Hybrid Power Plant Grid Stabilization via Energy Storage Buffering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into power grids poses challenges due to their variable output, leading to fluctuations in energy supply that can cause blackouts, increased costs, and wear on traditional power generation equipment, as existing systems struggle to rapidly adjust to sudden changes in energy demand and frequency.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electric generating power plant that combines traditional power generators with energy storage devices, such as batteries, to stabilize the grid by adjusting energy levels in real-time, using Power Contribution Control Equipment (PCCE) to manage fluctuations in frequency and voltage, allowing for rapid ramping up or down of power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power generators are used to meet variable customer demands, then power supply can be maintained, but the generators experience increased wear and tear and cannot rapidly adjust to sudden changes in energy demand and frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces energy storage devices as an intermediary component between the primary power generation sources and the distribution grid. These storage devices absorb excess energy during low-demand periods and release energy during high-demand periods, buffering the generators from sudden load changes and frequency fluctuations, thereby reducing wear while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage devices perform preliminary action by storing energy in advance during periods of low demand. This pre-stored energy is then available for rapid deployment when demand suddenly increases, allowing the system to respond quickly without requiring the generators to rapidly adjust their output, thus protecting the generators from stress.
2Reliability
If primary power generation sources are regulated to meet customer demands, then power supply stability is maintained, but the system cannot rapidly respond to sudden changes in energy demand and frequency
Solution Approach 1:
Energy storage devices serve as a fast-responding intermediary that can rapidly charge or discharge to meet sudden demand changes. This allows the primary generators to operate at stable, regulated levels while the storage devices handle the rapid response requirements, combining stability with speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic elements through the energy storage devices, which can rapidly change their energy discharge/charge state in response to grid conditions. This dynamic capability complements the static, regulated operation of the primary generators, enabling the overall system to both maintain stability and respond quickly to changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If secondary renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but variable output causes fluctuations in energy supply leading to blackouts and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage devices act as a buffer between the variable renewable energy sources and the distribution grid. They absorb excess energy when renewable generation exceeds demand and release energy when generation falls short, smoothing out the fluctuations and maintaining stable power supply while enabling high levels of renewable integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by storing energy in advance during periods of high renewable generation. This pre-stored energy serves as a cushion that can be deployed during periods of low renewable output, preventing blackouts and stabilizing the grid against the variability of renewable sources.
4Adaptability or versatility
If energy storage devices are added to the hybrid power plant, then rapid adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage devices perform multiple functions: they provide rapid response to demand changes, smooth renewable energy fluctuations, reduce generator wear, and enable frequency regulation. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single component type, the system achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 maintains stable grid frequency and voltage, reduces wear and tear on traditional generators, lowers fuel costs, and enhances operational efficiency while providing faster response to load swings and equipment failures, thereby preventing blackouts and optimizing energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting, using the generated power from the power generator, an energy level of the energy storage device to control the power supplied to the electric grid
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches for controlling power supplied to an electric grid are disclosed. In embodiments, methods and systems control power supplied to an electric grid using an energy storage device. In an embodiment, a method receives an indication of power to be supplied to the electric grid, generates power from a power generator and adjusts, using the generated power, an energy level of the energy storage device to control power supplied to the grid in accordance with the received indication. In another embodiment, a system comprises a grid indication receiver for receiving an indication of power to be supplied to the electric grid; a power generator connected to the grid; an energy storage device coupled to the power generator; and a controller for adjusting, using the generated power from the generator, an energy level of the energy storage device to control power supplied to the grid in accordance with the received indication.