Distributed Energy Storage Control for Peak Demand Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The legacy electric grid is unstable due to fluctuations in consumer demand and intermittent renewable energy production, leading to inefficiencies, waste, and the need for peaker plants, which are costly and environmentally impactful.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of a network of smart energy storage units throughout the grid, equipped with control mechanisms and communications modules, to store energy during off-peak times and supply it back to the grid during peak demand, thereby stabilizing the grid and reducing the need for peaker plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peaker plants are activated to meet peak demand, then power supply reliability is improved, but energy waste and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing energy in advance during off-peak periods when demand is low. The controller monitors demand patterns and charges energy storage devices during off-peak periods, so that energy is already available when peak demand occurs, eliminating the need to activate peaker plants and their associated energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring both demand and supply conditions through the controller. The controller receives information about peak and off-peak periods, adjusts charging/discharging operations accordingly, and ensures energy is available when needed while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from peaker plants.
2Reliability
If peaker plants are activated to meet peak demand, then power supply reliability is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing energy in advance during off-peak periods when demand is low. The controller monitors demand patterns and charges energy storage devices during off-peak periods, so that energy is already available when peak demand occurs, eliminating the need to activate peaker plants and their associated environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring both demand and supply conditions through the controller. The controller receives information about peak and off-peak periods, adjusts charging/discharging operations accordingly, and ensures energy is available when needed while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from peaker plants.
3Stability of the object's composition
If energy is stored during off-peak periods and supplied during peak periods, then grid stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by designing the controller to perform multiple functions: monitoring demand conditions, determining peak and off-peak periods, controlling charging operations, controlling discharging operations, and communicating with utility providers. This multi-functional approach manages complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the energy storage devices and controller to autonomously monitor conditions, determine when to charge or discharge, and execute operations without requiring constant external control. The distributed nature of the system allows each component to make local decisions based on received signals, reducing overall system complexity.
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
The smart energy storage system helps stabilize the grid by matching supply with demand, reducing waste, and minimizing the reliance on peaker plants, thus enhancing grid efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage cell configured for receiving a first amount of electricity from a source of electricity generation, storing the first amount of electricity, and releasing a second amount of electricity from the first amount of stored electricity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to energy storage and supply management system. The system may include one or more of a control unit, which is in communication with the power grid, and an energy storage unit that stores power for use at a later time. The system may be used with traditional utility provided power as well as locally generated solar, wind, and any other types of power generation technology. In some embodiments, the energy storage unit and the control unit are housed in the same chassis. In other embodiments, the energy storage unit and the control unit are separate. In another embodiment, the energy storage unit is integrated into the chassis of an appliance itself.