Group Energy Trading Control for Surplus Storage and Pricing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the smart grid initiative, there is a lack of clear methods for small-scale energy producers, consumers, and prosumers to efficiently manage surplus energy, with doubts about whether to accumulate or sell energy, and how to reduce energy costs, particularly regarding energy supply management and information acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing energy by collecting information on stored energy amounts and requirements, determining distribution prices, and issuing instructions for energy supply between members and non-members of a group, enabling efficient energy transactions and management within a virtual energy generation/storage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If energy is supplied from energy generation facilities outside the control of energy companies, then energy supply diversity is improved, but energy supply stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy supply system into multiple independent energy generation facilities operated by different operators. Each facility operates autonomously, and energy is aggregated from multiple sources to provide both diversity and stability. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from various energy sources while mitigating the instability of individual facilities through aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines energy from multiple independent generation facilities and integrates them into a unified supply system. By merging energy sources from different operators and facilities, the system achieves stable aggregate supply while maintaining the diversity of individual sources. The combination effect smooths out fluctuations from individual facilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If energy is stored in batteries for later use, then energy usage flexibility is improved, but energy loss during storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary energy storage in batteries during periods of low demand or excess generation. Energy is stored in advance for later use during peak demand periods, providing flexibility in energy usage timing. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare energy reserves without incurring high losses, as storage occurs when energy is abundant and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the inherent energy loss during battery storage into a beneficial strategy by optimizing storage timing and duration. Rather than viewing storage losses as purely harmful, the system strategically accepts minimal losses in exchange for achieving energy independence, load balancing, and flexibility in energy usage patterns. The loss is offset by avoiding expensive peak-time energy purchases.
3Productivity
If energy management information is exchanged through communication infrastructure, then energy management efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing communication infrastructure for multiple purposes, including energy management information exchange, billing, and coordination. By making the communication system multi-functional, the patent achieves efficient energy management without adding dedicated complex communication systems. The existing infrastructure handles energy-related communications alongside other functions, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for managing energy. The method comprises collecting information relating to amounts of energy stored by a plurality of members of a group, and relating to energy requirements of the members. The method further comprises determining a price for distributing energy to a non-member of the group, determining whether to supply energy stored by the members to the non-member at the determined price, and issuing instructions to distribute energy upon determining that energy stored by the plurality of members should be supplied to the non-member.