Energy Storage System Stabilizes Generator Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subterranean operations such as drilling, excavating, and dredging face volatile power demands, leading to inefficient operation of generators due to constant ramping up and down to match load requirements, resulting in suboptimal energy usage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an energy storage system (ESS) integrated with power management software, which monitors and stabilizes both DC and AC bus voltages and frequencies by transferring power between generators and the ESS, ensuring consistent load on generators and optimizing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If generators constantly ramp up and down to track volatile power demand, then power demand can be met, but generator efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An energy storage system (ESS) is introduced as an intermediary between the generators and the variable power loads. The ESS absorbs power fluctuations, allowing generators to operate at steady state while the ESS handles the transient power demands, thus resolving the contradiction between meeting variable power demand and maintaining generator efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system pre-charges during low-demand periods and discharges during high-demand periods, anticipating power requirements before they occur. This preliminary action allows generators to maintain constant operation rather than reacting to each power fluctuation, preserving generator efficiency while meeting adaptability requirements
2Use of energy by moving object
If generators operate at high capacity for efficiency, then energy usage improves, but ability to handle volatile power demand worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The ESS serves as a buffer that decouples generator operation from load variations. Generators can operate continuously at optimal capacity for efficiency, while the ESS provides the necessary flexibility to handle sudden power demand changes, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and power demand adaptability
3Stability of the object's composition
If energy storage system transfers power to stabilize DC bus voltage, then voltage stability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring DC bus voltage and automatically adjusting power transfer between the ESS and the bus. When voltage deviates from the nominal level, the system responds by charging or discharging the ESS accordingly, providing automatic stabilization without requiring complex manual intervention or oversimplified hardware
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 system effectively manages power peaks and valleys, allowing generators to operate at constant capacity, improving efficiency, reducing energy waste, and minimizing peak load charges by storing energy during low demand and releasing it during high demand periods.
Implementation Method 1
transferring an amount of power between the DC bus and an energy storage system (ESS) electrically coupled to the DC bus to return the DC voltage substantially to the predetermined VDC level
Implementation Method 2
rectifying energy from the AC bus to power a direct current (DC) bus
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing a power system is provided and can include energizing an alternating current (AC) bus via one or more generators, rectifying energy from the AC bus to power a direct current (DC) bus, powering one or more loads electrically coupled to the DC bus, monitoring a DC voltage of the DC bus, detecting a magnitude and a rate of change of the DC voltage or AC frequency from a predetermined value, and transferring an amount of power between the DC bus or the AC bus, and an energy storage system electrically coupled to the buses to return the DC voltage or AC frequency substantially to the predetermined value, wherein the amount of power is based on the magnitude and rate of change.