Energy Storage Controller Grid Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Balancing power generation with energy demands in electrical power distribution systems connected to variable output generators like wind and solar power is challenging, as excess energy is often wasted due to the inability to adjust load effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system of energy storage devices controlled by a processor-based controller that adjusts electrical energy consumption rates in response to commands from the power distribution system, storing excess energy in mediums such as batteries or heat storage for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If variable output power generators (wind, solar) are used to increase renewable energy generation, then green energy production is improved, but power output stability deteriorates due to wide variations in generated energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having energy storage devices consume power in advance during periods of excess generation. The controller receives commands from the utility system and adjusts the consumption rate of energy storage devices before peak demand periods, effectively pre-storing energy to prevent waste while maintaining grid stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy storage devices serve as an intermediary between variable renewable generators and the electrical distribution system. These devices buffer the mismatch between generation and demand by consuming excess energy when available and can be controlled to adjust their consumption rate, mediating the connection between unstable generation and stable grid operation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional on/off control of energy consuming devices is used to manage peak demand, then device operation simplicity is improved, but energy demand control precision deteriorates due to lack of actual knowledge of system impact
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the controller receive commands from the utility system that provide actual information about grid conditions and the impact of energy storage device operations. This feedback loop enables precise adjustment of consumption rates based on real-time system state, transforming simple on/off control into precision demand management.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage devices transition from static on/off operation to dynamic variable rate consumption. The controller adjusts the consumption rate continuously based on utility commands and grid conditions, enabling the system to adapt its energy uptake dynamically rather than operating in fixed states.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of controlling energy consumption from an electrical power distribution system by energy storage devices, a first electrical load range for a first period in the future is communicated to the electrical power distribution system using a controller comprising a processor. A plurality of commands from the electrical power distribution system are received during the first period using the controller. A rate of electrical energy consumption by the group of energy storage devices is adjusted during the first period to a value within the first electrical load range responsive to each of the commands using the controller. A portion of the energy consumed by the group of energy storage devices is then stored in energy storage mediums of the devices during the first period.