Microgrid Load Balancing for Volatile Renewable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to stabilize the operation of an electrically isolated microgrid, particularly when dealing with volatile green energy sources like solar and wind power, which can lead to unwanted tripping or disconnection of loads and power sources, limiting the utilization of renewable energy in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to operate a microgrid by measuring and balancing the power delivery and consumption, involving the reduction of power drawn from the microgrid through a sequence of load reductions and subsystem power limitations, guided by automation levels and production change capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If green energy sources (solar or wind power) are used to power remote locations, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to volatility causing unwanted tripping or disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load management by continuously monitoring power generation and consumption in real-time, automatically adjusting load operation levels based on available green energy. The system dynamically shifts between different load prioritization modes and adjusts operational parameters to maintain stability while maximizing renewable energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where power generation and consumption data are continuously measured and fed back to the control system. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of load management strategies, ensuring system stability by responding to changes in green energy availability and preventing unwanted tripping or disconnection events.
2Reliability
If load management is implemented to stabilize the microgrid, then system stability is improved, but complexity of control increases due to sequence of reductions and subsystem coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load management system into hierarchical levels: overall load management, individual load control, and subsystem coordination. Each level operates with defined responsibilities and decision-making authority, simplifying the control structure by breaking down complex decisions into manageable segments that can be handled autonomously at each level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing load prioritization hierarchies and operational thresholds before instability occurs. Control parameters and response protocols are pre-configured based on historical data and system requirements, enabling automatic stabilization without requiring complex real-time decision-making during critical events.
3Productivity
If automation level is increased to manage power balancing, then power balancing efficiency is improved, but loss of time for manual intervention decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the load management system autonomously monitors power generation and consumption, automatically adjusts load operation levels, and implements corrective actions without human intervention. The system serves itself by making real-time decisions based on measured parameters, eliminating the need for manual power balancing operations and significantly improving responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a microgrid includes operating one of a plurality of power sources to deliver power to the microgrid. The method also includes measuring a quantity of power delivered to the microgrid, drawing power from the microgrid to power one of a plurality of loads, each load including a plurality of separately operable subsystems, and calculating an automation level and a production change capability for each load and subsystem of the plurality of subsystems. The method also includes measuring a quantity of power drawn from the microgrid and reducing the quantity of power drawn from the microgrid in response to a measured quantity of power drawn exceeding a measured quantity of power provided.