Multi-Grid Farm Energy Management Scheduling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy management systems for remote farms and rural agricultural communities face challenges due to high initial capital investment and low capacity factor, with existing optimization methods often resulting in infeasible solutions due to neglecting energy flow capacity constraints.
Innovation Solution
A multi-grid system that integrates electrical and thermal energy management with flexible storage and scheduling of energy production and consumption, allowing for optimal operation by coordinating farming tasks with energy storage and generation, and considering operational limits of the microgrid and material flow networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing optimization methods are used for energy management, then computational simplicity is maintained, but solution feasibility deteriorates due to neglecting energy flow capacity constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The optimization problem is divided into two distinct components: a master problem that determines energy production and storage schedules, and subordinate problems that verify feasibility against network capacity constraints. This segmentation allows the complex feasibility check to be separated from the optimization calculation, maintaining computational efficiency while ensuring solution validity.
Solution Approach 2:
A feasibility verification mechanism acts as an intermediary between the optimization algorithm and the physical system constraints. This intermediary checks whether proposed solutions respect energy flow capacity limits and coordinates adjustments between the master optimization problem and subordinate feasibility problems, ensuring that final solutions are both optimal and physically realizable.
2Reliability
If infrastructure is oversized to allow arbitrary energy flow, then energy flow capacity is improved, but capital investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts energy flow distribution within existing infrastructure capacity limits rather than relying on oversized static infrastructure. The optimization algorithm flexibly schedules energy production, storage, and consumption to adapt to varying demands and network constraints, fully utilizing available capacity without requiring excessive infrastructure investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as charging/discharging schedules, production timing, and consumption patterns to optimize energy flow within existing capacity constraints. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves high reliability and efficient utilization without the need for oversized infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If farming loads are scheduled flexibly, then scheduling freedom is improved, but operational complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The scheduling problem is segmented into a master optimization problem that handles high-level coordination and subordinate feasibility problems that manage detailed operational constraints. This division reduces coordination complexity by separating strategic scheduling decisions from tactical operational adjustments, making the overall system more manageable despite increased flexibility requirements.
4Reliability
If microgrid operates in island mode, then energy independence is improved, but fuel consumption increases due to lack of grid exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of energy storage devices during periods of renewable energy availability or low demand, preparing stored energy for later use when independence is critical. This advance preparation reduces the need for fuel-based generation during islanded operation, lowering overall fuel consumption while maintaining energy independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization ensures continuous and efficient utilization of renewable energy sources and storage systems to maintain uninterrupted power supply during islanded operation. By keeping the system continuously optimized for self-sufficiency, fuel consumption is minimized while maintaining reliable energy independence.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with energy management of a remote farm or rural agricultural community with no or limited access to a main electrical grid. According to the invention, an innovative use of a multi-grid system for the provision of electricity, water, and thermal energy for heating and cooling needs is proposed for farms and farming communities. The existence of at least one continual stream or flow of material in a network different from but interacting with an electrical microgrid is exploited in view of a flexible storage of energy beyond a conventional perimeter of the microgrid and without reconversion of the stored energy into electrical energy. Optimal operation of the microgrid may then be achieved by scheduling or planning electrical power generation within the farm in conjunction with farming related loads that likewise represent a time-wise degree of freedom.