Microgrid Control With PV Storage and Islanding for Outage Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric power distribution relies on centralized generation and transmission, lacking local power generation capabilities, which can lead to reliability issues and increased costs, especially during utility outages and peak demand times.
Innovation Solution
A microgrid system that includes photovoltaic panels, battery banks, flywheels, and a control system with a microgrid controller for managing power generation, storage, and distribution, allowing for local power generation and islanding operations to ensure continuous energy supply and optimize energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized power generation and transmission is used, then power distribution infrastructure is simplified, but power supply reliability deteriorates during utility outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized power distribution system into smaller, independent microgrid segments. Each microgrid can operate autonomously during utility outages, improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign. The microgrid includes local generation, storage, and load components that can function independently or in coordination with the main grid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-positioning energy storage systems (batteries, flywheels) and local generation resources within the microgrid before outages occur. This allows the system to rapidly island and maintain power supply without waiting for utility restoration, thereby improving reliability while keeping infrastructure changes manageable.
2Reliability
If local power generation with storage is implemented, then power supply reliability improves during outages, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs microgrid components to perform multiple functions. For example, the energy storage system not only provides backup power during outages but also delivers frequency regulation, voltage support, and peak shaving services. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines local generation resources, energy storage systems, and control functions into an integrated microgrid architecture. This merging allows coordinated operation of components to maintain power supply reliability while reducing overall system complexity through unified control and shared infrastructure.
3Reliability
If energy storage systems are charged during daytime, then nighttime power supply is ensured, but daytime energy utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charge/discharge control of energy storage systems based on real-time grid conditions, pricing signals, and load requirements. During daytime, storage systems can discharge to meet peak demand or charge when renewable generation exceeds immediate needs, optimizing energy utilization. At nighttime, they automatically discharge to ensure power supply, thereby resolving the contradiction between nighttime reliability and daytime efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of energy storage systems based on time-of-day conditions. Charging rates, discharge rates, and state-of-charge targets are dynamically adjusted to maximize daytime energy utilization while ensuring adequate charge levels for nighttime supply, thus resolving the efficiency-reliability trade-off.
4Reliability
If microgrid islanding is implemented, then power supply reliability improves during utility outages, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities in the microgrid control system, where the microgrid automatically detects utility outage conditions and executes islanding procedures without external intervention. The control system monitors grid parameters, makes autonomous decisions about when to island or reconnect, and manages internal resource allocation, thereby improving reliability while keeping control complexity manageable through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor microgrid and utility grid conditions. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts operational modes, executes islanding or reconnection actions, and manages energy resource allocation. This feedback-driven approach enables autonomous operation that improves reliability while maintaining control complexity within acceptable limits through rule-based and intelligent control algorithms.
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
The microgrid system enhances energy reliability, reduces costs by utilizing renewable sources, and optimizes energy distribution by controlling load reduction and peak demand management, ensuring continuous power supply during outages and peak times.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) panels. Each of the plurality of PV panels is connected to one of a plurality of PV panel inverters
Implementation Method 2
one or more battery banks, and a ground bank transformer configured to provide a ground current path. Each of the battery banks may include a plurality of battery cells
Implementation Method 3
supplying, with a flywheel, an amount of uninterrupted power to a critical load on the distribution loop for a period of time
Data Source
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AI summary
Microgrids and methods for controlling a microgrid. In one example, a microgrid includes a microgrid controller, a primary junction, a high-voltage supply line, a high-voltage output line, one or more switchgear connecting the primary junction to at least one other component of the microgrid, a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) panels, a breaker connected to the plurality of PV panel inverters, a first load connected to the breaker, and one or more battery banks. In some instances, the microgrid includes a ground bank transformer configured to provide a ground current path. Each of the plurality of PV panels is connected to one of a plurality of PV panel inverters. Each of the battery banks may include a plurality of battery cells.