Hierarchical Power Control System for Microgrid Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems fail to integrate and manage power supply-demand states across neighboring microgrid units or building regions effectively, due to differences in peak control times and power generation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical power control system is introduced, comprising microgrid cells with energy storage systems, sensors, and an integrated control system that communicates through a cloud server and middleware to establish an optimized operation schedule based on power supply-demand state information, coordinating power supply and demand across multiple microgrid cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If energy storage systems operate independently in each microgrid unit, then each unit can manage its own power supply-demand state, but integrated management across neighboring regions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent microgrid energy storage systems into an integrated networked system. Each microgrid unit retains its local energy storage system and control capabilities, while additionally connecting to a centralized control system that coordinates power supply-demand states across all units. This combining approach enables both independent operation at the local level and integrated management at the network level, resolving the contradiction between operational independence and integrated management capability.
2Reliability
If different power generation projects are implemented for each region, then each region can control its own peak power, but overall system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized control system as an intermediary between individual microgrid units. This control system receives power supply-demand state information from each microgrid, analyzes the data, and generates coordinated control commands. The intermediary enables each region to maintain its peak control capability while the centralized system optimizes overall system efficiency by coordinating operations across all units, preventing duplicate or conflicting power generation projects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized operation schedules are imposed on all microgrid units, then system coordination is improved, but local power conditions and peak control times cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation schedules that adapt to local conditions. The centralized control system continuously receives real-time power supply-demand state information from each microgrid unit, including local peak control times and power conditions. Based on this dynamic data, the system generates customized operation schedules for each unit rather than imposing static standardized schedules. This dynamic approach enables both system-wide coordination and local optimization simultaneously.
4Reliability
If multiple independent power generation projects are built for different regions, then each region's power needs are met, but investment costs and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables energy storage systems to perform multiple functions across the network. A single energy storage system in one microgrid can serve local peak control needs while also providing power support to neighboring microgrids during their peak periods. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power generation projects in each region, thereby lowering both investment costs and operating costs while maintaining power supply reliability for all regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A hierarchical power control system associated with a cloud server includes a first microgrid cell, a second microgrid cell, a third microgrid cell, a middleware server, and an integrated control system. The first microgrid cell includes a first energy storage system (ESS) having an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) structure and a first load having a power state managed by the first energy storage system (ESS). The second microgrid cell includes a second load and a second energy storage system (ESS) for managing a power state of the second load. The third microgrid cell includes a third load. The middleware server communicates with the first to third microgrid cells. The integrated control system receives power supply-demand state information of the first to third microgrid cells through the middleware server, and establishes an integrated operation schedule based on the received power supply-demand state information of the first to third microgrid cells.