ESS-Controlled DC Bus Power Balancing for Peak Load Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems in subterranean operations, such as drilling rigs and heavy-duty equipment, suffer from inefficiencies due to poor engine management, excessive fuel usage, and emissions, as they struggle to respond effectively to the nonlinear nature of load demands and human intentions, often sacrificing performance for consistency.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an energy storage system (ESS) is integrated with a common DC bus, managed by an ESS controller that estimates nominal voltage and sets DC voltage points for inverters, controlling DC current flow to stabilize power distribution and optimize generator usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If generators are used to meet peak power demands in subterranean operations, then power supply capability is improved, but fuel usage and emissions increase due to operating outside optimal efficiency loading
Solution Approach 1:
An energy storage system (ESS) is introduced as an intermediary between generators and loads. The ESS absorbs excess energy during low-demand periods and releases it during peak demand, allowing generators to operate at optimal loading while meeting variable power requirements. This mediator eliminates the need for generators to respond directly to transient load changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system is charged in advance during periods of low power demand when generators operate efficiently. This preliminary energy accumulation prepares the system to meet upcoming peak demands without requiring generators to increase loading, thereby maintaining optimal fuel efficiency while ensuring power availability.
2Power
If generators are sized to handle excessive peak loads, then power supply capability is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase due to derating
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two functional components: generators sized for base load and optimal efficiency operation, and an energy storage system for peak power delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally sized for its specific function, eliminating the need for oversized generators and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system acts as a mediator that decouples the sizing of generators from peak power requirements. Generators can be smaller and simpler since the ESS handles peak demands, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining the ability to supply adequate power during all operating conditions.
3Loss of energy
If targeted approaches are used to reduce heavy equipment loading, then fuel efficiency is improved, but responsiveness to system load decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system serves as a responsive intermediary that can rapidly discharge power during transient load increases. This allows the generator to maintain steady, efficient operation while the ESS provides immediate response to load changes, combining fuel efficiency with high responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system provides excessive action by being capable of delivering more power than the generator can instantly supply during peak demands. This partial over-capacity in the ESS ensures that even rapid, unexpected load increases are met immediately, maintaining system responsiveness while the generator operates efficiently.
4Loss of energy
If predictability-based methods are used to manage power, then fuel efficiency is improved, but operational adaptability decreases due to misclassification of human intentions
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system acts as a buffer that decouples generator operation from direct load variations. This allows predictable, efficient generator operation while the ESS adapts to actual load demands in real-time, including unexpected operational changes that predictability-based algorithms might misclassify.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system automatically responds to load changes without requiring complex prediction algorithms or human intervention. It self-adjusts its charge/discharge cycles based on real-time power balance, providing both fuel efficiency through steady generator operation and adaptability through immediate response to actual operational needs.
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 power efficiency by leveling out load demands, reducing generator inefficiencies, minimizing excess charges, and decreasing emissions, while maintaining responsiveness to peak power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
power management with an energy storage system
Implementation Method 2
managing power for a system that includes an energy storage system (ESS)
Implementation Method 3
one or more inverters control a flow of DC current through the one or more inverters based on the first DCSP
Data Source
AI summary
A method that can include coupling one or more loads of the system to a common direct current (DC) bus, measuring a voltage of the common DC bus, estimating a nominal voltage (Vnom) for the common DC bus, and determining a set point (DCSP) for each inverter based on the Vnom, where the inverters control a flow of DC current through the inverters based on the DCSP. A method that can include coupling one or more loads of the system to a common DC bus, measuring a voltage of the common DC bus, detecting a change in the voltage, managing a DCSP for each of inverters, where the inverters are configured to control the DC current flowing through the one or more inverters based on the DCSP, and managing DC current flowing through the inverters coupled between the ESS and the common DC bus.