Hybrid Power Flow Control for Renewable Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of renewable energy sources with variable energy supply into existing AC grids and the management of energy storage devices to balance load demand poses challenges for utility grids, and owners of renewable energy assets seek to optimize energy utilization to reduce costs.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that manages energy transfer and power flow among power generating sources, storage devices, loads, and the utility grid through a common electrical bus, utilizing converters, regulators, and inverters, controlled by a controller that receives data from knowledge systems to optimize energy distribution and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources are integrated into the utility grid, then energy supply diversity is improved, but grid stability deteriorates due to variable energy supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power conversion system with AC-DC converters and DC-AC inverters as intermediary devices between renewable energy sources and the utility grid. These converters stabilize the variable DC output from renewable sources before feeding it to the AC grid, thereby maintaining grid stability while enabling diverse energy supply integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs power conversion equipment that dynamically adjusts electrical parameters (voltage, frequency, phase) to match grid requirements. The AC-DC converter transforms variable AC from renewable sources into stable DC, and the DC-AC inverter converts DC back to AC with controlled parameters, enabling stable integration of variable renewable energy into the grid.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different energy sources are combined into a single hybrid system, then energy generation versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal power conversion platform that can handle multiple types of energy sources (solar PV, wind, hydro, fuel cells) through standardized AC-DC conversion interfaces. The same DC-AC inverter system serves multiple functions by converting DC from any source to grid-compatible AC, reducing overall system complexity despite diverse energy inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hybrid power system into modular functional blocks: source-specific AC-DC converters, a common DC bus, and DC-AC inverters for grid connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity through standardized interfaces and centralized control.
3Reliability
If energy storage devices are integrated to balance load demand, then grid reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy storage function with the existing power conversion infrastructure by integrating battery storage systems into the DC bus architecture. The same DC-AC inverters that connect to the grid also manage charge/discharge operations of storage devices, eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing overall complexity while improving reliability.
4Productivity
If real-time control is implemented to optimize power flow, then energy efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based control system that continuously monitors power generation from renewable sources, load demand, and grid conditions. The controller automatically adjusts power flow distribution in real-time, optimizing efficiency by directing excess renewable energy to storage or grid injection while maintaining reliable supply to critical loads, all through automated feedback loops rather than complex manual control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for controlling power flow in a hybrid power system includes a controller in communication with the hybrid power system. The controller is also in communication with at least one knowledge system to receive information related to power generation or power consumption within the hybrid power system. The controller generates a control command for each of the power converters in the hybrid power system and maintains a log of power flow to and from each device in the hybrid power system. The controller is also in communication with a provider of the utility grid and may generate the control commands for each of the power converters in response to commands provided from the provider of the utility grid.