles, thereby simplifying the interactions while maintaining comprehensive optimization capabilities across the entire energy ecosystem.
2Productivity
If the system controls multiple types of DER based on various conditions and preferences, then energy management effectiveness is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages control complexity by dynamically adjusting operational parameters based on detected conditions. The processor modifies dispatch profiles in real-time according to grid outages, DER availability, time-of-use rates, and user preferences, allowing effective energy management through parameter adaptation rather than complex structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management system employs dynamic control where the dispatch profile is continuously updated based on current grid conditions, DER status, and pricing signals. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond flexibly to changing conditions without requiring a statically complex control architecture.
3Reliability
If the system disconnects microgrid from main power grid during outages and manages DER independently, then grid stability is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring dispatch profiles and establishing control strategies before grid outages occur. When disconnection is detected, the system transitions to independent DER management using pre-established parameters and rules, reducing the operational complexity during critical outage scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a system for energy management may include a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The communication interface may receive configuration information associated with a microgrid and one or more distributed energy resources (DER). The processor may generate a dispatch profile to control one or more of the DER based on a detected outage, a type of DER connected to the microgrid, a set of default operating conditions, and a user preference. According to one aspect, the processor may generate the dispatch profile based on the dispatch command, a status of a DER of one or more of the DER connected to the microgrid, and a user preference. The dispatch command may include a demand response (DR) request or a vehicle grid integration (VGI) request for real power or reactive power from the microgrid.