Microgrid Charging Permission Control Using Power Adjustment Resources

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for managing microgrids do not effectively address the instability in power supply caused by simultaneous vehicle charging, particularly when a high proportion of demand is occupied by electric vehicle charging, leading to potential power network instability.

Innovation Solution

A server system that manages power adjustment resources by determining whether electric power can be supplied to the network before allowing vehicle charging to commence, using power adjustment resources to stabilize the network, and implementing a fee structure to discourage high-frequency early charging, while prioritizing stationary power storage over fuel cell electric vehicles for efficient energy management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If vehicle charging is allowed without prior determination of power supply capability, then user convenience is improved, but power network instability occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidpower network stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs preliminary determination of power supply capability before allowing vehicle charging to commence. The determination unit assesses whether sufficient power can be supplied from the microgrid and connected power adjustment resources before permission is granted, preventing power network instability while enabling user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the power supply status and charging demand, and adjusting permission decisions accordingly. The server receives charging requests, determines power supply capability based on current microgrid status and power adjustment resource availability, and provides appropriate permission feedback to control charging initiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If multiple vehicles charge simultaneously, then charging demand is met, but power network instability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidpower network stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The server selectively permits charging for some vehicles while restricting others based on real-time power supply capability assessment. When power supply is insufficient, the server grants permission to only those vehicles that can be accommodated without causing network instability, rather than allowing all charging requests simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts charging permission decisions based on real-time conditions. The determination unit continuously evaluates power supply capability considering current microgrid status, connected power adjustment resources, and charging demands, making flexible permission decisions that adapt to changing conditions to maintain both charging capacity and network stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If early charging is permitted without restrictions, then user convenience is improved, but supply and demand balance is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsupply and demand balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The server changes the parameter of charging permission status based on power supply capability assessment. For early charging requests, the determination unit evaluates whether permitting charging at this time would disrupt supply and demand balance, and adjusts the permission decision accordingly, allowing early charging only when power supply conditions are sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If power adjustment resources are not utilized, then system complexity is reduced, but power supply stability during charging deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpower supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The server implements multi-functionality by managing both the microgrid power supply and coordinating power adjustment resources through a single determination unit. The system universally handles different types of power sources (microgrid, connected power adjustment resources) and charging scenarios, providing stable power supply while avoiding the need for separate complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12194878B2Server and power management method

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A server that manages a plurality of power adjustment resources electrically connectable to a power network includes a determination unit and a first permission unit. The determination unit determines, before a vehicle including a power storage starts charging of the power storage by using the power network, whether or not electric power corresponding to charging power can be supplied to the power network by having at least one of the power adjustment resources respond to the charging of the power storage. When the determination unit determines that electric power can be supplied, the first permission unit permits supply of electric power from the power network to the vehicle.