Microgrid Control System for Grid Frequency Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electricity generation and distribution systems, spinning reserve generators require significant time to reach output levels, increasing costs and emissions, and existing power system guidelines rely heavily on spinning reserve for operating reserves.
Innovation Solution
A microgrid system that connects to the main electrical grid, using a control system with sensors to monitor frequency and automatically provide power from a supplemental power supply when the grid's frequency deviates from a threshold, allowing for rapid response and reducing reliance on spinning reserve generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spinning reserve generators are used to meet demand when power generation is disrupted, then reliability is improved, but response time deteriorates (requiring ten minutes or more to reach output levels)
Solution Approach 1:
The microgrid system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning generation resources and maintaining them in a ready state with all necessary equipment pre-assembled and pre-tested. When grid disruption occurs, the microgrid can immediately activate and provide power without the ten-minute startup delay of traditional spinning reserve generators, thus improving both reliability and response time.
2Reliability
If spinning reserve generators are operated to provide operating reserve, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microgrid system enables self-service by incorporating its own generation resources that can autonomously provide operating reserve without requiring external spinning reserve generators. The microgrid can independently activate its generation assets and provide power back to the main grid when needed, eliminating the cost of operating external spinning reserve while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If spinning reserve generators are operated to provide operating reserve, then reliability is improved, but emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microgrid system applies parameter changes by utilizing diverse generation resources with different emission characteristics. The control system can optimize the mix of generation assets (such as combining renewable sources with storage or using efficient natural gas generators) to provide operating reserve with minimal emissions, thus maintaining reliability while reducing harmful emissions compared to traditional spinning reserve generators.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a microgrid capable of connecting to a main electrical grid supplying electrical power at a frequency (or other characteristic, such as voltage). A sensor may provide a signal to a control system, wherein the signal corresponds to the frequency (or other characteristic) of the electrical power from the main electrical grid. The control system may compare the frequency (or other characteristic) of the electrical power from the main electrical grid to a first threshold, and automatically provide power from the microgrid to the main electrical grid if the frequency (or other characteristic) of the electrical power from the main electrical grid crosses the first threshold.