Microgrid Asset Control Using Block Load Reserve Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling power grids with electrical energy generation assets are inflexible and inefficient in managing load changes, leading to unwanted voltage and frequency fluctuations, particularly in microgrids operating independently or in conjunction with other grids.
Innovation Solution
A method that defines and calculates the block load reserve for each asset and the grid, allowing for real-time adjustments to maintain voltage and frequency within predefined boundaries by controlling the operation of assets, including starting, adjusting, or stopping electrical energy generation, to minimize the block load gap and ensure efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If scheduling methods are used to control load connection based on energy generation forecasts, then voltage and frequency stability is improved, but flexibility and reliability deteriorate due to slow response to unscheduled load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of block load reserve capacity before load changes occur. By pre-calculating the available reserve capacity of each asset and the total grid reserve, the system is prepared to quickly determine whether unscheduled load changes can be accommodated without violating voltage and frequency boundaries, enabling rapid response while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the block load gap (difference between minimum required block load reserve and available reserve) and uses this feedback to dynamically control asset operation. When the block load gap indicates insufficient reserve capacity, the system automatically triggers asset startup or output adjustment to restore adequate reserve margins, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains both stability and flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If redundant electrical energy generation assets are operated below maximum load factor, then voltage and frequency stability is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of electrical energy generation assets based on real-time assessment of block load reserve requirements and current load conditions. Instead of statically operating assets below maximum capacity, the control system optimizes asset output dynamically - increasing production when reserve capacity permits and reducing production when reserve margins are sufficient, thereby eliminating unnecessary inefficiency while maintaining grid stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (asset output levels, startup/shutdown states) based on calculated block load gap values. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to actual grid conditions rather than maintaining fixed sub-optimal operating points, the system achieves both voltage and frequency stability and improved operational efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If block load reserve is increased to handle load changes, then adaptability is improved, but excess reserve and operational inefficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by activating or adjusting only the specific amount of block load reserve capacity needed to handle the current load change, rather than maintaining excessive reserve capacity. By calculating the precise block load gap and activating assets proportionally to this gap, the system achieves adequate adaptability while minimizing energy loss from unnecessary reserve operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Method for controlling at least one asset (1, 2, 3, 4) in a power grid (11), in particular a microgrid, with at least one electrical energy generation asset (1, 2, 3), comprising the steps of: - defining the block load reserve of an asset (1, 2, 3, 4) as a power value such that, under the condition that the power is solely provided by said asset (1, 2, 3, 4), if the total load of the grid (11) is changed by the amount of said power value, the voltage and/or frequency of the grid (11) essentially remain within predefined boundaries - defining a minimum block load reserve of the grid (11) as a reference value - estimating the block load reserve of each asset (1, 2, 3, 4) available in the power grid (11) - calculating the sum of the total available block load reserve of all available assets (1, 2, 3, 4) combined in the grid (11) - calculating a block load gap as a difference of the reference value for the minimum block load reserve of the grid (11) and the sum of the available block load reserve - if the block load gap is non-zero in magnitude, controlling at least one asset (1, 2, 3, 4) by starting and/or adjusting and/or keeping up operation of at least one asset in the grid (11).