Microgrid Load Sharing Control Using Storage Energy Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microgrid systems lack controllers that can dynamically adjust power distribution among generators with uneven capacities and energy storage units, leading to artificial limits on power generation capacity and inefficient utilization.
Innovation Solution
A microgrid system with a control device that calculates a sharing multiplication factor based on energy storage availability to dynamically adjust power output among generators, allowing for individual control of power generation clusters to meet load demands without artificial constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electric power generators are connected in parallel without dynamic load sharing control, then the system structure is simple, but uneven loading occurs and power generation capacity is artificially limited due to differences in maximum generation capacity among clusters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load sharing control that continuously adjusts the power distribution ratio among generator clusters based on real-time energy availability in storage units. The control device modifies the sharing multiplication factor dynamically, allowing the system to adapt its power distribution strategy rather than using fixed ratios, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple structure and optimal productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring energy availability in storage units and using this information to adjust load distribution. The control device receives feedback about storage energy levels and modifies power sharing ratios accordingly, enabling the system to maintain optimal productivity while preventing artificial capacity limitations without requiring complex manual intervention
2Productivity
If equal power distribution is allocated to all generator clusters, then the control method is simple, but generators with different maximum capacities cannot operate at optimal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different power distribution ratios to different generator clusters based on their individual maximum capacities and characteristics. Each cluster receives a customized sharing multiplication factor that reflects its specific capabilities, allowing generators with different maximum capacities to operate at optimal efficiency rather than forcing uniform distribution across all clusters
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes the power distribution parameter (sharing multiplication factor) based on energy availability conditions. When storage energy is sufficient, clusters can operate at higher utilization; when storage energy is low, the system adjusts ratios to prevent overloading. This dynamic parameter adjustment enables optimal generator utilization while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
3Adaptability or versatility
If the microgrid operates without energy storage integration, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to balance load demands with generation capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage unit serves as an intermediary between generation and load, enabling the control device to balance power distribution more effectively. By introducing storage as a buffer, the system can decouple generation capacity from immediate load demands, allowing for more flexible and adaptive load balancing without requiring direct coupling between all generators and loads, thus managing the added complexity through a mediating component
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include methods and systems for managing electric power demand distribution across electric power generators in a microgrid. The system may include electric power generator clusters each having electric power generators, electric power output units each electrically connected to at least one of the electric power generator clusters, an energy storage unit electrically connected to an electric power output unit, and a control device. The control device may be configured to determine whether an energy availability of the energy storage unit is less than an energy availability threshold, calculate a sharing multiplication factor for an electric power generator cluster in response to determining that the energy availability of the energy storage unit is less than an energy availability threshold, and calculate a sharing electric power demand for the electric power generator cluster using the sharing multiplication factor.