Microgrid Power Management via Selective Disconnect

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for managing microgrids struggle to selectively disconnect power generation sources from the main utility grid during power disruptions or instability, lacking efficient predictive models for optimizing emergency power engagement and disengagement based on market rates and demand.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of predictive modeling-based systems that selectively engage and disengage emergency power generation equipment, using a Price Resource Management System (PRMS) to monitor and analyze real-time energy market prices, and automatically control the activation and disconnection of power generation equipment to optimize power distribution and storage within a microgrid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If emergency power generation equipment is continuously connected to the microgrid, then power supply reliability is improved, but energy wastage and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidenergy wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of grid conditions and predictively engages emergency power generation equipment before actual power disruptions occur. The PRMS analyzes real-time energy market prices and grid stability indicators to proactively activate or disconnect generators, avoiding continuous operation and reducing energy wastage while ensuring reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of grid conditions, energy market prices, and power generation status. The PRMS uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the engagement state of emergency power equipment, disconnecting when grid conditions are stable and prices are low, and reconnecting when disruptions are detected or prices are favorable, thereby optimizing both reliability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If emergency power generation equipment is frequently engaged and disengaged, then energy wastage is reduced, but system stability and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy wastageVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential power disruptions by maintaining emergency power generation equipment in a pre-configured, ready-to-engage state. The PRMS monitors conditions that precede grid failures and activates generators in advance, cushioning against the impact of disruptions while avoiding unnecessary frequent cycling through intelligent threshold-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If predictive modeling is implemented for power generation management, then operational costs are optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PRMS performs multiple functions using a unified predictive modeling framework: it analyzes energy market prices, assesses grid stability conditions, determines optimal engagement timing for emergency generators, and provides automated control signals. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated platform, managing complexity while maximizing operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automated predictive modeling and control. The PRMS autonomously monitors conditions, predicts optimal engagement times, and executes engagement/disengagement commands without requiring manual intervention or complex human-operated control systems, thereby reducing operational complexity while improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9880580B2Systems and methods for microgrid power generation management with selective disconnect

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 CAUSAM ENERGY INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for coordinating selective activation of at least one power storage device over a predetermined geographic area to supply a microgrid of electrical power, and automatic, selective disconnect any of the at least one power storage device from providing power supply to a microgrid or a wider area grid.