Power Switching for EV-Backed Grid Disconnection and Islanding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively manage power distribution in locations disconnected from the grid, particularly during adverse conditions, relying on local energy sources like electric vehicles and on-premises storage to ensure continuous power supply.
Innovation Solution
A power switching system predicts adverse grid conditions and proactively manages local energy sources, such as electric vehicles and on-premises storage, to ensure a location operates independently by disconnecting from the grid and utilizing these sources for power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the location remains connected to the power grid, then it can access continuous external power supply, but it becomes vulnerable to adverse grid conditions such as outages and high demand
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing energy in local energy sources (electric vehicles and on-premises storage) before adverse grid conditions occur. The processor identifies when adverse conditions are predicted and proactively charges energy storage systems in advance, ensuring power availability when grid connection is lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the power supply architecture by introducing local energy sources that can operate independently from the grid. This creates a modular structure where the location can switch between grid-powered mode and island mode using local energy sources, providing reliability during grid failures.
2Reliability
If the location disconnects from the power grid during adverse conditions, then it achieves independence and continuous power supply, but it requires complex power management of local energy sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies multi-functionality by using electric vehicles for multiple purposes: they serve as both transportation assets and mobile energy storage devices. The same electric vehicle infrastructure that provides transportation also provides power backup, reducing the need for dedicated backup power equipment and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system operates autonomously by using the processor to automatically monitor grid conditions, predict adverse events, manage charging of local energy sources, and control disconnection/reconnection operations without requiring manual intervention, thereby managing complexity through automation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If local energy sources are used for power distribution, then the location reduces reliance on external power sources, but it requires identifying and managing multiple energy sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electric vehicles as universal assets that provide both transportation and energy storage functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated backup power systems and simplifies management by leveraging existing vehicle infrastructure for power distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor continuously monitors the status of multiple energy sources (grid connection, electric vehicle battery levels, on-premises storage charge states) and uses this feedback to intelligently manage power distribution, optimizing which sources are used based on real-time conditions and predictions.
Data Source
AI summary
An example operation includes one or more of determining an adverse condition will exist on a power grid at a future time, identifying an electric vehicle at a location connected to the power grid and controlling the electric vehicle to store power based on the future time, disconnecting the location from the power grid when the adverse condition occurs, and controlling the electric vehicle to distribute power to one or more devices at the location after disconnecting the location from the power grid.