Microgrid Load Shedding With Power Buffers for Renewable Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of volatile green energy sources like solar and wind power into local energy grids is challenging due to variability in power generation, leading to potential tripping or disconnection of loads and power sources, and limiting the utilization of renewable energy, especially in remote areas.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a production plant connected to a local energy grid, involving the dispatching of multiple green generating systems to deliver a first quantity of power, with a controller managing power buffers and load prioritization to produce a final output product, such as green hydrogen, methanol, or gasoline, while optimizing energy usage and reducing power imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power usage from volatile green energy sources is limited at levels below their production capacity, then the stability of the energy grid is improved, but the utilization of renewable energy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing excess green energy in buffers before volatility causes grid instability. The controller proactively manages power buffers to prevent tripping events, allowing the system to utilize full renewable energy capacity while maintaining grid stability through advance preparation rather than reactive limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
Power buffers act as intermediaries between volatile green energy sources and the energy grid. These buffers absorb the volatility of renewable generation, decoupling the source from the grid and allowing full utilization of renewable energy without directly exposing the grid to instability.
2Reliability
If the second quantity of power is reduced to match available green energy, then the power balance is improved, but the production output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power allocation to loads based on real-time green energy availability. Rather than statically reducing production output, the controller continuously optimizes the second quantity of power drawn from the microgrid, allowing production to maintain high output when green energy is abundant while automatically balancing power when generation is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of loads based on green energy availability. The controller modifies power consumption parameters of individual loads dynamically, allowing the production system to adapt its output levels and efficiency characteristics to match renewable generation without permanent production reduction.
3Productivity
If multiple loads are powered simultaneously from limited green energy, then the energy utilization is improved, but the risk of tripping or disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary power buffer management before tripping risks arise. The controller proactively allocates power buffers to multiple loads based on predicted green energy availability, preventing simultaneous power shortages that would cause tripping while still enabling high energy utilization across multiple production processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a microgrid while isolated from an outside grid includes dispatching a plurality of green generating systems to deliver a first quantity of power to the microgrid. The method also includes drawing a second quantity of power from the microgrid to power a system that operates to produce a final output product. The method also includes calculating a power different between the first quantity of power and the second quantity of power and reducing the second quantity of power in response to the power difference indicating that the second quantity of power is greater than the first quantity of power.