Markov Chain Energy Storage Model for Microgrid Availability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Calculating the improved availability of microgrids with energy storage systems is challenging due to the unpredictable nature of charging and discharging processes, especially when a large amount of renewable energy sources are used, making it difficult to predict power availability during operation.

Innovation Solution

The use of a Markov chain model to represent the charging and discharging processes in energy storage devices, combined with minimum cut sets (MCS) to evaluate the effect of energy storage on microgrid availability, considering system architectures and uncertainties in power generation and demand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If energy storage systems are added to microgrids with renewable energy sources, then microgrid availability is improved, but calculating the availability becomes more difficult due to unpredictable charging and discharging processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrogrid availabilityVSAvoidavailability calculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the complex, continuous charging and discharging processes of energy storage systems into discrete states (charging, discharging, idle) with defined transition probabilities. This parameter transformation allows the availability calculation to be performed using Markov chain mathematics, converting an intractable continuous problem into a solvable discrete state problem while maintaining accuracy in predicting power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional deterministic availability calculation methods with a probabilistic Markov chain model. This substitution enables the system to handle the inherent unpredictability of renewable energy sources and energy storage processes by using probability transitions between states, providing a more realistic and computationally feasible approach to availability assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If larger capacity of renewable energy sources are used in microgrids, then sustainability is improved, but availability becomes more problematic due to highly variable and intermittent nature of power generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverenewable energy capacityVSAvoidpower availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The Markov chain model continuously monitors and evaluates the state transitions of energy storage systems based on actual charging and discharging patterns. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to varying renewable energy generation conditions and predict power availability more accurately, enabling operators to make informed decisions about energy management and system configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the Markov chain model to predict future power availability states based on current system conditions and historical transition patterns. This preliminary assessment allows operators to proactively manage energy storage resources, plan for potential supply shortfalls, and optimize the integration of renewable energy sources before availability issues actually occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9026411B2Systems and methods for microgrids availability evaluation using a markov chain energy storage model
Publication Date: 2015.05.05 NEC CORP
  • US9026411B2 patent drawing
  • US9026411B2 patent drawing
  • US9026411B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for availability evaluation of microgrid systems with an energy storage device by applying a Markov chain model to model charging and discharging processes in the energy storage device; determining an effect of the energy storage device connected to a microgrid with multiple energy sources and loads; and determining effect of system architectures on the availability of microgrids using minimum cut sets (MCS).