Flexible Datacenter Load Control for Excess Renewable Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The issue of curtailment in renewable energy generation, where wind and solar generators are forced to reduce output due to transmission congestion, excess generation, or grid stability issues, leading to wasted energy and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for a flexible datacenter that utilizes behind-the-meter power input systems, power distribution systems, and computing systems to dynamically adjust power use based on economic signals from power generation. This includes identifying changes in power-generation economic signals and adjusting the rate of power use or providing indications of computational resource availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If renewable energy generators increase output to meet demand, then energy production increases, but transmission congestion and grid stability issues cause curtailment and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a behind-the-meter load as an intermediary to absorb excess renewable energy directly at the generation site. This intermediary load (such as water electrolysis systems, thermal storage, or industrial processes) acts as a local energy sink that prevents curtailment by consuming surplus power before it reaches the transmission grid, thereby eliminating energy waste while maintaining high production levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the energy system into two distinct pathways: (1) excess energy is directed to behind-the-meter loads for immediate consumption or storage, and (2) balanced energy flows to the transmission grid. This segmentation allows the system to handle variable renewable output without causing grid congestion or curtailment, as each pathway operates independently based on real-time conditions.
2Loss of energy
If local stations generate more power to reduce reliance on grid transmission, then transmission costs decrease, but excess generation leads to curtailment and negative market prices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables local power generation systems to serve themselves by implementing behind-the-meter loads that consume excess power locally. This self-service approach eliminates the need to export all generated power to the grid, allowing local stations to maintain high generation levels while internally managing surplus energy through on-site consumption or storage, thereby avoiding curtailment and negative pricing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring behind-the-meter loads and storage systems at local generation sites. These systems are ready to immediately absorb or store excess power as it is generated, preventing the buildup of surplus energy that would otherwise lead to curtailment. This proactive approach allows local stations to maximize generation without risking grid congestion or economic penalties.
3Reliability
If grid operators implement curtailment to maintain grid stability, then grid reliability improves, but renewable energy output is reduced and economic value is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic element (excess renewable energy) from the grid transmission system and redirects it to behind-the-meter loads. By removing the surplus energy before it enters the transmission network, the system maintains grid stability without needing to implement curtailment, thereby preserving full renewable energy output and its economic value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of excess energy (which causes grid congestion and necessitates curtailment) into a benefit by directing it to behind-the-meter loads. The surplus power that would otherwise be wasted or require reduction is transformed into useful energy for on-site consumption, storage, or industrial processes, simultaneously improving grid reliability and maintaining renewable output.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments for providing computation resource availability based on power-generation signals are presented herein. An embodiment may involve receive information indicative of power-generation economic signals at a first control system and identifying at least one of: (i) a change in a power-generation economic signal that exceeds a predefined threshold change, (ii) a power-generation economic signal that is below a predefined lower threshold limit, or (iii) a power-generation economic signal that is above a predefined upper threshold limit. Responsive to the identification, the embodiment involves performing at least one of: (i) adjusting a rate of power use by a flexible datacenter, and (ii) providing an indication of computation resource availability to a second control system. The flexible datacenter may include a behind-the-meter power input system, a power distribution system, and computing systems configured to receive power from the behind-the-meter power input system via the power distribution system.