Micro-Grid Energy Storage Control for Price-Adaptive Cost Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current micro-grid systems face challenges in intelligently regulating energy storage to minimize electricity costs due to market price fluctuations and data accumulation requirements for machine learning algorithms, leading to increased user costs.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an energy storage control method that uses a dynamic programming model for short-term operations and a deep reinforcement learning algorithm for long-term operations, allowing for intelligent regulation throughout the micro-grid system's life cycle by dividing time scales and utilizing historical data effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a deep reinforcement learning algorithm is used for energy storage control, then the adaptability to market price fluctuations is improved, but the requirement for data accumulation increases, leading to higher initial costs and longer implementation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to market price fluctuationsVSAvoiddata accumulation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-trains the deep reinforcement learning model using historical data before actual deployment. This preliminary action allows the model to have initial predictive capabilities without requiring real-time data accumulation, thus reducing the implementation time and allowing the system to start generating value immediately while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the energy storage control into two phases: a pre-training phase using historical data to build initial model capabilities, and an online optimization phase where the model continuously learns from real-time data. This segmentation allows the system to achieve adaptability without requiring extensive real-time data accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If traditional control methods are used for energy storage, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to minimize electricity costs is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidelectricity cost reduction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pre-trained deep reinforcement learning model as an intermediary between the simple control system and the complex market environment. This intermediary provides intelligent decision-making capabilities without requiring the entire control system to be complex, thus maintaining ease of implementation while achieving superior cost reduction performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional rule-based mechanical control logic with a data-driven deep reinforcement learning model. This substitution enables the system to automatically adapt to market fluctuations and optimize energy storage operations, significantly improving electricity cost reduction capability while the pre-training ensures the model is ready for immediate deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the entire life cycle of the micro-grid system is considered for energy storage regulation, then the long-term electricity cost reduction is improved, but the computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage regulation durationVSAvoidcontrol model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control approach where the deep reinforcement learning model continuously adapts its parameters based on real-time market prices and system state. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize energy storage regulation throughout the entire life cycle without requiring a static complex model, as the model evolves and learns from accumulated data over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4481974A1Energy storage control method and apparatus for micro grid system, and micro grid system
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO LTD
  • EP4481974A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4481974A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4481974A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An energy storage control method and apparatus for a micro-grid system and a micro-grid system are provided. The method includes: for a target period within a first operation period, based on first predicted operation parameters of the micro-grid system in the target period, obtaining, via a first control model, a first control parameter of the energy storage unit in the target period; and for a target period within a second operation period, based on first historical state parameters of the micro-grid system before the target period, obtaining, via a second control model, a second control parameter of the energy storage unit in the target period. In this way, the energy storage regulation of the entire life cycle of the micro-grid system can be realized, effectively reducing the user electricity cost.