Hybrid Power Plant Controller Frequency Support via Battery State of Charge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid power plants integrating wind and solar energy sources face challenges in maintaining grid stability, particularly during under-frequency events, due to the dissimilar characteristics of these renewable energy sources and the need to comply with grid codes that require consistent power delivery, voltage, and frequency management.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid power plant system that includes a power plant controller communicating with energy assets such as wind turbine generators and a battery energy storage system, which provides frequency support during under-frequency events by adjusting power output based on the state of charge of the energy storage unit, ensuring stable power delivery to the electrical grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbine generators and solar power units are integrated into a hybrid power plant, then the maximum amount of energy production is increased, but the stability and control of power delivery to the electrical grid deteriorates due to dissimilar characteristics of renewable energy sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power plant controller as an intermediary device that manages the integration between dissimilar renewable energy sources (wind turbines and solar power units) and the electrical grid. The controller receives information from both energy sources and coordinates their power delivery, applying control strategies to maintain stable voltage and frequency while maximizing energy production from both sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The power plant controller performs multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors both wind and solar energy sources, manages power flow from diverse sources, maintains grid code compliance for voltage and frequency, and optimizes energy production. This multi-functional approach allows the hybrid power plant to handle dissimilar renewable sources while maintaining stable power delivery.
2Productivity
If wind turbine generators are integrated into the electrical grid, then energy production is increased, but the frequency stability of the electrical grid deteriorates due to the variable nature of wind energy
Solution Approach 1:
The power plant controller implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the electrical grid frequency and adjusting the power output from wind turbine generators accordingly. When frequency deviations are detected, the controller modifies the power delivery from wind sources to maintain frequency stability while still maximizing energy production within grid code limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power output from wind turbine generators based on real-time grid conditions. The controller modifies operational parameters of wind turbines in response to changing frequency conditions, allowing the hybrid power plant to adapt to variable wind energy characteristics while maintaining grid frequency stability through continuous adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources are integrated into the electrical grid, then the transition to a non-fossil based energy system is advanced, but the compliance with grid codes regarding voltage and frequency management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power plant controller serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of grid code compliance between renewable energy sources and the electrical grid. It translates grid code requirements into specific control actions for wind turbines and solar power units, managing voltage and frequency management requirements while enabling the integration of renewable energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller manages parameter changes by adjusting operational parameters of renewable energy sources (such as power output, voltage levels, and frequency response) to comply with grid codes. It dynamically modifies these parameters in response to grid conditions while maintaining energy production from renewable sources.
4Productivity
If the power output from renewable energy sources is increased to maximize energy production, then productivity is improved, but the control over distances within the hybrid power plant deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems with electronic communication and digital control mechanisms. The power plant controller uses communication networks to monitor and control distributed renewable energy sources over distances, substituting physical proximity-based control with electronic signal-based control that can manage spatially separated assets effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as a central intermediary that coordinates power output from geographically dispersed renewable energy sources. It manages the spatial separation between wind turbines and solar power units by receiving data from all sources and coordinating their collective power delivery to maximize energy production while maintaining control despite distance challenges.
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
The system enhances frequency stability and predictability during under-frequency events, providing sustainable and improved power output by effectively utilizing the energy storage unit, thus addressing the challenges of integrating diverse renewable energy sources and meeting grid code requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage system, such as a large battery
Implementation Method 2
the power plant controller being arranged to measure and/or receive information from the electrical grid that an under-frequency event has occurred in the electrical grid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hybrid power plant for producing power to the electrical grid, the hybrid power plant comprising a plurality of energy assets; a first renewable power generating unit, such as wind turbine generators, and an energy storage unit, preferably a battery energy storage system. The hybrid power plant has a power plant controller arranged to communicate with the plurality of energy assets, and, when an under-frequency event occurs, the energy storage unit provides frequency support during the under-frequency event by providing additional power as a function of a state of charge of the energy storage unit at the time when the under-frequency event occurs. Thus, during an under-frequency event, it is possible to obtain a more stable power output from the hybrid power plant.