Hybrid Energy Control System Optimizing Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inability to sell power generated by photovoltaic power generation to the grid during power outages or voltage rise suppression limits the economical operation of hybrid energy systems using both fuel cell and photovoltaic power generation, leading to wasted energy and increased fuel cell costs.
Innovation Solution
An energy control system that prioritizes power supply from a gas power generation unit when grid sales are possible and from photovoltaic power generation when not, with the ability to purchase from the grid when necessary, and idles or suppresses fuel cell operation to reduce costs during unsellable conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If photovoltaic power generation is used to generate power, then an inexhaustible supply of power can be obtained, but the power generating capability varies depending on natural environment conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines photovoltaic power generation with fuel cell power generation and grid connection to create a hybrid system. The control unit integrates multiple power sources and manages their coordination, allowing the system to leverage the inexhaustible nature of solar power while compensating for its environmental dependency through alternative power sources and grid supplementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various power supply scenarios. The control unit can switch between different power sources (photovoltaic, fuel cell, grid) and modes (power sales, self-consumption, deficit compensation) based on environmental conditions and system state, making the power supply system adaptable to different situations.
2Reliability
If fuel cell power generation is used to provide stable electrical energy, then self-sustained operation during power outage is achieved, but fuel costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the operation mode of the fuel cell based on real-time conditions including grid status, photovoltaic generation capability, and power demand. The system transitions between different operational states (idle, power generation, deficit compensation) to optimize fuel consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power supply modes. When grid connection is available and photovoltaic generation is sufficient, the fuel cell operates at reduced capacity or idle state. When power sales are possible, fuel cell operation is optimized to balance stability provision with cost reduction.
3Loss of energy
If surplus power from photovoltaic generation is sold to the grid, then economical operation is achieved, but the ability to sell power is lost during power outages or voltage rise suppression
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically responds to grid conditions by adjusting power sales operations. When voltage rise suppression or power outages occur, the system automatically modifies its operation mode, transitioning from power sales to self-consumption or deficit compensation modes, ensuring continuous adaptability to varying grid conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor grid status, voltage levels, and power sales conditions. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts photovoltaic power generation and fuel cell operation to optimize economical performance while adapting to grid constraints such as voltage rise suppression or power outages.
4Reliability
If the fuel cell operates continuously to ensure power supply, then reliability is maintained, but fuel consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the fuel cell operates periodically based on system needs. The control unit activates the fuel cell during periods when photovoltaic generation is insufficient, when grid power is unavailable or expensive, or when power sales are not possible. This periodic operation maintains reliability while significantly reducing fuel consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
Ensures economical operation by optimizing power distribution and reducing fuel costs by prioritizing power sources based on grid sales feasibility, minimizing energy waste and maintaining system stability during varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic power generation unit (10) connected to a grid (40) and configured to generate power using sunlight
Implementation Method 2
a gas power generation unit (20) configured to generate power using gas
Implementation Method 3
Fuel cells are a known way of converting the energy of fuel directly into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An energy control system (1) includes a photovoltaic power generation unit (10) that is connected to the grid and generates power using sunlight, a gas power generation unit (20) that generates power using gas, and a control unit (40) that performs control to supply a load by prioritizing the power generated by the gas power generation unit (20) when sale of the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation unit (10) to the grid is possible and to supply the load by prioritizing the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation unit (10) when the sale is not possible.