Microgrid Blackstart Control Using Solar PV and Battery Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blackstart procedures for power plants require a standby diesel generator, leading to a higher carbon footprint and necessitate operator intervention, which can be error-prone and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automated blackstart transitions using renewable energy sources like solar PV and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to self-energize and provide power, reducing reliance on diesel generators and minimizing operator action through pre-programmed control checks and actions in power plant controllers and communication devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standby diesel generator is used for blackstart procedures, then power generation capability is ensured, but carbon footprint increases and operator intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the diesel generator component from the blackstart system, replacing it with renewable energy sources (solar PV and battery energy storage). This eliminates the harmful carbon emissions while maintaining the essential blackstart capability through clean energy alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from fossil fuel-based (diesel) to renewable-based (solar and battery). This parameter change transforms the system from producing harmful emissions to producing clean energy, resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental harm.
2Ease of operation
If operator intervention is used in blackstart procedures, then system control is maintained, but errors and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated control systems that enable the blackstart procedure to execute itself without operator intervention. The system automatically monitors conditions, controls breaker operations, and manages the startup sequence, eliminating human errors while maintaining precise system control through automated decision-making logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors system status and automatically adjusts operations based on real-time conditions. This feedback loop ensures accurate and reliable operation by responding to actual system states rather than relying on manual operator assessment.
3Productivity
If manual blackstart procedures are used, then system restoration is achieved, but time consumption and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-programmed control sequences and pre-checks that are prepared in advance. The system automatically performs necessary verification steps and executes predetermined startup procedures, eliminating the time-consuming manual assessment and decision-making processes while ensuring comprehensive system checks are completed.
4Use of energy by moving object
If diesel generators are used for backup power, then power availability is ensured, but environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the diesel generator from the backup power system and replaces it with renewable energy sources. This extraction of the harmful component maintains power availability through solar PV and battery systems while eliminating the environmental impact associated with fossil fuel combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful diesel-based power generation into beneficial clean energy generation. By replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources, the system transforms from an environmentally harmful solution to an environmentally beneficial one, maintaining power availability while producing positive environmental outcomes.
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
Enables quick, reliable, and clean power generation with reduced carbon footprint and operator errors, allowing for seamless transitions from shutdown to islanded mode without the need for diesel generators, utilizing renewable energy sources for commissioning, operations, and grid restoration.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method for automated blackstart transitions using renewable energy sources like solar PV
Implementation Method 2
battery energy storage systems (BESS) to self-energize and provide power
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for performing blackstart functionality from renewable generation and battery energy storage systems are disclosed. A plant may include a microgrid that includes one or more customer loads and that may provide power to a utility grid. Blackstart may be performed to restore operations to part or all of the plant or to external loads such as microgrid customer loads or part of the utility grid. In practice, blackstart may be performed in order to restore operation to the one or more feeders in the plant, such as to the generation sources within the plant, to restore power to the plant auxiliary loads, customer loads in the microgrid, and to provide power to different sections of the grid when transitioning from shutdown mode of operation. In this way, the method and system may automatically transition from a shutdown mode of operation to an islanded mode of operation.