Fuel Cell and Battery Power Orchestration Under Demand Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy management systems fail to optimize the output of on-site power generation using green and conventional energy sources to minimize unit cost while meeting carbon dioxide reduction obligations and adjusting to real-time electricity rates.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system that includes a processor and memory to optimize the ratio of output power from a fuel cell and an additional energy source, such as a storage battery or power generator, based on power demand, using control information to adjust their operation to meet demand efficiently and reduce degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the output of on-site power generation is increased to minimize purchased electricity costs, then the unit cost of power generation decreases, but carbon dioxide emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the operating parameters (output ratio) of on-site power generation based on real-time electricity rates and carbon dioxide pricing. By adjusting the generation output parameter according to varying market conditions, the system achieves optimal balance between cost minimization and emission reduction objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management system implements dynamic control that continuously adapts the power generation output in response to real-time changes in electricity rates and carbon dioxide prices. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to respond flexibly to market fluctuations and achieve optimal operational points at different times.
2Productivity
If the output of on-site power generation is adjusted to meet real-time electricity rate changes, then the unit cost of power generation decreases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy management system performs multiple functions including real-time data acquisition from various sources, optimization calculation considering multiple objectives (cost, emissions), and control signal generation. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single integrated system, the patent manages complexity while achieving comprehensive optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary optimization module that processes information from multiple sources (electricity rates, carbon dioxide prices, power demand) and translates them into coordinated control signals for on-site generation and purchased electricity. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the complex decision-making process.
3Power
If the fuel cell operates outside the predetermined capacity range to meet high power demand, then the power demand is fully satisfied, but the degradation of the fuel cell increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the on-site fuel cell power generation with purchased electricity from the commercial power grid to form a hybrid power supply system. This combination allows the fuel cell to operate within its optimal capacity range while the grid supplies additional power during high demand periods, preventing excessive degradation of the fuel cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using the fuel cell only for the portion of power demand that falls within its optimal operating range. When power demand exceeds this range, the system supplements with purchased electricity rather than pushing the fuel cell beyond its optimal limits, thereby protecting it from excessive degradation.
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 optimizes power generation to minimize costs and reduce carbon emissions by dynamically adjusting the output of fuel cells and additional energy sources to match demand, ensuring efficient operation within a predetermined capacity range and minimizing degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a first fuel cell and an additional energy source
Implementation Method 2
the additional energy source comprises at least one of a storage battery
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method are disclosed. An illustrative system includes a power demand input to receive information related to a power demand, an output terminal that provides communication capabilities with a fuel cell and an additional energy source, where the output terminal is used to provide a control output to the fuel cell and the additional energy source, and where the control output includes a first composition defining a first power to originate from the fuel cell and a second composition defining a second power to originate from the additional energy source. The system may further include a processing unit that adjusts one or both of the first composition and the second composition to optimize a ratio of the first composition and the second composition.