Hydrogen Energy Storage Control for Cost-Based Power Time Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems for electrification trends lack the ability to determine optimal usage of hydrogen, relying solely on energy needs rather than cost-effectiveness, leading to inefficiencies in power supply and storage.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system with a hydrogen energy storage controller that analyzes costs from various energy sources, including renewable and fossil fuels, to decide whether to store excess energy as hydrogen or use it immediately, optimizing energy usage based on economic factors and load management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If hydrogen is stored for later use, then energy time-shifting capability is improved, but system complexity and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cost function analyzer as an intermediary component that mediates between excess energy sources and hydrogen storage/usage decisions. This analyzer evaluates multiple factors including energy costs, hydrogen production costs, and operational parameters to determine optimal timing for hydrogen production and consumption, thereby managing system complexity while enabling long-term energy storage
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the cost function analyzer continuously monitors energy prices, hydrogen storage levels, and operational costs, then adjusts hydrogen production and consumption strategies accordingly. This feedback loop enables intelligent decision-making that balances storage duration needs against system complexity and operational costs
2Loss of energy
If hydrogen production from excess renewable energy is increased, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but hydrogen storage capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making hydrogen production and consumption rates adjustable based on real-time conditions. The cost function analyzer dynamically determines optimal production rates by considering current energy costs, forecasted price changes, and storage capacity constraints, allowing the system to maximize renewable energy utilization without requiring excessive fixed storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as hydrogen production rate, storage pressure, and consumption timing based on economic and operational factors. The cost function analyzer adjusts these parameters dynamically to optimize the balance between capturing excess renewable energy and managing storage capacity requirements
3Productivity
If real-time cost analysis is performed to determine energy source selection, then operational cost optimization is improved, but computational requirements and control system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cost function analyzer operates autonomously to perform real-time economic analysis and make energy source selection decisions without requiring complex external control systems. It self-manages the computational tasks of evaluating energy prices, hydrogen production costs, and operational parameters, thereby achieving cost optimization while keeping the control architecture relatively simple
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 system efficiently manages energy storage and usage by determining the lowest cost energy source for loads, reducing operational costs and enhancing energy storage efficiency through time-shifting renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogen generation apparatus configured to use excess energy of the first source of energy from at least one of the plurality of energy sources to create hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
a hydrogen combustion genset being capable of combusting various fuels comprising, natural gas, hydrogen, and other fuels to produce a second source of energy
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system for power time shifting is described herein. The energy storage system allows for the selection of which energy source to use. The energy storage system further allows for a determination as to whether or not excess energy should be stored, used, or sold. The energy storage system can use historical data to predict energy usage and costs in the future to further refine energy usage, storage, or sale determinations.