Local Energy Management Platform for Dynamic Asset Set-Point Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for localized systems and methods to manage, control, and leverage a plurality or mixture of power generating systems at local sites to expand power and revenue capabilities while offering grid services, as existing fixed energy storage systems are not widely adopted for services beyond backup power due to their operation as single power sources.
Innovation Solution
A local energy management system (LEMS) communicatively coupled to an external entity and a power grid, which receives energy objectives, processes incoming raw data, generates set points, and conveys these to local power generating assets, enabling them to perform grid services and transfer power between assets and the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed energy storage systems operate as single power sources dedicated to specific services, then reliability for that specific service is improved, but adaptability and versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables fixed energy storage systems to perform multiple functions by allowing them to be dynamically allocated to different services (EV charging, grid services, local power generation) based on real-time conditions and objectives, rather than being dedicated to a single function
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the role and function of energy storage assets based on changing conditions, objectives, and grid needs, allowing the same physical asset to transition between different operational modes and service types
2Device complexity
If local sites use only external power generating systems, then simplicity of system configuration is improved, but power capability and revenue generation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple previously separate power sources (external grid, on-site generation, energy storage) into a unified hybrid power system that operates as a single coordinated entity, increasing overall power capability while managing complexity through centralized control
3Ease of operation
If fixed energy storage systems are deployed for backup power only, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and revenue capabilities are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms energy storage assets from single-function backup power sources into multi-functional assets that can simultaneously or sequentially provide backup power, EV charging, grid services, and local power generation, thereby increasing revenue streams while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a local energy management system (LEMS) at local mixed power generating sites for providing grid services and grid service applications. The LEMS generally serves as a local power control agent for facilitating energy management at the local site level by controlling and leveraging a plurality of local assets deployed at the local site, and combining a plurality of generated power from each site which acts as its own virtual power plant for delivering grid services to the grid. In addition, the LEMS has the ability to effectively handle and fulfill energy and electrical objectives of the grid services, including regulation or demand response objectives from the grid, by conveying operational set points that control the power charge and discharge at each local asset in order to meet those objectives.