Microgrid Controller for Predictive Islanding and Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility power systems face challenges in predicting main power grid outages and optimizing the use of backup power sources in microgrids to reduce peak demand charges and CO2 emissions.
Innovation Solution
A microgrid controller is configured to predict main power grid outages and switch between different energy sources, prioritizing solar, wind, and battery power during peak demand periods and when CO2 emissions thresholds are exceeded, to maximize power availability and reduce costs and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microgrid uses backup power sources during predicted outages, then power availability is improved, but energy costs and CO2 emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of battery power sources when outage predictions are received, before the actual outage occurs. This allows the microgrid to prepare backup power capacity in advance, ensuring reliability during outages while enabling cost optimization during normal grid operation when electricity rates are lower
Solution Approach 2:
The microgrid controller dynamically switches between different operational modes (grid-tied mode, islanded mode, prepare for islanding mode) based on real-time conditions including outage predictions, battery charge levels, and power demand. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between reliability and energy costs under varying conditions
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the microgrid prioritizes renewable energy sources during peak demand, then CO2 emissions are reduced, but power availability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors battery charge levels, power demand, and renewable energy availability, using this feedback to dynamically adjust the mix of power sources. When battery levels are sufficient and renewable generation is available, the system prioritizes these clean sources to reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining reliability through real-time monitoring and adjustment
3Reliability
If the microgrid charges batteries during predicted outages, then power availability during outages is improved, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system charges batteries in advance of predicted outages when grid power is available and typically cheaper, rather than charging during the outage when backup power sources must be used. This preliminary charging action ensures batteries are full and ready for outages while minimizing energy costs by avoiding expensive backup power consumption for charging
Solution Approach 2:
The microgrid maintains continuous operation by seamlessly transitioning between grid power and backup power sources. During predicted outages, the system continuously charges batteries from the grid while maintaining power supply to loads, ensuring both continuous useful action (power supply) and continuous battery preparation without interruption or cost penalty
Data Source
AI summary
A microgrid has a microgrid controller that controls power delivery from two or more energy sources to one or more microgrid loads. A prediction is made as to when a main power grid may lose power. The microgrid controller operates in a prepare for islanding mode when a future loss of power is predicted, during which power received from the main power grid source, a solar power source and/or a wind power source are prioritized over energy costs and CO2 emissions to charge the battery power source to a prepare for islanding charge level. The microgrid controller operates in an islanding mode when the main power grid source loses power, during which power received from the solar power source, the wind power source, the battery power source and/or a diesel generator power source are prioritized to maximize a time that the microgrid can remain powered.