Induction Generator Energy Storage Grid Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power grids face inefficiencies due to excess generating capacity during off-peak hours, leading to higher operational costs and the need for expensive or inefficient power generation during peak demand periods.

Innovation Solution

An energy system comprising an induction generator connected to the power grid, which uses energy storage to generate AC power and transfer it back to the grid during peak hours, optimizing energy usage and reducing the need for costly peak power generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional power grids operate with excess generating capacity during off-peak hours, then power availability is maintained, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidoperational costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by storing energy in the energy storage device during off-peak hours when power is available and inexpensive. This stored energy is then utilized during peak demand periods, eliminating the need to maintain excess generating capacity continuously and reducing operational costs while ensuring power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temporal parameter of energy delivery by decoupling energy storage from energy generation. Energy is generated during off-peak hours and stored, then delivered during peak hours, changing when the energy is actually consumed and allowing the grid to operate more efficiently without maintaining constant excess capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If expensive generating facilities are built to meet peak demand, then power supply reliability during peak hours improves, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply during peak hoursVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage device performs preliminary action by accumulating energy during off-peak hours. This stored energy is then discharged during peak demand periods, providing the necessary power supply reliability without requiring expensive peak-demand-specific generating facilities to be built and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the power grid and peak demand loads. It absorbs excess energy when available and releases it when needed, mediating the mismatch between steady grid operation and variable demand, thereby eliminating the need for expensive dedicated peak generation capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If energy is stored during off-peak hours and released during peak hours, then operational costs are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational costsVSAvoidenergy storage system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage device performs multiple functions: it stores energy, regulates power delivery timing, and provides backup capacity. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits including reduced operational costs, improved grid stability, and deferred need for expensive peak generation infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 stabilizes the power grid by providing additional power during peak demand periods, reducing the need for expensive generating facilities and lowering operational costs by utilizing stored energy efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

the induction generator may generate AC power that is transferred to the power grid via induced magnetic coupling between the rotor and the stator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The motor may use energy stored by an energy storage device to rotate a rotor coupled to the shaft of the induction generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8508058B2Energy systems, energy devices, energy utilization methods, and energy transfer methods
Publication Date: 2013.08.13 ENEL X NORTH AMERICA INC
  • US8508058B2 patent drawing
  • US8508058B2 patent drawing
  • US8508058B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Energy systems, energy devices, energy utilization methods, and energy transfer methods are described. In one arrangement, energy utilization methods include providing first energy from a power grid to an induction generator at a first moment in time; using the induction generator and the first energy from the power grid, charging an energy storage device; using second energy from the energy storage device, powering a motor causing the induction generator to generate third energy during a second moment in time; and providing the third energy to the power grid. Other arrangements are described.