Modular Energy Server Aggregating Renewable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electricity grid infrastructure is inadequate for seamlessly integrating renewable energy sources due to their intermittent nature, leading to challenges in providing continuous and stable power, especially for regions without proper access to electricity.
Innovation Solution
An energy server system that aggregates energy from multiple diverse sources, converts DC power to AC, and manages energy storage to ensure continuous power supply, using a modular design with power microcontrollers, energy storage devices, and communication modules to regulate and control energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If renewable energy sources are integrated into the existing grid infrastructure, then clean and abundant energy is provided, but the intermittent and non-dispatchable nature of renewable energy causes instability in power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply function into multiple independent micro-inverters, each handling a specific renewable energy source. This modular approach allows individual units to operate independently, maintaining system stability even when individual sources are intermittent. Each micro-inverter converts DC from its associated renewable source to AC, and the outputs are aggregated to provide continuous stable power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using power microcontrollers that continuously monitor and adjust the output characteristics of each micro-inverter. These controllers modify voltage, frequency, and phase parameters in real-time to ensure that the aggregated output maintains stable grid-compatible parameters despite variations in individual renewable source output.
2Reliability
If multiple diverse energy sources are aggregated into a single system, then continuous stable electricity is generated, but complex software and multiple communication protocols are required
Solution Approach 1:
Each micro-inverter is equipped with an integrated power microcontroller that autonomously manages its own operation, monitoring its associated renewable energy source and adjusting its output accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex centralized control software, as each unit independently contributes to the aggregated stable output through its own embedded intelligence.
3Reliability
If existing grid infrastructure is used to deliver continuous stable electricity, then reliable power distribution is achieved, but large capital expenditures and long lead times are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the need for extensive centralized grid infrastructure with segmented, distributed micro-inverter units that can be deployed independently at various locations. This eliminates the need for large capital expenditures on centralized infrastructure and allows for incremental deployment, reducing both cost and lead time while maintaining reliable power delivery capability.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable energy sources are used, then clean energy is provided, but the intermittent availability limits energy generation to specific times
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves continuous useful action by aggregating outputs from multiple diverse renewable energy sources that have different intermittency patterns. When one source is unavailable, another compensates, ensuring continuous clean energy generation. The power microcontrollers coordinate the aggregation to maintain continuous stable output, effectively extending the duration of clean energy provision beyond what any single intermittent source could provide.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system delivers stable and resilient power by eliminating hardware and software incompatibilities, enhancing storage capacity, and ensuring seamless energy transfer between sources, thus addressing the limitations of traditional grid infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of power modules for inverting a first type of electrical power (such as DC power), which is supplied to said power modules from multiple disparate sources of power, to a second type of electrical power (such as AC power)
Implementation Method 2
The at least one energy storage device external to the server can be in communication with the plurality of power modules for receiving electrical energy from their output
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for aggregating and supplying energy includes a plurality of power modules for inverting a first type of electrical power, which is supplied to the power modules from multiple sources of power, to a second type of electrical power at an output of the power modules for delivery of the inverted power to a storage device for future use, or to an electrical load, or to a regional or central utility grid. A microcontroller (the “power microcontroller”) is carried by and incorporated within each of the power modules and each is configured for controlling the power inversion operations. A microcontroller (the “control microcontroller”) carried by the control module is configured for monitoring voltage levels within the at least one energy storage device and for rebalancing voltage within the energy storage device and for correcting lead and lag power factor. Means for selectively supplying power received from said multiple disparate sources of power to the destination are provided.