Local Grid Balancing With Energy Storage for Voltage Imbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased penetration of renewable energy resources and electric vehicles in electrical distribution grids has led to voltage imbalances and stress on the system, with existing solutions like voltage regulators and reactive power compensators being ineffective or costly, especially in residential areas with single-phase connections.
Innovation Solution
A local balancing system comprising an energy storage unit, a power converter, and a controller that converts between DC and AC power, injecting or drawing power to balance voltages in secondary distribution grids, and a central controller that coordinates with local controllers to manage power flow and voltage setpoints across the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage regulators and reactive power compensators are used to balance grid voltages, then voltage stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local balancing system as an intermediary device that includes a power converter and energy storage unit. This system mediates voltage imbalances by converting DC power to AC power (or vice versa) and injecting or absorbing reactive power locally, thereby reducing the need for complex traditional voltage regulators and reactive power compensators.
Solution Approach 2:
The local balancing system performs multiple functions: it converts between DC and AC power, stores energy, and provides voltage support. By combining these functions in a single system, the patent reduces overall device complexity compared to using separate dedicated devices for each function.
2Reliability
If traditional voltage regulation methods are deployed in residential areas with single-phase connections, then voltage control is improved, but implementation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements voltage control locally at individual residential premises or small clusters using the local balancing system. This localized approach allows for simpler, more cost-effective implementation compared to deploying traditional voltage regulation infrastructure across the entire distribution network, particularly suited for single-phase residential connections.
3Reliability
If real-time voltage balancing is implemented, then grid reliability is improved, but system complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The local balancing system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor voltage conditions and automatically adjust power conversion and energy storage operations. This closed-loop control enables real-time voltage balancing without requiring complex centralized control systems, as each local system independently responds to its own measurements.
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 effectively balances grid voltages and manages power demand in real-time, reducing financial losses and extending the lifespan of the distribution system, while being adaptable to poly-phase grids and capable of regulating both reactive and active power.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter comprising a DC side and an AC side, the power converter being operable to convert between single-phase (AC) power and DC power
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage unit (ESU) operable to store direct current (DC) power
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to methods and systems for real-time, or near real-time, balancing of an electrical distribution grid. According to at least one embodiment, there is provided one or more local balancing systems, each comprising: an energy storage unit (ESU) operable to store direct current (DC) power; a power converter comprising a DC side and an AC side, the power converter being operable to convert between single-phase (AC) power and DC power, wherein the DC side is electrically coupled to the ESU and the AC side is electrically couplable to at least one secondary distribution block in a secondary distribution grid; and a local controller coupled to the power converter and operable to control the power converter to convert between DC power and AC power.