Hybrid Energy Storage System for Renewable Power Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The variability in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, leads to unstable energy output, which does not align with the consistent energy demand, and the limitations of fossil fuel-based energy generation, including environmental concerns and price volatility, necessitate a system to stabilize energy supply.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid energy storage system that integrates multiple energy storage devices, such as batteries and flywheels, with an energy flow controller that senses and controls energy distribution from renewable and non-renewable sources to maintain a stable power output, using adaptive control techniques to select and utilize the most suitable energy storage devices based on capacity, duration, and intake rate thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If renewable energy sources (wind, solar) are used to generate electrical energy, then environmental pollution is reduced and sustainability is improved, but energy output becomes unstable and variable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental pollutionVSAvoidenergy output stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple energy storage devices with different characteristics (batteries for energy storage and flywheels for power stabilization) into a hybrid system. This merging allows the system to simultaneously address environmental concerns by using renewable sources while compensating for their instability through the complementary strengths of different storage technologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid energy storage system acts as a composite structure combining different energy storage technologies. Each technology contributes its unique properties: batteries provide high energy density for sustained storage, while flywheels provide high power density for rapid response. The composite system achieves stability that individual components cannot provide alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If fossil fuel-based energy generation is used, then stable energy supply is maintained, but environmental pollution increases and operating costs become volatile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply stabilityVSAvoidair pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid energy storage system serves as an intermediary between renewable energy sources and the electrical load. It decouples the variable output of renewable sources from the steady demand of loads, allowing fossil fuel plants to be reduced or eliminated while maintaining supply stability. The storage system mediates the mismatch between intermittent generation and constant demand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single type of energy storage device is used, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to stabilize energy output under varying conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidenergy stabilization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects and switches between different energy storage devices based on real-time conditions. The control system monitors state of charge, power requirements, and device availability to optimally allocate energy flows. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt to varying conditions while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than static design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid energy storage system segments the energy stabilization function into distinct components: batteries handle energy time-shifting and flywheels handle power smoothing. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its optimal function while the control system coordinates them. The segmentation manages complexity by dividing the overall stabilization task into manageable sub-functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution provides a stable and efficient energy supply by optimizing the use of various energy storage devices, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, and minimizing environmental impact while maintaining energy stability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

A first energy storage device stores energy from the energy source and provides the stored energy to the load when the energy source is unavailable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

A second energy storage device stores energy from the energy source when the energy source provides more energy than the load requires

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Accumulator (energy)

Data Source

PatentEP2415140B1Hybrid energy storage system, energy system including the storage system, and method of using same
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 EAGLEPICHER TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP2415140B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2415140B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2415140B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This disclosure generally relates to stabilizing energy provided by an energy source, and more particularly to systems and methods for using multiple types of energy storage devices to selectively capture and provide energy. An energy source provides energy, and the energy storage devices selectively capture energy provided by the energy source in excess of an immediate energy requirement of a load and selectively provide energy when the immediate energy requirement of the load exceeds the energy provided by the energy source.