Method for Operating a Network Management System for a Local Energy Network Depending on a Storage Strategy of an Energy Store

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Local energy networks lack efficient energy management systems, particularly for simpler participants like domestic customers, which limits their ability to optimize energy procurement and feed-in strategies, and there are no known methods for managing thermal energy stores effectively in these networks.

Innovation Solution

A network management system that determines flexible storage strategies for energy stores based on predefined flexibility criteria, allowing for temporal shifting of energy consumption or utilization within specific time intervals, using heat pumps or combined heat and power plants to generate energy, and offering various operating strategies to optimize energy storage and procurement on the local energy market.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible storage strategy is implemented for energy stores in local energy networks, then the adaptability and efficiency of energy management is improved, but the device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of energy managementVSAvoidcomplexity of network management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operating strategies that adapt to changing conditions in real-time. The network management system continuously monitors energy production, consumption, and storage states, then dynamically adjusts charging/discharging rates and strategy selection based on current flexibility criteria and market conditions, rather than using fixed static strategies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting the flexibility criterion thresholds and operating strategy parameters based on current network conditions. The electronic computing device modifies storage rates, time intervals, and strategy selections by changing key parameters rather than restructuring the entire management approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple operating strategies are selected from a multiplicity of strategies, then the productivity and efficiency of energy procurement is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring optimal strategies increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of energy procurementVSAvoiddifficulty of selecting optimal strategy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic computing device evaluates multiple operating strategies by changing and comparing key parameters such as flexibility criteria, time intervals, and energy storage rates. It measures strategy performance by monitoring changes in energy procurement costs, storage efficiency, and network conditions, selecting strategies based on quantifiable parameter improvements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where the network management system continuously monitors the results of implemented operating strategies, compares actual outcomes against expected performance, and uses this feedback to refine strategy selection. The electronic computing device adjusts future strategy choices based on measured performance data from previous strategy executions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If temporal shifting of energy consumption is implemented within predefined time intervals, then the loss of energy is reduced, but the constraint on energy utilization timing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy loss reductionVSAvoidflexibility of energy utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary energy storage actions during off-peak periods when energy is abundant and inexpensive, storing energy in advance for later use during peak periods. The network management system proactively charges energy stores during favorable conditions rather than reacting to immediate demand, reducing overall energy loss by utilizing energy when generation exceeds consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic time interval adjustments rather than rigid fixed scheduling. The network management system continuously monitors network conditions and dynamically modifies the predefined time intervals for temporal shifting, extending or contracting storage periods based on real-time production, consumption, and pricing conditions to maintain operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach enhances the flexibility and efficiency of energy storage and utilization in local energy networks, reducing the risk of overcharging or undercharging, enabling cost savings, and improving the utilization of renewable energies, while allowing participants to choose a trade-off between risk and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a heat pump or a compression refrigeration machine is provided as the electrical device (16) and, depending on the storage strategy, electrical energy for generating energy for the energy store (18) is generated by the heat pump or the compression refrigeration machine by means of electrical energy uptake from the local energy network (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat pump:

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression refrigeration:

Implementation Method 3

a combined heat and power plant is provided as the electrical device (16) and, depending on the storage strategy, energy of the energy store (18) is generated for generating electrical energy for the local energy network (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombined heat and power:

Data Source

PatentUS20220344938A1Method for Operating a Network Management System for a Local Energy Network Depending on a Storage Strategy of an Energy Store

Publication Date: 2022.10.27 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a method for operating a network management system for a local energy network. The method may include determining a first operating strategy for an energy store of an electrical device of the local energy network based on a decision criterion using an electronic computing device of the network management system. The first operating strategy comprises a flexible storage strategy for storing energy in the energy store, the flexible storage strategy including a predefined flexibility criterion of the electrical device.